Scan barcode
ellytheskelly's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
Giving it 5 stars, but off the books, it's closer to a 4.95 because I really would like to see Lisa getting some respect around here oh my gosh I feel so bad for her!!!
It's very authentic, in terms of having their dynamics be unintentionally irritating and being at Lisa's expense, but I wish she got a similar kind of care and handling as Chanda's sister.
I can really see that the team found their footing and worked as a real unit here! I loved the way that the artist really got to shine with large panels here, Chanda and Beth feel so alive and expressive in this story, and I'm glad that this narrative did not shy away from bringing up real issues that people face.
It's very authentic, in terms of having their dynamics be unintentionally irritating and being at Lisa's expense, but I wish she got a similar kind of care and handling as Chanda's sister.
I can really see that the team found their footing and worked as a real unit here! I loved the way that the artist really got to shine with large panels here, Chanda and Beth feel so alive and expressive in this story, and I'm glad that this narrative did not shy away from bringing up real issues that people face.
yuuto's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
finesilkflower's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Beth and Chanda, best friends who are minor characters in the "Click" graphic novel series, got their own story first in "Besties Work It Out," which was a fun middle grades graphic novel about the two fifth-graders starting a pet-sitting business. This volume, which centers around the sixth grade dance, feels like a real transition in concerns from childhood to teenagerhood. Beth and Chanda's immediate reaction to the dance news is to start building outfit moodboards, but thanks to an offhand comment from an older sister, they realize to their horror that they're expected to go with dates. Chanda immediately begins a Type A quest to find the perfect arm candy, while Beth quietly fosters a sweet flirtation but struggles to find a dress in her size.
This volume felt not only more complex but a bit scattered with multiple storylines and issues raised. There are at least six storylines (each girl has a distinct date and dress dilemma, plus a storyline about her older sister), and there's not really enough room to fully get into everything. I appreciate that the overall lesson is about honoring your own needs and desires over perfectionism in the eyes of society, and that the various conflicts are handled without drawing a wedge between the best friends.
Random Observations:
* I appreciate this series' commitment to continuity; for example, the pet-sitting business from the previous Besties book is still a big part of Beth and Chanda's lives.
* I also really like that, most of the time, complex issues are honored by having frank discussions about them. We don't just see it implied that Beth has a hard time finding a dress because clothes aren't made for fat people; she talks openly about it.
* I feel like queerness is a notable exception (and that this has been a pattern in this series). It's heavily implied that Chanda and Ava like each other, but in a series that so often blows up subtext by making it text and actually dealing with it, it's a little disappointing that there was no actual statement that they were interested in each other romantically. It feels like a missed opportunity, particularly because compulsory heterosexuality joins whiteness and thinness as things society praises and holds up as perfect which you actively have to fight to question, and the book did manage to explicitly address those other issues in a simple kid-friendly way.
* Ava is also conspicuously absent from the wordless epilogue that goes out of its way to tie up other loose ends and fully establish Sam as a part of Beth's life going forward.
* Beth's mom coming through with a dress felt like deus ex machina.
* What kind of sixth-grade coach insists that the cheerleaders go to a dance with the football players?? This seems like something you should get fired for??
* Olive going to the dance with two people feels like a tacit endorsement of my "Olive will grow up to be polyamorous" theory outlined in my review of "Break."
This volume felt not only more complex but a bit scattered with multiple storylines and issues raised. There are at least six storylines (each girl has a distinct date and dress dilemma, plus a storyline about her older sister), and there's not really enough room to fully get into everything. I appreciate that the overall lesson is about honoring your own needs and desires over perfectionism in the eyes of society, and that the various conflicts are handled without drawing a wedge between the best friends.
Random Observations:
* I appreciate this series' commitment to continuity; for example, the pet-sitting business from the previous Besties book is still a big part of Beth and Chanda's lives.
* I also really like that, most of the time, complex issues are honored by having frank discussions about them. We don't just see it implied that Beth has a hard time finding a dress because clothes aren't made for fat people; she talks openly about it.
* I feel like queerness is a notable exception (and that this has been a pattern in this series). It's heavily implied that Chanda and Ava like each other, but in a series that so often blows up subtext by making it text and actually dealing with it, it's a little disappointing that there was no actual statement that they were interested in each other romantically. It feels like a missed opportunity, particularly because compulsory heterosexuality joins whiteness and thinness as things society praises and holds up as perfect which you actively have to fight to question, and the book did manage to explicitly address those other issues in a simple kid-friendly way.
* Ava is also conspicuously absent from the wordless epilogue that goes out of its way to tie up other loose ends and fully establish Sam as a part of Beth's life going forward.
* Beth's mom coming through with a dress felt like deus ex machina.
* What kind of sixth-grade coach insists that the cheerleaders go to a dance with the football players?? This seems like something you should get fired for??
* Olive going to the dance with two people feels like a tacit endorsement of my "Olive will grow up to be polyamorous" theory outlined in my review of "Break."
isabelduhreader's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing sequel! Loved all the positive messages in this story
hidingincorners's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent continuation of the side series! The way they've developed the girls' friendship and their understanding of class dynamics was fantastic. I was also experiencing a lot of cringe with the date to the dance plotline because I saw so much of my middle school self in them. I'm so glad they grew through that!!
maryehavens's review against another edition
4.0
Chanda had some issues!! But she came around and stopped being a jerk to everyone. Really loved Beth.
My library only had this one but I hope they get more Chanda and Beth books. I enjoyed watching them navigate their first dance.
My library only had this one but I hope they get more Chanda and Beth books. I enjoyed watching them navigate their first dance.
la_de_cha's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve read all the books in both the Click and Besties series and this one brought me to tears. As an adult and seeing myself in the situations Beth and Chanda are in resonates so much with how I feel looking back at my time in middle school I can only image how kids today reading this feel.
As both the Click and Besties series move on I love seeing how the conflicts in the stories become more about world view rather than the local drama.
As both the Click and Besties series move on I love seeing how the conflicts in the stories become more about world view rather than the local drama.
swtmarie's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely enjoyed reading this sequel in the World of Click series. It dealt with more middle school challenges that many kids face and it felt like a real story. Chanda is a little excessive with wanting everything perfect and Beth just wants to be sweet Beth and have fun without all of the stress. In the end it works out and they resolve their issues and they enjoy their first school formal together. I haven't read any of the Click books yet so I am excited to check them out and see the stories of some of the other characters.
justaprilann's review against another edition
5.0
I really wish I had learned some of these lessons as a kid! The characters are all so kind, makes me want to be a better person.
colorlilas's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
5.0