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marieintheraw's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the discussions on divorce and how they were handled in this, but felt the advice column portions could have been stronger.
I got an ARC of this book at Bookcon via the publisher; all opinions are my own.
I got an ARC of this book at Bookcon via the publisher; all opinions are my own.
chris10b's review against another edition
5.0
I love Julie Murphy's writing. This is such an adorable book.
madmollyann's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mlwilson1021's review
4.0
Sweet Pea is a perfect book for middle grade students. There were times in the book that I rolled my eyes a bit because it was a little too perfect, but I’m sure many of 6th graders will love Sweet Pea and the happy ending she gets.
alittleoverdue's review
4.0
I've thoroughly enjoyed many of Julie Murphy's young adult novels, so I was very excited to dive into her first foray into middle grade fiction. This one did not disappoint! I'm particularly drawn to realistic fiction and protagonists with an interest in writing, so this one ticked both those boxes for me (and middle grade me would've appreciated this one too). Murphy also delivers some of the most frank and refreshing insight on the reality of being in a larger body in society in ANY fiction book, adult or children's book, that I've encountered. I loved how this was just part of the narrative and character and not the focal point nor point of the story. Never having lived in the South, I also appreciate getting a taste of this experience through her stories.
jesstele's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.25
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
Dear Sweet Pea sort of lies in between Dumplin' and Puddin' for me rating wise. I'm not going to lie, I was really hesitant to dive into this novella because of how I rated the first two books in this series. Now this doesn't mean I completely hated them or this one, but I am trying to find something redeemable or likable in each book. It's a bit of a struggle but I'm hoping that one day it will happen. So maybe Pumpkin can redeem this whole series for me? Who knows!
So in this book, you will meet Patricia (a.k.a. Sweet Pea). She is going through a lot of change for being a 7th grader. One, her parents are getting a divorced. Two, her dad came out to her. Three, she is dealing with some her demons from the past (sort of).
Coming from a household of divorced parents, I didn't see the big deal. I was actually applauding her dad and mom for telling her the truth. The only thing that weirded me out was the whole mirror housing thing. Also living on the same street. Yeah, those two things kind of freaked me out. Mostly because my parents got divorce when I was in 4th grade and they moved into houses that were about 5ish minutes apart. They live in the same city but different districts. So, for me, that seemed normal. I also have friends who have divorced parents and they live in different states. Which seems normal to me as well.
The whole two houses on the same street - not normal to me.
Besides that, she is still dealing with the fact that her ex-best friend ditched her forever ago for skinnier and prettier girls. The whole drama around that situation seemed a bit pointless to me but then again all middle school drama does. People change and grow all the time.
Other than that, it did have some cute moments and dove into interesting topics for being a middle grade book.
So in this book, you will meet Patricia (a.k.a. Sweet Pea). She is going through a lot of change for being a 7th grader. One, her parents are getting a divorced. Two, her dad came out to her. Three, she is dealing with some her demons from the past (sort of).
Coming from a household of divorced parents, I didn't see the big deal. I was actually applauding her dad and mom for telling her the truth. The only thing that weirded me out was the whole mirror housing thing. Also living on the same street. Yeah, those two things kind of freaked me out. Mostly because my parents got divorce when I was in 4th grade and they moved into houses that were about 5ish minutes apart. They live in the same city but different districts. So, for me, that seemed normal. I also have friends who have divorced parents and they live in different states. Which seems normal to me as well.
The whole two houses on the same street - not normal to me.
Besides that, she is still dealing with the fact that her ex-best friend ditched her forever ago for skinnier and prettier girls. The whole drama around that situation seemed a bit pointless to me but then again all middle school drama does. People change and grow all the time.
Other than that, it did have some cute moments and dove into interesting topics for being a middle grade book.
erincataldi's review against another edition
4.0
This book was precious. Patricia (known to everyone as Sweet Pea) is having a rough end to seventh grade. Her parents are divorced and living on the same street in nearly identical houses. They're trying to be real chill about it, splitting their time with her; but it's making it more confusing for Sweet Pea. Why can't they just be together as a family? To make matters more confusing she's having mixed feelings about her frenemy Kiera (maybe she's not all that bad?) and her best friend Oscar is upset that she's not telling him everything. The thing is though, Sweet Pea made a promise to her neighbor (the advice columnist) to keep a secret but it may blow up in her face. Cute, charming, and dealing with lots of issues that middle school teens face: bullying, weight, divorce, friendship, and trying to fit in. The reason it's not a 5 star book to me, is that at times, Sweet Pea sounds far too mature for her age, sometimes her voice just seemed to be "too much" for her age and it lost it's believability factor. Other than that it was great!
kris10l's review
5.0
This heartwarming read is perfect for middle school readers, but would be enjoyed by readers of all ages! I highly recommend it!