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sunshine8473773's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
3.0
The anime vibes in this I think will definitely draw in some middle grade readers! The characters were also great, struggling with things that a lot of people struggle with in middle school. Especially balancing different friend groups and trying to find where exactly you fit in.
However, I do think it longer than it needed to be. I appreciated everything Lilico was struggling with, I just think some of the plot lines could have been taken out. But other than that, if you're looking for a middle grade sports graphic novel, I'd recommend picking this one up!
However, I do think it longer than it needed to be. I appreciated everything Lilico was struggling with, I just think some of the plot lines could have been taken out. But other than that, if you're looking for a middle grade sports graphic novel, I'd recommend picking this one up!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
tabby2920's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.5
It was cute and adorable with uplifting message about understanding the people around you and inspirational story about friendships.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
destdest's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
The artwork was very cute and stylish, but the story and characters were flat. I think Nala had the best development of all though her personality was her obsession with kawaii/cutesy fashion and her tendency to run away. The dialogue was also stilted.
Things were moving so quickly that many plot points didn’t get developed. One of the biggest problems is the mean girl Emma. She never truly grew or apologized. maybe middle school kids are that fickle. But Emma saw Lilico play basketball one day, then she was bestie #1 forever. First half of the story dragged on and on, but, once Lilico got used to the school, things picked up. Overall, Bounce Back is more plot-driven than character-driven.
There are a lot of references to (mainstream) Japanese items/media: kimono, yukata, pocky, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, katanas, samurai, etc. But it’s done very surface level. Maybe the author thought this is what the young audience would be most familiar with and would appeal to them.
I fully acknowledge I’m not the intended audience though I’m no stranger to reading children’s fiction but I almost dnf’ed this. I didn’t enjoy the reading experience. But I think kids will be super enamored with the art style, the cute animal sidekick, and the kindhearted, harmless Japan-loving friends (“weeaboos” if you want to be mean XD).
Things were moving so quickly that many plot points didn’t get developed. One of the biggest problems is the mean girl Emma. She never truly grew or apologized.
There are a lot of references to (mainstream) Japanese items/media: kimono, yukata, pocky, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, katanas, samurai, etc. But it’s done very surface level. Maybe the author thought this is what the young audience would be most familiar with and would appeal to them.
I fully acknowledge I’m not the intended audience though I’m no stranger to reading children’s fiction but I almost dnf’ed this. I didn’t enjoy the reading experience. But I think kids will be super enamored with the art style, the cute animal sidekick, and the kindhearted, harmless Japan-loving friends (“weeaboos” if you want to be mean XD).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
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