Tween Tuesday Review: Jessica Darling's It List #2

* Second book in the Jessica Darling prequels * 

Jessica Darling barely survived her first weeks of junior high. She's trying to fit in with her friends - but Bridget only talks about her boyfriend, Hope's acting strange, and Manda and Sara are more interested in spreading gossip.

Luckily, Bethany has a new list geared for surviving friendships. If only the list came with instructions. After a disastrous slumber party, it's clear that once again Jessica Darling is in way over her head.

My Thoughts: Friendships are hard, especially in Middle School -so it's easy to sympathize with Jessica Darling. It's hard navigating true friendships among gossip, discovering boys, sharing your true thoughts, and going through puberty. It's hard choosing if you want to be popular or be your true self. It's hard when your friends gravitate towards boys and you're stuck behind. Jessica Darling handles these situations horribly, but in the best sort of way. I love that Jessica Darling's super smart (and proud of it) but also a little clueless when it comes to the social world. I'm looking forward to reading about Jessica's next attempt at following her sister's lists. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: ARC for review

Tween Tuesday Review: Jessica Darling's It List

* New Middle Grade novel featuring Jessica Darling (from Sloppy Firsts - out in September *

The day before she starts 7th grade, Jessica's sister drops by with a list on how to achieve popularity. Until then, Jessica wasn't nervous at all. but now she's wondering if Bethany's right and 7th grade decisions can change the course for the rest of your life.

The list is short, but Jessica attempts to achieve the goals. On her first day of school, she wears something different - a vintage t-shirt of The Who. She tries out for the cheer team, even though she's terrible. She earns a secret place of the school mascot - a seagull.

She doesn't have a boyfriend - there's no one remotely close to becoming her boyfriend either. She's friends with some popular girls but she almost can't stand them. Is the list really working for her or should she give up?

My Thoughts: I loved Sloppy Firsts, so it's great to meet 7th grader Jessica Darling. I love meeting Hope and seeing their relationship develop. Marcus Flutie makes an appearance in an adorable but funny way.  As a reader of the previous series, it's great to see these characters again, but of course new reader will enjoy meeting them for the first time. A funny look at life in middle school - finding new friends, discovering your strengths, and laughing off your mistakes. I devoured this book in one sitting - looking forward to more snarky yet sweet Jessica Darling.

Cover Thoughts: It's not the final cover - but I like it!
Source: from the publisher