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bookph1le's review
5.0
I am an adult and I love this series. I get super excited whenever a new book is out.
This book was no exception. Jorge is a character introduced in a previous book, and I was happy to get to know him better here. I absolutely love the fact that he's a big, intimidating-looking guy who has a healthy dose of respect for everyone and who believes in standing up for the underdogs. He is such a great representation of strength without the stereotypical hypermasculine baggage.
I was also so happy with some of the messages built into this book about bodily autonomy and how no one owes you their time or attention just because they demand it. None of this is done in a preachy manner, and it's just so amazing to see a popular series like this one build in information about what's healthy and acceptable in romantic relationships and friendships and what isn't.
I also respect that this series presents its characters with a lot of tough choices, and how it explores the grey areas instead of painting things as black and white for kids. This book is no exception, with Jorge having to make a big decision with regard to something one of his friends does. He struggles with it, and the book is good about exploring the ambivalence and confusion he feels.
Another thing I love about this series is how it tackles bullying in various forms. Though the previous book was more ostensibly about bullying, this one explores a more subtle form of bullying involving manipulation.
As always, the representation in this book is wonderful. The coach is a hijab-wearing Muslim woman, the drama teacher is a married lesbian, and the characters are racially diverse. All literature would benefit from more diversity, but it's especially important for kids in light of the massive discrepancies studies show exist between depictions of white characters in children's literature and depictions of characters of color in children's literature.
Chmakova has such sensitivity for her characters, and that sensitivity extends to characters a less skilled or less careful author might write off as bad. This sensitivity and complexity is what keeps me coming back to these books and leaves me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
As an aside, I also love the pages at the back, where Chmakova talks about her process and gives readers a peek at her work in progress, and seeing the picture of herself with her new baby was really sweet.
This book was no exception. Jorge is a character introduced in a previous book, and I was happy to get to know him better here. I absolutely love the fact that he's a big, intimidating-looking guy who has a healthy dose of respect for everyone and who believes in standing up for the underdogs. He is such a great representation of strength without the stereotypical hypermasculine baggage.
I was also so happy with some of the messages built into this book about bodily autonomy and how no one owes you their time or attention just because they demand it. None of this is done in a preachy manner, and it's just so amazing to see a popular series like this one build in information about what's healthy and acceptable in romantic relationships and friendships and what isn't.
I also respect that this series presents its characters with a lot of tough choices, and how it explores the grey areas instead of painting things as black and white for kids. This book is no exception, with Jorge having to make a big decision with regard to something one of his friends does. He struggles with it, and the book is good about exploring the ambivalence and confusion he feels.
Another thing I love about this series is how it tackles bullying in various forms. Though the previous book was more ostensibly about bullying, this one explores a more subtle form of bullying involving manipulation.
As always, the representation in this book is wonderful. The coach is a hijab-wearing Muslim woman, the drama teacher is a married lesbian, and the characters are racially diverse. All literature would benefit from more diversity, but it's especially important for kids in light of the massive discrepancies studies show exist between depictions of white characters in children's literature and depictions of characters of color in children's literature.
Chmakova has such sensitivity for her characters, and that sensitivity extends to characters a less skilled or less careful author might write off as bad. This sensitivity and complexity is what keeps me coming back to these books and leaves me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
As an aside, I also love the pages at the back, where Chmakova talks about her process and gives readers a peek at her work in progress, and seeing the picture of herself with her new baby was really sweet.
mehsi's review
5.0
I received this book from publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
As I said in my review for the previous book, I was hoping this one would be about Jorge, and look! Look! It is! Yay!!! fangirls
Jorge is so adorable, how he is trying to be all like: Oh nobody got time for all that dating stuff and blabla. We are on a mission to stop bullying and the like. Then he spots Jazmine and gets totally flustered! Adorable!!!!!! And that is how it goes every time he sees her, or if she talks to him. He just goes into the zone (which reminded me of scenes of manga/anime with swoony romance), and I just loved it. Of course, I was quickly (very quickly, like after one scene of that) rooting for Jorge and her to get together, or at least give Jorge the chance to confess. Go Jorge! Sadly, we find out that Jazmine has a boyfriend! SHOCK! Poor Jorge, he finally had worked up the courage to talk to Jazmine, and then finds out she is taken!
Haha: “Do I… like Jazmine?” Yes, sir, you do. And quite a lot given the way your acting. Face the music, and welcome to love!
And so, the story continues, we see Jorge navigate the treacherous ways of school, and still falling madly in love with Jazmine (he is noticing her everywhere).
Ahhhhhhh, adorable! He just asked her! YAYYYYYYY! Well, OK, to the ball, but it is a start! YAYYYYYY! Finally dating! I don’t consider that a spoiler, come on, it was obvious. Even with the whole boyfriend at first, I just knew that they would end up together. Eep! I just love how well they fitted together, and I was delighted to see the little things they did to spend time together.
Plus, good job Jorge, for acting normal when your girlfriend cuts her hair. Given how tons of other people reacted, which I found really stupid, but then again, I know from personal experience how people act when girls have short hair. :|
Of course, he is not alone in this book. We also have Garrett and Liv. I do have to be honest and say that I didn’t like how they bickered quite a few times during the book. But thankfully they also show enough times that they are the best of friends. They were quite fun together, bantering.
Liv was a pretty OK character, she has her heart in the right place, though she should be a bit tactful about things (like eating lunch with your current boyfriend while your ex is at the same table… is not what you want to do). But she does have an amazing superpower of getting people to join or do things, which is pretty nice!
We also see that she has some troubles with her current boyfriend. Of course, we only see her side of the story, so who knows what Marcus’ story is, but still I wanted, just like Jorge, to destroy Liv. Hello, a relationship works from two sides. You can’t just expect her to go with you to stuff, but then find her needy when she wants you and her to go the ball.
Garrett, a new addition to the school, in his previous school he was quarterback, but here? He can’t even play much as there is already a star player who gets all the play time. I didn’t get why he was so hot about James, I just thought that dude was a skeezeball. But I guess he wanted to be in the group, and people do silly things to be in a group.
Zeke? Jazmine’s boyfriend? Sorry, but what? I liked him at times, but it is true what Jorge said, he does seem to have 2 sides to himself. We see one of that in the corridor (when Jorge saves him), and then later at the party (what a crappy move, you don’t do that to your girlfriend). Thankfully, Jazmine isn’t happy either, and it seems that some stuff happened before. I was glad to see him out of the picture.
James? Please just fall off a cliff and disappear. What a disgusting piece of insert lots of expletives Especially nearing the ending when he did that to Jorge.
I hated that everyone just believed that Jorge would do those things. Really? Guys? Like, you know this dude, you know how hard he tries to make sure everyone is happy and not being bullied. You saw him with Jazmine, you saw him with other girls. And then you just believe that? Not thinking about how technology isn’t always to be trusted. Anyone can pretend to be someone. Anyone can hack if they really want it. But I guess, kids are just dumb in that way. :{
The whodunnit? Aka the one who was posting as Jorge, well, I was quite shocked. What a dick move.
The ending made me smile so so much! It was just the best way to end this book. A bit of drama, but also happiness and love.
I loved the extra info at the ending, especially how the cover was picked. I am happy that they picked the cover that is now in use. That one just fits the best with this story. How Jorge only sees her, even though his friends are there, even though there is chaos. So sweet!
All in all, I am hoping we get a new graphic novel, featuring another character. Maybe Brooke? Or Nic? And I would highly, very highly, recommend this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
As I said in my review for the previous book, I was hoping this one would be about Jorge, and look! Look! It is! Yay!!! fangirls
Jorge is so adorable, how he is trying to be all like: Oh nobody got time for all that dating stuff and blabla. We are on a mission to stop bullying and the like. Then he spots Jazmine and gets totally flustered! Adorable!!!!!! And that is how it goes every time he sees her, or if she talks to him. He just goes into the zone (which reminded me of scenes of manga/anime with swoony romance), and I just loved it. Of course, I was quickly (very quickly, like after one scene of that) rooting for Jorge and her to get together, or at least give Jorge the chance to confess. Go Jorge! Sadly, we find out that Jazmine has a boyfriend! SHOCK! Poor Jorge, he finally had worked up the courage to talk to Jazmine, and then finds out she is taken!
Haha: “Do I… like Jazmine?” Yes, sir, you do. And quite a lot given the way your acting. Face the music, and welcome to love!
And so, the story continues, we see Jorge navigate the treacherous ways of school, and still falling madly in love with Jazmine (he is noticing her everywhere).
Ahhhhhhh, adorable! He just asked her! YAYYYYYYY! Well, OK, to the ball, but it is a start! YAYYYYYY! Finally dating! I don’t consider that a spoiler, come on, it was obvious. Even with the whole boyfriend at first, I just knew that they would end up together. Eep! I just love how well they fitted together, and I was delighted to see the little things they did to spend time together.
Plus, good job Jorge, for acting normal when your girlfriend cuts her hair. Given how tons of other people reacted, which I found really stupid, but then again, I know from personal experience how people act when girls have short hair. :|
Of course, he is not alone in this book. We also have Garrett and Liv. I do have to be honest and say that I didn’t like how they bickered quite a few times during the book. But thankfully they also show enough times that they are the best of friends. They were quite fun together, bantering.
Liv was a pretty OK character, she has her heart in the right place, though she should be a bit tactful about things (like eating lunch with your current boyfriend while your ex is at the same table… is not what you want to do). But she does have an amazing superpower of getting people to join or do things, which is pretty nice!
We also see that she has some troubles with her current boyfriend. Of course, we only see her side of the story, so who knows what Marcus’ story is, but still I wanted, just like Jorge, to destroy Liv. Hello, a relationship works from two sides. You can’t just expect her to go with you to stuff, but then find her needy when she wants you and her to go the ball.
Garrett, a new addition to the school, in his previous school he was quarterback, but here? He can’t even play much as there is already a star player who gets all the play time. I didn’t get why he was so hot about James, I just thought that dude was a skeezeball. But I guess he wanted to be in the group, and people do silly things to be in a group.
Zeke? Jazmine’s boyfriend? Sorry, but what? I liked him at times, but it is true what Jorge said, he does seem to have 2 sides to himself. We see one of that in the corridor (when Jorge saves him), and then later at the party (what a crappy move, you don’t do that to your girlfriend). Thankfully, Jazmine isn’t happy either, and it seems that some stuff happened before. I was glad to see him out of the picture.
James? Please just fall off a cliff and disappear. What a disgusting piece of insert lots of expletives Especially nearing the ending when he did that to Jorge.
I hated that everyone just believed that Jorge would do those things. Really? Guys? Like, you know this dude, you know how hard he tries to make sure everyone is happy and not being bullied. You saw him with Jazmine, you saw him with other girls. And then you just believe that? Not thinking about how technology isn’t always to be trusted. Anyone can pretend to be someone. Anyone can hack if they really want it. But I guess, kids are just dumb in that way. :{
The whodunnit? Aka the one who was posting as Jorge, well, I was quite shocked. What a dick move.
The ending made me smile so so much! It was just the best way to end this book. A bit of drama, but also happiness and love.
I loved the extra info at the ending, especially how the cover was picked. I am happy that they picked the cover that is now in use. That one just fits the best with this story. How Jorge only sees her, even though his friends are there, even though there is chaos. So sweet!
All in all, I am hoping we get a new graphic novel, featuring another character. Maybe Brooke? Or Nic? And I would highly, very highly, recommend this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
eggjen's review
4.0
This is the third in a series of graphic novels about middle school life and it's as sweet as the first two. Jorge is such a genuinely nice kid and I think a lot of tweens will relate to him. Lots of good life lessons and the artwork continues to blow me away.
rereader33's review
5.0
Chmakova has done it again! This was a fantastic graphic novel with a wonderful main character. Jorge was a great man, totally respectful towards women and not afraid to call out people for their behavior. I honestly wished more teens like him existed, the world would be a much better place. I enjoyed seeing him struggle between telling the truth or hurting his friend, a very real problem a lot of kids face. I also enjoyed that his best friend is female, and they have no interest in being in a relationship, scoring a point in the "boys and girls can be friends and not be interested in each other EVER" box. As always, the diversity is strong and subtle which is always a plus in my book. This story weaves in discussions on harassment, bullying, outward appearances, true friendship, and what it means to be a good person. Chmakova does a great job bringing all of these themes into the story without making it sound preachy or out of place. The female characters shined in this story, with so many of them taking charge in confrontational situations and even calling out others for their rudeness. If you loved Awkward and Brave, you will definitely love Crush. This author is amazing and her books deserve to be spread everywhere.
laylayreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
debbiebarr's review
5.0
I really enjoy this graphic novel series, and I think this one is my favorite! It brought back sooooo many memories from middle school--I felt my crushes with all my heart and soul! And Jorge is such a sweetheart, I loved seeing things from his point of view.
royalbri's review against another edition
5.0
I’m a fan of Awkward and Brave, but Crush is now my favorite of the Berrybrook Middle School books! I adored this honest portrayal of crushing in middle school complete with awkwardness and flaws. Jorge is a reluctant crusher, which speaks to the fact that we can’t always control who we crush on. Chmakova’s illustrations accurately capture the myriad of emotions experienced by these relatable characters. Olivia, Garrett, and Jorge are quite a trio. Favorite quote from Olivia, “I mean, loyalty! Look it up! And get you some!” Love it.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ubalstecha's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0