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hannahsutherland's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Whilst this is not my favourite Lili Wilinson book (A Pocketful of Eyes), this was a fast, fun read.
I'm a little bit outside of the target demographic, but I think when I was younger I would have loved the environental aspect of this book and the grumpy/sunshine relationship.
Astrid was an annoying character and everytime she mentioned how popular, lovable and perfect she was I cringed, but that was easy to overlook.
I'm a little bit outside of the target demographic, but I think when I was younger I would have loved the environental aspect of this book and the grumpy/sunshine relationship.
Astrid was an annoying character and everytime she mentioned how popular, lovable and perfect she was I cringed, but that was easy to overlook.
dani_bugz's review
4.0
Actual rating 3.5
While nothing special, Green Valentine is a cutesy read with some educational stuff splashed in. I wasn't the biggest fan of the relationship that developed but it was understandable and really evoked the teen angst it was supposed to. While it may be aimed at girls (largely due to the cover) I think some of the more sensitive young boys out there may enjoy it as well. It does seem slightly younger than some of the stuff I usually read, and despite the ages of the characters, but it was cute, quirky and enjoyable nonetheless!
Personally I plan on using it as a companion novel to my Year 9 science classes as we talk about biology, biodiversity, recycling and energy.
Age: 13+
Warnings: Breasts are mentioned. Literally nothing else.
While nothing special, Green Valentine is a cutesy read with some educational stuff splashed in. I wasn't the biggest fan of the relationship that developed
Spoiler
and honestly I think Astrid should have ended up with that sweet as sugar strawberry-guy!Personally I plan on using it as a companion novel to my Year 9 science classes as we talk about biology, biodiversity, recycling and energy.
Age: 13+
Warnings: Breasts are mentioned. Literally nothing else.
briaa's review
5.0
I cried in the council meeting scene when the whole town shows up in support of Astrid's vision. Twice. And once more when the book ended.
Was not expecting to love this in the way that I did. I think my heart's expanded.
Was not expecting to love this in the way that I did. I think my heart's expanded.
melbsreads's review
4.0
I borrowed this book from work nearly two months ago, and then put off reading it because seriously? A young adult book about guerrilla gardening? Why on earth would I be interested in that?! Yeah, I just read this sucker cover to cover in a couple of hours because I was so engrossed in the story.
At first, Astrid's a really easy character to dislike. She's sanctimonious and abrasive and looks down her nose at EVERYONE who doesn't do the things she deems necessary to save the planet. And we're supposed to believe that despite all of this, she's somehow one of the most popular girls in school? Uh, okay. And yet, at the story progressed and Astrid's character grew and changed, I found myself warming to her.
Even as someone who hates gardening with a fiery passion (something my mother despairs of), I actually really liked the guerrilla gardening aspect of the story, and the sense of community that develops in the local community as a result.
Basically, I was expecting something kind of meh, and I got something thoroughly enjoyable.
At first, Astrid's a really easy character to dislike. She's sanctimonious and abrasive and looks down her nose at EVERYONE who doesn't do the things she deems necessary to save the planet. And we're supposed to believe that despite all of this, she's somehow one of the most popular girls in school? Uh, okay. And yet, at the story progressed and Astrid's character grew and changed, I found myself warming to her.
Even as someone who hates gardening with a fiery passion (something my mother despairs of), I actually really liked the guerrilla gardening aspect of the story, and the sense of community that develops in the local community as a result.
Basically, I was expecting something kind of meh, and I got something thoroughly enjoyable.
karlalala13's review
4.0
Astrid is a cool girl who wants to save the environment. Hiro is a slacker rebelling hard against anything and everything. Astrid dresses up as a critically endangered Hairy Marron at the mall to raise awareness. Hiro has a crush on the girl in a lobster suit.
Look, I don't know, don't ask me.
Anyway, Hiro doesn’t recognise Astrid the Lobster from school and so begins their mutual flirting. At school, the two get thrown together to work on the school garden. They warm to each other and decide to make their suburb beautiful, one garden at a time.
I love the idea of guerrilla gardening and I loved the tagline of this book: Resistance is fertile. This book is sweet and cute and all about changing the world and bettering our environment. I loved it.
It can be a little cheesy and predictable in places and I both liked and hated Astrid and Hiro at different moments, but at the heart of this book are two people falling in love with each other and with trying to change the world.
Look, I don't know, don't ask me.
Anyway, Hiro doesn’t recognise Astrid the Lobster from school and so begins their mutual flirting. At school, the two get thrown together to work on the school garden. They warm to each other and decide to make their suburb beautiful, one garden at a time.
I love the idea of guerrilla gardening and I loved the tagline of this book: Resistance is fertile. This book is sweet and cute and all about changing the world and bettering our environment. I loved it.
It can be a little cheesy and predictable in places and I both liked and hated Astrid and Hiro at different moments, but at the heart of this book are two people falling in love with each other and with trying to change the world.
_jessicah's review
4.0
This was so sweet! A quick happy-maker after The Raven Cycle.
The romance was super cute and gave me the warm fuzzies.
The message was great even though it did feel a little preachy at times.
I love supporting Aussie authors! Loved it :)
The romance was super cute and gave me the warm fuzzies.
The message was great even though it did feel a little preachy at times.
I love supporting Aussie authors! Loved it :)