Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that nearly every character, major and minor, adult and child, behaves badly. In some cases they learn better or regret their mistakes, in others (such as the main characters cheating in school) they don't. Because of the romantic subject matter, it's likely to appeal mainly to middle schoolers.
Families who read this book could discuss the behavior of the characters. Why do they do the things they do? Is Bryce really a coward? Is his grandfather fair to him? Also, point of view is very important here. Why do the stories the two characters tell seem so different? Are they lying? Do people really see the same events so differently? Why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
This deceptively simple novel about first crushes is a lot like real life -- sometimes too much so. There is hardly a character, major or minor, adult or child, who is really likable, though a few, such as Bryce and his grandfather, drift toward likability by the end.
They all mess up, usually repeatedly,and mostly through selfishness and lack of understanding and compassion, just like real people. And most of them change -- and change again.
The alternating narrators device adds another realistic layer to this multilayered book. Bryce and Juli describe the same events from their own points of view, and they do so with surprising honesty. The differences in their versions of stories come, not from trying to hide the truth or justify their own behavior, but from genuinely seeing things differently.
They both behave badly, Bryce especially, but they're both able to face that and to attempt the always difficult process of conscious change.
From The Book
All I've ever wanted is for Juli Baker to leave me alone. For her to back off -- you know, just give me some space.
It all started the summer before second grade when our moving van pulled into her neighborhood. And since we're now about done with the eighth grade, that, my friend, makes more than half a decade of strategic avoidance and social discomfort.
She didn't just barge into my life. She barged and shoved and wedged her way into my life. Did we invite her to get into our moving van and start climbing all over boxes? No! But that's exactly what she did, taking over and showing off like only Juli Baker can.
Plot Summary:
In alternating chapters, Bryce and Juli tell the story of their relationship, beginning in second grade when Bryce moves in across the street from Juli. Juli instantly develops a crush on Bryce, who does not reciprocate, and throughout elementary school he tries to avoid her persistent and unwelcome attentions.
In middle school, however, they both begin to notice Bryce's substantial character flaws. Just as Bryce begins to try to change, and to notice Juli's good points, her ardor starts to cool. Meanwhile their families, and their perceptions of their world, also undergo dramatic changes.
Related Books:
Other Books by Wendelin Van Draanen
The Sammy Keyes series
How I Survived Being a Girl
The Search for Snake Eyes
Swear to Howdy
Books with Similar Themes
Philip Hall Likes Me. I Reckon Maybe. by Bette Greene
Unclaimed Treasures by Patricia MacLachlan
Ernestine & Amanda by Sandra Belton
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Loser by Jerry Spinelli
Sex Kittens and Horn Dawgs Fall in Love by Maryrose Wood
Related Web Site
Publisher's site
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Sexual ContentOblique reference to breasts. Thoughts about kissing, and an abortive attempt at a kiss. |
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ViolenceTwo girls fight over a boy. |
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Social BehaviorThe two main characters cheat in class. Bryce's father is sexist. Several characters say disparaging things about mentally challenged people. Nearly every character behaves badly. |
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