Sylvia McNicoll

I was excited for the premise of this book, but it ended up feeling overly contrived and simple.

The main characters were fourteen years old, but I wish their speech hadn't felt like it. The way they talk just feels juvenile, and has little depth to it. Also, at fourteen I don't think that losing a boyfriend is worth the revenge Vanessa and her friends exact. There were many points where I wanted to roll my eyes at the characters.

Paige was adopted from China, and I wish this had played more of a role. Because her parents had abandoned her, she hated everything to do with Chinese culture and I found this to be disappointing. Her mother goes as far as to offer her a trip to China, but she's decided to hate a whole culture based on one family. I'd have liked to see how her cultures had mingled.

I didn't really understand the big deal she made about discovering the true cause of Kim's death. As they had been seven, her parents had said that Kim had just moved away. She's more upset about this than the fact that she's either dead or hallucinating.

Also, I'm not sure who the title refers to--the girls were seven when Kim died, but Paige and her current best friend Jasmine don't seem to have that intense of a relationship.

This book felt very good intentioned, but I had a lot of trouble buying it.… (més)

A sequel to The Great Mistake Mysteries, the return of the main characters, Stephen and Renee who are involved in A mystery that would appeal to young children. The values that are instilled in the characters is refreshing, also having a dad who cooks and knits and a mom who travels for work was A glimpse into real life. I like that the author is introducing a children's book about art throughout the storyline, you are never too young to learn about it.
I will using this one as a read aloud in my school. @Dundurn… (més)