Reviews

Cici's Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-Training by Aurélie Neyret, Joris Chamblain

missmeganmann's review

hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I thought this was interesting. There are two stories in this and they both end happily, but it’s the middle I’m having trouble with. The mom has a LOT she needs to work on, her friend Erica is kind of the worst, and I don’t think all of the issues between everyone falls squarely on Cici like is depicted. 

Although I do love both of the stories in the sense that Cici’s curiosity helps first restore a zoo and then discovers a hidden treasure trove of letters for people she didn’t know at first. I think her curiosity should be celebrated rather than knocked down by literally everyone in her life. She’s a kid! My god.  

So, enjoyable, but also frustrating.

dadzpeach's review

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

pastel_princess's review

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

bookswithkellie's review

adventurous inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

jessieann's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

ladykatka's review

lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Cici is terrible and her friends should be mad at her. She is selfish and a list. I couldn't support her.

kennycmk's review

lighthearted mysterious

4.0

benediction's review

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

3.5

library_kb's review

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved the art style of this book and the color palette--so visually pleasing! The format of this one is graphic novel interspersed with text heavy pages (Cici's journal) which is really well done. A lot more text than most graphic novels, but not an overwhelming amount! Each story follows a mystery that Cici (who is a bit nosy) is trying to solve, sometimes at the expense of her friendships and relationship with her mom. I liked that both of the mysteries dealt with elderly people, so there was some great showing of how middle schoolers can interact with elderly people (sometimes my students are afraid of people generations older than them). I also liked how Cici's flaws are explored and she has to learn how to apologize and repair harm that she causes. Highly recommend for graphic novel collections!

brookerhymeswithbook's review

4.0

I heard someone on a podcast describe this as Amelie meets Nancy Drew, and I think that says it best. I loved the illustrations so much. One thing that had me reluctant is the way Cici was out in the woods following a man she didn’t know when no one knew where she was. I thought about not keeping this book around for my daughter because I didn’t want putting yourself into a dangerous situation for the sake of a mystery glorified, but I decided I’d just talk to her about it instead. The second epistolary lIbrary mystery was so great.