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libwinnie's review against another edition
4.0
Not only is Martin fabulous, so are his family and friends!
thereadingwren's review against another edition
1.0
0.5/5
CHOCK FULL OF DIVERSITY BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's one of the biggest issues I have with this book. Absolutely every single character was of a different ethnicity and not even some of them are similar ethnicities, every single one was a completely different ethnicity. Don't even get me started on the adopted Vietnamese paraplegic in a wheelchair Jewish girl - I mean, I'm sure there are people like that but this was really the cherry on top of the Bingo cake. It wasn't authentic at all and every time a character was introduced I found myself heavily rolling my eyes.
The writing was also pretty poor. Every time a new character was introduced we got a full run down on their family, ethnicity, and everything they were wearing. Every time the characters go to a new location we get a run down on every inch of that location. It was exhausting.
The dialogue was unrealistic, the inner thoughts of a twelve year old were too mature/poetic/unrealistic. There was too much 'this is a lesson you need to learn' instead of naturally writing in something meaningful.
I want to appreciate that this brings queer culture and characters to young kids but this was written by a woman. This story needed to be written by someone who does drag, I think it would have sounded much more realistic.
CHOCK FULL OF DIVERSITY BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's one of the biggest issues I have with this book. Absolutely every single character was of a different ethnicity and not even some of them are similar ethnicities, every single one was a completely different ethnicity. Don't even get me started on the adopted Vietnamese paraplegic in a wheelchair Jewish girl - I mean, I'm sure there are people like that but this was really the cherry on top of the Bingo cake. It wasn't authentic at all and every time a character was introduced I found myself heavily rolling my eyes.
The writing was also pretty poor. Every time a new character was introduced we got a full run down on their family, ethnicity, and everything they were wearing. Every time the characters go to a new location we get a run down on every inch of that location. It was exhausting.
The dialogue was unrealistic, the inner thoughts of a twelve year old were too mature/poetic/unrealistic. There was too much 'this is a lesson you need to learn' instead of naturally writing in something meaningful.
I want to appreciate that this brings queer culture and characters to young kids but this was written by a woman. This story needed to be written by someone who does drag, I think it would have sounded much more realistic.
hereisenough's review against another edition
5.0
What a joy! Shy Martin is a math genius who, with the help of his gay uncle, discovers drag, and blossoms! This book is about acceptance and expression, conveying the struggles and anxieties of homophobia, assumptions, and acceptance. I found this book very realistic, yet very encouraging. It busts phobic assumptions about drag queens (look how smart Martin and his uncle are!) and reminds readers of both the importance of accepting and encouraging our friends, and that there are indeed supportive people in the world. Often, one simply needs exposure to learn and support!
literati42's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
Clearly the next step up from the currently popular Drag Queen Story Hours, here were have a seventh grader who decides that drag is one facet of his personal expression (mathelete is another). How these two sides can integrate, and how his friends will react, is something that Martin will struggle with throughout the book. The description of drag culture and norms is well done, and Martin's friends are enjoyably normal.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
liralen's review against another edition
3.0
Super cute, and I'm always happy with books that celebrate drag. This one's particularly nice in that it's for a younger audience and manages to work in some really healthy messages of affirmation without getting preachy about it.
Some of it feels a little far-fetched to me, but that's largely beyond the point. More drag queens! More glitter! I do wish books in this vein had been around when I was this age.
Some of it feels a little far-fetched to me, but that's largely beyond the point. More drag queens! More glitter! I do wish books in this vein had been around when I was this age.
ajworkman77's review against another edition
3.0
A lovely coming of age story of Martin McLean, mathlete, gamer, and potential drag queen. Dealing with an absent dad, hard working single mom, and panic attacks Martin is in search of his identity and voice. Filled with diverse real characters Martin McLean is a very easy loving way to discuss identity.
thedizzyreader's review against another edition
5.0
Middle schooler Martin McLean feels like he doesn't really know himself or have a voice until he discovers drag and his inner diva, Lottie Leon. And then it feels like he's living a double life.
With the help of his friends Pickle and Carmen, they Lau a "Calcu-Yaaas" plan to bring Martin's two separate halves together. Can Martin snag the Mathletes Junior Championship award and an amateur drag queen contest prize all in one night?
With the help of his friends Pickle and Carmen, they Lau a "Calcu-Yaaas" plan to bring Martin's two separate halves together. Can Martin snag the Mathletes Junior Championship award and an amateur drag queen contest prize all in one night?