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A review by bookishrealm
Noelle: The Mean Girl #3 by Ashley Woodfolk
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've been keeping up with the Flyy Girls series as they come out and overall it's been an enjoyable series. This third installment specifically focuses on Noelle. From the first book where readers meet Lux, there is a clear indication that Noelle is the mean girl and not always the most fun individual to be around. At the beginning of the story, Noelle breaks up with her boyfriend as she attempts to navigate her sexual identity. It's something that she clearly struggles to understand and it unfolds in not so great ways for herself and her friends. Noelle is also bi-racial. She's Black and Chinese and the cultural aspects of her heritage are seamlessly woven into the narrative. This book is definitely about character growth and family dynamics.
Ashley Woodfolk really shines through in all of these books with her writing. In all of my reviews I find it necessary to let people know that the simplicity of the writing is intentional. These are Hi/Lo books where the interest level for reluctant or struggling readers is high, but the difficulty is low. Regardless, Woodfolk writes in such a unique and impactful manner that is engaging and really allows readers to connect with the characters. This is particularly important in the case of Noelle who struggles so much with her anger. There are parts that can be relatively difficult for readers to get through, but because Woodfolk allows for those connections to the characters, readers end up empathizing with Noelle rather than disliking her for her behavior. In terms of characterization, Noelle is allowed to make mistakes, but at the same time she has to grow. It takes a gifted writer to make that magic work on page. Overall, I thought that this was a great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the final book.
Ashley Woodfolk really shines through in all of these books with her writing. In all of my reviews I find it necessary to let people know that the simplicity of the writing is intentional. These are Hi/Lo books where the interest level for reluctant or struggling readers is high, but the difficulty is low. Regardless, Woodfolk writes in such a unique and impactful manner that is engaging and really allows readers to connect with the characters. This is particularly important in the case of Noelle who struggles so much with her anger. There are parts that can be relatively difficult for readers to get through, but because Woodfolk allows for those connections to the characters, readers end up empathizing with Noelle rather than disliking her for her behavior. In terms of characterization, Noelle is allowed to make mistakes, but at the same time she has to grow. It takes a gifted writer to make that magic work on page. Overall, I thought that this was a great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the final book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying