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tehani's review against another edition
5.0
I expected to like this book - Bren is a talented writer and Allen & Unwin consistently produce quality books for younger readers. However, I didn't know I was going to love this book so much. It really hits all the right beats and it made me sob more than once, and laugh out loud at times, and uses its setting - a near future Australia that verges on dystopic but doesn't quite tip over the edge - to excellent advantage.
Our protagonist, Peony, is not even 10 years old, and one of the best things about the book is the consistency of her world view. She behaves in a manner appropriate to her age and environment, and I loved that about her. She is feisty and determined, clever and kind, but strong-willed and stubborn as well. MacDibble surrounds her with characters of all shades of grey, not letting sentiment get in the way of story and allowing the reader to experience the full range of Peony's emotions.
Not only do we get a well-paced story, it is underpinned by some beautiful - and slightly frightening - worldbuilding, essential to the narrative and somewhat of a cautionary tale to the reader. This framework, supporting as it does a cracking yarn, will make How to Bee a fantastic text for readers to examine in schools, with depths to unpack and explore.
I really can't recommend this enough for readers of 9 and upwards, and if this isn't on a bunch of awards lists next year I'll be absolutely astonished (and cranky, too, because it deserves to be!).
Our protagonist, Peony, is not even 10 years old, and one of the best things about the book is the consistency of her world view. She behaves in a manner appropriate to her age and environment, and I loved that about her. She is feisty and determined, clever and kind, but strong-willed and stubborn as well. MacDibble surrounds her with characters of all shades of grey, not letting sentiment get in the way of story and allowing the reader to experience the full range of Peony's emotions.
Not only do we get a well-paced story, it is underpinned by some beautiful - and slightly frightening - worldbuilding, essential to the narrative and somewhat of a cautionary tale to the reader. This framework, supporting as it does a cracking yarn, will make How to Bee a fantastic text for readers to examine in schools, with depths to unpack and explore.
I really can't recommend this enough for readers of 9 and upwards, and if this isn't on a bunch of awards lists next year I'll be absolutely astonished (and cranky, too, because it deserves to be!).
daisythesprout's review against another edition
5.0
"she has dreams and she can’t shake them, never mind that the world’s changed and we all have simpler dreams now.”
i was recommended this by a friend - she praised bren macdibble pretty highly! i was cautious on entering this new, unexplored territory but the blurb was fascinating enough for me to skip through my tbr to this. and i can't say i regret that descision!
macdibble's book is honest, unique, and powerful. it's rare to see such a passionate voice in juvenile fiction; i was pleasantly surprised by this little book.
in a sea of grey-toned protagonists, peony is bright yellow. she stands out without effort. how to describe her? well, she's genuine and bold. fierce and stubborn. kind and thoughtful. through the range of the pages in this book, we travel with our little bee-hopeful as she explores different perspectives, settings, and people. the transition from a child to something more: frankly put, this is a coming-of-age novel, in a way. it's a book that can touch everyone.
and what gorgeous world-building! i was incredibly intrigued by the dystopian, futuristic feel in this one - it's so well developed. the writing is also top-notch, the pacing perfect. everything is wonderful. macdibble's writing is fairly impressive.
this is what middle grade was made for. i loved this so much - it was both enlightening and engaging. highly recommended! no matter what your age, you need to read this.
» 4.5 stars
lauren_ashleigh's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Kidnapping
Minor: Abandonment and Death of parent
jengennari's review against another edition
5.0
An imaginative, post-climate crisis story, in which Peony longs to become a bee -- One of the children who climb trees to pollinate flowers by hand so that fruit forms. The storytelling is lyrical and concise and completely in the mind of Peony. This is not light MG fare (although it's rendered deftly): MacDibble straightforwardly described the hardships people face as food becomes scarce. There are "ragged people" starving and rich people (Urbs) barricaded inside homes with plenty, and Ma's abusive boyfriend. Fortunately, Peony, her sister, and friends live an in-between life, on a farm, where there is food and hope under a progressive Foreman and love from Gramps.
taybartlett's review against another edition
5.0
A well-written children’s/YA book with moments and themes that will certainly tug on adult heartstrings. Peony is an advocate and a role model for young kids- be kind and generous, but stand up for yourself and those you love.
everbright's review against another edition
5.0
"she has dreams and she can’t shake them, never mind that the world’s changed and we all have simpler dreams now.”
i was recommended this by a friend - she praised bren macdibble pretty highly! i was cautious on entering this new, unexplored territory but the blurb was fascinating enough for me to skip through my tbr to this. and i can't say i regret that descision!
macdibble's book is honest, unique, and powerful. it's rare to see such a passionate voice in juvenile fiction; i was pleasantly surprised by this little book.
in a sea of grey-toned protagonists, peony is bright yellow. she stands out without effort. how to describe her? well, she's genuine and bold. fierce and stubborn. kind and thoughtful. through the range of the pages in this book, we travel with our little bee-hopeful as she explores different perspectives, settings, and people. the transition from a child to something more: frankly put, this is a coming-of-age novel, in a way. it's a book that can touch everyone.
and what gorgeous world-building! i was incredibly intrigued by the dystopian, futuristic feel in this one - it's so well developed. the writing is also top-notch, the pacing perfect. everything is wonderful. macdibble's writing is fairly impressive.
this is what middle grade was made for. i loved this so much - it was both enlightening and engaging. highly recommended! no matter what your age, you need to read this.
» 4.5 stars
cjeziorski's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful story about a future world without bees. Peony lives on a farm, but her mother comes to take her to the city to work with her as a housekeeper. There, she helps the young girl who lives in the house. Great story with strong themes of what it means to be family.
lainy122's review against another edition
5.0
That was a lot of feelings packed into a kids book. Definitely going to stay with me, that one. Phew!