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panda_incognito's review against another edition
3.0
Back in the day, my sister and I were thrilled to read this book, because we had never before encountered a homeschooled character in a mainstream novel. Jess was only a nontraditional student while accompany her parents on their archaeology trip in Belize, but when it's 2006 and you've never seen homeschooling represented in popular culture, you take what you can get.
I reread this for the nostalgia, and I enjoyed it. The plot is predictable, and the central character conflict is that Jess wants her family to stop thinking of her as the "baby," but even though these weaknesses keep the book down to the level of other modern-day American Girl novels, the setting is well-drawn and interesting, and I enjoyed seeing how well the author wove in atmospheric and cultural details. This book is far more unique and educational than the average girl-of-the-year novel, and I can see why I enjoyed it so much thirteen years ago. Even though I have no interest in owning this, I am glad that I had the chance to read it again while my library still has copies.
I reread this for the nostalgia, and I enjoyed it. The plot is predictable, and the central character conflict is that Jess wants her family to stop thinking of her as the "baby," but even though these weaknesses keep the book down to the level of other modern-day American Girl novels, the setting is well-drawn and interesting, and I enjoyed seeing how well the author wove in atmospheric and cultural details. This book is far more unique and educational than the average girl-of-the-year novel, and I can see why I enjoyed it so much thirteen years ago. Even though I have no interest in owning this, I am glad that I had the chance to read it again while my library still has copies.
theresidentbookworm's review
4.0
I was never one to buy the Girl of the Year doll (except Mia because I love her), but I always read the stories. Jess's is a particular favorite of mine. I love to travel, and getting to study on an archeological dig site sounds fascinating. Good story, good characters, and still has a place on my bookshelf. Recommended!
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