sandraagee's review against another edition
3.0
Not too bad. I read this mosly because I felt like I had to because it's by a Madison author and is set in Madison, but it wasn't a horrid read. Sweet and frivolous, it reads kind of like one of the better Disny Channel Original Movies - just quirky enough to be interesting, with characters that fit neatly into not-to-painful stereotypes, and a touch of drama centered around a friendship.
Would give to middle-schoolers.
Would give to middle-schoolers.
shainalite's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
missprint_'s review against another edition
5.0
Is it possible to fall in love with a book? If it is, The Teashop Girls (2008 ) by Laura Schaefer, with illustrations by Sujean Rim, now holds my heart. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, especially since I am not actually much of a tea drinker, but as soon as I saw the cover and the illustration of The Steeping Leaf I knew this book would have my undying devotion. I know I keep banging readers over the head with what I'm trying to point out with my Chick Lit Wednesday Reviews, but really this book embodies what a CLW book should be.
But that doesn't tell you what it's actually about.
Annie Green and her best friends Genna and Zoe have been drinking tea at the Steeping Leaf since grade school when they founded an exclusive group called The Teashop Girls. More than a fondness of tea is required in order to be a proper Teashop Girl, there are rules:
1) Teashop Girls are best friends forever.
2) Tea is held every week, no matter what.
3) All tea and scones must be split equally at all times.
Unfortunately, somewhere between elementary school and the end of eighth grade, the girls lost track of their weekly ritual. Genna is busy trying to start her acting career and Zoe is always practicing for tennis, leaving Annie feeling very alone.
For Annie, the logical solution is to convince her grandmother Louisa to hire Annie as a barista. Just because the Teashop Girls don't have tea every week anymore, it doesn't mean Annie can't spend her spare time there, right?
With a new job, and a new crush on her Barista Boy coworker, Annie finally feels as focused as her friends. It isn't the same, but Annie is enjoying her time at the Leaf. Until the lights go out. Working with her grandmother, Annie realizes the Leaf's future is tenuous--an eviction notice could spell the end of the beloved tea shop for good.
Luckily, another Teashop Girl rule is that "A Teashop Girl will always help other Teashop Girls in need." So, with Zoe and Genna's help, Annie sets out to save their beloved Steeping Leaf with varying ideas ranging from sheer genius to, well, less than successful.
Aside from saving the Steeping Leaf, this book's main story is about friendship. Specifically, The Teashop Girls is about how Annie and her friends reconnect and realize that, no matter what else changes in their lives, being a Teashop Girl is forever.n (Just recently I was wishing for a book where romance was not tcentral to the plot, and/or where I did not want it to be, and it wasn't a big deal. This is that book.)
This is what I would call a middle grade book (the jacket sleeve recommends the book for ages 8 to 14 which seems spot on), which would be comfortably defined as either a children's or young adult book. It also seemed really authentic. Annie narrates this novel as if she is talking to the reader, an affectation that often fails writers. Here, however, it worked perfectly because Schaefer's characters were so vibrant and just real.
Another great feature was the book design. The cover was great because, as readers will learn, it totally shows Annie. I also loved the inclusion of Annie's "handwritten" lists and notes as well as Genna's illustrations and excerpts from the girls' tea handbook. It was a feature that made the book feel as unique and charming as The Steeping Leaf sounds. Schaefer also includes some recipes from the girls and tea related quotes/ads that are sure to amuse tea enthusiasts while informing tea novices like myself.
I don't think I've ever called a book both heartwarming and cheerful, but this one was. The Teashop Girls put me in a good mood as soon as I got and kept me in good spirits right to the end. One of the best books for girls that I have read recently.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
But that doesn't tell you what it's actually about.
Annie Green and her best friends Genna and Zoe have been drinking tea at the Steeping Leaf since grade school when they founded an exclusive group called The Teashop Girls. More than a fondness of tea is required in order to be a proper Teashop Girl, there are rules:
1) Teashop Girls are best friends forever.
2) Tea is held every week, no matter what.
3) All tea and scones must be split equally at all times.
Unfortunately, somewhere between elementary school and the end of eighth grade, the girls lost track of their weekly ritual. Genna is busy trying to start her acting career and Zoe is always practicing for tennis, leaving Annie feeling very alone.
For Annie, the logical solution is to convince her grandmother Louisa to hire Annie as a barista. Just because the Teashop Girls don't have tea every week anymore, it doesn't mean Annie can't spend her spare time there, right?
With a new job, and a new crush on her Barista Boy coworker, Annie finally feels as focused as her friends. It isn't the same, but Annie is enjoying her time at the Leaf. Until the lights go out. Working with her grandmother, Annie realizes the Leaf's future is tenuous--an eviction notice could spell the end of the beloved tea shop for good.
Luckily, another Teashop Girl rule is that "A Teashop Girl will always help other Teashop Girls in need." So, with Zoe and Genna's help, Annie sets out to save their beloved Steeping Leaf with varying ideas ranging from sheer genius to, well, less than successful.
Aside from saving the Steeping Leaf, this book's main story is about friendship. Specifically, The Teashop Girls is about how Annie and her friends reconnect and realize that, no matter what else changes in their lives, being a Teashop Girl is forever.n (Just recently I was wishing for a book where romance was not tcentral to the plot, and/or where I did not want it to be, and it wasn't a big deal. This is that book.)
This is what I would call a middle grade book (the jacket sleeve recommends the book for ages 8 to 14 which seems spot on), which would be comfortably defined as either a children's or young adult book. It also seemed really authentic. Annie narrates this novel as if she is talking to the reader, an affectation that often fails writers. Here, however, it worked perfectly because Schaefer's characters were so vibrant and just real.
Another great feature was the book design. The cover was great because, as readers will learn, it totally shows Annie. I also loved the inclusion of Annie's "handwritten" lists and notes as well as Genna's illustrations and excerpts from the girls' tea handbook. It was a feature that made the book feel as unique and charming as The Steeping Leaf sounds. Schaefer also includes some recipes from the girls and tea related quotes/ads that are sure to amuse tea enthusiasts while informing tea novices like myself.
I don't think I've ever called a book both heartwarming and cheerful, but this one was. The Teashop Girls put me in a good mood as soon as I got and kept me in good spirits right to the end. One of the best books for girls that I have read recently.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
read_with_riley's review against another edition
2.0
The Teashop Girls was okay, it was cute. It wasn't bad, the two star rating is because I didn't really think there was anything particularly great about it, nothing to shout about.
librarydanielle's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't care for the teashop girls. it started out good, with an interesting premise, but then got annoying. Annie is at times too old for her 13 years and waay too young. and I don't mean fluctuating maturity levels. I mean one moment the author has her thinking and speaking like a grown woman and the next an eight year old. she's also selfish and spoiled treating many of her classmates and friends like crap just because they don't agree with her world view.
the tidbits and illustrations about tea were the only reason this got a two star review. I was very disappointed.
the tidbits and illustrations about tea were the only reason this got a two star review. I was very disappointed.
corncobwebs's review against another edition
This was a fun little read. I loved the anti-corporate culture message. The drawings, quotes and "tea artifacts" gave the book a scrapbook-y type feel, which I loved. Great pick for younger girls who enjoyed the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" series.
juliamoore13's review against another edition
2.0
The Tea Shop Girls practically made me fall asleep from boredom. It had a basic plot and the characters were extremely mild. I could easily stick a label each one. Beth=annoying older sister, Genna= talented chic, Zoe=organized athlete, Zach=annoying boy who obviously has a crush on Annie. And Annie is just such a simple character. She likes tea, and that's about it.
Now this book did have its ups, too. It was really childish and fun, and the little clips of the end made a great addition. Overall, I would recommend this book to younger kids, 7-9 years old.
Now this book did have its ups, too. It was really childish and fun, and the little clips of the end made a great addition. Overall, I would recommend this book to younger kids, 7-9 years old.
the_cheesiest_slytherin's review against another edition
5.0
Such a fun read.. And it's by a Wisconsin author, which really makes me happy, because I feel like I can never find anything that I really like that's written by someone from my home state.. I loved that there were recipes in it and information about tea traditions and history. That's how I like my information/facts- in small bits, in fictional novels. Would definitely recommend if you want something short and sweet.
bunnybookends's review against another edition
3.0
The Teashop Girls (Paula Wiseman Books) by Laura Schaefer (2008)