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britishbelle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smallafterall's review against another edition
5.0
I’m giving this a 5 based on its merits as a middle grade/young YA book, rather than literary fiction. This one hits all the sweet spots in a growing up awkwardly and honestly tale. I loved the characters and felt their pain sharply and poignantly. Bea’s parents are just as fumbling and self absorbed as she is, but that somehow lends to their charm. I was glad that the ending struck a note somewhere between hopefully optimistic and disappointingly real. Oh, and she’s a poet, so of course I liked that.
hasnow's review against another edition
4.0
Do you know the difference between a maze and a labyrinth? You'll find out in this book. Also, I coincidentally watched Labyrinth while I was in the middle of this book, and I found out the movie should actually be named Maze.
Anyway, there are only minor similarities between the David Bowie movie and this book. The book is more family appropriate, and really captures that awkward stage in life called seventh grade. It addresses the struggle of staying true to yourself versus conforming to the norm.
Through the novel, Bea deals with the loss of a friendship and the gain of new ones.
Bea is a poet
Haiku is her go-to form
Of poetry, obv.
The supporting characters (both kid and adult) weren't one-dimensional, and provided Bea with thoughtful and difficult interactions. From my previous experiences of being a shy, artistic kid, this was highly relatable.
Consider me charmed.
Anyway, there are only minor similarities between the David Bowie movie and this book. The book is more family appropriate, and really captures that awkward stage in life called seventh grade. It addresses the struggle of staying true to yourself versus conforming to the norm.
Through the novel, Bea deals with the loss of a friendship and the gain of new ones.
Bea is a poet
Haiku is her go-to form
Of poetry, obv.
The supporting characters (both kid and adult) weren't one-dimensional, and provided Bea with thoughtful and difficult interactions. From my previous experiences of being a shy, artistic kid, this was highly relatable.
Consider me charmed.
theshenners's review against another edition
5.0
A Bea-utiful book about finding new friends when your old ones have abandoned you and learning to be true to yourself. 😭💜
note: the main character is Taiwanese American and one of the supporting characters is autistic.
note: the main character is Taiwanese American and one of the supporting characters is autistic.
_majareads's review
5.0
I was utterly charmed by this sweet story about having friends and being a friend. I loved that Bea’s Taiwanese heritage is neither ignored nor a central aspect of the story, instead emphasizing her identity as an everyday seventh-grade protagonist struggling to find her voice and her place in the shifting social politics of middle school. I only wish I’d had a book like this when I was Bea’s age.
readingthroughtheages's review
5.0
When it says it's written by Kat Yeh, that just means go ahead and preorder.
Kat gives us another amazing middle grade read that is sure to captivate all readers.
Kat gives us another amazing middle grade read that is sure to captivate all readers.
yapha's review
3.0
Give to students who like reading books about friend issues and changing friend groups. For grades 4 & up.
atestroete's review
3.0
The Way to Bea by Kat Yeh deals with themes that many students in Grade 7 go through: what do you when you're best friend no longer wants to be your friend?
Beatrix Lee starts Grade 7 alone as her best friend has found a new group to hang out with, but soon is introduced to students who write for the school newspaper. Here she finds she can be herself and forms strong friendships.
I think the message about finding people you feel yourself with is so important for this age group but I found the story didn't capture me the way I hoped. I do love that this is a story about a Taiwanese American with themes that everyone can connect to and how Will's autism is never overtly explained.
Beatrix Lee starts Grade 7 alone as her best friend has found a new group to hang out with, but soon is introduced to students who write for the school newspaper. Here she finds she can be herself and forms strong friendships.
I think the message about finding people you feel yourself with is so important for this age group but I found the story didn't capture me the way I hoped. I do love that this is a story about a Taiwanese American with themes that everyone can connect to and how Will's autism is never overtly explained.
lynburn's review
5.0
I gave this 5 Stars because I couldn’t give it 4.5 Stars. It took awhile for me to get into this book, and the writing style was a little different, otherwise it would have definitely been 5 Stars! The Way to Bea by Kat Yeh is an intricately designed story. It’s a story of traveling the maze that is our life, hitting those blind alleys, or dead ends, and continuing in our discovery of ourself. It’s about learning who you are, and accepting yourself, all the music, art, poetry and colors that make you, you. And it’s about accepting others for who they are, and accepting and being ok when others leave your life path. The Way to Bea is a middle grade book. Bea and her friends are 7th and 8th graders, guided by parents and a couple really special teachers. But the truths of this book are for all ages. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a feel good story.