Books
Kids Fiction
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
10+
ISBN
1402244126
Buy This Book
Editor reviews
Jade thought shopping for a tankini had been bad but that's nothing compared to what happens after she has a relaxing bath. She discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mother.
But wait. Her mother was a mermaid? This doesn't make sense to Jade -- how could her mother have drowned if she was a mermaid?
Jade sets out to find the truth. Along the way she tries to figure out how to share this revelation with her best friend Cori and not mess up her chances with the cute guy Luke. Jade finds this might be harder than it looks.
This is one cute tale that's perfect for the middle grade crowd. Jade's character is very likeable as she struggles to make sense of finding out she's a mermaid and how to break this news to her friend Cori. I really liked how Jade shows her insecurities of not being thin and 'perfect' when in fact these qualities end up being a strength. I always loved books that do this. I know tweens and teens can relate with this. Plus it's a huge plus in a story to show a heroine who works with these so-called weaknesses and make them into a strength. Jade is very proactive in her search and doesn't spend time moaning about what she is.
The dialogue is fun and punchy too. Love some of the exchanges between Jade and her father.
If you're looking for a fun tale that will bring a smile to your face, this is the one!
But wait. Her mother was a mermaid? This doesn't make sense to Jade -- how could her mother have drowned if she was a mermaid?
Jade sets out to find the truth. Along the way she tries to figure out how to share this revelation with her best friend Cori and not mess up her chances with the cute guy Luke. Jade finds this might be harder than it looks.
This is one cute tale that's perfect for the middle grade crowd. Jade's character is very likeable as she struggles to make sense of finding out she's a mermaid and how to break this news to her friend Cori. I really liked how Jade shows her insecurities of not being thin and 'perfect' when in fact these qualities end up being a strength. I always loved books that do this. I know tweens and teens can relate with this. Plus it's a huge plus in a story to show a heroine who works with these so-called weaknesses and make them into a strength. Jade is very proactive in her search and doesn't spend time moaning about what she is.
The dialogue is fun and punchy too. Love some of the exchanges between Jade and her father.
If you're looking for a fun tale that will bring a smile to your face, this is the one!
| Overall rating | 4.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 4.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | 0.0 |
Cute Tale
Jade thought shopping for a tankini had been bad but that's nothing compared to what happens after she has a relaxing bath. She discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mother.
But wait. Her mother was a mermaid? This doesn't make sense to Jade -- how could her mother have drowned if she was a mermaid?
Jade sets out to find the truth. Along the way she tries to figure out how to share this revelation with her best friend Cori and not mess up her chances with the cute guy Luke. Jade finds this might be harder than it looks.
This is one cute tale that's perfect for the middle grade crowd. Jade's character is very likeable as she struggles to make sense of finding out she's a mermaid and how to break this news to her friend Cori. I really liked how Jade shows her insecurities of not being thin and 'perfect' when in fact these qualities end up being a strength. I always loved books that do this. I know tweens and teens can relate with this. Plus it's a huge plus in a story to show a heroine who works with these so-called weaknesses and make them into a strength. Jade is very proactive in her search and doesn't spend time moaning about what she is.
The dialogue is fun and punchy too. Love some of the exchanges between Jade and her father.
If you're looking for a fun tale that will bring a smile to your face, this is the one!
Was this review helpful to you?
User reviews
Average user rating from: 2 user(s)
Helene Boudreau has written a humorous coming-of-age story; brilliantly combining contemporary and fantasy! I wish that this book was around when I was a tween - so witty, entertaining and fun - loved every second I spent with Jade!
Jade is your average tween just trying to find the perfect swimsuit for her best friend's pool party... so happy to have found the perfect one, she was not prepared for all that happens afterwards!
First period. First crush run-in. Major embarrassing moment with Dad in front of first crush.
Could Jade's day get any worse?
How 'bout a giant fish-tail???
Yes. It is completely possible for a bad day to get worse.
Poor Jade! In less than 24 hours, Jade 'becomes a woman' and finds out that she's half human, half mermaid. And that her mother used to be a mermaid too.
Her mother who drowned in the lake last summer.
Everything about Jade, her family and friends, her life seemed so realistic. Her attitude, whit and independence made Jade such a strong character that many girls will love and admire. Jade is inspiring, no matter what happened, she dealt with it the best way she could. And I loved that she was so close to her dad and was able to go to him for anything that she needed help with - including the embarrassing trip to the store! Which made their relationship and story so much more realistic and relatable. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, I was smiling the entire time. And of course, there were moments where my heart went out to Jade - this is an age where a girl really could use a mother figure and she was truly missing her mom so much, there were quite a few tender moments where she needed her so much.
Oh, and Jade's crush, Luke.
I wasn't sure at first if he was a keeper or not. Still not sure.
But Luke's got a few secrets of his own!
He's a keeper, for now!
Also, the way that the author was able to integrate Jade's transformation from human to mermaid was so natural. Every time it happened it seemed like something normal, something that may actually be able to happen in real life. The changes that Jade went through physically were not simple, but the explanation and details made it seem very believable and mesmerizing.
I am really looking forward to watching Jade grow and blossom, and also learning more about Luke and what has happened to Jade's mom in the next book,
Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath.
Jade is your average tween just trying to find the perfect swimsuit for her best friend's pool party... so happy to have found the perfect one, she was not prepared for all that happens afterwards!
First period. First crush run-in. Major embarrassing moment with Dad in front of first crush.
Could Jade's day get any worse?
How 'bout a giant fish-tail???
Yes. It is completely possible for a bad day to get worse.
Poor Jade! In less than 24 hours, Jade 'becomes a woman' and finds out that she's half human, half mermaid. And that her mother used to be a mermaid too.
Her mother who drowned in the lake last summer.
Everything about Jade, her family and friends, her life seemed so realistic. Her attitude, whit and independence made Jade such a strong character that many girls will love and admire. Jade is inspiring, no matter what happened, she dealt with it the best way she could. And I loved that she was so close to her dad and was able to go to him for anything that she needed help with - including the embarrassing trip to the store! Which made their relationship and story so much more realistic and relatable. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, I was smiling the entire time. And of course, there were moments where my heart went out to Jade - this is an age where a girl really could use a mother figure and she was truly missing her mom so much, there were quite a few tender moments where she needed her so much.
Oh, and Jade's crush, Luke.
I wasn't sure at first if he was a keeper or not. Still not sure.
But Luke's got a few secrets of his own!
He's a keeper, for now!
Also, the way that the author was able to integrate Jade's transformation from human to mermaid was so natural. Every time it happened it seemed like something normal, something that may actually be able to happen in real life. The changes that Jade went through physically were not simple, but the explanation and details made it seem very believable and mesmerizing.
I am really looking forward to watching Jade grow and blossom, and also learning more about Luke and what has happened to Jade's mom in the next book,
Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath.
| Overall rating | 5.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 5.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | N/A |
Humorous coming-of-age story combing contemporary and fantasy!
Helene Boudreau has written a humorous coming-of-age story; brilliantly combining contemporary and fantasy! I wish that this book was around when I was a tween - so witty, entertaining and fun - loved every second I spent with Jade!
Jade is your average tween just trying to find the perfect swimsuit for her best friend's pool party... so happy to have found the perfect one, she was not prepared for all that happens afterwards!
First period. First crush run-in. Major embarrassing moment with Dad in front of first crush.
Could Jade's day get any worse?
How 'bout a giant fish-tail???
Yes. It is completely possible for a bad day to get worse.
Poor Jade! In less than 24 hours, Jade 'becomes a woman' and finds out that she's half human, half mermaid. And that her mother used to be a mermaid too.
Her mother who drowned in the lake last summer.
Everything about Jade, her family and friends, her life seemed so realistic. Her attitude, whit and independence made Jade such a strong character that many girls will love and admire. Jade is inspiring, no matter what happened, she dealt with it the best way she could. And I loved that she was so close to her dad and was able to go to him for anything that she needed help with - including the embarrassing trip to the store! Which made their relationship and story so much more realistic and relatable. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, I was smiling the entire time. And of course, there were moments where my heart went out to Jade - this is an age where a girl really could use a mother figure and she was truly missing her mom so much, there were quite a few tender moments where she needed her so much.
Oh, and Jade's crush, Luke.
I wasn't sure at first if he was a keeper or not. Still not sure.
But Luke's got a few secrets of his own!
He's a keeper, for now!
Also, the way that the author was able to integrate Jade's transformation from human to mermaid was so natural. Every time it happened it seemed like something normal, something that may actually be able to happen in real life. The changes that Jade went through physically were not simple, but the explanation and details made it seem very believable and mesmerizing.
I am really looking forward to watching Jade grow and blossom, and also learning more about Luke and what has happened to Jade's mom in the next book,
Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
This was a good read. Likeable characters and an interesting plot. I'm always buzzing for budding relationships and Jade and Luke had me smiling whenever they were together. The relationship felt authentic with just the right amount of awkwardness. I especially liked the fact that it wasn't corny and over the top, which I often see in young adult fiction.
There was a huge twist I didn't see coming involving Luke, which I won't give away, and although it did surprise me, I didn't take well to it. I would have preferred it not to have ended the way it had, but that's just my opinion. Overall, a worthwhile read.
There was a huge twist I didn't see coming involving Luke, which I won't give away, and although it did surprise me, I didn't take well to it. I would have preferred it not to have ended the way it had, but that's just my opinion. Overall, a worthwhile read.
| Overall rating | 3.0 | |
| Plot/Characters/Writing Style | 3.0 | |
| Illustrations/Photos (if applicable) | N/A |
A Good Read
This was a good read. Likeable characters and an interesting plot. I'm always buzzing for budding relationships and Jade and Luke had me smiling whenever they were together. The relationship felt authentic with just the right amount of awkwardness. I especially liked the fact that it wasn't corny and over the top, which I often see in young adult fiction.
There was a huge twist I didn't see coming involving Luke, which I won't give away, and although it did surprise me, I didn't take well to it. I would have preferred it not to have ended the way it had, but that's just my opinion. Overall, a worthwhile read.
Do You Recommend?
Yes
Was this review helpful to you?
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