A review by kaii
Jelly by Jo Cotterill

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

book is obviously written for children (Jelly is literally 11) so it's quick and easy. I finished it in about 24. but GOD is it heartfelt and wonderful and important. as a fat, mentally ill kid from a dysfunctional, tumultuous background who hid behind being funny and clever to avoid having to talk about my feelings when I was Jelly's age - and now at 18 - this book means a lot. my copy is signed from when I met Jo Cotterill (who is absolutely lovely) and I'm so glad this exists because it would have done wonders for me when I was 11.
(also the representation in this is just lovely. Jelly's friends are girls of colour, one of their sisters has a disability, there's casual mention of queerness and mental illness throughout. just a really well done, genuine appreciation for the diversity of the world we live in. love love love it.)