Reviews

Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee

baxgirl's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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? No

4.25

kscheffrahn's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? No

3.75

annalisaely's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

rainyoctober's review against another edition

hopeful 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? No

4.75

this was soooooo cute!!! i love cline alden and you should too

betweentheshelves's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

This is a totally queer, totally music driven middle grade novel and I am here for it. From the beginning, Cline knows that she likes other girls, but she's afraid to tell other people. What she finds, though, is that she feels like she can communicate it through song. Music gives her the confidence to be herself, and that's such a beautiful thing in a middle grade book.

However, Cline also struggles with changing friendships because of her identity. There are discussions in here about religion, about finding yourself, about allowing yourself to be open with your friends. I loved Cline's journey of accepting herself, and her little butterflies for her new songwriting partner were adorable. Ormsbee's middle grade voice feels real and authentic, and I am so happy that this book exists.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Dementia, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry

Minor: Death of parent

lpineo's review

5.0

What a great, heartfelt book. This middle grade novel centers on Cline, a country music loving singer/songwriter who wants to do what she can to live her dream, even if her mom doesn't understand. Through the book Cline learns about herself, who she can count on, what's really been happening in her family for the past few years and how music affects her whole life. I'm not a fan of country music (can't stand it actually) but the book is no worse to me for it. This young teen's story is so sweet and earnest you have to cheer for her even when she's doing something wrong.

jennifer1001's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring

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

5.0

adoms's review against another edition

funny hopeful informative inspiring 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

5.0

pdestrienne's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

Cline has a distinctive narrative voice that was fun to read, her crush was very cute and organic (tho I think they are going to have to work out their communication styles if they keep dating to make sure each one feels heard). I thought the storyline with family money issues and illness was very tenderly written, and the lock in at church was heartwrenching.

themagician's review against another edition

5.0

Such a standout book, both in middle grade and as a whole. Neat, lovable, full of casual representation, and such a real story so full of heart and powerful women