Guppy Books (14+) 9781916558311 (Paperback)
Please consult our group leader information for guidance on taking part in shadowing.
Friendship and complex decision-making lie at the heart of this visceral, rites-of-passage novel where Ruby and Ashley are coming to terms with Ruby’s unexpected pregnancy. Multiply narrated in prose and verse, this is an unusual and hard-hitting novel that invites thought and discussion while promoting empathy.
Themes:
Please complete the form below and click 'submit' to send your review to your Shadowing Group Leader.
Louisa Reid is the author of the YA verse novels Gloves Off, nominated for the Carnegie Medal, Wrecked, which was selected for both the Read for Empathy collection and National Poetry Day and Activist. Her debut adult novel, The Poet, was published to critical acclaim. Louisa Reid has spent most of her life reading. When Louisa’s not reading she’s writing stories, or imagining writing them at least. As an English teacher, her favourite part of the job is sharing her love of reading and writing with her pupils. Louisa lives with her family in the north-west of England and is proud to call a place near Manchester home.
Handle with Care by Louisa Reid I couldn't put this book down - I really enjoyed the storyline and the way it was written from very two different perspectives of the same events. This structure kept me engaged and made me feel like I was in Ruby and Ashley's minds, experiencing their emotions along with them. I also thought it was very clever how the author used the text and layout of the page to reflect the chaos in Ruby's life as her friendship with Ashley falls apart and she deals with the overwhelming emotions of giving birth in a history classroom. Despite the sadness of the ending of this book I thought it delivered a powerful message about the importance of friendship, especially when life becomes overwhelming and overall I really enjoyed reading it.
isabelle
Epsomians
Handle With Care is a deeply moving and emotionally rich novel. The story is gripping and heartfelt, drawing you in from the first page until the end. It explores complex relationships and difficult choices, making it a great read. Overall, this book is thought-provoking and emotive and I would highly recommend it!
Freya
Epsomians
Although I was extremely upset by the ending, I really loved this book. As well as what goes on I enjoyed how the writing font changed for the two perspectives, maybe to reflect how they are, Ashley, put together and stable, whereas Ruby is falling apart. Overall I think it was a really well written book that I managed to finish the majority in one sitting.
Nika
HGS Book Club
Handle with care is an amazing book and I loved every part of it! The plot line is unusual and have never really seen one like it but Louisa Reid executed the plot line tremendously. Normally I don't read books as often but this book wouldn't even get put down for a second. I was so shocked and sad about what happened at the end but overall I would rate this book a 9/10!
Dilsha
HGS Book Club
I really enjoyed reading the book Handle with Care. I thought the plot was believable, which made it easy to become emotionally involved and want to keep reading. It wasn’t overly intellectual; it felt more like school‑level drama, which made it an easy and enjoyable read. I particularly liked the way the story is told from the first‑person perspective of two different characters. This made the novel more interesting and helped me understand the situation from more than one side. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend, as it is a really enjoyable and relaxed read. I found the ending sad, but I liked that it made me feel strong emotion.
Grace
Epsomians
Handle with Care is one of the most exquisite, powerful books that I have read. The change between Ruby's confused narrative in verses, and the orderly paragraphs of Ashley captures both of their feelings perfectly. The end was heart-wrenching and every time I thought about it I could cry.Every bit I read felt like I was in the story and after I read it, I couldn't stop thinking about the book.I would definitely recommend this book for people who love Elizabeth Acevedo.
Lin-Ah
HGS Book Club
Handle with care is a heartbreaking novel that really comes to life as you read it. You feel Ruby's pain with her from the start, and have to watch the others in her life add to that pain, whilst feeling powerless that you can't help her. I have never had such an emotional reaction to a book as I did this one. At points I wanted to scream at the side characters for being so oblivious to Ruby's suffering. The whole book had me on tenterhooks, wondering what would happen next. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves an emotional story, crying with characters and a book you can't put down.
Lucy
Academic Readers
The novel Handle with care by Louisa Reid explores a thrilling but sad story including birth, neglection and depression. Set in secondary school history class, the author addresses the theme in a way that spellbinds the reader with an unexpected story line. From the very first page, I was drawn to what will happen to the baby and the secrets the main character concealed from everyone close to her. The story follows Ruby the main character, who gives birth to the baby that she didn’t even know she had and Ashley, Ruby’s best friend who also closely tells the story. At its heart, the book is about the sadness and depression that Ruby goes through that ruined her life and her hopeful academic success. The plot unfolds as the father of Ruby’s baby is revealed and the people close to her are tangled in web of uncertainty and an unanticipated surprise that will change their lives forever. One of the strengths of this book is that it really attracts the reader to read more even with its sad ending, it still shone for me as a great book. I particularly enjoyed the way the author is very detailed with the description of Ruby’s emotions and pains and that it made the reader feel the exacted same way as her. While I enjoyed the story, I found that the story could of had a happier ending, some bits felt down heartening particularly at the end I found it too sad and just made you feel depressed and made you feel like the book wasn’t very good because of its last expression. I wish that there would have been more happy and joyful parts of the book that would off made the book more dramatic. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance and young adult drama books. If you liked reading Handle with care I would recommend reading Trauma Land by Josh Silver. Overall, I would give this book 8/10 stars because of its a gripping storyline and amazing journey it takes the reader on. I really love this and can see why it might not be for everyone, but I think that it just really makes you think about what you would do if you were in that position.
Charlotte
The Next Chapter
Handle with care is a heart aching novel. The author really considers how young people feel when put under pressure. And writes the story from Ruby's perspective and Ashes perspective. This one will be for you if you like drama, romance and a bit of mystery. When I read the blurb, I knew I would adore this book inside out. What I expected to happen in the end did not to my surprise. It could have been 5 stars although I chose 4 stars because it did really make me feel sad. Thank you for taking the time to read my review and happy reading.
Florence
The Next Chapter
This book is heart-breaking. All I wanted to do was wrap Ruby in a hug and help her. I didn't like the characters, other than Ruby, as they were pushing their own agendas and ideas onto Ruby
Laura
HGCSC Library