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A review by lolalongstraw
Join the Club, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno
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!