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miszjeanie's review
5.0
Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai is a compulsively-readable middle grade release, perfect for fans of upper middle grade stories. This realistic contemporary novel handles tough themes like the process and reality of parental divorce, a tween experiencing the fall-out of a breakup, kids managing busy school schedules, and keeping bonds of friendship alive. It also highlights the value of vulnerability and how powerful it can be to open one’s heart to the affections of others. I loved this one, and can’t wait to read whatever Debbi Michiko Florence writes next.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
catherinefenquist's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tripp_2mylou's review
2.0
I give this two stars because, on Goodreads, that means "it was ok." It feels like a low number of stars, though, because it was a cute enough story. It's what I would say is a perfectly fine, light read. The protagonist, Jenna is a little hot-headed and competitive, making assumptions when she shouldn't, but she's young - this is a kids' book after all.
Really cute things: the waitress and diner owner who references Broadway musicals a lot, the boy who draws Manga-inspired pictures of his crush (Jenna).
Less cute: Jenna's tendency to blow off her best friend; Jenna's ex-boyfriend, Elliot's ego; Jenna's inclination to jump to the worst (and most ridiculous) conclusion without checking in with people.
Over all, I enjoyed it. It's not extraordinary, though. I didn't close the book and say "wow." But I do think that, as a gateway to YA romance, it's very...cute.
Really cute things: the waitress and diner owner who references Broadway musicals a lot, the boy who draws Manga-inspired pictures of his crush (Jenna).
Less cute: Jenna's tendency to blow off her best friend; Jenna's ex-boyfriend, Elliot's ego; Jenna's inclination to jump to the worst (and most ridiculous) conclusion without checking in with people.
Over all, I enjoyed it. It's not extraordinary, though. I didn't close the book and say "wow." But I do think that, as a gateway to YA romance, it's very...cute.
h0wtodisappear's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
howtod1sappear's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
tripp2mylou's review
2.0
I give this two stars because, on Goodreads, that means "it was ok." It feels like a low number of stars, though, because it was a cute enough story. It's what I would say is a perfectly fine, light read. The protagonist, Jenna is a little hot-headed and competitive, making assumptions when she shouldn't, but she's young - this is a kids' book after all.
Really cute things: the waitress and diner owner who references Broadway musicals a lot, the boy who draws Manga-inspired pictures of his crush (Jenna).
Less cute: Jenna's tendency to blow off her best friend; Jenna's ex-boyfriend, Elliot's ego; Jenna's inclination to jump to the worst (and most ridiculous) conclusion without checking in with people.
Over all, I enjoyed it. It's not extraordinary, though. I didn't close the book and say "wow." But I do think that, as a gateway to YA romance, it's very...cute.
Really cute things: the waitress and diner owner who references Broadway musicals a lot, the boy who draws Manga-inspired pictures of his crush (Jenna).
Less cute: Jenna's tendency to blow off her best friend; Jenna's ex-boyfriend, Elliot's ego; Jenna's inclination to jump to the worst (and most ridiculous) conclusion without checking in with people.
Over all, I enjoyed it. It's not extraordinary, though. I didn't close the book and say "wow." But I do think that, as a gateway to YA romance, it's very...cute.