2¢ Worth: Poor Jordan. She wants to pop and shine. She thinks, "just being ok doesn't feel ok." She beats herself up a lot. But the more I learned about Jordan the more I kept thinking this gal is smart, clever, organized, responsible, industrious, kind, nice, and brave. She is both easy to relate to and get inspired by. By the end (when a moment of crisis gives Jordan a chance to show her true colors) I was surprised to find a tear in my eye.
Word to the wise: I would recommend About Average to any man or woman who is the parent, teacher, or caregiver of any young lady between 8-12. Every girl at some point questions herself and Jordan is an awesome reminder that if she is talented, strong enough, and brave enough, chances are so are we. Plus she reminds us all that being nice is actually an act of strength.
Words aloud: Celia Keenan-Bolger is a perfect Jordan. She conveys both her youth and insecurities. Her voice is the 4 c's = concise, crisp, clean, and clear.
Whippersnappers: Perfectly safe.
Wind-up: About Average by Andrew Clements (published by Simon & Schuster Audio) is read by Celia Keenan-Bolger and consists of 2 discs (2 hours and 9 minutes). Audiobook rating: 4 stars. Narrator rating: 5 stars.
Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
I think I could totally appreciate a book like this one. I have found I have a real soft spot in my heart for MG fiction.
ReplyDeleteI do too. Especially on audio.
DeleteThis sounds fantastic! When I was growing up being average was acceptable - it doesn't seem to be anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right :) Good point!
DeleteI have read another book by Andrew Clements called Frindle and I loved it. I am going to have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteO I have to check that one out! :)
DeleteGreat review. Any book that celebrates the less glamourous virtues and encourages young girls to appreciate themselves more is worthwhile as far as I'm concerned. Adding to TBR.
ReplyDeleteAmen! :)
DeleteI really like Andrew Clements and keep wishing that my kids would read more of his books. I'll have to slyly suggest this one to them, as both are in the target age group of the novel. Thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteAwwww :) I imagine I'm going to be a sly suggester with my kiddo too some day :)
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful story! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI bet your gal would love it.
DeleteI love your book choices...so varied!
ReplyDeleteThanks :) I like to shake things up.
DeleteAww this sounds cute and real. I still feel like that sometimes! Sounds like a great and inspiring story for young girls!
ReplyDeleteMe too! :)
DeleteThis sounds like a very sweet book. Andrew Clements is pretty popular at my library, so I'll have to look for this book for them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first AC. Now I'm very curious to try more. Do you work at a library? :)
DeleteWhat a great lesson for all young girls to learn!
ReplyDeleteExactly :)
DeleteAw, this one sounds wonderful. I need more middle-grade in my life. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been listening to more and more. They're so sweet and simple. :)
DeleteAh, this sounds so good. I agree that every teacher should have this in their classroom. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteSounds like this book has a fantastic message! I think it would be perfect for my brother and his wife, they have two little girls:)
ReplyDeleteAw :) How old are his girls?
Deleteawww- I never thought about a kids book on audio.........Ill have to check this out.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of getting addicted to MG on audio :) They're short, sweet, and fun.
DeleteWonderful review Juju...you always say so much in so few words. I applaud your talents my friend and thanks for sharing this great find!
ReplyDeleteAwww shucks :) You always know how to make me smile and make my day.
DeleteThis looks great! In a world where being "perfect" is emphasized this is probably just what young girls need to encourage them! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletexoxo~ Renee
Amen! Especially in this digital age of tweaking photography.
DeleteThank you for stopping by doll.
"Plus she reminds us all that being nice is actually an act of strength." - I like that this story includes a message like this, because it's a very good and true one.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Juju! :)
It is. And it's a difficult thing to learn. :)
DeleteThanks sweetie
That's a tough age, especially with questions like that. I'll have to recommend this one to a teacher I know who'll be teaching that age group in the fall; and I definitely would like to read it myself. Great review, Juju!
ReplyDeleteI thought so too.
Delete:)
Aw that's SO wonderful!
I'm SO glad to hear that.
*high five*
Sounds like a good book for my little cousin to read. I like how you broke everything down for your description points. :)
ReplyDeleteHi :)
DeleteHow old is your cuz?
Thanks btw :)
Aw, this sounds like a great read for older elementary through middle school aged kids.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely :)
DeleteGreat message this book is portraying. Great recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThanks and thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteThis one sounds like a good listen (and not too long). I'll definitely have to consider it in potential moments of crisis of my own this fall!
ReplyDeleteIt's a cute quickie. :)
DeleteOh, how lovely. I know I've certainly felt like that before. Sounds like the book has a great message!
ReplyDeleteMe too ;)
DeleteThanks
sounds about perfect.
ReplyDeleteHa! ;) Clever play on words.
DeleteI actually like listening to middle grade books more than I like to read them. It just works for me for some reason.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteThey're sweet, simple, short, and charming.
When I read them - they don't move fast enough.
But on audio they hit the spot.
I wish someone would have read this to my 3rd grade class when I was a kid!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a keeper. :)
~Liz
:) Right? I could have used this advice. Even back in high school.
DeleteBingo! The four C's is what I look for when seeking my next audiobook! :)
ReplyDeletei think my youngest sister will like this one.
ReplyDelete:) Fab!
DeleteI should get this for my niece! Thank you!
ReplyDelete:) Awesome how old is your niece? :)
DeleteOoo I love the 'four c's'! Sounds awesome! x
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteA short lovely listening time!
ReplyDeleteExactly :)
DeleteSounds absolutely delightful. This is one I'll be sharing in a few years, I'm certain. Lovely lovely review. :)
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteThank you sweetie.
I haven't read an Andrew Clements book in years. I loved his books when I was growing up!
ReplyDeleteYou're familiar with his work?
DeleteThis was my first but I must seek out more.
Especially when Baby Whimsy is older and can learn from the lessons.