Reviews

Tales from a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen by Rachel Renée Russell

Only show reviews with written explanations

smalljoys's review

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

These are incredibly popular with my 3rd-5th graders, but I just do not enjoy the characters. The worship of the CCPs (Cute, Cool, Popular kids) in spite of their shallowness and often cruel behavior is beyond me. I'm surprised by how many of my very down-to-earth students like these books, but to each his or her own. As long as they're reading!!

This particular book was probably more painful than others since a good chunk was written by MacKenzie, so we got a real look at her mind and her personal life (which is quite sad and completely revolves around money, image, and popularity). This girl is downright MEAN and strangely seems aware of and okay with that. Do mean girls really take pride in their meanness? She does try to explain why some of her actions are justified, but she doesn't care who gets hurt to achieve her revenge and she's quite deluded (presumably) about just who is at fault for the things she's so upset about. What a loathsome character!

jaylyn_'s review

Go to review page

fast-paced

3.5

shukrnai's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

this was pretty fun but I didnt like how Mckenzie's redemption arc back in frenemies was dumped.

shukrnai's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Actually, I read this book after I found myself buying the Puppy love somewhere at a school fair. I saw this on the shelf and little me thought, "ooh I'd love to have a collection of this." Tbh, my favorite character is actually Mckenzie Hollister. Behind her mean and narcissistic tendencies, she is actually another child put through passive parents. Sure she's Nikki's enemy, but upbringing sometimes would put someone in a different place. I love how half of the book was taken over by Mckenzie and we could see a glimpse of her side of the story. Such a refreshing and fund read, yet again.