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eggatha's review
4.0
This book was pretty good and the kid liked it. It delved a lot into the complexities of friendships and how friendships change over time, even for adults. I would like to read a whole book just about the group of older women friends and their decades of drama.
I am glad that she ended up ditching Sylvie at the end, although I don't know if it was believable. I wonder if more realistically she would have kind of tried to hang onto her a bit longer. It was only two months from her first being left out to declaring she was done with her forever. I mean, it was mature of her, and showed growth, but I don't know how realistic it was.
I want to know more about the end of the original frienship with her and Brenna. When she read through her mom's old emails it made it seem like her mom was convinced Brenna was a terrible person, but it never really got explained. I know her mom was written as overly dramatic, so maybe there was nothing there.
ASIDE:
We just started reading another book by the same author, though (11 Before 12) and the first few chapters feel a lot like this book. I am guessing the author included a lot things about her own childhood (Hebrew school, friendship groups having weird nicknames, having backyard S'mores), in both books, but I'm hoping she covers some new ground.
Spoiler
I am glad that she ended up ditching Sylvie at the end, although I don't know if it was believable. I wonder if more realistically she would have kind of tried to hang onto her a bit longer. It was only two months from her first being left out to declaring she was done with her forever. I mean, it was mature of her, and showed growth, but I don't know how realistic it was.
I want to know more about the end of the original frienship with her and Brenna. When she read through her mom's old emails it made it seem like her mom was convinced Brenna was a terrible person, but it never really got explained. I know her mom was written as overly dramatic, so maybe there was nothing there.
ASIDE:
We just started reading another book by the same author, though (11 Before 12) and the first few chapters feel a lot like this book. I am guessing the author included a lot things about her own childhood (Hebrew school, friendship groups having weird nicknames, having backyard S'mores), in both books, but I'm hoping she covers some new ground.
miszjeanie's review
4.0
Dear Friends is a highly relatable, summery middle grade book about what it means to be a good friend and maintain strong friendships. Featuring a likable, enthusiastic protagonist who’s experienced several friendship disappointments (most of her own making), this story manages to be fun and poignant and with an epistolary touch as Eleni records her progress in a diary.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
honeywhiskey's review
4.0
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lisa Greenwald did an excellent job of capturing the drama of middle school friendships. Without coming across as condescending to middle grade readers, Greenwald explored how friendships can change throughout the years. I wish I had this book to read to my younger self. Bonus points for excellent representation of kids from many cultures.
Lisa Greenwald did an excellent job of capturing the drama of middle school friendships. Without coming across as condescending to middle grade readers, Greenwald explored how friendships can change throughout the years. I wish I had this book to read to my younger self. Bonus points for excellent representation of kids from many cultures.
kyla_readz's review
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
5.0
scoutabout's review
emotional
informative
sad
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
4.25
readingwithcats's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
buchliebhaber's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jonannlovesbooktalk's review against another edition
5.0
"Dear Friends" audiobook by Lisa Greenwald, is a middle school coming-of-age book about friendship. It is a beautiful story that preteen girls will love. The story is sweet and relatable. The author beautifully includes life lessons that can be applied to everyday experiences.
Eleni and Sylvie, have been best friends since they were babies. They share many memories of good times together. Eleni helps Svlvie plan her 12th birthday party. Finally the big day arrives and Eleni is so excited for Sylvie. True to the girls plans, the party is held in Sylvie's backyard complete with tents that are so much fun for the outdoor movie night the girls dreamed of. There is a huge movie screen, theater popcorn, balloons, fizzy lemonade, pizza, cake, and Taylor Swift music. It's absolutely perfect until Eleni discovers that 3 of the girls are spending the night with Sylvie and Eleni was not invited. W-H-A-T? Why would Sylvie exclude her best friend? Eleni is beyond devastated and begins her journey to learn what true friendship is all about.
"Dear Friends" audiobook will be published May 10th.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio, for allowing me to review this audiobook. It's the ideal audiobook to share with preteen girls.
Eleni and Sylvie, have been best friends since they were babies. They share many memories of good times together. Eleni helps Svlvie plan her 12th birthday party. Finally the big day arrives and Eleni is so excited for Sylvie. True to the girls plans, the party is held in Sylvie's backyard complete with tents that are so much fun for the outdoor movie night the girls dreamed of. There is a huge movie screen, theater popcorn, balloons, fizzy lemonade, pizza, cake, and Taylor Swift music. It's absolutely perfect until Eleni discovers that 3 of the girls are spending the night with Sylvie and Eleni was not invited. W-H-A-T? Why would Sylvie exclude her best friend? Eleni is beyond devastated and begins her journey to learn what true friendship is all about.
"Dear Friends" audiobook will be published May 10th.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio, for allowing me to review this audiobook. It's the ideal audiobook to share with preteen girls.
emilymyhren's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
4.75
I received a free digital ARC of this book from Netgalley. Dear Friends is great read for Middle Schoolers figure out friendships as they grow up.
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