Scan barcode
A review by jbrooxd
Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis
3.0
[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
3.5 stars = Good+
I enjoyed this friendship story with an emphasis on finding your voice. Serena is a great character. I think kids will enjoy her vlog entries as she tries to find the right rhythm as well as her comfort in front of the camera. Her growth there translates to some growth in her relationships, and at school, which I enjoyed a lot.
There's an interesting piece to the friendship story that surprised me. Serena's struggles with JC and her relationship with a new friend are fairly typical for middle grade books. But here, it's framed as a normal part of growing up. Friendships change as the individuals in them change, and that doesn't mean anyone is bad or wrong. It just happens. I would have liked a little more empathy for Serena as she struggles with this; the feedback that these things happen could come off a little unsympathetic. But I liked the overall message.
Add this to your home or classroom library if you are looking for a good friendship story with a side of finding-your-voice-and-using-it. I think kids will enjoy Serena's story!
3.5 stars = Good+
I enjoyed this friendship story with an emphasis on finding your voice. Serena is a great character. I think kids will enjoy her vlog entries as she tries to find the right rhythm as well as her comfort in front of the camera. Her growth there translates to some growth in her relationships, and at school, which I enjoyed a lot.
There's an interesting piece to the friendship story that surprised me. Serena's struggles with JC and her relationship with a new friend are fairly typical for middle grade books. But here, it's framed as a normal part of growing up. Friendships change as the individuals in them change, and that doesn't mean anyone is bad or wrong. It just happens. I would have liked a little more empathy for Serena as she struggles with this; the feedback that these things happen could come off a little unsympathetic. But I liked the overall message.
Add this to your home or classroom library if you are looking for a good friendship story with a side of finding-your-voice-and-using-it. I think kids will enjoy Serena's story!