Scan barcode
cassiesnextchapter's review
5.0
Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis is an absolute delight! {Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins Children's Books for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.}
This is the kind of story I wish had been in print when I was a tween/teenager, trying to navigate the complexities of shifting friendships.
Serena was comfortable in the shadow of her best friend, JC...until she realizes that JC is becoming closer to another girl. Now Serena needs to find her voice, and step up.
I loved how much heart Serena has, and how she slowly turns her nervousness and insecurities into something she can grow through to build her confidence. This is heartwarming and so sweet, and is perfect for young middle-grade readers looking for some confidence!
This is the kind of story I wish had been in print when I was a tween/teenager, trying to navigate the complexities of shifting friendships.
Serena was comfortable in the shadow of her best friend, JC...until she realizes that JC is becoming closer to another girl. Now Serena needs to find her voice, and step up.
I loved how much heart Serena has, and how she slowly turns her nervousness and insecurities into something she can grow through to build her confidence. This is heartwarming and so sweet, and is perfect for young middle-grade readers looking for some confidence!
judy_bagley's review
4.0
“MY MOTHER SAID THAT sixth-grade friendships change, and that change was beyond our control, and that we shouldn’t take it personally.”
With these words my 53-year-old self was swept back to my 6th-grade self! But at the end of the day, don’t these words apply to friendships throughout our lives?
I loved this book as it encapsulates those difficult tween years so well. I also loved the diversity woven into this book, and that the author did it with out it being the focus or the defining mark of the characters. For example there is a character that is a chair-user and the only way it was mentioned was, “Eliana leaned back in her wheelchair and grinned.” The chair shouldn’t be the focal point of the character and it wasn’t!
Serena is my kindred spirit. She says, “Books are the one thing in the world to pick up when your brain needs a break from . . . basically everything.” I couldn’t agree more!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the advanced copy of this highly recommended middle grade novel!
With these words my 53-year-old self was swept back to my 6th-grade self! But at the end of the day, don’t these words apply to friendships throughout our lives?
I loved this book as it encapsulates those difficult tween years so well. I also loved the diversity woven into this book, and that the author did it with out it being the focus or the defining mark of the characters. For example there is a character that is a chair-user and the only way it was mentioned was, “Eliana leaned back in her wheelchair and grinned.” The chair shouldn’t be the focal point of the character and it wasn’t!
Serena is my kindred spirit. She says, “Books are the one thing in the world to pick up when your brain needs a break from . . . basically everything.” I couldn’t agree more!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the advanced copy of this highly recommended middle grade novel!
alliereads's review
4.0
Serena Says is about a middle grade black girl named Serena who is going through some of the ups and downs of middle school. This book brought back some memories I had from middle school. It was such a time for learning who we were and how we were going to fit in the world. This book had the perfect atmosphere. I love that Serena was using vlogging as a tool to learn how to talk to her friends, family and people in general.
I loved how Serena started out with her friendship with JC but had to figure out how to really communicate with her now that there relationship was changing a bit. Luckily they learned to communicate with each other and are still friends in the end.
I loved how Serena started out with her friendship with JC but had to figure out how to really communicate with her now that there relationship was changing a bit. Luckily they learned to communicate with each other and are still friends in the end.
tx2its's review
4.0
Reading 2020
Book 184: Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis
Saw this book on Instagram on a few Pub Day posts (pub day Nov. 3, 2020). Put it on hold at the library and got it quickly.
Serena is a young lady who skipped a grade, and is now in 6th grade. Her best friend since 4th grade, JC, is out of school for several months after a kidney transplant. Serena is trying to be seen as a leader and reporter. She so wants a shot at the morning announcement that she started a vlog (just practice to start in her room). She expresses all her opinions of the day, hurts she is experiencing, and voicing the struggles middle school kids have. Serena must deal with her best friend finding another friend, and a boy in her class that she has hurt by sharing his secret. It is hard to be a middle schooler, and Serena is expressing all of it.
This was a cute book, a definite addition to a classroom library as it reviewed for grades 3 and older. You can't help but love Serena. My rating 4⭐️.
Book 184: Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis
Saw this book on Instagram on a few Pub Day posts (pub day Nov. 3, 2020). Put it on hold at the library and got it quickly.
Serena is a young lady who skipped a grade, and is now in 6th grade. Her best friend since 4th grade, JC, is out of school for several months after a kidney transplant. Serena is trying to be seen as a leader and reporter. She so wants a shot at the morning announcement that she started a vlog (just practice to start in her room). She expresses all her opinions of the day, hurts she is experiencing, and voicing the struggles middle school kids have. Serena must deal with her best friend finding another friend, and a boy in her class that she has hurt by sharing his secret. It is hard to be a middle schooler, and Serena is expressing all of it.
This was a cute book, a definite addition to a classroom library as it reviewed for grades 3 and older. You can't help but love Serena. My rating 4⭐️.
miszjeanie's review
4.0
Serena Says is a relatable, enjoyable middle-grade book about evolving friendships, sisterhood, and gaining confidence in oneself. With nods to ethnic diversity and mental illness awareness, this slice-of-life middle-grade book is fun to read, and features a cast of memorable characters in a middle school setting. If you enjoy middle-grade books by Black authors or books about sisters, you will definitely love this one. Bonus points if you enjoy audiobooks, because this one is terrific.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
crystal_reading's review
4.0
Review copy: Digital copy via Netgalley
Serena is having friendship issues. Her best friend seems to be getting very close with a new student. Friendships are tricky. I appreciate that this book deals with that because so many elementary and middle school readers are dealing with this too. Because she's not with her bestie so much, she is also beginning to see other students and interact with them in different ways.
An added bit of fun in the book is that Serena is experimenting with blogging and DIY craft projects.
Serena is having friendship issues. Her best friend seems to be getting very close with a new student. Friendships are tricky. I appreciate that this book deals with that because so many elementary and middle school readers are dealing with this too. Because she's not with her bestie so much, she is also beginning to see other students and interact with them in different ways.
An added bit of fun in the book is that Serena is experimenting with blogging and DIY craft projects.
ilovebooks30's review
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
msqueenieclem's review
5.0
Serena is a bit of a shadow call of best friend JC. Serena is a vlogger who is trying to find her voice.
I really enjoyed the middle-grade book. The main character is lost and is trying to find her way. She will not speak up for herself and it's very depressing.
The author's writing style was clear and understandable. The characters I could relate to. The storyline was as realistic because that is what preteens go through. The dialogue between the characters was real, relatable, and funny. The things of this book were friendships, trust, self-esteem, peer pressure, and siblings. I really enjoyed the story. I am eager to learn more about this author. I recommend this book to tweens and young adults. I give this book five stars.
I really enjoyed the middle-grade book. The main character is lost and is trying to find her way. She will not speak up for herself and it's very depressing.
The author's writing style was clear and understandable. The characters I could relate to. The storyline was as realistic because that is what preteens go through. The dialogue between the characters was real, relatable, and funny. The things of this book were friendships, trust, self-esteem, peer pressure, and siblings. I really enjoyed the story. I am eager to learn more about this author. I recommend this book to tweens and young adults. I give this book five stars.
pib003's review
5.0
What a delightful, original story. Everything felt real-the unique situations of the characters, their personalities, their growth. Davis expertly depicts the bittersweet pain of growing out of a friendship, and into new ones. I will recommend this title highly!