I have read several middle grade novels by Sharon Creech. While "One Time" is not my favorite, I still thought it was a worthy read. It was funny and sad, sweet and slow. The characters were eccentric, but that's what made it work. It shows the power of a wonderful teacher, that words can leave an impression and that children have things to say. I love that she took inspiration from first lines of other books for free writing exercises. Free writing is such a great, yet underutilized form of expression. I continue to enjoy Sharon Creech and look forward to reading more from her! #netgalley

This children’s story was hilarious, impactful, and thematically strong! Front of the line for teachers of young children.

Sharon Creech books hold so much power to me, and One Time was one that took me a little bit to get into. While I read, I was trying to figure out the appropriate audience for this book out of my K-5 students, and I've decided that I think it would do best as a read aloud in a 4th or 5th grade classroom, where the teacher can take the time to pore over the pages with the students. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

A lovely book about the power of imagination. The characters in this book really didn't click with me but i liked the plot well enough.

I did not finish this book. It was beautifully written, but it was hard to get into. I am a huge fan of Sharon Creech so it may have been the timing of when I tried to read it.

This is a bright and celebratory novel about the power of imagination. A new teacher arrives in the classroom of Gina Filomeno and encourages her students to write with abandon. This was a slow read and the type of book that succeeds in poring over and discussing each chapter rather than pushing through a plot. I wasn't too interested in reading this one, and might have a hard time recommending it to children, but it was filled with luminous writing true to form for Sharon Creech.

A beautiful book about imagination, creativity, and coming of age. The characters, like the cover, are sweet, relatable, and inviting. I enjoyed this quick tale and think it would be an excellent addition to family read alouds or a classroom setting. There were portions that felt a bit like wandering and the plot is not especially deep. Still, this was an enjoyable read that I'd recommend for the 6-10 age range.

I did not finish this book. I really wanted to like it. Sharon Creech has written a couple of my favorites, but it didn't hook me, and I put it down. I wasn't sure how old the kids were. They seemed like they were in late middle school or early high school based on the books the were apparently reading in class, like How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, but they were acting much younger. I don't think this book would find an audience with many kids.

Eager to reach because of the author's wonderfully flawed characters in other books have drawn me in. Instead, this felt like a book meant to be read aloud to students... a little heavy-handed in the "joys" of free-writing and discovering oneself and finding the good in others. But it felt like a longer book that had all the plot development chopped out of it to fit the publisher's page limit. Main character Gina and her Italian family were interesting but other than dressing "colorfully" and being timid, along with snarky comments about the neighbor family with many kids, we don't fully appreciate her. And the imaginative Antonio, who moves next door and is in her class for a short time. But there is so much more we want to know about Antonio and his non-traditional household. (Most poignant moment is Antonio's "No one calls me son.") Rule-breaker teacher, Ms. Lightstone, also seems underdeveloped (her headaches -- are they part of something larger?)
Sorry, but something is underdeveloped or missing for me from my expectations.

First off, as a teacher, I would love to work in the world of this book where one can do creative writing on a daily basis and there is no mention of standardized assessments. One Time follows a young girl named Gina who had gotten in trouble in the past because of her active imagination and daydreaming. An ELA teacher and a mysterious neighbor help Gina to foster her creativity. 100% clean and would not have any issue recommending to upper elementary and middle school students.

I already loved Sharon Creech, and this one did not disappoint. Gina Filomena suffers from an overactive imagination. Gina just wants to be herself—which at times, causes her to feel lonely.

A mysterious family moves in next door, and Gina meets Antonio. He also a boy has an imagination that seems to equal hers. When he ends up in the same classroom with her, she has high hopes for the year.

This book addresses so many of the fears that we tend to hold on to and encourages readers to accept and build upon the incredible things we each hold inside of us. A must have for upper-elementary/middle school classroom libraries!

Sharon Creech is a beloved author. One Time is delightful and I expect my students to love Creech as much as I did when I was in school.

This is a beautiful book about a memorable teacher and how she inspires her class to love writing. It is also a character study of people in the class, including Gina, a shy girl who learns she is a writer, and Antonio, a charismatic boy who helps people see the best in themselves. The chapters are short, and there is plenty of humor, making it a choice pick for reluctant readers. Recommended.

This is quite simply one of the very best books I have read in a long time.

Gina Filomena is a girl who is unashamedly herself. She loves to wear the clothes her Italian grandmother sends her even though they are different than what the other kids wear. She loves the stories of Angel Lucia her grandmother sends with each gift. Angel Lucia is a god-like being that punishes or rewards people for their poor or good behavior in her grandmother’s village. As Gina internalizes the stories, she uses the lessons in each story in her dealings with others. One day, Antonio moves in next door. He and his family are mysterious and reclusive, but there is an undeniable connection between the two children. Antonio eventually starts school and is placed in Gina’s class, and becomes very popular, often leaving Gina on the outside looking in. Miss Lightfoot, the teacher, leads the class through a study of words and as the kids become immersed in the words and in their writing, they begin to discover who they are. Just as mysteriously as he appeared, Antonio disappears, leaving a hole in class and, as the class begins to move on, Gina still remembers Antonio.

The above summary doesn’t do any justice to this story; I can’t seem to put into words how much this book spoke to me. Every single word Creech wrote seemed intentional and purposeful; the flow and language of the story was as beautiful as the story itself. I want to be like Gina, I want to start writing again, and I want to just sit and listen and observe like Miss Lightfoot’s class. I’ve been saving my 5-star ratings for books I will read again. This is a book I know I will read again and get so much more out of the second time. This book deserves notice, not just by state reading award committees, but by national award committees, too.

This book questions the rules and the fears that people tend to hold on to and encourages kids to accept and build upon the incredible things we each hold inside of us.

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this novel in verse about being yourself and friendship. I loved how unique each character was and the power of imagination. I also always love reading about teachers who inspire children. 💜

One Time by Sharon Creech is absolutely darling. It is a book for whimsical, writerly kiddos longing to be seen. As a teacher to a classroom entirely made of students in CPS custody, I found myself especially drawn to the boy who was never called son. I think my students will be able to see themselves in his (Antonio's) character; my hope is that his story will help them see just how how much they, too, are missed when their time in the classroom comes to an end.

Like all Creech books, it was a comfortable read. Nothing too exciting. I liked how writing process was discussed and encouraged. I liked the quirky, every day characters with everyday concerns.

I loved this book-I've read most of Sharon Creech's books and this is in my top 2! A sweet story of a character who doesn't know who she wants to be, and a teaacher who gently guides the class in their growth. Its funny, moving, realistic, and even as an adult, I felt comforted and wanted to be in this class! Excellent book, would be a great to use as a read-aloud.

Sharon Creech never disappoints, and this title is not an exception. This is an excellent addition to any classroom library.