Reviews

Drum Roll, Please by Lisa Jenn Bigelow

jmontg18's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

barbaragorgon's review

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.

m0thermayi's review

4.0

4 stars |

emmieclassix's review

4.0

This book was so good, I don’t read a lot of MG, you know being 28 and all, but it’s sometimes really nice to read a book that is short and easy to read without worrying too much about the rest of the world. And also, this was the experience I wish I could have had at that age, not the band camp, but just camp and going away and finding a cute girl that wants to kiss you that makes you realize you also want to kiss girls. I escaped into this book in a way that was unexpected.

choirqueer's review against another edition

5.0

THIS BOOK WAS THE ABSOLUTE BEST. I want to hug it forever. Same-gender girl crushes! Realistic, supporting girl friendships! Rock'n'roll summer camp! OH it was so good. I wish I'd had this book when I was a little queer kid, and I'm so glad it exists in the world today.

najulia's review

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

4.5

lrcartee's review against another edition

4.0

Melissa Goodwin's nickname was Mouse. She was shy and always let her friend Olivia take the lead. Olivia could talk her into doing most anything and that was how Melissa (Melly to her friends) found herself going to Camp Rockaway to learn more about playing drums. When Olivia became enamored with a boy Melly had to take a backseat and fend for herself. Could she make friends on her own and come out of her shell?

This was a delightful coming of age tale that explores the very real dynamic of the give and take of an adolescent friendship and the ups and downs of family life. I loved how Melly's character developed throughout the book as she seeks the courage to be her own voice.

imstephtacular's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Classism, Medical content, Sexism, Chronic illness, and Grief

nausicaa_requiem's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

lpineo's review

5.0

Loved this. I'm not the target audience (mom in my 40s) but truly enjoyed this story.