Reviews

Hazel's Theory of Evolution by Lisa Jenn Bigelow

theinkwyrm's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed Hazel’s POV in this book, which feels very neurodivergent coded to me (although it isn’t addressed in the book, so it could just be a me thing). I also loved all the casual representation in this and how Hazel is so clearly ace, which I feel like doesn’t get represented often in fiction in general much less in middle grade fiction. Also, the steps Hazel takes to try and protect herself and her anxiety around the emotional and physical safety of herself and people she loves really resonated with me (now even more so than it would have when I was younger) and made me want the best for her. 

thepetitepunk's review

4.0

4.5 stars

This was so wonderful for so many reasons. Any books about the struggles of being in middle school—friends, fitting in, deciding what you’re now too old for and what you’re still too young for—will always have a special place in my heart.

haley_cat's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

marieintheraw's review

4.0

This is such a quiet middle grade story with such a big ending

claire_84's review

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

librarydosebykristy's review against another edition

4.0

Sweet, almost painful to read story about a girl who is authentic and earnest but just doesn’t fit in. She lives on a goat farm with her two moms, one of whom is pregnant again after two late term miscarriages. Hazel is extremely upset and anxious about her mom’s pregnancy and is just waiting for something to go wrong... she’s also going through that inevitable friend breakup that happens around 8th grade.

Really well written. Give to this to the kids who feel like outsiders but are unwilling to change to fit in.

jaymeee's review

lighthearted 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? Yes

3.0

adillondev's review

challenging emotional hopeful reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Oh, Hazel is going through it. A beautiful story. Cried multiple times.

arnoldad1's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny reflective tense 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? No

5.0

jananih's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense 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

3.75