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anna_m_tsagkareli's review against another edition
3.0
It was o-k, sometimes fun, sometimes childish, and not that original. Eventhough it isn't meant for my age, I enjoyed it a bit.
pkadams's review against another edition
4.0
My bias against this title would have made me pass right over it at B&N, but when an independent bookstore put it front and center I actually considered it, and glad I did. Lydia and Julia have one year before junior high and one year to figure out how to be popular. In the style of Moss' Amelia's Notebook series, this book is in a diary format with lots of drawings and notes. The two best friends, Lydia and Julie record their observations and perform experiments about what it takes to be popular. Julie does the drawings, while Lydia is braver so she is "in"the experiments. Though there are some awkward moments and some mistakes made by both characters, the author does a great job of teaching lessons and helping kids see what is truly important in terms of behavior and desires.
I fully expect this will be a popular read with the middle-reader set.
I fully expect this will be a popular read with the middle-reader set.
crowyhead's review against another edition
5.0
This is *hilarious* and awesome! Two best friends, Lydia and Julie, start a secret project: they will monitor the popular girls at school and gather information that will allow them, in turn, to be popular. There are adventures in hair bleaching! Lessons on the dangers of knitting! Singing Norweigians!
The whole thing is written like a diary, with very different handwriting from Lydia and Julie, and hilarious illustrations throughout. I couldn't help giggling all the way through. Also, the author lives in Philly!
The whole thing is written like a diary, with very different handwriting from Lydia and Julie, and hilarious illustrations throughout. I couldn't help giggling all the way through. Also, the author lives in Philly!
couillac's review against another edition
4.0
A really fun read with two complex and likable characters who are navigating their last year of elementary school. I can't get enough of the drawings of Julie with her big eyes and Lydia's ultra-goth older sister. Ignatow shows an excellent understanding of those awkward in-between years where old friendships and new friendships live precariously side-by-side. The dynamics among the girls and their classmates were spot on, and I loved the many different family models that simply existed without any need for explanation, from divorced single parents to gay parents to sick parents to other family members as parents. I would have loved this series as a kid, and I can't wait to read the further adventures!
legolibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book for the upper elementary set! Written and illustrated in turn by two girls who would like to be more popular. It is light, funny and has some life lessons. I see that it is also a series now.
It is up for a Sasquatch Award 2013.
It is up for a Sasquatch Award 2013.
theartolater's review against another edition
2.0
While I want to praise this as a middle-grade title that isn't afraid to simply offer an unconventional relationship as normal and unsurprising (in this case, one character's two dads), the reality is that this book is lacking in so many ways. It tries to follow the Wimpy Kid diary formula without being terribly witty or even a lot of fun. The two girls are good enough characters, but there wasn't a ton of life to it for me.
May resonate with some younger girls, but it certainly didn't hit the mark for me.
May resonate with some younger girls, but it certainly didn't hit the mark for me.
lizziekam's review against another edition
4.0
I actually enjoyed reading this graphic novel more than I anticipated. The author visited my daughter's school so she checked out a few of her titles, and I picked this one up -- perhaps it would open an avenue of discussion about popularity and social dynamics with Annie -- with pretty low expectations, thinking it was yet another disposable series book about popularity that the YA publishing industry is drowning in. I am not a literary snob and think readers of all ages deserve their trashy reads but I was wrong in placing this book in this category.
I was pleasantly surprised by Ignatow's book. It's different because it doesn't demonize of stereotype the "popular" kids in service of the message of the story, which is to cherish your true friends and be true to yourself. I thought her depiction of the social considerations of tweens was spot-on without using bullying or over-the-top characters. It was actually quite funny in places and the illustrations were great. In all, better than I expected, and I would recommend it for the tween-aged (especially girls) among us who are experiencing the typical (yet not overwrought, tragic) ups and downs of friendship.
I was pleasantly surprised by Ignatow's book. It's different because it doesn't demonize of stereotype the "popular" kids in service of the message of the story, which is to cherish your true friends and be true to yourself. I thought her depiction of the social considerations of tweens was spot-on without using bullying or over-the-top characters. It was actually quite funny in places and the illustrations were great. In all, better than I expected, and I would recommend it for the tween-aged (especially girls) among us who are experiencing the typical (yet not overwrought, tragic) ups and downs of friendship.
williamsdebbied's review against another edition
5.0
Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang have been best friends since they were babies. In their quest to enter middle school as part of the popular crowd, they set out to observe several popular classmates to find out just what makes them popular. They record their observations in a shared notebook. Julie is the more shy member of the pair, but also an artist. Lydia is less afraid to try new things, but sometimes goes a little too far.
As they get to know the popular girls, they start spending less time with each other and forget that sometimes old friends are the ones who really matter. My favorite quote from the book, which comes from an unexpected source, is, "Your friends should be the coolest people you know."
This is a funny and touching book about the power of friendship and also has a nice message about seeing the good in everyone.
The Popularity Papers is an excellent graphic novel that will appeal primarily to girls, fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
As they get to know the popular girls, they start spending less time with each other and forget that sometimes old friends are the ones who really matter. My favorite quote from the book, which comes from an unexpected source, is, "Your friends should be the coolest people you know."
This is a funny and touching book about the power of friendship and also has a nice message about seeing the good in everyone.
The Popularity Papers is an excellent graphic novel that will appeal primarily to girls, fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.