afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
Apple Yengko is tween girl stuck between multiple identities. At home she is the daughter of an Filipino mother and a deceased father. Everything at home is tinged with Filipino culture and values. Apple's mother wants her to spend her time with friends and studying instead of learning a musical instrument. At school Apple is part of a small clique of girls attempting to navigate the social ladder at school and remain off of the "Dog Log". Apple's expulsion for the clique and subsequent untouchable status leads her to make some decisions about the company she keeps and what she wants to stand for.
kaloughl's review against another edition
5.0
Omg I loved this!! I've read a few of Kelly's books previously but this is my favorite so far. I loved Apple's love of music (The Beatles!) and how all she wanted to do was play the guitar. My heart hurt at the excessive bullying in her school, especially the racist, anti-Asian name calling. I loved how Apple learned to make new friends and found even better friends that supported her talent and her quirks. The fact that Evan's immediate acceptance of Apple's mom lead Apple to be proud of her Filippino heritage just about exploded my heart. Apple's tendency to call out people's IFs (interesting facts) was so cute and Kelly just PERFECTLY captured the awkward/hurtful/love filled/confusing middle school years.
The new audiobook release narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano was so good. Capistrano perfectly captured the essence of Apple and her friends (though part of me really wanted some singing by the end!).
The new audiobook release narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano was so good. Capistrano perfectly captured the essence of Apple and her friends (though part of me really wanted some singing by the end!).
sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
Apple has always wanted to play music like her idols, the Beatles and her dead father. While she desperately attempts to get a guitar and become a song writer, her mother stops her at every turn. With kids at school making fun of her for her race and appearance, Apple thinks that a guitar will solve everything. She learns about herself and her interactions with others along the way.
I thought this was a great first book. I enjoyed the characters and the story.
I thought this was a great first book. I enjoyed the characters and the story.
msseviereads's review against another edition
4.0
I could not stop listening! Read this one with my ears— thanks libro.fm! I loved the story, but these kids made me soooo mad! And where were the adults who observed or overheard this bullying in the hallways and classrooms. It was so frustrating for me to read—
But I loved the last bit of the book end how it all worked out— another great book by Erin Entrada Kelly!
But I loved the last bit of the book end how it all worked out— another great book by Erin Entrada Kelly!
ctorms's review against another edition
4.0
Apple Yengko is miserable. Stuck in a group of "frenemies" and mocked by her clueless classmates, she consoles herself with the music of the Beatles. The drama and social tribulations that Apple deals with create an authentic world that many middle school readers will recognize. Apple doesn't always make the right decisions but she becomes a heroine. Her ability to embrace new friendships and commitment to pursuing music lessons make her an inspiring protagonist.
jessica13zapata's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
keitacolada's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
cxdenci's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars!
This story was a fresh, lighthearted read. However, for me, the best part of the book was its protagonist, Apple/Analyn. I relate to her so much as a person because I am a full-blooded Filipino, a huge Beatles fan who plays guitar and someone who is still trying to find her own personality.
The plot is actually quite interesting no matter the amount of clichè in it. I almost finished the entire book in one sitting.
Children, teens and maybe even adults would love this book. The prose is simple yet refreshing. Some characters are real clichès such as love-to-hate characters and mean-white-girl characters. But that is typical in children's books/YA.
Overall, a fun and meaningful read for any age. I love it. (And Apple? I relate. I love George too.)
This story was a fresh, lighthearted read. However, for me, the best part of the book was its protagonist, Apple/Analyn. I relate to her so much as a person because I am a full-blooded Filipino, a huge Beatles fan who plays guitar and someone who is still trying to find her own personality.
The plot is actually quite interesting no matter the amount of clichè in it. I almost finished the entire book in one sitting.
Children, teens and maybe even adults would love this book. The prose is simple yet refreshing. Some characters are real clichès such as love-to-hate characters and mean-white-girl characters. But that is typical in children's books/YA.
Overall, a fun and meaningful read for any age. I love it. (And Apple? I relate. I love George too.)