34 pages • 1 hour read
Heartbeat
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Book Brief
208
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Small town, USA • 2000s
2004
Middle grade
10-14 years
NP
Super Short Summary
Heartbeat by Sharon Creech follows 12-year-old Annie, who loves running and finds it grounding as her world changes. As her family prepares for a new baby and her aging grandfather struggles with memory loss, Annie navigates her evolving sense of identity, friendships, and the cyclical nature of life, encapsulated by her 100-day project of drawing an apple daily. The book addresses themes of illness and aging.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
10,514 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Heartbeat by Sharon Creech is praised for its lyrical prose, relatable characters, and unique narrative style combining free verse and traditional storytelling. It effectively captures the emotional nuances of adolescence. Some readers, however, find its pace slow and the plot thin. Overall, it is a touching and insightful read, especially for younger audiences.
Who Should Read Heartbeat?
Readers who cherish heartfelt, poetic tales of self-discovery and family will enjoy Sharon Creech's Heartbeat. Ideal for fans of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars and Patricia MacLachlan's Sarana's Secret, it captivates with a blend of lyrical prose and relatable coming-of-age themes.
10,514 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Max
Max
Annie's childhood friend and running companion, who becomes more reserved following personal family events. He is driven by a desire to leave his hometown and is focused on competitive running.
Annie's Mother
Annie's Mother
Annie's unnamed mother, who is seen through her daughter's perspective. She demonstrates confidence and optimism during her pregnancy and plays a supportive role within the family.
Annie’s Grandfather
Annie’s Grandfather
Referred to as Joey, he lives with Annie's family and shares a special bond with her through their mutual love for running. Despite memory loss, he remains emotionally significant to the family and values the new life represented by his grandson.
208
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Small town, USA • 2000s
2004
Middle grade
10-14 years
NP
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