Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford
Publisher: Charlesbridge MovesFormat: E-ARC
Number of pages: 256 pages
Publishing: February 18th, 2025
Source: Blue Slip Media
Opening Line: "Anybody can forget to wear shoes at school."
From a young age, Angus could quote Shakespeare and now even dreams about producing a Werewolf Hamlet play for his fifth-grade legacy project. But lately, he's been most concerned about his older brother, Liam and all the changes that he has been going through. Liam has been sneaking out at night, snapping at Angus for no reason, and becoming increasingly more difficult to interact with. In addition, Liam and his parents are frequently arguing. Their family has been facing financial difficulties lately too, leading to considerable tension regarding the next steps. His older sister, Hannah, is feeling frustrated and is considering moving to Maine, while their younger sister hasn't fully grasped the gravity of the situation.
Angus believes that if he can persuade Liam to come to his play, he will have the opportunity to show him how much he's changed and maybe he'll even be able to get his older brother back. Angus is a genuinely kind and caring boy who just wants his brother to be the one he knew. The one who taught him everything he knows about Houdini and how to make a superb Shakespeare insult. I certainly felt a lot of sympathy for how Angus was feeling.
Each chapter highlights a little conversation between Liam and Angus, it's a nice way of highlighting the closeness that they once shared. Along the way, Angus enlists the help of some of his fellow classmates. I quite enjoyed Conner, the new boy at school who desperately missed living in Alabama and who keeps saying that they're going to be going back real soon. This is a story about ultimately coming to the realization that we can't truly "fix" someone else. That sometimes we need to listen and hope that someone can find their own way back.
** A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E- ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
From a young age, Angus could quote Shakespeare and now even dreams about producing a Werewolf Hamlet play for his fifth-grade legacy project. But lately, he's been most concerned about his older brother, Liam and all the changes that he has been going through. Liam has been sneaking out at night, snapping at Angus for no reason, and becoming increasingly more difficult to interact with. In addition, Liam and his parents are frequently arguing. Their family has been facing financial difficulties lately too, leading to considerable tension regarding the next steps. His older sister, Hannah, is feeling frustrated and is considering moving to Maine, while their younger sister hasn't fully grasped the gravity of the situation.
Angus believes that if he can persuade Liam to come to his play, he will have the opportunity to show him how much he's changed and maybe he'll even be able to get his older brother back. Angus is a genuinely kind and caring boy who just wants his brother to be the one he knew. The one who taught him everything he knows about Houdini and how to make a superb Shakespeare insult. I certainly felt a lot of sympathy for how Angus was feeling.
Each chapter highlights a little conversation between Liam and Angus, it's a nice way of highlighting the closeness that they once shared. Along the way, Angus enlists the help of some of his fellow classmates. I quite enjoyed Conner, the new boy at school who desperately missed living in Alabama and who keeps saying that they're going to be going back real soon. This is a story about ultimately coming to the realization that we can't truly "fix" someone else. That sometimes we need to listen and hope that someone can find their own way back.
** A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E- ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
What a humorous opening line. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading this story and couldn't agree with you more. What Angus experiences will unfortunately be familiar to many young readers. Thanks for being a part of MMGM this week!
ReplyDeleteThat cover is adorable! This book sounds really sweet. I love the focus on relationship with an older sibling and the theme. I'm adding this one to my reading list. Thank you for sharing your review. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the setting of the Werewolf Hamlet and it has a great point, all you can do is listen and encourage and be there for them, you can't make them do what you want or be the person you want them to be, you can only change yourself. I hope this book has an upbeat ending, it sounds quite poignant!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a cool story that I'm sure kids can relate to as older siblings become teens. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting novel.
ReplyDeleteInteresting title for a book! and sounds like a great concept. Realizing we can't change anyone is a pretty HUGE realization for all of us!
ReplyDeleteWow. There is a LOT going on in this book. Family dramas are always interesting though. Thanks for the heads up on this one.
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