Reviews

Be the Girl by K.A. Tucker

bookwormbetty's review

Go to review page

4.0

This was a fantastic book that takes on a hard subject in this day and age. Bullying. I think the author handled it perfectly and I would for sure let my teen read this. I feel it's such an important subject. I was immersed in this story from the beginning,and I didn't want it to end. I loved Cassie, the fo filter was awesome, my son has autism, and trust me, I get the no filter thing. This story is fantastic, and everyone should read it.

jb93reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

jennharmon's review

Go to review page

fast-paced

4.5

4.5⭐️ I just love a K. A. Tucker book.  This book eloquently touched on bullying in schools.  Aria, a junior, just moved next door to Emmet, a popular senior and his autistic sister.   Immediately Aria finds herself at the center of being bullied because Ashe of her crush on Emmet and finds herself protecting Cassie from being bullied at the same time. 

The writing touches on how just the smallest y or online comments and snowball into life altering moments for someone. It has the impact to affect t them for the rest of their lives and potentially drive them to end their own life. Tucker does a great job depicting bullying in today’s climate. 

mrose21's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Oh my god I feel like this book should have a warning...

I'm so conflicted by this book, I feel the author does such a good job in showing us Aria, getting to know her and you feel like you've got her weighed out. I won't explain what I mean by that because I think you should be surprised, its not how you expect is all I'll say.

I thought Cassie was great, I loved her. I feel like autism is always shown as a mute genius with no social skills but here we're given the other side of autism which has people like Cassie, someone I really liked and could appreciate.

I liked the slow building romance and I thought her and Emmett worked very well. He does seem like a bit of a jock and I'm dying to know if they stay together which is completely not the point of this book but still! I'll be on the look out for another book by this author.

mferreira87's review

Go to review page

5.0

I loved this book, it wasn't your usual K.A. Tucker book but that didn't make it any less amazing. The story of Cassie is great. I really liked how the author wrote about something that a lot of people can relate to. Yes we all love the super duper romance books but sometimes they just are not relate-able, and this one was. I also have a cousin who reminds me of Cassie completely and it was a really great way to learn more about the way someone with Autism acts, you never know what a person might have or what a person might be going through and it really made me realize that you have to stop and think before you judge someone.

thenerdymom's review

Go to review page

5.0

KA Tucker does it again. Over and over this author surprises me in such a wonderful way. Why do I think she's a great writer? Well, all of her books are certainly unique. Not one is like the other so everytime she releases a book, I know I'm in store for something new and amazing!


Aria Jones' life was turned upside down when she found out her father was leading a second life. Her mother deciding she was trading in her on-the-go lawyer lifestyle to spend more time with Aria and be more involved. I wish I could say that was all that happened. Aria Jones' past is one full of guilt and regret which is the main reason her and her mother are starting new.
New city, new school, new starts.
All so she thought. Until she meets Cassie Hartford, her new fun-loving, energetic next door neighbor who has autism. Oh, and don't forgetting Cassie's beautiful, star hockey player brother, Emmett.
Can Aria hide her past forever?


This YA was perfectly written by KA Tucker. I am so on love with the hard topics this book talks about. The more open we become with discussing 'unspoken' issues, the less stigma there is to follow.

*spoilers ahead*

This topic is very important to me. I loved Aria through ev.er.y.thing! I honestly saw my former self in her, which is probabaly why I forgave her instantly. In middle school I was a bully and bullied. Once I reached high school (about Aria's age) I hated my past self and the things I had said/done to others. I felt the guilt and regret that Aria felt. It was relatable and raw and real and I'm SO glad there are authors like KA Tucker speaking about these topics.

bookgirl0925's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I typically do not like YA books but this one was really good. This story of Aria and her chance at starting over after an unfortunate incident at her old school. However this story was about a few characters starting a new life in unchartered territory. Aria's mom, fresh off a divorce and Uncle Merv a recent widow. While Aria was the main character, these others were so important to the story. And then we have Cassie and Emmett, the next door siblings. I liked how Cassie's character was written with respect to her autism and the struggles of her parents to allow as much freedom to navigate a world that is not always kind. I really liked Emmett, he remained true to himself throughout the story and cared deeply for the people he loved. And lets not forget Murphy, that last part brought on a couple tears.

skaarke's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I finished this one as my daughter was at volleyball practice — I could not put it down. It’s not very often I read a YA book. Teaching high school gives me enough insight into teenage angst. But @katucker_ is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This one....is so good. It’s real people, in real situations, making real decisions. It’s so relevant and REAL. What’s it about? It’s about life. Bullying. Autism. Young romance. Redemption. This one will not soon be forgotten! I’m screaming at the top of my lungs to pick this one up and read it!

brittany_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

FIVE STARS

Be The Girl is a story with an important message. At first I didn’t realize what the important message was going to be or even if there was an important message at all. This book blew me away and I adored every page. It was heartwarming, heartbreaking, a story of forgiving and moving forward. This book made me think and feel what the people in the book were feeling. I fell in love with this book.
~
I do wish there was a little more to the ending, in my opinion it happened so fast. I wish there was more to the ending all because Aria and Emmett had a fresh start to think. Makes me wonder how things are going to workout when he goes to college or wha will happen at school with Aria and Cassie. Things like this make me wish there was a second book. But always, what if’s are fun to think of.
~
I truly fell in love with Tuckers writing and hope to read more if her books.
~
Favorite Quote From The Book: “Any rose can succumb to rot, given the right conditions. But, with enough attention, it can can come back better then before.” -Uncle Merv.

alexperc_92's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review and blog tour can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

Be the Girl was a story that surprised me in many ways. From the characters and their complex emotions to the high school drama and above all, bullying. Not to mention Cassie, the sweet soul!

As a person has been a victim of bullying in middle school, I believe that there should be more awareness, especially now when technology offers more means to be a bully while staying anonymous and believing that nothing touches you.
K.A. Tucker has written in a very realistic and emotional way about people who struggle every day, learn from their mistakes and grow up in the process; and also they find love and understanding. There should be more books like this one. Highly recommended.