A review by nothingforpomegranted
Ivy and Bean by Sophie Blackall, Annie Barrows

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I love YA and middle grade books that make me want to root for the protagonists. Bean was not that character, though I understand the appeal for younger readers. Frustrated by her older sister’s existence, Bean has made it her mission to irritate her. When her plan goes wrong, Bean finds herself unexpectedly hanging out with Ivy, the new neighbor across the street who spends most of the day sitting on the stool and reading books—boring. Of course, as it turns out, Ivy is anything but boring; she’s been studying to be a witch! 

I may recommend this to students, but I don’t think I’ll pick up the next in the series, and I don’t think I want them at home. Ivy and Bean seem to be trying to do the wrong thing just because it’s fun, and it’s not the kind of messaging I prefer in children’s literature.