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Jun 09, 2022 Tib rated it it was ok CW: School
intruder, asthma attack, anxiety, talk about death and dying This topic? Super relevant in this day and age in the US unfortunately. The format? Interesting choice and could have worked really well, but it didn't. When I read the synopsis of this book, I was intrigued to see how this would play out given the amount of trauma our kids have surrounding school shootings and lockdown drills. This could have been a serious, but informative, story but between the kids doing literally
nothing This topic? Super relevant in this day and age in the US unfortunately. The format? Interesting choice and could have worked really well, but it didn't. When I read the synopsis of this book, I was intrigued to see how this would play out given the amount of trauma our kids have surrounding school shootings and lockdown drills. This could have been a
serious, but informative, story but between the kids doing literally nothing correct and not only putting themselves but also their friends in danger by not following the rules and yet are somehow praised for it by miraculously getting away with it unharmed is absolutely not okay. (also, what classroom door has a big enough space to shove not only a phone case but an inhaler through?? I don't know what school you're going to, but all the schools I've been at have doors with clearance for
a few sheets of paper at most) It felt like this super heavy topic was taken too lightly and it's really showing kids that they should ignore the rules set in place to keep them as safe as possible to be the hero and "save their teacher at all costs". No. It's even briefly mentioned in another incident in the book. You put your oxygen mask on first and worry about others later. Ava was rash and foolish and she was called a hero for not only ignoring the rules, but being an encouragement
for others to do the same. (view spoiler)[Also, this could have had some very interesting twists, but this was also me as an adult reading and the twists I came up with may not be appropriate for a MG book. Like, when the announcement went out saying there was an intruder but they were certain he didn't have access to the school app and to sound off and let the poster know where each kid was as a way to do a "head count", I was convinced the intruder was a student who managed
to hack their way into the system to hunt down whoever they had planned to go after. Especially when one of the kids in the comments pointed out the student commenting was turned on but the teacher commenting was turned off. Did my mind go somewhere a little too dark for a MG? Probably, but I did read that school shootings nowadays are a bit scarier given that these kids are trained from an early age what the protocols are for lockdowns and can now devise strategies to try and get around those
protocols. I also 100% thought Char was a complete goner when she didn't reply for most of the middle of the book and when the principal had E's phone, also 100% thought it was the intruder pretending to be the principal to get Ava's location. Again, probably a bit too dark for a MG, but that's just where my mind went. (hide spoiler)]
Mar 15, 2022 Jenn rated it it was ok 1.75 So I'm not the intended audience and while I think some of my students may really like this I had a few problems. First is a person preference, I just don't like books told entirely through text messages. Sometimes it can be done so well, but here I thought we did not get to see enough of who these characters were. This format made them feel flat and sometimes unrealistic. My
second issue is how this book handled the lock down scenario. Here is where I'm torn, I understand wanting to add drama So I'm not the intended audience and while I think some of my students may really like this I had a few problems. First is a person preference, I just don't like books told entirely through text messages. Sometimes it can be done so well, but here I thought we did not get to see enough of who these characters were.
This format made them feel flat and sometimes unrealistic. My second issue is how this book handled the lock down scenario. Here is where I'm torn, I understand wanting to add drama, but Ava literally did like EVERYTHING YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO DO. As an Elementary librarian we do lock down drills every year. They suck, they can be scary, especially if you are not sure its a drill. But it really frustrated me that Ava and a whole bunch of other children were doing things that are huge
problems. Again I understand for plot they needed to ramp up the drama, but I wanted a section or some comments where they explained that this behavior could be really dangerous. Instead we were told law enforcement applauded the children.
Feb 17, 2022 Kat rated it did not like it This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here. Children should NOT be reading this book! This book tells the story of a middle school lockdown. However, throughout the book the young characters intentionally choose to ignore all safety procedures, putting themselves
and other students in danger. From peeking out windows, to loudly attracting the attention of the intruder, to LITERALLY RUNNING THROUGH THE HALLWAYS to "save" other people. This book is exactly what NOT to do during lockdown. In the end, the book shows that everything turns out f In the end, the book shows that everything turns out fine and the children are praised as heroes for "saving their teacher at all costs". This is absolutely NOT how it would turn out in real life. This book runs
the real risk of getting children killed. In addition, children who read this will be exposed to a child frantically apologizing for arguing with her dad because what if it's the last time they talked? Children telling each other the things they would have liked to do before they died. And the intruder turns out to be a teacher's raging ex husband. I don't know why anyone would think this was acceptable for children.
Jun 14, 2022 Kate rated it it was ok I had a couple issues with the book: The kids did many things wrong and there was no
author's note at the end explaining this. The comments from the school app made the book longer than it needed to be. Might purchase, but in light of all the school shootings lately, including in my own distr Might purchase, but in light of all the school shootings lately, including in my own district, I'm just not
sure.
May 02, 2022 Lara rated it did not like it I was so disappointed with this book. There is an intruder in the building and Ava does everything you aren't supposed to do. Kids don't need suggestions of poor choices. Kids don't need to get the
idea that they could be the hero in this type of situation.
This book is told exclusively through text messages and phone notification screens about kids during a school lockdown. I remember how freaked out my kids used to get during lockdown drills, and this book captures it
perfectly. (Though in Australia, most of our lockdowns are because a dog's wandered into the school looking for pats and usually more exciting than anything else. This situation is a lot more tense).
I'm a huge fan of author K.A. Holt, and I was thrilled to come across THIS IS NOT A DRILL at a local Scholastic Book Fair. Many of Holt's books are novels in verse, but this was a bit different. It is written entirely in a text message and comment format making it a quick read in a style middle grade readers will love. Ava and several friends are arriving at school one morning and communicating as
many middle school students do via texts. To add a bit of levity to their conversations, Ava sadly s Ava and several friends
are arriving at school one morning and communicating as many middle school students do via texts. To add a bit of levity to their conversations, Ava sadly still has a flip phone with no emojis. Considering her out-of-date technology, she types incredibly fast and creates her own descriptive and entertaining emojis. Not long after the start of lunch, the alarm sounds for a lockdown drill. As it is during lunch, many of the students are not in classrooms and there's some confusion about
where everyone should be. Ava ends up alone in a bathroom and she realizes her phone charge is about to give out. She tries to remember the rules of lockdown and decides she should be heading to the nearest unlocked classroom. Ava ends up in the art room with a group of students she describes as stinky Tater Tots (sixth graders). It is quickly discovered that the lockdown is not a drill. There really is a dangerous person in the building. What follows is a tense afternoon of figuring out
what to do with a sixth grader having an asthma attack, a phone running out of battery power, and a man yelling and running through the halls. The scenario in THIS IS NOT A DRILL is an all too familiar tale of a school dealing with an emergency situation that has students, staff, and frantic parents trying to stay calm under extremely stressful conditions. Perfect for middle grade readers!
Mar 01, 2022 Lucia Aguilar rated it really liked it The book is very interesting and has many unexpected twists that I enjoyed to the last minute. I love how the author used texting and the small notifications that pop up on Ava's phone,a few of them funny because they were totally off topic sometimes !I'm a middle schooler so I recommend this book for other kids my age!They'd really enjoy this. The book is very interesting and has many unexpected twists that I enjoyed to the last minute. I love how the author used texting and the small notifications that pop up on Ava's phone,a few of them funny because they were totally off topic sometimes !I'm a middle schooler so I recommend this book for other kids my age!They'd really enjoy this. ...more
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I really enjoyed this book at the beginning. I feel like this subject is very relevant, as sad as it is, nowadays. The formatting of the book, having it only told in texts and notifications, was super
neat and interesting! My hesitancy to give this a higher rating is the fact that the kids did go against safety orders. It makes me a little nervous to have kids read this and think that they can do the same heroic actions, which could lead to them getting hurt.
Written entirely in texts and phone alerts, this K.A. Holt realistic drama will keep readers in grades 4-7 glued to the pages, wondering how a school lockdown is going to resolve. Given the
events at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary, however, the tension may hit a little close to home for some readers and parents, teachers and librarians should be sensitive to those selecting this book. Holt’s main characters and best friends, Ava, Char, and Elena, each have distinctly different personalities and even w Holt’s main characters and best friends, Ava, Char, and Elena, each have distinctly different personalities and even with sparse text and a very short time frame, are well-developed and their voices are distinct. Woven throughout the main plot of a
school intruder are several other situations that will ring authentically with MG readers as well-a “fight” between friends and divorce/separation. Excellent choice for libraries of MG and younger YA readers with no concerns regarding sexual content, violence or profanity. In fact, the “profanity” that occurs is handled in a particularly humorous and possibly genius way by the author! (No spoiler here!) The format makes this an excellent choice for readers who may be intimidated by
lengthy books with traditional text.
Jul 07, 2022 Beth rated it really liked it Actually a 4.5. A very timely read. Without giving away the plot, a lock down is a scary place for a middle-schooler to be. My quibbles with the book are few. The fear seemed one step removed. As if
reading a text made it not seem as real. And, completely a personal thought, the font/color made the texts hard to read at times. An interesting book. Not sure what age group I would recommend it to. It's scary but also not - a hard line for a book to walk. A very timely read. Without giving away the plot, a lock down is a scary place for a middle-schooler to be. My quibbles with the book are few. The fear seemed one
step removed. As if reading a text made it not seem as real. And, completely a personal thought, the font/color made the texts hard to read at times. An interesting book. Not sure what age group I would recommend it to. It's scary but also not - a hard line for a book to walk.
Aug 05, 2022 Christy rated it liked it There are a lot of things I liked about this book - the format, kids working together, and the friendship squabble. But what I HATE about it is that it is a book about a lock down drill with a scary guy in the building. I hate that most kids will relate to the scariness of these types of drills. America has got to get it together and protect its students. It’s about damn time!!!
May 07, 2022 Aaron rated it it was amazing Not the first book written in the form of text messages, but one of the most effective and impactful. As the story involves a lockdown at a school, the students texting each other to calm friends and help make it through is very appropriate. The danger is relieved with bits of humour. 4.5 stars.
Mar 11, 2022 Trisha rated it it was ok This novel was written in text messages and group chat messages which made for tedious reading. Maybe a few kids will be excited about this format though.
Jun 24, 2022 Rachel Stine rated it really liked it This book had me riveted from start to finish. The format is a little annoying but kid friendly. My biggest concern is that this book could be very triggering to a child and I’m not sure I can recommend it while practicing trauma informed librarianship without very careful presentation. I definitely won’t be using it for book talks.
E ARC provided by
Edelweiss Plus In this novel in texts and message boards (which I fear may make me attribute actions to the wrong character), Ava, Char, and Elena all attend Lila O'Lowry Middle school, and start a regular day. Ava, whose parents are separating, doesn't want her friend Char to tell their friend Elena, even though Elena's parents are also divorced. Her phone battery is very low, even though she regularly ignores the school updates, claiming they are mainly about the lunch menu, w In this novel in texts and message boards (which I fear may make me attribute actions to the wrong character), Ava, Char, and Elena all attend Lila O'Lowry Middle school, and start a regular day. Ava, whose parents are separating, doesn't want her friend Char to tell their friend Elena, even though Elena's parents are also divorced. Her phone battery is very low, even though she regularly ignores the school updates,
claiming they are mainly about the lunch menu, which is heavy on fruit cocktail. At lunch, Ava isn't feeling well, and spends a long time in the bathroom. When the school goes into lockdown, everyone panics. Ava is stuck in the bathroom, Elena is in the cafeteria with the lunch ladies, and Char doesn't answer her phone for a bit. When they go into lockdown, Ava texts both of her parents, who panic, drive to school, can't get in, and tell her to "ping" them occasionally. When she leaves the
bathroom, it's hard to find a room to get into, but she ends up in a room with a number of 6th graders (tater tots), but no teacher. When Char's brother Diego starts having an asthma attack, she leaves the room to try to find an inhaler. There is a school chat, and students find out about this and put an inhaler out into the hallway. Ava steps on the first one, but does eventually find one and gets back to the room. The students all seem to know the rules of lockdown (be quiet, stay out of
right, don't open the doors), but as time goes on, students start to panic more and more. When a man starts banging on the doors and seems to be shouting Ava's name, everyone's stress levels rise. It turns out to be someone looking for a teacher, Ada Abernathy, and the tensions go even higher. What's going on? Why are they on lockdown? And do the recently escaped therapy llamas in the town have anything to do with it?
Feb 21, 2022 Clare rated it really liked it I think that this book is an amazing book because it has amazing
characters and I always new what was happening. The book is cool because the words are in the form if a text message. If you like books that have one big problem this may be a book you would want to read.
I liked this, and think upper elementary and middle schoolers will like this as well. It was a very fast read and relevant to today. I'm not a fan of how the students did not follow the "lockdown" rules (although ALL of the rules being "the second rule of lockdown" was funny. ) Playing the hero is great, but, this was not the time. I'd have loved to see some consequences for the main character as she completely disregarded the stay in the room quietly rule. I understand why but, still, that is v I liked this, and think upper elementary and middle schoolers will like this as well. It was a very fast read and relevant to today. I'm not a fan of how the students did not follow the "lockdown" rules (although ALL of the rules being "the second rule of lockdown" was funny. ) Playing the hero is great, but, this was not the time. I'd have loved to see some consequences for the main character as she completely disregarded the stay in the room quietly rule. I understand why but, still, that is very dangerous and as this is written for students, I would hate for them to think it's ok to run down the hallways during a lockdown, drill or real. ...more
I really wanted to like this book. Obviously school lock downs are a reality for this target age group, so I was curious to see how this book would touch on the subject but it really fell flat for me. I
personally didn't love the text messaging format, but it was clever on the author's part to include notification blurbs from apps and such throughout the narrative. It just was lacking in substance. Ava, the main character, literally did the exact opposite of what you're supposed to do in a lock I personally didn't love the text messaging format, but it was clever on the author's part to include notification blurbs from apps and such throughout the narrative. It just was lacking in substance. Ava, the main character, literally did the exact opposite of what you're supposed to do in a lock down, which didn't add anything to the story for me except frustration. Overall, I'm sad to say this was such a miss. The banter between
friends was fun and we got pieces of other topics like divorce, but it just wasn't what I had hoped for.
Very difficult to follow. I thought it was because I originally tried to read a digital copy, but print was not much better. Kids will probably appreciate it more than I did. My teacher brain kept intruding and questioning why students had cell phones and why it was okay for one to be roaming the hall during a lockdown. I adore Holt’s books and I don’t consider this one to be indicative of her work.
Feb 08, 2022 Gavin Young rated it did not like it THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN UNLESS YOU WANT TO
GIVE THEM TRAUMA THEY DONT NEED I am a 21 college student who found this in a scholastic book fair. I read this in two hours crying and shaking at how this made me feel. It brought back so many school shootings and lockdowns. To know that this is recommended for 8-12 years olds and I was sobbing, I believe is wrong. It is horrifying how these students put the rules away and it will entice the children to be able to run out in the hallway and be a hero i I am a 21 college student who found this in a scholastic book fair. I read this in two hours crying and shaking at how this made me feel. It brought back so many school shootings and lockdowns. To know that this is recommended for 8-12 years olds and I was sobbing, I believe is wrong. It is horrifying how these students put the rules away and it will entice the children to be able
to run out in the hallway and be a hero in these situations when it will most likely cause them injury or death in these situations usually. I can’t see this being a truly good example to prepare children. Some children won’t understand whats going on in this book. We ban books on lgbtq+ people, but books that give ptsd or trauma like this to kids and adults is fine? That’s not right. I respect the thought and the author for this book but it missed the mark and scares me that this was in a
scholastic book fair that was so engrained I’m happy thoughts. Now it has been hurt.
Edit 5/30/22: After the recent events in Uvalde, I am lowering my rating. I just feel like some of the content in this book was too lighthearted for such a heavy topic. It's not sitting right with
me. Curious to know if KA Holt will speak out on the topic at all. ** This was a super quick read. The text messaging format actually worked really well in my opinion. It quickened the pacing which was necessary because the whole book is about an armed intruder in the building and I NEEDED to know what was After the recent events in Uvalde, I am lowering my rating. I just feel like some of the content in this
book was too lighthearted for such a heavy topic. It's not sitting right with me. Curious to know if KA Holt will speak out on the topic at all. ** This was a super quick read. The text messaging format actually worked really well in my opinion. It quickened the pacing which was necessary because the whole book is about an armed intruder in the building and I NEEDED to know what was going to happen as fast as possible. I was surprised that despite the topic, this book is
actually very humorous. From the llamas on the loose, to the fact that the school is abbreviated LOL, to all the wisecracks made via text messages. It shouldn't work but somehow it does.
Jul 15, 2022 Lesley rated it it was amazing Reluctant readers beware! Kari Ann Holt, author of RHYME SCHEMER, a
verse novel which I always recommend for MG reluctant readers, has written another novel that will grab the attention of those who like to read and those who thought they did not. We are all familiar with the rules of lock down drills: We are all familiar with the rules of lock down drills: Ava McDaniel is texting with her best friends, Em and Char, who has a flip phone and has to write out her emojis, before school and somehow during school. Upset about her parents’ impending divorce and the fact that Char told Em, Ava has a fight with Char and at lunchtime goes into the girls’ bathroom, planning to stay there during lunchtime. Not
one to check the LOLMS (Lila O'Lowry Middle School) APP for announcements, Ava doesn’t realize the school is on lock-down (a real lockdown, not a drill) until it is too late, and the doors to the classrooms in her hall are locked. She finds herself with 20% battery and ducks into the art room with “scared-sweaty tater tots” (her name for 6th graders). There is no teacher in the room—it was open during lunch and the kids went in to hide—and, despite her tater-tot complaints, she has empathy for
them and tries to not show her fear and worry. She can text with Em who is hiding in the lunchroom, and later her mom and dad as she tries to figure out how to help Diego who is suffering from an asthma attack. When he faints, Ava realizes it is up to her to find an inhaler. As the other kids text each other through the school app, which appears to be open to all of them but has become closed to the administrators and teachers, readers “overhear” their discussions about who is in the hall,
which Ava (seems there are 4 in the school) is in the hall, whether she is a good person or the intruder. The share Ava stories as they rally behind her to try to pass her an inhaler under a door, and, then when that fails, a phone battery and guide her safely back to the art room through texts. Certainly, school intrusion and lock-downs are serious subjects, and there will be concerns from some about the topic, especially since the kids do a lot of things wrong and it works out, but the
intruder is not a shooter, [SPOILER-ALERT] just a disgruntled ex-husband of a teacher. But there is a balance of light (llamas on the loose tying up town traffic, which is a completely separate news story) and anxious moments that will draw readers in. The story is told completely through text messages and notifications which I thought I would find tedious but actually hooked me into reading the book in one afternoon sitting. There are also issues of anxiety disorder (Char) and ways to
manage it, and parental separation (Em and Ava)which may speak to many young adolescent readers.
I picked up this book because it looked fascinating. The content, a lockdown in a middle school, combined with the text message based writing style made this a book I wanted to read. Ava is
struggling. Her parents are getting divorced, and she doesn’t know how to feel or who to talk to. She’s fighting with her friends. And when the lockdown alarm starts blaring, she’s alone in the bathroom. This time, however, it’s not a drill. Someone is in the school, and Ava has to survive. First, let’s talk Ava is struggling. Her parents are getting divorced, and she doesn’t know how to feel or who to talk to. She’s fighting with her friends. And when the lockdown alarm starts blaring, she’s alone in the bathroom. This time, however, it’s not a drill. Someone is in the school, and Ava has to survive. First, let’s talk about the content. It’s not the first school intruder related story I’ve read (such as The Taking of Jake Livingston), but it is the first middle grade one. This book will be too intense for some readers, so I recommend adults use discretion. As depressing as it is to admit, though, the content of this is something relevant to students. However, there are some issues with the content. Mainly, Ava does *everything* wrong in this situation. She runs out into the hallway with the intruder, trying to be the hero. Now I know that was for drama. A story where everyone followed the rules to a T wouldn’t be very interesting. But it’s concerning there isn’t a warning or author’s note clarifying not to act like Ava. The background characters, too, do things like preventing teachers from commenting on the app they confirm their safety. It makes me a little worried to see such dangerous behavior glorified without a explanation. As for the writing style, the text message stype made the book a quick read. (I have this shelved as "in-verse," which isn't 100% true but it's similar.) I read it all in one sitting. However, I found it confusing at times, as it throws the characters and relationships right at you. I had to reread some parts to understand what was going on and confused characters. It also made the tone inconsistent. Some readers are going to like that mix of lightheartedness with severity, but it struck me the wrong way. I rate four stars because I did enjoy reading it. I rarely read a book in a night! However, I think it has some issues that need to be addressed by an adult, like how to act in emergency situations. ...more
Aug 08, 2022 Steph rated it liked it This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here. Prefacing this to say I am an elementary/middle school librarian, so MG novels are within my wheelhouse of reading. Pro of this book: it felt realistic, without being too traumatic or absolutely terrifying for the
intended audience. It did not feel flippant about the topic, albeit maybe a bit shallow but that’s typical of MG books. Neutral: I personally, as do my students, enjoy text format books. But if that’s not your thing, this will be a challenge. Possible con: A lot of commentators were frus Pro of this book: it felt
realistic, without being too traumatic or absolutely terrifying for the intended audience. It did not feel flippant about the topic, albeit maybe a bit shallow but that’s typical of MG books. Neutral: I personally, as do my students, enjoy text format books. But if that’s not your thing, this will be a challenge. Possible con: A lot of commentators were frustrated that the main character broke the rules/the other students assisted her in achieving what she needed to do to help a
fellow student and felt it would lead students astray. I don’t think this was the intention of the book, and from my reading, it felt like the character knew what she was doing was wrong. It perhaps would have been important for the parents or teachers to feature more heavily in discussing why this was not a good idea, even if it was justified. I think it’d be a worthwhile book for a library to have as it is well written and timely, but I can see why people would not appreciate the format
or have concerns about the story.
Oct 02, 2022 Debra rated it really liked it If I did not know I was old yet, I know now. This was surprisingly complex to read as it is all text messages and alert/news/message boards. I am certain this style is going to be a hit for my
students. The story is about students in a school where they face a lockdown that at first they believe to be a drill. All of the students know the rules of these drills well, but during the situation a student needs medical help and the school message board is how that help is provided. There is certainly If I did not know I was old yet, I know now. This was surprisingly complex to read as it is all text messages and alert/news/message boards. I am
certain this style is going to be a hit for my students. The story is about students in a school where they face a lockdown that at first they believe to be a drill. All of the students know the rules of these drills well, but during the situation a student needs medical help and the school message board is how that help is provided. There is certainly tension, especially from the parents who are held back from the school by the police as they work to find the intruder. There are loose farm
animals in town, also, which provides a bit of comic relief throughout the story. This friendship story is interesting, for sure. I understand why many will not be certain this book is okay for elementary aged students, but it turns out to be far less dangerous than it was feared to be and allows for some conversations about the fears, the lack of communication, and tension of any lockdown, drill or not. I do believe 5th-8th grade students will find this story to be interesting.
The alarm is going off in a middle school, but…this isn’t a drill. Love KA Holt, but the text messages were a little silly on the app in some places and bit unnecessary. Made it longer than it needed to be. Related ArticlesMahogany L. Browne is the author of Chlorine Sky, Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice, Woke Baby, and Black Girl Magic. She's also the... Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. What genre is this is not a drill?FictionThis Is Not a Drill / Genrenull
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