Review: This is Me from Now On by Barbara Dee (A middle grade book)

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (April 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416994149
• ISBN-13: 978-1416994145

Sometimes your life just needs a little jolt.


This is what Evie's new friend Francesca tells her, and soon
enough, Evie's life has had something more like an earthquake. Francesca thinks life is dull unless you go after everything you want and say everything on your mind all the time--and sometimes that includes giving other people a little behind the scenes help to give them what she thinks they want.


Evie can't always tell if she's horrified or fascinated by
everything Francesca convinces her to do, but ultimately, she comes to see
friendship--and life--in a whole new light.


Evie is a sweet, kind, normal 7th grade girl....translation (according to Francesca, her new neighbor):  BORING!  Francesa is eccentric, quirky, and sometimes just plain weird.  But Evie is finding her more and more intriguing.  As Francesa and Evie's friendship develops, Evie finds herself doing increasingly more questionable things, like trying to set up two of her teachers by sending them fake notes and gifts from each other, and slacking off on homework assignments that she needs to complete.  But when the tables are turned, and Evie is on the receiving end of Francesca's "help", their friendship, and Evie's values, are put to the test.

I don't read a lot of Middle Grade books, but this one looked cute, and the wonderfully sweet author, Barbara Dee, sent it to me, so I thought I'd read it and do a review.  What I didn't expect was to enjoy this book so much!  I found myself transported back in time, to the days of Middle School, and relating so much to the Main Character, Evie.  Like Evie, I had a rebellious friend who wasn't afraid to "cross the line" from time to time, and I found myself having to make tough choices.  I also just really loved Evie's character.  She is a strong, intelligent, girl, and she made me laugh throughout the entire book.  I thought it was really well written, not too young and kiddish, and not too mature, just the right mixture of fun, excitement, and friendship!

I think this is a great book for Middle Schoolers, but I don't think you have to be in Middle School to enjoy it.  I was highly entertained!

~Andye

Parents need to know:  There is no sexual content in this book, though there is some talk of crushes and dating.  There are also some words that might be a problem for some parents.  For more details go to This is Me from Now On on Parental Book Reviews.

Would you like to win this book?  We will be giving this book away during BLOGMANIA!  Come back on April 30th for your chance to win!