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julie_reads15's review
4.0
Summary
Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein is an Australian middle grade novel about two girls and their struggle between friendship and jealousy.
Erica Yurken is an aspiring actress who is in Year 6 at the notorious Barringa East Primary School, a school in a socially disadvantaged area.
Erica can't wait for the day she can escape Barringa East and follow her dreams. She believes she's superior to everyone else at school and avoids them by making up excuses to spend recess in the sick bay.
When Alison Ashley, from posh Hedge End Road, is forced to move schools and be in Erica's class, Erica realises she's got some competition. Alison Ashley is sophisticated, smart, angelic and all the teachers love her.
With the Year 6 camp drama night coming up, Erica believes it's the perfect opportunity for her debut in to the acting world. Although things don't quite go to plan and Erica learns important life lessons.
Review
I enjoyed reading this book because it reminded me of my childhood and how I enjoyed watching the movie adaptation.
I couldn't help but like Erica, even though she had a neurotic personality. I think we've all related to her at times.She was quirky, funny and had wild imagination. Her lies about her life, to make her sound impressive to Alison Ashley, were inventive and humorous.
Although sometimes Erica was a little over the top and a little too mean, especially to Alison Ashley. Her character development seemed a little slow.
I liked the cast of crazy secondary characters, especially Erica's family. They all had distinct personalities.
I liked the Australian slang and references. It was refreshing to read an Australian book with distinct Australian language.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 12 years and older and wants to read a book about friendship and jealousy, with an Australian twist.
Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein is an Australian middle grade novel about two girls and their struggle between friendship and jealousy.
Erica Yurken is an aspiring actress who is in Year 6 at the notorious Barringa East Primary School, a school in a socially disadvantaged area.
Erica can't wait for the day she can escape Barringa East and follow her dreams. She believes she's superior to everyone else at school and avoids them by making up excuses to spend recess in the sick bay.
When Alison Ashley, from posh Hedge End Road, is forced to move schools and be in Erica's class, Erica realises she's got some competition. Alison Ashley is sophisticated, smart, angelic and all the teachers love her.
With the Year 6 camp drama night coming up, Erica believes it's the perfect opportunity for her debut in to the acting world. Although things don't quite go to plan and Erica learns important life lessons.
Review
I enjoyed reading this book because it reminded me of my childhood and how I enjoyed watching the movie adaptation.
I couldn't help but like Erica, even though she had a neurotic personality. I think we've all related to her at times.She was quirky, funny and had wild imagination. Her lies about her life, to make her sound impressive to Alison Ashley, were inventive and humorous.
Although sometimes Erica was a little over the top and a little too mean, especially to Alison Ashley. Her character development seemed a little slow.
I liked the cast of crazy secondary characters, especially Erica's family. They all had distinct personalities.
I liked the Australian slang and references. It was refreshing to read an Australian book with distinct Australian language.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 12 years and older and wants to read a book about friendship and jealousy, with an Australian twist.
lexjo's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
prada's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
katrina_ingram's review against another edition
3.5
I enjoyed this despite disliking the main character. Erika wasn’t nice, she was a compulsive liar and horrible Alison Ashley. I did want her to grow though and understood where a little of the negative feelings came from
stinamirabilis's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED this book when I was about 8 or 9. I actually think a teacher read it to the class, I can't remember.
phantomeyer's review against another edition
4.0
I think this hit too close to home when I first read it in primary school.
samvdp's review
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
saloniporwal's review against another edition
4.0
Even though the story is so simple and just about a girl who hates another, there is so much fun. Erica's crazy antics, her siblings, her mother, her mother's boyfriend will all keep you in stiches. Klein has a hidden message behind this book which ...more
chapterkat's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.5