reply

My comments on Chapter 2 (Theo):

> I’ve read a few times about the importance of an opening line in a book’s success. “I see the teeth first, with the sunlight gleaming off of them. I can’t believe how big they are.” — I would love to know if a Scholastic editor considered or suggested moving this chapter to the start of the book just for that line!

> I will admit when I first read this book I wondered if Jaws the rabbit was the reason for the “Easter” colors on the cover design.

> Theo has a relatable relationship with both of his parents. It’s got to be miserable to feel like you’re not living up to your dad’s expectations. And it’s kind of refreshing to read that Theo talked to his mom about his “my memories are not my own” problem… it’s good to read about all kinds of parent/child relationships, including ones with some healthy openness.

> Just like with Reef in the previous chapter, we see a couple of conflicts/challenges identified immediately for Theo. His father’s attempts to toughen him up … his social hesitation … and then of course the bucktoothed garden-wrecker.

Jena and Jade, you’ve both mentioned Covid in Reef’s story from chapter one. Is that something you’ve seen in other books this year? I’ve noticed it showing up in some of the adult contemporary fiction books I’ve read recently.

And, Jade, you commented about some “heavy” topics in GRK’s recent books. I suspect from the large amount of buzz from teachers and librarians that educators love using RESTART and THE FORT and OPERATION DO-OVER and some others as a fun way to introduce difficult topics. That was also true for THE JUVIE THREE and POP and all of the adventure trilogies, but I feel like there was a shift in tone with RESTART’s approach, and MIXED UP has the same sort of vibe.

—–

Hoping some additional readers find this book club thread as the new week begins and share their thoughts. Even if it’s just a favorite quote or a question about something in the chapter.