Reviews

an unexpected cry!!

It's a little bit juvenile in the writing, but it's the diary of a 7th grader, and it wouldn't be as strong of a story if it WASN'T written the way it was.

a_reads_books's review against another edition

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4.0

A very sweet, charming book about growing up, sapphic love and friendships and how it all plays together. It's told as diary entries of a 12 year old with cute illustrations throughout. As it is a middle grade book, some characters do end up saying hurtful things here and there, something to keep in mind. There's a certain nostalgic feeling if you read this when you are older.
Also I loved the BTS references :)

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc of this book, all opinions are my own.

bookdrunkard78's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

starsaligned's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing

4.0

sarahreadstoomuch's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

jenna4789's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

oldandnewbooksmell's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Twelve-year-old Tuva has questions about what it means to become a mature and a teenager. She’s starting seventh grade and has a few goals; write (or draw) a whole diary, get a cool look, build the best base in the bog with Bao and Linnéa, go to a sleepover birthday party, and fall in love. She’s got it all planned out. But when school starts, nothing is how she hoped.

Her two best friends are not split into rival teams. TEAM LINNÉA are the girls who fall in love. TEAM BAO are the girls who will never fall in love. Linnéa got a boyfriend over the summer and Bao hates everything there is to do with love. And now, they’re expecting Tuva to pick sides! Then Miriam shows up and suddenly Tuva feels like she’s met her soulmate.

How’s a girl to survive?

This was so cute! First sapphic love written in the diary form of a young artist is adorable (especially when she’s making the connections that yea - she does like Miriam like that!). It’s also one of the best coming of age stories I’ve read in a minute. Tuva’s on that teetering edge of playing around in the mud during breaks and wearing a bra and mascara for the first time (I don’t wear makeup anymore, but I did when I was younger and trying to figure out your “look” is hard!).

Tuva’s dad is also a single parent and it’s heartwarming to see him trying while Tuva’s going through everything. He even admits he doesn’t have all the answers, but it’s always so very supportive.

This book is set in Norway and is translated from Norwegian - it’s fascinating to see how universal growing up can be.

Overall, I’ll be thrusting this book into the hands of many who would like a warm hug on a chilly day. Also those that love queer middle grade stories. The subjects in the story are never too heavy and can be enjoyed by all ages!

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