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bunceyyy's review against another edition
5.0
I love Tracy Beaker and I’ll read books about her forever.
amber_hastings's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Oh, Tracy Beaker. I feel so protective over her, but I also shake my head a little at some of her behaviour in a way I didn't when she (and I) was a child. Tracy, perhaps you needed a bit of therapy!
Nevertheless she's doing the best she can, and I love that. I think what struck me the most was how much emotional labour Tracy's daughter Jess takes on, which stands out when she's fretting about her mum having anger issues, relationships issues and job issues. It was a really lovely way to add a new dimension to Tracy's character while also shining a light on the way that parental behaviour and emotions can be monitored and taken on by their kids.
The story itself was very sweet, with mother and daughter together through thick and thin. I loved that Jess was developed as a full character in her own right and how much she contrasted with Tracy.
There's a lot to love for old fans of Tracy, though I do think you have to be prepared for seeing an old favourite in a new light.
I've seen the book criticised for being a bit slow and repetitive, which I somewhat agree with. I've also seen it criticised for not being overt in it's queer storyline. I understand this, but ultimately we're supposed to see the world through Jess's eyes, and she hasn't twigged what's happening between Cam and Mary, so I don't think it'd be right to make their storyline more overt. The reader can noticed what's happening but may be like Jess and not realise it either.
I'd love to know what a young reader makes of this, especially if they haven't read the Tracy Beaker stories.
Nevertheless she's doing the best she can, and I love that. I think what struck me the most was how much emotional labour Tracy's daughter Jess takes on, which stands out when she's fretting about her mum having anger issues, relationships issues and job issues. It was a really lovely way to add a new dimension to Tracy's character while also shining a light on the way that parental behaviour and emotions can be monitored and taken on by their kids.
The story itself was very sweet, with mother and daughter together through thick and thin. I loved that Jess was developed as a full character in her own right and how much she contrasted with Tracy.
There's a lot to love for old fans of Tracy, though I do think you have to be prepared for seeing an old favourite in a new light.
I've seen the book criticised for being a bit slow and repetitive, which I somewhat agree with. I've also seen it criticised for not being overt in it's queer storyline. I understand this, but ultimately we're supposed to see the world through Jess's eyes, and she hasn't twigged what's happening between Cam and Mary, so I don't think it'd be right to make their storyline more overt. The reader can noticed what's happening but may be like Jess and not realise it either.
I'd love to know what a young reader makes of this, especially if they haven't read the Tracy Beaker stories.
mgnraisin's review against another edition
5.0
Such a wonderful nostalgic read! It includes plenty of nods to classic Tracy Beaker fans but doesn’t feel forced or overdone. A truly lovely story that has me wanting to read all of JW’s more recent work!
twiinklex's review against another edition
4.0
"Mum! Don't cry! You never cry!"
"I'm not crying. It's hay fever."
Tracy Beaker will forever be a classic. I didn't realise there was a new book in the series so imagine my surprise when I found a copy of this latest installment in the library. Not only that, but it was of Tracy Beaker all grown up with a daughter!
I love it when beloved childhood characters grow with readers and we get a new book about their adult lives (just like how I was a teen when I read Tracy Beaker and I'm a young adult now) e.g. The Princess Diaries, The Mediator etc.
This was so nostalgic and it felt like nothing has changed. Jacqueline Wilson brought back all our favourite iconic characters, there were references to the previous Tracy Beaker books (and even mentions of two of Jacqueline Wilson's standalone titles, if I'm not wrong), and everyone was in character. At the same time, it's also a book that has kept up with modern times e.g. the mention of Instagram.
Also really loved the ending because
Spoiler
Tracy Beaker needs no mankate_leitch_10's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
sjyothis's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
omgvickyshutup's review against another edition
3.0
Purely off of nostalgia, I had to pick up this book. I didn’t get as much out of it as I would of at 10 years old, but was lovely to see what Tracy Beaker got up to regardless!
draculine's review against another edition
5.0
I was so interested to read this book and I absolutely loved it! It was so nice to visit a grown up version of one of the very important characters from my childhood, Tracy Beaker. I’m 24 now (weird whoa) and I’m so so glad I got to see Tracy Beaker all grown up but still being authentically herself.
This story was super amazing. I love how Jacqueline Wilson always captures this feeling of dreaming big but keeping things very real and down to earth at the same time. And how the best of endings can come from a place you least expect.
This was so nostalgic, yet a completely new and fun adventure. I’m so excited to read the next book!
Also it felt super awesome to still be using my ‘Best Friends’ bookmark from when I was younger and reading the books back when I was a small little vampire bat.
This story was super amazing. I love how Jacqueline Wilson always captures this feeling of dreaming big but keeping things very real and down to earth at the same time. And how the best of endings can come from a place you least expect.
This was so nostalgic, yet a completely new and fun adventure. I’m so excited to read the next book!
Also it felt super awesome to still be using my ‘Best Friends’ bookmark from when I was younger and reading the books back when I was a small little vampire bat.