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A review by lizziekam
Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt & Julie Graham-Chang by Amy Ignatow
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.