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madisonrenaeb's review against another edition
4.0
The synopsis really pulled me in. I was a little apprehensive going in since the book was middle grade but it read like any other book I would read. The characters are young but they are written in such a way that you still feel for and in some ways relate to, so if the middle grade rating is holding you back from reading this I’d say don’t worry!
I stayed up all night reading this and definitely don’t regret it! I have no issues with this book, it was incredibly enjoyable. I want to give this five stars because of the fact that it was an enjoyable read and I had nothing I didn’t like in the book, but it wasn’t a new favorite book, thus explaining my ranking of four stars. Maybe my four stars is your five star?
I stayed up all night reading this and definitely don’t regret it! I have no issues with this book, it was incredibly enjoyable. I want to give this five stars because of the fact that it was an enjoyable read and I had nothing I didn’t like in the book, but it wasn’t a new favorite book, thus explaining my ranking of four stars. Maybe my four stars is your five star?
anniekslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Middlegrade like middlegrade should be! Reading this at 25, I still found it super relatable, and while the setting and plot were quite simple, they were also really charming and the book did have a fair amount of depth.
kebbi's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
The kind of book I would have needed at 13 so it's good it exists for all the kids who are 13 now.
It was really refreshing to read a book where figuring out that you're not straight isn't this big scary terrible thing. I know it can be but it doesn't have to.
It was really refreshing to read a book where figuring out that you're not straight isn't this big scary terrible thing. I know it can be but it doesn't have to.
jackelz's review against another edition
5.0
Melly is a very relatable character, and I loved the journey of her figuring out how to express herself during her two weeks at Camp Rockaway. There are a lot of powerful messages jam packed into this story.
booksandbigideas's review against another edition
5.0
Complex relationships as emotions, girl gaining confidence in herself including embracing her feelings for another girl, lovely writing, great musical references, LOTS of puns. In other words, perfect.
cewritespoems's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
snailsforlove's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
madisonb's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sweet book that addresses tough subjects--divorce, romantic/sexual identity, evolving friendships--in a way that's super accessible for older elementary readers. Bigelow allows for the fact that things in life don't always resolve cleanly or quickly, and it's OK to have negative feelings or fears for the future. This is a modern, light interpretation of the "I found love at summer camp" theme for the younger set.
ehawk's review against another edition
5.0
Great ya quiet story, great accounting of musicianship. <3
libraryalissa's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for a review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
Drum Roll Please is such a cute gem of a story! My main reaction, from the very first chapter, was that it just felt so true. The language, characters, relationships, writing- all felt natural and effortless, which made the reading of it as comfortable and relaxed as the summer camp setting.
Second: I loved the way the story addressed Melly’s sexuality, in that it kind of didn’t. Melly is simply coming to terms with her first big crush, and having that crush be on a girl. Everyone in Melly’s life gave her room for it to be just about that for now, which felt very appropriate for a middle grade book and character.
While far from an expert, I can’t help but think how important books like this must be for kids who are having and reading about those first big crushes, but don’t quite see their experiences, or those of their peers, reflected in the stories they read. Bigelow did a *great* job of making such a story accessible and delightful to all audiences. We need more books like this for middle grade readers!
Drum Roll Please is such a cute gem of a story! My main reaction, from the very first chapter, was that it just felt so true. The language, characters, relationships, writing- all felt natural and effortless, which made the reading of it as comfortable and relaxed as the summer camp setting.
Second: I loved the way the story addressed Melly’s sexuality, in that it kind of didn’t. Melly is simply coming to terms with her first big crush, and having that crush be on a girl. Everyone in Melly’s life gave her room for it to be just about that for now, which felt very appropriate for a middle grade book and character.
While far from an expert, I can’t help but think how important books like this must be for kids who are having and reading about those first big crushes, but don’t quite see their experiences, or those of their peers, reflected in the stories they read. Bigelow did a *great* job of making such a story accessible and delightful to all audiences. We need more books like this for middle grade readers!