40 pages 1 hour read

Jordan Sonnenblick

Falling Over Sideways

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick follows 14-year-old Claire Goldsmith as she navigates the challenges of her eighth-grade year, including bullying, dance school setbacks, and the emotional turmoil after her father suffers a stroke. Claire's journey is one of personal growth, resilience, and learning to support her father through his rehabilitation while finding strength and hope in the process. The novel includes themes of trauma and depression.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick receives praise for its authentic voice and relatable adolescent struggles, vividly capturing the protagonist's emotional journey. Critics commend its humor and heartfelt moments, but some feel secondary characters lack depth. Overall, it's an engaging and poignant read for both teens and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Falling Over Sideways?

A reader who would enjoy Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick is typically a middle-grade student (ages 10-14) who appreciates realistic fiction that deals with family dynamics, personal growth, and humor. This novel would appeal to fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder and Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me due to its engaging narrative and relatable characters.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

860L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Topics

Education

Themes

Relationships: Family