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craigelizabeth2023's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
therealbel's review against another edition
4.0
I have *no* doubt that this will have some of the same success that the Babysitters Club graphic reboot had. I vaguely remember the originals and this was so much fun!
readsalott's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
books_inthewild's review
3.0
Unfortunately, I just didn’t enjoy this one. The illustrations were great- very manga-like and colourful- but the story was just so off-putting. It felt so stressful and negative- bullying, sister issues, drama at every turn. And when it came time to apologize, it was forced and insincere. And then… the same girl that was bullied, played the same prank back to the bullies. Where was the “happy ending” or redeeming message in the end?
I don’t know… I know these things all happen in middle school. But I just don’t want to read a fiction graphic novel about it (and not sure my students would either).
I don’t know… I know these things all happen in middle school. But I just don’t want to read a fiction graphic novel about it (and not sure my students would either).
libwinnie's review
1.0
I remember the books from childhood and thought they would be fun to revisit. Nope. Just nope.
lawbooks600's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Representation: Black and Asian characters
Score: Six points out of ten.
Best Friends by Nicole Andelfinger was circling my recommendations for a while and when I saw that a library has this one, I seized the opportunity to get it. Eventually, I picked it up and read it, but when I finished it, I was underwhelmed. There were so many flaws I had to lower Best Friends to three stars.
It starts with the first two characters I see, Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield who both go to the same school, Sweet Valley. They are identical but their passions are nowhere near that as Elizabeth wants to write the school newspaper and Jessica wants to join the Unicorn Club. The novel's strengths lie in its immersion because I could never stop reading Best Friends and the setting looks contemporary. However, it has flaws that are most prominent in the characters. Jessica was insufferable to read since she irritated her sister and she got worse when she bullied people when she was in the Unicorn Club. The portrayal of Black and Asian characters rubbed me the wrong way for two reasons: it felt like tokenism and the depiction wasn't outstanding. Why are the white people the protagonists and the Black and Asian people bullies and antagonists? At least Jessica had character development, but that left a sour taste. I might read the second instalment in the series when the library gets it.
Score: Six points out of ten.
Best Friends by Nicole Andelfinger was circling my recommendations for a while and when I saw that a library has this one, I seized the opportunity to get it. Eventually, I picked it up and read it, but when I finished it, I was underwhelmed. There were so many flaws I had to lower Best Friends to three stars.
It starts with the first two characters I see, Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield who both go to the same school, Sweet Valley. They are identical but their passions are nowhere near that as Elizabeth wants to write the school newspaper and Jessica wants to join the Unicorn Club. The novel's strengths lie in its immersion because I could never stop reading Best Friends and the setting looks contemporary. However, it has flaws that are most prominent in the characters. Jessica was insufferable to read since she irritated her sister and she got worse when she bullied people when she was in the Unicorn Club. The portrayal of Black and Asian characters rubbed me the wrong way for two reasons: it felt like tokenism and the depiction wasn't outstanding. Why are the white people the protagonists and the Black and Asian people bullies and antagonists? At least Jessica had character development, but that left a sour taste. I might read the second instalment in the series when the library gets it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
90sinmyheart's review
3.0
I think this is fine for adults to read, but absolutely wretched to give to kids or teens. The plot hasn't aged well and the bullying could be viewed as instructive rather than a warning.
mbrandmaier's review
4.0
Wow, they’ve been adapted into a modern day graphic novel! I always liked Elizabeth and thought I wouldn’t like Jessica back in the olden days.
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
Ah the nostalgia! Sweet Valley High was one of my favorite series growing up next to The Babysitter’s Club. I loved the TV show when it aired in the ‘90s as well and this brought it all back. The kids will love it, as the artwork and stories are similar to BSC & Raina Telgemeier’s books.
rdyourbookcase's review
4.0
I didn’t really read the original twins series, but this seemed like a good interpretation. I enjoyed the art and the story. Sweet Valley University will always be my favorites though!