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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Kids suck. Hated this book. Not a great intro to Judy Blume.
This book is well written (like all Judy Blume books) but the characters in this were horrible. I expected Jill to be a character that laughed along despite knowing what was happening was wrong but no, she is a spiteful bully, just like everyone else. I was annoyed that she didn't get her comeuppance. Neither did any of the other bullies but then, that is real life.
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-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
I wonder if this book could still be written and published in the PC world of today. It's honest, it's cruel and there are no teachers or parents riding up to save the day. Or even really nice kids. It's just plain honest and real, the way it is in real life. No easy solutions, no aha moments and the reality that you can be the next victim of the bully
Such an interesting POV and a great way to see dynamics between girls who want to fit in and girls who can’t.
4.5 stars
I appreciate this predecessor of Mean Girls. It is very much a relic of its time period, even if it's almost unbelievable through the lens of modern day. There was a brief interview with Blume at the end of this book and she said something to the effect of this book not being a book that you just read and then put away. It draws out questions and discussions about bullying and empathy and I really liked what she had to say.
This book isn't preaching about the topics is deals with, and that's what's so cool about it. It's creating thoughts and feelings and leaving the answers up to the readers. I don't think Middle Grade fiction puts that much faith in its readers anymore. In my experience, more recent MG either preaches about its topic or it avoids hard topics all together. Thank you, Judy Blume, for having faith in smart kids and involved parents.
I appreciate this predecessor of Mean Girls. It is very much a relic of its time period, even if it's almost unbelievable through the lens of modern day. There was a brief interview with Blume at the end of this book and she said something to the effect of this book not being a book that you just read and then put away. It draws out questions and discussions about bullying and empathy and I really liked what she had to say.
This book isn't preaching about the topics is deals with, and that's what's so cool about it. It's creating thoughts and feelings and leaving the answers up to the readers. I don't think Middle Grade fiction puts that much faith in its readers anymore. In my experience, more recent MG either preaches about its topic or it avoids hard topics all together. Thank you, Judy Blume, for having faith in smart kids and involved parents.
This was hard to read as an adult! The bullying is just heartwrenching. What a complicated little book.
Wow, this book is creepier and meaner than I thought it would be. Also, the lead character is a bitch.I loved it.
this book was so depressing. glad i never read it as a child