Reviews

I appreciate that this book is about how dirty politics and ruthless ambition can get the best of you. But I found it upsetting that this was about 10-year-old children, and the resolution was the public humiliation of the "bad children," including humiliation inflicted by one child's own mother (yikes) and this was all presented as a "everything worked out in the end" resolution. I was also bothered by the message that there's nothing inherently wrong with wanting to be rich, famous, and powerful as its own goal. It felt like the "helping people is what it's all about" vibe was an afterthought. The "villains" were altogether flat, inhuman characters. Jasmine is a bloodthirsty rich girl, and very little compassion is extended about her being exposed - literally - in public, twice. "Weasel" is a caricature weird kid who shows almost no after effects from his public humiliation, and in fact his mother is presented as righteous for bullying her own child. I liked that there was an effort to de-mystify the problem of unhoused people and that Bri really wanted to help them. I think that could have been better served by the characters actually meeting these people rather than keeping them at a distance. They're a project for Bri; they're never really humanized.
I saw other criticism saying that the way Bri's friends treat her is unfair and maybe not believable. But having been bullied at this age, I can say this is the part that really rang completely true to me. At that age it IS easy for kids to be manipulated, and for them to lack to complex understanding of social situations where they imagine things from other people's point of view. It was very easy to believe that well-meaning girls ended up almost gaslighting one of their oldest friends instead of believing what she says, because they were fooled by the performance of this new girl. 100% spot on. And that conflict was definitely a compelling, story-moving plot point. That was very well-done.

bcat0124's review

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funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted 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

wintermote's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars. Great middle grades realistic fiction dealing with conflict in relationships, making wise choices, loving others and justice. Wonderful Therese dealt with in a realistic manner.

jbrooks124's review against another edition

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3.0

I found it incredibly hard to like the main character until close to the end of the book. I didn’t feel like she was making great personal growth throughout most of the story. The lesson in the end was sweet, but I would not use this for a read aloud with my fourth grade class.

mastablein's review against another edition

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funny informative inspiring 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? It's complicated

3.75

The interesting facts woven into the story make for a fun educational read

rsngphoenix's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted fast-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

3.5

ande_4366's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a great short read. The characters are clearly developed and the storyline made sense. Oh what I would give to be young again where I also only have the dream of becoming a millionaire, before I was broken and crushed by the cruel reality of capitalism.

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