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_matthewdon_'s review
4.0
There's some laughable plot issues (braiding a dog's fur? Can't really imagine that), but Claudia and Mean Janine has an ineffable charm. The plot would've been very stodgy and lifeless if not for the intelligent plot device of Mimi falling ill, which added some much-needed depth in what would've been an otherwise plebeian and irksome experience with some highly stereotyped Asians, sibling antagonisms, and that appalingly atrocious title.
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-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
mdevlin923's review against another edition
3.0
Claudia and her sister Janine are total opposites, especially when it comes to school and grades. When Claudia's grandmother, Mimi, has a stroke, Claudia feels like she is doing everything (babysitting, studying, and taking care of Mimi) while Janine does nothing.
dannic99's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
justlily's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like I should note that nowhere in this book was Janine actually mean. A thing I never picked up on when I obsessively read this series as a kid. Now though, as an adult, it's pretty obvious that Claudia is a spoiled brat.
Who knew.
Who knew.
vll295's review against another edition
4.0
The BSC changed my life in the 5th and 6th grade. My friends and I would coordinate so that we could read all of the books. I remember writing to Ann M. Martin to get her autograph. I thought it was amazing that she actually responded to me! I loved Claudia and her sense of style. That didn't help too much in this case, but it was still a great story!
helendeu's review against another edition
4.0
Reading in chronological order (with the exception of The Kids in Mrs Colman's Class series).
An extra star for nostalgia. Loved this series as a kid and re-reading it is giving me all the warm and fuzzies.
An extra star for nostalgia. Loved this series as a kid and re-reading it is giving me all the warm and fuzzies.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Reread for #BSC #bookaday
Reading this now as an adult who has lost both of her grandmothers made this book so much harder then I remember it being! The scene when Claudia and Janine find Mimi and the scene where Claudia first walks in to see Mimi at the hospital were heart wrenching!
Also, I remember thinking that Janine was a big meanie, but when rereading, I think Claudia was actually the one who overreacted and blew things out of proportion. It is interesting how our points of view change with age.
Reading this now as an adult who has lost both of her grandmothers made this book so much harder then I remember it being! The scene when Claudia and Janine find Mimi and the scene where Claudia first walks in to see Mimi at the hospital were heart wrenching!
Also, I remember thinking that Janine was a big meanie, but when rereading, I think Claudia was actually the one who overreacted and blew things out of proportion. It is interesting how our points of view change with age.