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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Bittersweet. Emotional. Hopeful.
I reread Jacqueline Wilson's Dustbin Baby to continue my rediscovered love of her novel's after her recent publication of Project Fairy. I first read this book when I was a child, I remember loving it (as with all her novels) but this reread shocked me! Who let me read this book as a kid?! I know it is aimed at teenagers due to the heavy themes such as suicide, foster care and abandonment, but obviously my mum did not know that when she let me read this book initially. I found some of the language and descriptions quite brutal, for example: "it must have been very messy. She cut her wrists in the bath", I was so disturbed by the frankness of this quote that I called a friend to tell them. Additionally, it was quite obvious that this text was written in the early 2000s as there is references to the diet culture that terrorised the world during that time, April's voice contains the extreme pressures women felt regarding their weight and appearance, especially during these years.
However, despite the shocking content, I loved rereading this book! I felt Wilson did well providing an unexpected ending, not what I first hoped for April. I feel that some of the adult reviews on Goodreads are forgetting that this book is aimed at young teenagers, and it is not meant to have challenging language or provide a detailed account of trauma. I felt that the disturbing plotline is important to teach children about these topics and that realities of what some children experience and all of Wilson's books provide an opportunity for parental discussion around these topics.
However, despite the shocking content, I loved rereading this book! I felt Wilson did well providing an unexpected ending, not what I first hoped for April. I feel that some of the adult reviews on Goodreads are forgetting that this book is aimed at young teenagers, and it is not meant to have challenging language or provide a detailed account of trauma. I felt that the disturbing plotline is important to teach children about these topics and that realities of what some children experience and all of Wilson's books provide an opportunity for parental discussion around these topics.
Definitely one of my favourite Jacqueline Wilson books ever, a beautiful story. Definitely loved this and have reread it a number of times over the years.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
At first i feel April is so selfish.. I know she wants to meet her real mom who left her in garbage. She could be nicer to her teacher who take care of her now.
But in the end it was ok.. I don't know but this time i don't really like the story from JW
But in the end it was ok.. I don't know but this time i don't really like the story from JW
The start. The protagonist complained too much. It was hard to get through that
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I never expected a children's book to turn out this dark. God, I can't imagine how awful and terrifying April's life must have been in reality. To discover the truth about her life—and see how she accepted it in the book—is unimaginable. She must have been so strong. If I ever had the chance to meet April, I would hug her tightly and tell her, "You truly deserve the world." :") ♡
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Grade: A
I am basing my rating for these childhood books on how much I enjoyed them when I read them as a child.
I am basing my rating for these childhood books on how much I enjoyed them when I read them as a child.