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A review by amber_hastings
My Mum Tracy Beaker by Nick Sharratt, Jacqueline Wilson
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Oh, Tracy Beaker. I feel so protective over her, but I also shake my head a little at some of her behaviour in a way I didn't when she (and I) was a child. Tracy, perhaps you needed a bit of therapy!
Nevertheless she's doing the best she can, and I love that. I think what struck me the most was how much emotional labour Tracy's daughter Jess takes on, which stands out when she's fretting about her mum having anger issues, relationships issues and job issues. It was a really lovely way to add a new dimension to Tracy's character while also shining a light on the way that parental behaviour and emotions can be monitored and taken on by their kids.
The story itself was very sweet, with mother and daughter together through thick and thin. I loved that Jess was developed as a full character in her own right and how much she contrasted with Tracy.
There's a lot to love for old fans of Tracy, though I do think you have to be prepared for seeing an old favourite in a new light.
I've seen the book criticised for being a bit slow and repetitive, which I somewhat agree with. I've also seen it criticised for not being overt in it's queer storyline. I understand this, but ultimately we're supposed to see the world through Jess's eyes, and she hasn't twigged what's happening between Cam and Mary, so I don't think it'd be right to make their storyline more overt. The reader can noticed what's happening but may be like Jess and not realise it either.
I'd love to know what a young reader makes of this, especially if they haven't read the Tracy Beaker stories.
Nevertheless she's doing the best she can, and I love that. I think what struck me the most was how much emotional labour Tracy's daughter Jess takes on, which stands out when she's fretting about her mum having anger issues, relationships issues and job issues. It was a really lovely way to add a new dimension to Tracy's character while also shining a light on the way that parental behaviour and emotions can be monitored and taken on by their kids.
The story itself was very sweet, with mother and daughter together through thick and thin. I loved that Jess was developed as a full character in her own right and how much she contrasted with Tracy.
There's a lot to love for old fans of Tracy, though I do think you have to be prepared for seeing an old favourite in a new light.
I've seen the book criticised for being a bit slow and repetitive, which I somewhat agree with. I've also seen it criticised for not being overt in it's queer storyline. I understand this, but ultimately we're supposed to see the world through Jess's eyes, and she hasn't twigged what's happening between Cam and Mary, so I don't think it'd be right to make their storyline more overt. The reader can noticed what's happening but may be like Jess and not realise it either.
I'd love to know what a young reader makes of this, especially if they haven't read the Tracy Beaker stories.