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marno_klass's review
5.0
In short, I love this book. I was surprised to see some negative reviews on this site, but I won't let the haters get me down with this one. To me, this is a witty novel about speaking truth to power. It hits the ground in real ways (as it's about farming, teenagers, high school, and rural life) but gives the reader something to aspire to: courage and justice. Hildy Biddle is one of my favorite protagonists ever. She is a strong female character, and the gender balances in this book are great, and yet it is unassuming - not trying to be a great feminist novel. Would recommend to anyone looking for an easy but inspiring read!
protoman21's review
3.0
An enjoyable story if not a little predictable. The characters were nice, but not extremely deep and well developed. Overall I was entertained, but I didn't take a whole lot from the experience.
abaugher's review against another edition
3.0
good story of a small town that fights back against commercialization. liked the narration
4saradouglas's review
3.0
I always enjoy Bauer's books, but this one wasn't quite as catchy as Rules of the Road or Hope Was Here. I learned a good deal about the newspaper business and how to be sure to get the whole truth, and I also learned a bit about owning an apple orchard. The main character is smart and easy to relate to, but the mystery with the haunted house and the mean real estate people was a little too easy to solve for my taste.
deedralapray's review
3.0
If I were reading this as a tween, I'd would have given this a higher rating. It was a cute mystery set in a quaint small town. It had ghosts, a beauty pageant, a tenacious female protagonist, a hot smart guy, and a mystery to solve. What's not to love? I used to recommend this one to my junior high kiddos all the time simply based on the author. I knew that her books were generally compelling and clean. This may appeal to some of my freshman these days, but it lacks enough grit to really get me excited.
mamagames's review
Previewing books for J's 8th grade year. This one features upstate NY apple orchards, debunking ghosts, journalism, revolution, plus a little romance/family drama.
aplatt23's review
5.0
I just love everything Joan Bauer writes, and this book was no exception. Reading her books is like a story from a friend. The story in Peeled is one that has been written many times - small-town high schooler takes on big-town journalist spreading corruption - and yet somehow this book has its own spin that was so nice to read.
Bauer subverts expectation throughout the books, subtly thwarting every trope. The first example of this is in the first few chapters, where the snobby girl gets sick and doesn't become festival queen, and there are many more throughout the book. During the school dance scene I was just waiting for the "miscommunication with love interest when protagonist dances with her ex" and it just never came. That trope has ruined book after book for me and Bauer never falls into it. It's beautiful to read.
The characters demonstrate this too. I didn't even realize until Hildy mentioned her ex how refreshing it is to have a high school girl character who has dated and been cheated on and generally been around the block a few times. Hildy never falls into the "I'm so Outcast and Special™" trope. She sasses authority, she stands up for herself, she is assertive. She is real. She is the heroine I wish was written more often. I could go on and on. I've seen other reviews say the characters were underdeveloped and honestly, I completely disagree. I thought the characters got the amount of development they needed for the story. Since it was told from Hildy's perspective, the ones closest to her that she interacted with most or had meaningful relationships with were developed most. Others that she had acquaintance-level relationship with were less developed. That's good writing, people, not bad writing.
I'm off to find more Joan Bauer books, they always make me feel so happy.
Bauer subverts expectation throughout the books, subtly thwarting every trope. The first example of this is in the first few chapters, where the snobby girl gets sick and doesn't become festival queen, and there are many more throughout the book. During the school dance scene I was just waiting for the "miscommunication with love interest when protagonist dances with her ex" and it just never came. That trope has ruined book after book for me and Bauer never falls into it. It's beautiful to read.
The characters demonstrate this too. I didn't even realize until Hildy mentioned her ex how refreshing it is to have a high school girl character who has dated and been cheated on and generally been around the block a few times. Hildy never falls into the "I'm so Outcast and Special™" trope. She sasses authority, she stands up for herself, she is assertive. She is real. She is the heroine I wish was written more often. I could go on and on. I've seen other reviews say the characters were underdeveloped and honestly, I completely disagree. I thought the characters got the amount of development they needed for the story. Since it was told from Hildy's perspective, the ones closest to her that she interacted with most or had meaningful relationships with were developed most. Others that she had acquaintance-level relationship with were less developed. That's good writing, people, not bad writing.
I'm off to find more Joan Bauer books, they always make me feel so happy.
zbookandtea's review
5.0
Nothing could have been more refreshing,an easy quick read that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole entire time. I loved this book and by the ending I was begging for more. Please write a sequel! The characters were great, each one with their own unforgettable personality. The whole time I was reading this book I wished and imagined that I lived there, Farmer's Market every Saturday!, and the Apple Fair. I loved this book. And to anyone reading this post, read the book!
Favorite Character: Hildy Bittle
Favorite Character: Hildy Bittle
readwithpassion's review
4.0
I loved this book. Hildy is an individualistic girl who doesn't back down when faced with difficult circumstances. She sees a problem in her town, and she decides to try to fix it. It shows teenagers that they have the power to be heard. The novel infuses newspaper articles and headlines to make it interesting. It also taught me how journalistic writing differs from other forms of writing, and I learned lessons of how to be a better interviewer. I may never use these facts, but they were still interesting to me!
rlafleur85's review
3.0
This books was alright. Very young adult but had some enjoyable parts for older readers. Very punny language and interesting setting in the Apple Country of New York. I liked how the main character Hildy was portrayed- her gumption for journalism and her love for her family.