Today’s pick: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2001
Summary:
Julianna Baker begins crushing on Bryce Loski from the first time they meet, in grade 2, and is convinced for years that he will be her first kiss. The problem is, Bryce doesn’t see it that way. He finds Juli annoying. As the two of them grow up through middle school, the author shows their two different and sometimes humorous points of view about a destroyed sycamore tree, Juli's homegrown chickens and their eggs, and a variety of family problems. By the end of the book, their feelings are flipped: Bryce really likes Juli and Juli has gotten over her crush.
My Take:
This is definitely a book to show you how to write different points of view. I loved the way the author took the same story event and showed it through the eyes of the two different characters, emphasizing what each character would notice. I also loved the layers the author created in this story, by going beyond the surface to include family issues, while still keeping the story firmly from a middle grader’s point of view. Although I’ve seen this novel referred to as “teen” or “YA”, to me, it definitely has a middle grade feel. Other Info:
This book is a stand alone. It has been made into a movie, Flipped, 2010, directed by Rob Reiner.Other books by this author:
The Running DreamSammy Keyes mystery series:
Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash
Sammy Keyes and the Dead Giveaway
The Gecko & Sticky series
The Gecko & Sticky: The Power Potion
The Gecko & Sticky: Sinister Substitute
Shredderman series
For more info, visit Wendelin Van Draanen’s website.
I've never heard of the book or movie. It sounds charming, and I love reading from different POVs. It's hard to do well. On a side note, thanks for sharing the extra info on the author's books~ they sound good too!
ReplyDeleteI have read some of her other books and really enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why this post is up today, though, since I scheduled it for Monday! It even says Monday in the date. Another blogger mystery!
I saw this movie recently and really liked it. I think I somehow missed that fact that it was based on a book when I was watching it...
ReplyDeleteHi, Anonymous Marcia here. :) This looks good. And I knew right away it would be one of those MG books that get labeled YA.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a cute read! I saw the movie trailer for Flipped but didn't realize it had been a book. Thanks for sharing this review!
ReplyDeleteI like it when a writer takes one event and shows it from different perspectives. It gives depth. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I had dinner with some family members the other day and they mentioned this movie! I haven't seen it yet, but I hope to soon.
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