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jaironside 's review for:
Star-Crossed
by Barbara Dee
This is such a lovely book. It tells the story of Mattie, a twelve year old girl who loves English and hanging with her friends. Mattie tends to over think things, being reluctant to say how she feels about anything until she's certain. Something I completely identify with even now. When Mattie's 8th grade class put on a production of Romeo and Juliet, Mattie realises she might have feelings for the girl playing Juliet - the beautiful, clever, funny and talented Gemma. But what does it mean if you suddenly start fancying girls or at least one girl? Are you gay? Or is it an anomally? The book follows Mattie through the production of the play and the working out of her own feelings.
It is just so sweet and funny and really intelligently written. The characters all feel believable - special shout out to Mr Torres who was awesome and reminded me of my own favourite teachers. There's no real bad guys here, not even Willow. There's also no complete answers at the end but the point is that it's ok not to have answers, it's ok to be just wherever you are now. I did love Mattie's relationship with her sister Cara. And Mattie and Gemma sparkled with chemistry both romantic and friendly. Add to this a clever mirroring of Romeo and Juliet (without the teen suicides) and lots of great Shakespearean insults and call backs and this was one of the best books I've read this year. My one minor gripe was that the ending was a little abrupt.
We need more books with bi main characters like this. Recommended reading for everyone but especially those wantimg to write for a mid grade audience - this is how you do it, you'd be a 'purple hued malt worm' to miss it.
It is just so sweet and funny and really intelligently written. The characters all feel believable - special shout out to Mr Torres who was awesome and reminded me of my own favourite teachers. There's no real bad guys here, not even Willow. There's also no complete answers at the end but the point is that it's ok not to have answers, it's ok to be just wherever you are now. I did love Mattie's relationship with her sister Cara. And Mattie and Gemma sparkled with chemistry both romantic and friendly. Add to this a clever mirroring of Romeo and Juliet (without the teen suicides) and lots of great Shakespearean insults and call backs and this was one of the best books I've read this year. My one minor gripe was that the ending was a little abrupt.
We need more books with bi main characters like this. Recommended reading for everyone but especially those wantimg to write for a mid grade audience - this is how you do it, you'd be a 'purple hued malt worm' to miss it.