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A review by maryhannawilson
Never Evers by Tom Ellen
3.0
Thirteen-year-old Matilda, known to her friends as Mouse, has been kicked out of ballet school and has to return to her former school friends. Her return is the week of the big school ski trip and her mother is making her go. She knows the trip will be tricky as she navigates a return to former friendships, but what she doesn't expect is Jack. Jack is a student from another school on the same ski trip with his buddies. They are all determined to experience their first kiss on this trip and Jack thinks that Mouse might be the girl. But no one is prepared for all of the middle school adventures and drama that lie ahead.
Honestly, after a few chapters of this book I didn't really expect to enjoy it. It is 100% written for young teens and the focus is most definitely on "who likes who" and how to get someone to kiss you. But about halfway into the book, I realized that I was actually enjoying it. The characters were fun and the friendship and boy/girl drama was pretty typical of what I remember when teaching middle school. The look-alike pop-star twist was unexpected and added another dimension to the story.
Some parents might not be looking for a book that is so focused on boy/girl drama and getting a kiss, but if that doesn't bother you then this one is fairly harmless in terms of content. There is nothing beyond this focus on kissing and only one kiss actually happens in the story and it is seen from afar. The boys do sneak out one night to visit some girls but it all remains silly as they get the wrong room.
Beyond the basics of the story, there are a lot of kids processing different relatable tween emotions and situations. Mouse is embarrassed that she has been kicked out of ballet school and lies about her situation, which comes back to haunt her. Jack is being pressured by friends to go after a girl who seems into him even though he is interested in someone else, so he is trying to navigate his feelings. Lauren, Mouse's former best friend, is definitely the "mean girl" and some friendship struggles occur as a result.
Overall it is a cute read with a focus on a first kiss and different aspects of middle school drama. I would have allowed my own 12-14 year old to read it, but it might not be the best choice for your own family.
Honestly, after a few chapters of this book I didn't really expect to enjoy it. It is 100% written for young teens and the focus is most definitely on "who likes who" and how to get someone to kiss you. But about halfway into the book, I realized that I was actually enjoying it. The characters were fun and the friendship and boy/girl drama was pretty typical of what I remember when teaching middle school. The look-alike pop-star twist was unexpected and added another dimension to the story.
Some parents might not be looking for a book that is so focused on boy/girl drama and getting a kiss, but if that doesn't bother you then this one is fairly harmless in terms of content. There is nothing beyond this focus on kissing and only one kiss actually happens in the story and it is seen from afar. The boys do sneak out one night to visit some girls but it all remains silly as they get the wrong room.
Beyond the basics of the story, there are a lot of kids processing different relatable tween emotions and situations. Mouse is embarrassed that she has been kicked out of ballet school and lies about her situation, which comes back to haunt her. Jack is being pressured by friends to go after a girl who seems into him even though he is interested in someone else, so he is trying to navigate his feelings. Lauren, Mouse's former best friend, is definitely the "mean girl" and some friendship struggles occur as a result.
Overall it is a cute read with a focus on a first kiss and different aspects of middle school drama. I would have allowed my own 12-14 year old to read it, but it might not be the best choice for your own family.