julinapril 's review for:

Erimentha Parker's To Do List: A Bullying Story by Ruby Granger

5.0

informative inspiring fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I don't know why I love this book so much but somehow I've read it for the 3rd time in two years now. And honestly - I'm not sure what it is! I can totally see the points others have criticized, but still. Erimentha is such an interesting character. Although I wouldn't necessarily enjoy her lifestyle, I LOVED reading about it. I find her anecdotes very sweet and loveable, and I've seldom read about a character who is kinder. Her worldview, her organisation, even her stress - I found her so very very likeable - not despite but because of her traits that others have described as annoying. To me, Ruby has written a remarkable first book. Not because it's a literary masterpiece (although her descriptions of nature, smell and taste are stunning!) but because it's very unique and clever!
One issue I initially had some trouble with is that Erimentha stays so determined to not tell anybody about the bullying although there are TONS of opportunities. She gets asked openly - and denies. I just couldn't understand her, really. But now I feel like Ruby has done this on purpose. I think she WANTS the reader to feel annoyed by how obvious the solution is. So that if any of her readers gets into such a situation, they won't even think about it twice. They will know what to do the exact minute they become a victim. 
Hence, this calls for me to change my four stars into five. 
Dear Ruby, may you be proud! ✨