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melbsreads's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Trigger warnings: nothing?
The kids at school are OBSESSED with Nova Weetman, and I was really intrigued to see that she's now crossing the border into young adult, but young adult written for 13-14 year olds, not for 16-17 year olds as a lot of YA now feels.
Anyway, on the one hand, I liked this because it feels very authentically Year 8. But on the other hand, it kind of also felt simultaneously very Year 6. The vast majority of kids now get their periods for the first time in Years 5-7. Add in the fact that a lot of Year 6 kids now have Tiktok, let alone Instagram, it felt a little...odd...for this Year 8 kid to be going through some of those puberty-related dramas. And maybe that was intentional so that Weetman's existing audience aren't too young to read this? But the fact remains, it felt a TAD young a lot of the time.
Ultimately I think I would have preferred if this was set in Year 7 than Year 8, but that might just be a Me Thing...
The kids at school are OBSESSED with Nova Weetman, and I was really intrigued to see that she's now crossing the border into young adult, but young adult written for 13-14 year olds, not for 16-17 year olds as a lot of YA now feels.
Anyway, on the one hand, I liked this because it feels very authentically Year 8. But on the other hand, it kind of also felt simultaneously very Year 6. The vast majority of kids now get their periods for the first time in Years 5-7. Add in the fact that a lot of Year 6 kids now have Tiktok, let alone Instagram, it felt a little...odd...for this Year 8 kid to be going through some of those puberty-related dramas. And maybe that was intentional so that Weetman's existing audience aren't too young to read this? But the fact remains, it felt a TAD young a lot of the time.
Ultimately I think I would have preferred if this was set in Year 7 than Year 8, but that might just be a Me Thing...
cec_loves_to_read_books's review
4.0
What a sweet story The Edge of Thirteen is. I read a fair bit of middle grade and young adult fiction and books like this are rare and very welcome. It’s not purposefully scandalous or shocking or traumatic (sometimes a criticism I have of some children’s/young adult writing). Instead, it is honest and relevant and gentle and at times very beautiful. It’s also an interesting one to review because I often read books for this age group with particular past students or kids in my life in mind as being like the characters or in ‘need’ of reading the story for one reason or another. This time though I could really relate to being a lot like Clem myself as a kid and then of course very like her mum at the age I am now (with teens of ‘my own’). I highly recommend this authentic story about friendship and puberty and coping with change.
bestdressedbookworm's review
5.0
This was a really interesting read. I forgot how hard being 13 can be. We start with a scene where Bridge, Ellie and Clem are discussing growing up. Boys, puberty, periods etc. What I found interesting was the comparisons Clem was making and the fact that she felt the need to lie about not having her period yet. This story followd all the ups and downs of teen girls and friendships. Really loved it.
isabella2507's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
helenfarch's review
5.0
Clem Timmins is about to start Year 8 at school with her best friends. But after spending the summer holidays apart, things are beginning to change. Bridge is suddenly boy-crazy. Ellie is wearing a bra and has a boyfriend. And Clem? She still goes on outings with her parents, doesn't need a bra and she is just not that sure she is ready for a boyfriend. She is still the same tree nerd she always was, isn't she?
In a year when so much changes for young girls, when it's all about taking those first tentative steps towards gaining independence from your parents, when getting your period can either be the most exciting thing ever or something you just don't want to think about, a time of first crushes and first heartbreaks, turning 13 can be traumatic and a time of upheaval.
Gentle, emotional, like a big warm hug. This is a book many young girls will see themselves represented in. At the heart of it all is friendship - how it changes as we get older, how it is ok to make new friends outside your usual friendship group, how it is okay to disagree with your friends. Real friends will always be there for you, despite everything.
And of course, I love how the role of the school library and school librarian is portrayed.
In a year when so much changes for young girls, when it's all about taking those first tentative steps towards gaining independence from your parents, when getting your period can either be the most exciting thing ever or something you just don't want to think about, a time of first crushes and first heartbreaks, turning 13 can be traumatic and a time of upheaval.
Gentle, emotional, like a big warm hug. This is a book many young girls will see themselves represented in. At the heart of it all is friendship - how it changes as we get older, how it is ok to make new friends outside your usual friendship group, how it is okay to disagree with your friends. Real friends will always be there for you, despite everything.
And of course, I love how the role of the school library and school librarian is portrayed.
msliz's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
An absolute gem of upper middle grade / early YA fiction. Weetman beautifully captures what it is to be 13, navigating growing up, puberty, changing friendships, crushes, social media, and wanting to be more independent whilst simultaneously yearning to remain a child for a little longer. I didn't realise that this is the third book about Clem, and wish I had read the others first, but it does work as a stand alone.
chapterkat's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
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