Reviews

Girlwood by Claire Dean

mkcannon21's review against another edition

4.0

I first saw Girlwood in middle school at Barnes and Nobles, and fell in love with the cover. As usual I didn't have the money to buy the book at that time, but it never left my memory. This summer I found it at Half Price Books and had to grab it. The book is wonderful and has a great story and life lesson. Granted, it probably would have been better for the middle school version of myself instead of the 21 year old me. The main character in the piece is thirteen years old. I loved the ideas of the auras that are around everyone and how each person had a color that helped represent who they were. I think if I had the ability to see those colors I would be distracted by them all the time. The book has some great descriptions and characters, though it was slightly lacking in the depth of the piece. And I think that was just because it is meant more for younger readers than people like me who are in college. I found that its main point was to encourage teenagers to be themselves and not care about being part of the group, which is a wonderful theme for teenagers to learn. I would definitely recommend this book to younger readers or parents who are looking for a story to read with their older children. For people my own age it's a great read if you want something that's relaxing and an easy read. Or if you like to collect books with pretty covers like myself. ;)

noellepb's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Quaint and full of joy, Girlwood tumbles through a story of family, friendship, grief, community, environmentalism, loss, magic, and fear. It weaves together nature and beauty and humanity with an otherworldly twist. Dean crafts a delightful simple story with layers of complexity and emotion. It’s empowering and beautiful and rooted in honesty and connection. 

readreadreadbby's review

5.0

I read this book when I was really young. Sadly, I lost my copy, but it gave me the love I have today for plants and nature.

dreamofbookspines's review against another edition

4.5

RE-READ REVIEW

What a charming little "girls rock!" tale of magic! I love Polly's dedication to her eccentricities and her overall attitude. The hope that runs as a thread through this book is uplifting and sweet.

funsizelibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

So fabulous! I loved this book so much I want to share it with all my friends. The language was poetic and the story atmospheric.

flyingsails's review against another edition

3.0

A little hard for me to get into, and when I finally did begin reading, it wasn't that engaging. I felt very removed from the characters, and Polly, the heroine, seemed (to me) to act and say things more like she was an eight-year-old rather than a twelve-year-old.
Younger readers would probably like it a lot; it has a theme--girls being strong and coming into their own power--but it just didn't have enough character development or emotions for me.

beebeewin's review against another edition

5.0

I love hat it is reality with a touch of magic. I love her boyfriend and am glad Bree is okay!1 I am also glad they found that rare flower and saved Girlwood. Baba was great. Blad the mom and dad are working it out!

ewolf's review

4.0

pretty good book. definitely a coming of age story for young girls around the middle school age group. parent may find it a nice read as well.

princessnomi's review

5.0

This book was so beautiful. The story of this girl with so many tragedies and learning how to deal with them and still hoping for the light at the end of the tunnel. I love the plant facts and that this author really did her research about the kinds of plants in the area that this book takes place.

patches_marie's review

5.0

This was a beautiful blend of fantasy and real life. I wish it was longer, because I wanted to know what ever happened to Carly's Father's Project. The Woodland Acres.
It was heartbreaking when Baba passed away. I am glad Bree came back in the end, and Olivia and Polly came back to being friends. In the end, it was a great overall story, and it was enjoyable. But I seriously do wish I knew more about what ever happened to The Woodland Acres.