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sasavino's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ellenr272's review
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
akernelofnonsense's review
4.0
Disclaimer: This review is based on the ARC of this book, provided by the author, which does not influence my review.
Nina Moreno debuts with a fresh middle grade voice with Join the Club, Maggie Diaz. Courtney Lovett also provides fun and lively illustrations that bring this story to life. Maggie Diaz knows she isn’t the most reliable, her grades aren’t always the best, and she could be considered flighty. But seventh grade is going to be different. Maggie is determined to succeed and show she can take on more responsibility. In hopes of obtaining her first phone and more freedom, Maggie sets off on a journey to prove that she is mature and not a little kid any more. Maggie is an easy character to like. She’s incredibly determined and earnest. Although her plans do not always work out the way she imagined in her head, you can’t help but admire her ambition and gumption. I really enjoyed reading about Maggie and her family. Her abuela recently moved into her room, creating a new and sometimes chaotic new dynamic in the household. Maggie’s been spending less time with her best friends, Julian and Zoey, as both have their own interests and clubs they’ve joined. Feeling left out, Maggie decides to her first club, Future Leaders. Of course, Maggie quickly find outs how hard it is to juggle family life, school, and extracurriculars. Join the club, Maggie Diaz is a cute, coming-of-age middle grade novel perfect for tweens just beginning to discover who they are.
Nina Moreno debuts with a fresh middle grade voice with Join the Club, Maggie Diaz. Courtney Lovett also provides fun and lively illustrations that bring this story to life. Maggie Diaz knows she isn’t the most reliable, her grades aren’t always the best, and she could be considered flighty. But seventh grade is going to be different. Maggie is determined to succeed and show she can take on more responsibility. In hopes of obtaining her first phone and more freedom, Maggie sets off on a journey to prove that she is mature and not a little kid any more. Maggie is an easy character to like. She’s incredibly determined and earnest. Although her plans do not always work out the way she imagined in her head, you can’t help but admire her ambition and gumption. I really enjoyed reading about Maggie and her family. Her abuela recently moved into her room, creating a new and sometimes chaotic new dynamic in the household. Maggie’s been spending less time with her best friends, Julian and Zoey, as both have their own interests and clubs they’ve joined. Feeling left out, Maggie decides to her first club, Future Leaders. Of course, Maggie quickly find outs how hard it is to juggle family life, school, and extracurriculars. Join the club, Maggie Diaz is a cute, coming-of-age middle grade novel perfect for tweens just beginning to discover who they are.
kschmaltz's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
becca_willie04's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
lost_writer's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.5
lolalongstraw's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Maggie Diaz is a seventh grade Cuban American girl who has a protective mother, perfect older sister, abuela, and two best friends. In the story she is trying to navigate adolescence and figure out who she is and discover her passions. Throughout the story she tried many different clubs, has conflicts with her best friends, and gets in trouble with her mother a time or two.
The story is relatable for kids that age and they can probably see themselves within the story with at least character. While Maggie is a pretty typical young teen, and she thinks in a way that many teens do, sometimes her egocentric thinking gets a little tired. As I read I couldn’t help but think, “Maggie, you can make a better choice!” In the end, she learns some life lessons and is able to resolve some of her issues. I like the way the ending didn’t wrap up every single problem up in a nice bow. There was closure and also felt very realistic as well.
I did give it the 3.25 rating because while I enjoyed the story and was able to get into the characters and plot very easily, I found the writing style to be a bit choppy. Throughout the story it felt like one event or thought would occur and then it would jump to a new different event or idea without any sort of transition to guide the flow of ideas.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that I am excited to add to our classroom library and recommend to my students for more kids to enjoy!
The story is relatable for kids that age and they can probably see themselves within the story with at least character. While Maggie is a pretty typical young teen, and she thinks in a way that many teens do, sometimes her egocentric thinking gets a little tired. As I read I couldn’t help but think, “Maggie, you can make a better choice!” In the end, she learns some life lessons and is able to resolve some of her issues. I like the way the ending didn’t wrap up every single problem up in a nice bow. There was closure and also felt very realistic as well.
I did give it the 3.25 rating because while I enjoyed the story and was able to get into the characters and plot very easily, I found the writing style to be a bit choppy. Throughout the story it felt like one event or thought would occur and then it would jump to a new different event or idea without any sort of transition to guide the flow of ideas.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read that I am excited to add to our classroom library and recommend to my students for more kids to enjoy!
blovesbooks80's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
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