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mariahistryingtoread's review
3.0
Jayla Jumps In is fairly average middle grade fare.
Jayla learns to respect her beloved uncle's new girlfriend, navigates her mother's diagnosis and finds a way to inspire her community to double dutch.
The emotional beats were not particularly complex. Not a lot happens outside of one contest the kids lose in a way that was obvious to see coming from the moment it was introduced. Jayla's double dutch team is a vehicle for Jayla, but not an actual team to get the reader invested in; the two kids on it are given names and not much else. The teacher who let them down was never taken to task or forced to a apologize.
It's decently written book that skims a little too shallow for my tastes. Still, it wasn't exactly a hardship to read.
Jayla learns to respect her beloved uncle's new girlfriend, navigates her mother's diagnosis and finds a way to inspire her community to double dutch.
The emotional beats were not particularly complex. Not a lot happens outside of one contest the kids lose in a way that was obvious to see coming from the moment it was introduced. Jayla's double dutch team is a vehicle for Jayla, but not an actual team to get the reader invested in; the two kids on it are given names and not much else. The teacher who let them down was never taken to task or forced to a apologize.
It's decently written book that skims a little too shallow for my tastes. Still, it wasn't exactly a hardship to read.
snazel's review
4.0
Very adorable MG, I love her family, it almost made me want to jump rope, before I remembered who I am and how coordinated I am.
katlikespie's review
5.0
Jayla had no idea her mom - her MOM - was a Double Dutch champion, but once she hears, she's determined to see her in action. And maybe also learn how to do it, too. And start a team. And win a championship. But first, she has to see her mom try. Unfortunately for Jayla, her mother's health isn't the best (It's not BAD, but it's not great, either) and she's not really in a jump roping mood. It's a good thing Jayla has a lot of heart and determination.
Reader's Notes: This book is so cute! Jayla and her family are such lovable, believable characters, and much of the drama stems from Jayla's frustration with her cousin (a new teen and suddenly way too cool to be hanging out with a 5th grader) and her jealousy over the upcoming marriage of her favorite cousin (will she be replaced as his favorite?). This is a fun, light read. Highly recommended.
Reader's Notes: This book is so cute! Jayla and her family are such lovable, believable characters, and much of the drama stems from Jayla's frustration with her cousin (a new teen and suddenly way too cool to be hanging out with a 5th grader) and her jealousy over the upcoming marriage of her favorite cousin (will she be replaced as his favorite?). This is a fun, light read. Highly recommended.
mrsbennettreads's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
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