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raethereviewer's Reviews (862)

Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

I’ve been a fan of Tiffany D. Jackson for years and I’m happy to see her expanding into middle grade. This was such a well written story that built up tension the whole way through. I had a lot of fun following the MC as she navigates trying to solve this murder mystery while facing the class disparity of the island. I think this is one that will definitely appeal to middle grade readers.
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was my first time reading any of the books in this series but I found it incredibly easy to follow along. I loved the narrative style and how there was a clear difference between Emmie’s chapters and Joe’s. Emmie’s portions reminded me of Dork Diaries. This story tackles insecurities, loneliness, and friendship struggles in such a great way. Definitely one with that will appeal to upper elementary and middle schoolers.
lighthearted
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

The only book in the series I’ve read is Click but this works great as a stand-alone and it even has a short list of characters from the series with their attributes on the opening page. I can see why this series is so popular, my cousins love getting the newest releases whenever we go to the library. I’m not a fan of pranks but the message about how “good” pranks are those that are enjoyed by all parties, even the people being pranked, is shared very well. This is especially important in the age of prank streamers. 

I don’t love the way that some of the parents are shown participating but I do think it’s done humorously. The lowercase a in the font used in this book can be easily mistaken for a d. I don’t know if this is the font used in the entire series but I am curious if this is something that is impacting dyslexic readers. 

This is definitely one I’d give to middle schoolers and upper elementary. 
adventurous hopeful mysterious tense
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous in this graphic novel. I also enjoyed the characters and how distinct their motivations were. This is definitely one I’ll be giving to teenagers, particularly 9th and 10th graders. I hope this ends up being expanded into a series because it’s an interesting concept and I’d like to see more.

This is perfect for teens who are obsessed with Webtoons. I’m glad to see more graphic novels being made with teenagers in mind. The author and illustrator did a great job of capturing the complexities that come with this stage of life and relationships overall (friendships, romantic, familial). This is definitely one I’d give to 9th and 10th graders, in particular.
informative lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Dyscalculia rep is few and far between and this very well may be the first book I’ve read that showed it so clearly. Very Bad at Math is definitely a book I’ll be recommending to middle schoolers. The illustrations and storyline are engaging and it’s definitely the kind of book that will appeal to a wide audience.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is such a great graphic novel for the range of MG readers. It would be great for reluctant readers. I really enjoyed seeing how Hassan’s Ramadan was shown. It felt very true to the experiences of a child and how they would be interpreting the experience. Definitely one I’d recommend for upper elementary and 6th grade. 
lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is such a needed book for so many kids right now. I think it would make a perfect gift for a child with a recent dyslexia diagnosis or a buddy read to help build empathy. Mixed-Up should be in every upper elementary classroom. This would be more suited for the younger half of middle grade and would be good for helping transition into longer chapter books. There are also a lot of helpful learning tools and resources toward the end that could benefit educators, parents, and librarians working with dyslexic students. 

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This novel was so deeply atmospheric in the way a Gothic should be. There were several nights in a row where I found these characters encroaching their way into my dreams. I became just as obsessed with solving the mystery as Minerva. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings