Reviews

Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo

paperbacksandpines's review against another edition

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3.0

I know some readers are head over heels in love with DiCamillo's writing but I'm just not one of those readers. For me, this book was just meh. I know she loves to pull on readers' heartstrings but I'd much rather read an emotional tale in the vein of [b:The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise|39280558|The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise|Dan Gemeinhart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1535034048l/39280558._SY75_.jpg|57956893], [b:Counting by 7s|15937108|Counting by 7s|Holly Goldberg Sloan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1396225872l/15937108._SY75_.jpg|19034797], or [b:Out of My Mind|6609765|Out of My Mind|Sharon M. Draper|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347602096l/6609765._SX50_.jpg|6803732]. After reading the series, I kind of got the feeling that DiCamillo was trying to emotionally manipulate the reader and her writing just didn't move me.

beestix's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing slow-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

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

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5.0

There’s always something about Kate DiCamillo that’s different than anything else I read. I could go in blind and recognize her writing immediately. It’s quiet and poignant and every word on the page matters because it’s written with such importance.
I’ve loved The Three Rancheros series since it’s started and Beverly was my favorite. She’s been through the wringer and came out stronger. The death of Buddy in the first sentence gutted me and Beverly as well as she upends her life to run away from home and start fresh at the Florida coast. I loved Elmer and Iola and Doris. The secondary characters are always so important in DiCamillo’s stories and seem so real to me. I love the simplicity as well as the seriousness feel of the entire series and I’m sad it’s over.

lizaroo71's review against another edition

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4.0

This is the third book in the Three Rancheros series. I like all three books as they are simple stories about young ladies going through complicated situations with grace and ease. In this final installment, Beverly has to bury her beloved dog Buddy. Soon after burying Buddy, she leaves town as she doesn't want to be with her alcoholic mother any longer.

Once Beverly arrives in Florida, she gets a job and finds a place to stay. All of this happens because adults around her are kind and caring. The characters on the sidelines in DiCamillo's novels are always colorful and interesting. The same is true for this book also. Iola takes in the young Beverly because she needs Beverly as much as Beverly needs her.

Beverly doesn't overstay her welcome in Florida. She stays long enough to figure out her place in the world and what it means to have family.

kamckim's review against another edition

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4.0

Quick read following up on a friend of RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE. It is a lovely read, a story of hope, and a fantastic coming of age narrative of Beverly. Would suggest for middle grades, for sure.

emilythelibrarian23's review against another edition

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5.0

Notes: Read on Sims Libby

I feel like this trilogy shows an important theme that we all need to be reminded : listen to children. Even if they have a rough exterior and are really difficult to love, like this character, Beverly. I would highly recommend this sweet and enduring series.

mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition

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5.0

Thank you NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the eARC of Kate DiCamillo’s newest book. I remember reading Raymie Nightingale, maybe as a suggestion from a student or the librarian, but I know that I loved the friendship story. When I saw that DiCamillo was going to continue writing other novels featuring the other girls, I was ecstatic. Beverly, Right Here might be my favorite of the three. They are all ones to tug at your heart, but for some reason Beverly tugged at my heart and won’t let go. I think everyone needs to read these books.

readsewknit's review against another edition

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4.0

Kate DiCamillo primarily writes standalone stories, but Beverly, Right Here is the conclusion of her first trilogy. Raymie Nightingale was the first in this series, where we meet three friends: Raymie, Louisiana, and Beverly. Louisiana's Way Home came next, and this is the conclusion.

14-year-old Beverly struggles in her home, so after she buries her beloved dog, she spontaneously leaves town. She finds herself living with an older woman in a trailer home, finding a job at a fish diner, and connecting with locals. 

Through these experiences, Beverly opens herself up to new friendships while mourning losses in her life. We witness her coming into her own, finding inner strength, and recognizing beauty around her.

Kate DiCamillo has a way of writing that feels natural, raw, and beautiful. She conveys truths simply but powerfully.  Beverly, Right Here, along with the other books in the series, feel as if they're geared towards older children. They're not as lighthearted as her earlier works, but they are important and can pull out your emotions as they speak to truths of the importance of having dreams and finding friends who are your chosen family.

(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)

bibliobrittish's review against another edition

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4.0

A sweet story of found family and what we sometimes do to survive.

kelleemoye's review against another edition

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4.0

Teachers' Guide: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=20004