*received for free from netgalley for honest review* 4.5, very touching book that was a really great read, touches on a lot of important topics that most kids books dont, would buy

This was a great book to listen too, and the concept of how we all fit in despite our ability or different ability. I liked the honesty of the characters but also how realistic. If I was to be critical I do see places where it could be developed on as a theme or how another book could come after. Overall a great book, thanks for allowing me to get early listening options net galley

I wouldn’t have picked this one up on my own. I’m happy I read it but I wouldn’t pick it up again. If it sounds Intresting to you you may like it ... it just wasn’t for me

Solid narration, moving story with a lot of character development. I thought the author portrayed the complicated relationship of a "normal" boy with his atypical twin brother with authenticity. It was natural for Warren to struggle with what it meant to be a brother to someone who has downs syndrome. He loved his brother, that was clear, and it was hard sometimes not to be embarrassed or upset. Middle school is hard anyway because you don't want to bring attention to yourself, and although Warren made a lot of choices that showed insensitivity, in the end, his true character and nature showed through.

The narrator did a great job of catching the spirit of Warren. The voices of each of the characters were distinct—definitely a good recommendation for readers who love audiobooks.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This is a great middle grade book about dealing with the challenges and emotions involved with being a family member of someone with special needs. While I wanted to shake some sense into Warren at times, I think it was written in an authentic way for an 11 year old boy processing big feelings. I did like how he resolved some of his issues in the end and I think overall it was well written.
I listened to the audiobook version, and it was well read and engaging.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Every one of us is like a piece of a puzzle, each one unique, with our own special place where only we can fit. And without every one of us, the picture wouldn't be complete"

Yes, that's so true. I loved listening to this touching and moving story about an 11 years old boy named Warren who with his parents and twin brother moved to a new city which means, a new school and new people who are not yet used to his brother Bennie who actually has Down syndrome. Warren is annoyed by the attention that Bennie is getting and just want to fit in.

This story was so beautiful, it's about love, acceptance, brotherhood, friendship. I hope that this kind of books will be read by a lot of kids and adults so they can realize that every life however it came to this world is worth loving and respecting.

I loved the narrator's voice which was pretty amazing and made the story so much enjoyable to listen to. Also,I liked the author's style and how she tackled such a sensitive theme with such creativity knowing that she also has a sister with Down syndrome.

The Jigsaw Puzzle King is a heartwarming story about eleven-year-old Warren, whose twin brother has Down Syndrome. Warren always plays with him and accompanies him everywhere. He is tired of the constant looks and remarks that people say about his brother Benny. For once, he wants to live like he doesn't have a brother with a disability.

Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook. It is well written and the characters are described well. It has Down Syndrome representation. It is a good audiobook. I enjoyed listening to this book. I really enjoyed Benny and Miya's characters. I absolutely recommend listening to this book to anyone and everyone. It is in stores now for $9.79 (USD). The narrator did a great job reading this book.

Appeal Terms:
Character: ability diverse, authentic, flawed
Storyline and Pacing: Character-driven, fastpaced
Tone: amusing, heart-warming, reflective.

The Book
Warren deals with the complexities of having a brother, Benny, who has down syndrome. While reading this book, you really begin to understand some of the societal complexities when you have a brother, or child, who has a disability. Well-meaning words from adults and pitying stares mean nothing to a family that sees Benny as a blessing, and not a burden.

As Warren comes to terms with his own identity and how Benny fits into that, he definitely does some things that may trouble the reader. However, Warren's redemptive arc comes full circle and he learns valuable lessons that help him reclaim his own identity as well as gain pride for his brother.

I really like the characters. Even when Warren is being a pill, I could still understand his perspectives and emotions. Later on in the book, you get to hear a bit about the parents' perspective, which definitely made me tear up. Such a sweet. The author is an elementary school teacher, and you can tell she really understands the mindset of children.

The Narrator approachable, emotionally connected, well-characterized
I listened to the audiobook. While I don't think the audio experience is required to enjoy the ebook, the narrator did an excellent job endearing me to the characters. The narrator did not characterize Benny's voice in any way (as opposed to recent media I've seen). Character voices were distinct enough and interesting the listen to.

~ARC review from Netgalley~

How would you feel if everyone around you looks at you only as being someone's sibling or someone's child and never for you yourself? That's the struggle our eleven year old protagonist is going through.

Warren has just shifted to a new city with his parents and his twin brother Benny. He's hoping for a fresh start with his identity here because in his earlier residence, he was known only as Benny's brother. This is because Benny has Down Syndrome and hence attracts attention without knowing it. Warren wants to have his own identity without being the caretaker of his twin. He hates others staring or laughing at them. In due course, however, he realises that he has allowed his insecurities to rule over his love for his brother. With the help of his parents and his new school friend Maya, Warren understands that he must not allow what others think of him to dominate his perspective of himself.

You really feel for Warren in this book. When he says "To granddad, I was the special one, not Benny", you feel the pain in his heart at always being the caretaker. There are many books about children with Down Syndrome or their parents. But what exactly goes on in their siblings' hearts is a topic rarely explored in fiction. Perhaps the book will also help parents and guardians to let the sibling have some me-time instead of constantly letting them be the bodyguard of the child with the disability. Another USP of this book is that it has a male protagonist who ends up as a good role model. Usually, books depict the sensitive side of girls. So it was a nice experience to see the thoughts of a little boy struggling with his feelings.

The book is exceptional without being outstanding, and that's where it falls a little short. All the points it covers are relevant, but it doesn't go out of the way to aim higher. It simple walks the predictable path. A younger reader will certainly enjoy the whole story. The adult in me wanted something more.

There are many thought-provoking lines in the book, with one of my favourite quotes being: "It's hard for people to laugh at you when you are laughing with them." This is something I've always believed in, so it was wonderful to see it in writing.

All in all, a beautiful, straightforward read with a lovely message. Recommended for independent readers aged 7+.

The narrator Mark Sanderlin did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed this audiobook tremendously because of his spirited performance.

Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great books for upper primary and lower middle school students. Other than the preachy speech at the end, the rest of the book handled lots of difficult topics and ideas naturally and with such a wonderful soft touch.
From the struggle of having a special needs sibling to the sudden physical challenges caused by an accident; from the power of friendship to the power of overcoming a bully; this book deftly covers a wide range of experiences and emotions. Yes, most of the problems seem a bit easily overcome, but it’s not done in an obvious or obnoxious way. I really liked Bennie and Warren, Maya and Owen, and I wanted to understand why Danny acted the way he did. I cared about these characters and would love to read further books that focus on other adventures and mishaps of this group of kids. I can definitely see this being in my classroom library and I think it would be a popular choice for a lot of my students. The audio was easy to listen to and the nuances of the voice actor were enjoyable but never cartoonish or melodramatic.