Reviews

Debated between 4 and 5 stars, but ultimately, having a character deal productively with an unhealthy friend dynamic and realize her own role in where she has ended up, is such an important concept for middle schoolers. I went through a bad friend breakup in 7th grade where I felt like the "cooler" one left me behind, and to have this story center a 12 year old black queer nerd is so important. I really enjoyed Johnson's You Should See Me In a Crown as well.

Spoilers:
I also appreciated that while there are absolutely some unacknowledged obsessive Sapphic undertones to the friendship in question (which I think is really common for us baby queers) a. That's never a huge part of the split, just a factor in their dynamic generally, b. No one has to replace that and be a new object of obsession, and c. Homophobia (internal and external) appears in a couple spots, but it's not some huge tragic/traumatic driving factor. New friends form healthier, platonic relationships, rather than the main character just having a revolving door of obsessions.

Also standing up for yourself while still acknowledging forgiveness and genuine olive branches - I deeply appreciated the author's approach to a reconciliation. The main character setting a boundary while acknowledging that everyone grows and makes mistakes, is so beautiful and balanced.

librarydancer's review against another edition

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3.0

Skimmed or skipped a bunch of this book. Clever premise, has some humor & I'm having trouble identifying exact issue -- voice mostly authentic, but perhaps too many comic book examples & flourishes of language.

avinson29's review against another edition

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5.0

I'll tell you what--Leah Johnson did it again! I've never been one to read fantasy or books about the supernatural. But Ellie Engle Saves Herself is hilarious, tender, and everything else Leah always offers in a novel. I finished this novel feeling proud of Ellie for standing in her truth and learning what it means to love herself first.

Ellie Engle is about more than just having superpowers: it's about friendship, coping with big feelings, queerness, and ultimately, acceptance. This is a 5/5, a 10/10, a 500/100.

Leah, you killed it! Can't wait for what's next.