Absolutely Almost

By: Lisa Graff

Narrated by: Noah Galvin

Albie has never been the smartest kid in his class. He has never been the tallest. Or the best at gym. Or the greatest artist. Or the most musical. In fact, Albie has a long list of the things he's not very good at. And his parents keep reminding him of those things all the time...even when it's just by accident. But then Albie gets a new babysitter, Calista, who helps him figure out all of the things he is good at and how he can take pride in himself. A perfect companion to Lisa Graff's A Tangle of Knots, this novel explores a similar theme in a realistic contemporary world where kids will easily be able to relate their own struggles to Albie's. Once again, Graff crafts a beautiful novel about figuring out who you are and doing what you love.

©2014 Lisa Graff (P)2014 Recorded Books

very easy read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

i got this book after reading the perks of being a wall flower, i figured same narrator might as well. i didn't expect much when i first started reading but this book turned out to be great its a book that can be enjoyed by all ages i even recommended this book to my English teacher.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Absolutely Almost?

no spoilers

What does Noah Galvin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

he has life in his voice he's my favorite narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no spoilers

Any additional comments?

this book is worth the read

great read aloud

This is a nice middle grade read aloud with a lot of great points for discussion! Good, rich, flawed characters provide an opportunity to discuss with kids. loved it! the audio book is very well done too!

My KIds Love This Book

Would you listen to Absolutely Almost again? Why?

Yes, two of my boy's (12 and 10) insist on listening to it every time they get in my car.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Albie of course, he's terrific and Noah Galvin brings him to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I like those segments that contrast Albie's honest sensibilities with the other student's sometimes capricious conclusions. For example when Darren de-friends Albie for lying about being friends with Erlahn. Or when Albie is just trying to help Betsy "be cool".

Good book

This story does great job portraying the main character thoughts and feelings in a realistic way. It was almost too painful to listen to because,
while the kid is loved, he is often misunderstood and neglected by his parents. Even though one of my sons is 10 and has learning difficulties I think this book would be too upsetting for him to listen to. My son who is 12 and has mild autism, however, might enjoy this book. It felt like a cautionary tale for me, as a parent to really go the extra mile to understand my children's challenges, frustrations and what makes them joyful.

Do not listen to the other comments of it being horrible

What do you enjoy about this book?

I think that this book is a good-Great-Book for following after if you want your child to follow after Albie!


What do you dislike about this book?

I think that in the middle of the book he betrays his friends to become a “Cool Kid

Do you have any additional comments?

Yes actually, Just going to say I do not like that one of his friends is a movie star…

That’s all I have to say! Thanks again for your reading of my comment 😄 Have a nice day/Night everyone!!!!!!

Great read for the family.

Touches on important topics from a child's perspective. We really enjoyed it on our car rides to and from school.

awesome

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Best story Ever

I found this book so interesting that I heard it for the second time! I hope you will also like this book as much as I did

Beautifully performed, great book

The narration was spot on--you really believed he was a 10 year old boy, plus he was able to keep the separate characters differentiated.
The book consists of little vignettes in the life of a 5th grader who is a little bit delayed in reading and school subjects, and it is clear that his parents are disappointed in him.The parents are portrayed as loving, but clueless in understanding their child. When a babysitter comes into his life who he can trust, he begins to learn more about how to navigate the tough world of school.
Kids will come away from this book realizing that a good character (kindness, responsibility) is the thing that counts, and not how fast you can do math. A good message all around, and a wonderfully written story of overcoming obstacles when young. Can be read or listened to by 3rd graders up to adult.

Almost amazing

This isa great book I have listened to it many a times.the ending is very sad but it makes me happy in a way.