40 pages • 1 hour read
Jordan SonnenblickFalling Over Sideways
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick follows 14-year-old Claire Goldsmith as she navigates the challenges of her eighth-grade year, including bullying, dance school setbacks, and the emotional turmoil after her father suffers a stroke. Claire's journey is one of personal growth, resilience, and learning to support her father through his rehabilitation while finding strength and hope in the process. The novel includes themes of trauma and depression.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick receives praise for its authentic voice and relatable adolescent struggles, vividly capturing the protagonist's emotional journey. Critics commend its humor and heartfelt moments, but some feel secondary characters lack depth. Overall, it's an engaging and poignant read for both teens and adults.
Who Should Read Falling Over Sideways?
A reader who would enjoy Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick is typically a middle-grade student (ages 10-14) who appreciates realistic fiction that deals with family dynamics, personal growth, and humor. This novel would appeal to fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder and Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me due to its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
860L