Bookworming in the 21st Century: Mackenzie Blue

Monday, September 6, 2010

Mackenzie Blue

Author: Tina Wells
Publication Date: May 2009
Genre: MG Realistic Fiction
Copy provided by: Publisher
Summary (via Goodreads):
Meet Mackenzie Blue, aka Zee

She has it all—smarts, talent, humor, and style. . . .

Is it enough to survive middle school?

Countdown to a 7th Grade Meltdown

1. Your BFF moves away.

2. Someone steals your diary and reveals your deepest secrets—to the entire class.

3. You have one chance to become a rock star and one chance to totally blow it. Guess what!? All three happened to me! School's a disaster already. Don't get me wrong—I love Brookdale Academy and I have a fabulous crew of friends. (At least, I think I do.) But, if I'm going to survive, I need all the help I can get!

Why I read this: It looked like a series my students would love in 4th and 5th grade, so I had to check it out.

Plot: Typical realistic fiction plot set in middle school - there's a problem that by the end of the book turns out not to be such a bad problem. I really like these types of books that have the feel-good endings and sort of self-discovery that you want to see in kids that age. I love the drawings in the book - although I did feel like the kids looked a bit older than what I think of as 7th graders - more highschool-ish. I loved the mix of music and friendship and how everything works out in this first installment of what may be a many book series not unlike Abby Hayes or Judy Moody.

Characters: Mackenzie is so the typical happy go lucky 7th grader who is still a touch innocent while trying to seem mature. I really loved Mackenzie - she cracked me up and could definitely see a part of me in her when I was in middle school.

Relatability: I think this is a great book for middle school girls or even 4th and 5th grade girls. I think they can relate a lot to the relationships in this novel.

Cover Commentary: Very cute. I can see my girl students reaching for this one right away.

Rating: 4/5 Roses