Review of Chase Found Grit

[Valkyrie9]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Chase Found Grit" by Jeanne Evelyn.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In these trying times, children around the world are being forced to adapt to online school. Virtual learning is fast becoming their “new normal”. However, seeing friends on a daily basis and the routine of going to school both play an integral role in children’s social growth and emotional well-being. Losing the social aspect and the valuable educational support provided by physically attending school can be exceptionally taxing. Chase Found Grit, written by Jeanne Evelyn and illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan, perfectly captures how many children must be feeling right now.

The first page finds Chase in front of his laptop, struggling to begin his essay that is already late. The only thoughts he seems to be able to form are of the many things he misses about school as it used to be – recess, gym class, the routine, seeing his friends. Like so many children today, Chase is finding virtual learning very difficult. He feels upset and stressed, but most of all, he feels alone.

Ms. Serrano, his in-class support teacher, reaches out to him and gets him to write his essay about how he is feeling. Chase immediately feels a weight lift. His teacher, Ms. Kemple, is so impressed by his talent for writing that she copies his mom into the correspondence. This simple flow of encouragement reminds Chase that he is not alone and that there are many adults around him to offer support. Through this experience, Chase learns never to stop trying – that is, he learns what it means to have grit.

This colourful children’s book is written in rhyme that flows so smoothly it instantly compels you to keep reading. Each page with two or three verses is paired with a full-page illustration that not only depicts what was said in the text but also flawlessly captures the feeling thereof.

This being a children’s book, I do not believe the use of slang is appropriate. The use of the word “fave” instead of “favourite” is what I liked least, although I do understand that it was necessary for the rhythm of the sentence.

I absolutely loved how well the illustrations complimented the text on each opposite page. The characters were so well-drawn that their feelings were clear. Additionally, the colour scheme for each pair of pages perfectly matched the heart of the accompanying text. This was my favourite aspect of the book.

The story and layout are polished, and I found only a few negligible errors. It is thus my opinion that this book was indeed professionally edited. I would recommend it to schoolchildren between the ages of 9 and 12 years old, as well as to the parents and teachers of primary school children struggling with the transition to online learning.

Chase’s story really hit home, as I know many children are struggling with the isolation and challenges of online school. The message this book portrays – never to give up – is so universal that not only can children across the world relate to it, but the lesson Chase learns can be applied to any challenging situation a child might find themselves in.

I wholeheartedly award Chase Found Grit by Jeanne Evelyn a well-deserved rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

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Chase Found Grit
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Reading eyes]

So relevant for this time! As a teacher, this sounds like a book I could really use and recommend. Thanks for giving us such a clear and insightful review.

[Muna Chizzy]

With the pandemic, it's really hard for kids to stay cooped up in their homes to learn, since they are wild creatures that love to play and socialize in order for them to learn. I'm glad the author was able to address this issue.

[Kaushiki Parihar]

The storybook is so insightful. Because of the pandemic, online classes and virtual meetings are really heard for kids. Children will love this book. Thanks for the great review.