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sc104906's review
3.0
Antonia was asked to counsel Jazz, a fellow classmate with an attitude problem. Jazz does and wears anything that will set grown-ups on edge. On top of peer counseling, Antonia is forced to take a on a great amount of responsibility. She works hard at school and must step into the parental role of her brother and sister because they simply do not have any parents to rely on. Can Antonia take all of the pressure? Are perfect Antonia and imperfect Jazz really more than they seem? It is all about looking at the person, instead of just perceptions of the person.
This is an easy upper middle grade novel, that simply takes on the issue of perceptions and family issues.
This is an easy upper middle grade novel, that simply takes on the issue of perceptions and family issues.
notlikethebeer's review
2.0
A short, easy read. I'm not sure this one has aged so well: for 2019, it just feels a little overdone and overly moralistic. I liked that it featured a young carer, however, I'm not sure the representation was great other than that she was featured: her situation felt way too quickly tied up and sorted out, which doesn't reflect reality at all. I don't know, as an ex young carer, it just made me feel a bit weird. Also, the 'big reveal' around peer counselling was kinda really screwed... very unethical and not okay on anyone's part really! It wasn't the worst read, just not great.
pikasqueaks's review
4.0
I was expecting something else and was kind of pleasantly surprised about the way the author wrote in some cool things. I like this one, I would have swallowed it whole as a kid. It's more like the middle school and high school that I remember than some other YA books that I've read.
bestdressedbookworm's review
3.0
An enjoyable story though a tad unrealistic. It had its moments of pulling on my heart strings but otherwise pretty much just full of teen angst.
2.5-3 stars. Didnt hate this but it is probably the lowest rated book of the year for me so far. There was something very juvenile feeling about it, though the main character is not any younger than your average YA protagonist, and considering the hard hitting issues she is dealing with I expect a little more maturity.
2.5-3 stars. Didnt hate this but it is probably the lowest rated book of the year for me so far. There was something very juvenile feeling about it, though the main character is not any younger than your average YA protagonist, and considering the hard hitting issues she is dealing with I expect a little more maturity.
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
Define "Normal" (2000) by Julie Anne Peters deals with a common theme in teen literature: What happens when people from different worlds come together?
Antonia Dillon and Jasmine "Jazz" Luther are polar opposites. As the cover illustrates quite well. Antonia wears pleated skirts, is on the honor roll, and used to be in math club (she also used to do gymnastics). And she's still only in eighth grade. With all of that under control, Antonia is eager to volunteer at her school's peer counseling program in order to add "peer counselor" to her already impressive resume.
Jazz has purple hair, piercings, and tattoos (she might even do drugs and hang out with gangs). Jazz is also the peer Antonia is supposed to counsel. And yet, how could anyone think these two girls are peers?
Even though Antonia is sure her counseling efforts are doomed to fail, she keeps meeting with Jazz who, miraculously, also shows up. As the girls get to know each other it becomes clear that they might have more in common than appearances would suggest. Even more, perhaps, than either girl would like to admit.
As Antonia helps Jazz get her own family life together, Antonia's own world seems to be falling apart no matter how much she tries to maintain the status quo. As everything starts to unravel, Jazz might be the only one who can help Antonia pull it all together.
This is a book that challenges readers' perceptions with two disparate, and simultaneously alike, characters. As the title suggests, an important message here is that nothing is as it seems. On another level, Peters reminds readers that appearances are often meaningless without context--something that she provides for both Antonia and Jazz as the novel progresses. Like Antonia, readers begin this novel with a certain idea of how things will turn out. Specifically, Jazz is the troubled teen and Antonia is trying to help her. As Peters delves deeper into both girls' personal lives, these preconceptions are turned upside down.
Define "Normal" is marketed for children aged 9 to 12 (according to Amazon.com), a range that feels pretty accurate. The writing here is simple, not in a bad way but in a way that will not confuse readers on the younger end of the spectrum. For this reason certain elements of the plot felt predictable to this reader. However that is likely from reading this book for the first time at eighteen rather than from poor writing.
Antonia and Jazz are both strong, resilient characters and give girls a lot to think about. On the other hand, though it might be a hard sell, this book could have an important message for boys as well about how important it is to realize that "normal" is such a relative, and plastic concept. Define "Normal" is in the unique position where it works just as well as assigned reading in school as a book that readers would willingly (and hopefully will!) pick up themselves.
Antonia Dillon and Jasmine "Jazz" Luther are polar opposites. As the cover illustrates quite well. Antonia wears pleated skirts, is on the honor roll, and used to be in math club (she also used to do gymnastics). And she's still only in eighth grade. With all of that under control, Antonia is eager to volunteer at her school's peer counseling program in order to add "peer counselor" to her already impressive resume.
Jazz has purple hair, piercings, and tattoos (she might even do drugs and hang out with gangs). Jazz is also the peer Antonia is supposed to counsel. And yet, how could anyone think these two girls are peers?
Even though Antonia is sure her counseling efforts are doomed to fail, she keeps meeting with Jazz who, miraculously, also shows up. As the girls get to know each other it becomes clear that they might have more in common than appearances would suggest. Even more, perhaps, than either girl would like to admit.
As Antonia helps Jazz get her own family life together, Antonia's own world seems to be falling apart no matter how much she tries to maintain the status quo. As everything starts to unravel, Jazz might be the only one who can help Antonia pull it all together.
This is a book that challenges readers' perceptions with two disparate, and simultaneously alike, characters. As the title suggests, an important message here is that nothing is as it seems. On another level, Peters reminds readers that appearances are often meaningless without context--something that she provides for both Antonia and Jazz as the novel progresses. Like Antonia, readers begin this novel with a certain idea of how things will turn out. Specifically, Jazz is the troubled teen and Antonia is trying to help her. As Peters delves deeper into both girls' personal lives, these preconceptions are turned upside down.
Define "Normal" is marketed for children aged 9 to 12 (according to Amazon.com), a range that feels pretty accurate. The writing here is simple, not in a bad way but in a way that will not confuse readers on the younger end of the spectrum. For this reason certain elements of the plot felt predictable to this reader. However that is likely from reading this book for the first time at eighteen rather than from poor writing.
Antonia and Jazz are both strong, resilient characters and give girls a lot to think about. On the other hand, though it might be a hard sell, this book could have an important message for boys as well about how important it is to realize that "normal" is such a relative, and plastic concept. Define "Normal" is in the unique position where it works just as well as assigned reading in school as a book that readers would willingly (and hopefully will!) pick up themselves.
ladynutbarreads's review
3.0
It was a pretty quick teeny-bopper read. I thought it would be a little bit better but it was very much the Full House of novels (everything works out great in the end).
eskupslp's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
savannah_rae's review
3.0
Good read. I enjoyed both charecters, and really fealt for Tone. This book was VERY real, and was fantatic.
kellyjcm's review
3.0
While the plot is a little predictable for me, I hope it serves as an inspiration to teens about keeping an open mind and an open heart.