Flipped

Reader reviewed by librariane

Have you ever wondered what the other person is thinking when you find yourself in a strange situation? Wendelin Van Draanen (writer of the Sammy Keyes series) has captured the thoughts of two neighborsBryce and Julias they face different aspects of life. This light, sometimes humorous novel has alternating chapters for the main characters on a variety of subjects, from Bryce moving in across the street to Julis tree to school assignments. Both Bryce and Juli reach milestones of change in their lives, but I would not consider this a coming-of-age story, rather it is a gradual maturity as two kids grow into adolescence. Van Draanen only strays from her format (Bryces point of view and then Julis point of view) a little, keeping the reader from confusion. Anyone wondering about a boys inner thoughts or girls ponderings should read this book to get a glimpse inside!

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski's blue eyes that day he moved in across the street from her in second grade, she lost her usually intelligent mind. She spent the next 6 years chasing after him. Not 2 hours after moving into the house across from Juli's, Bryce knew she was dangerous. He spent the next 6 years trying to avoid her, and yet not being able to, because Juli Baker was everywhere, doing everything, often perfectly.

Their middle school years clash between a destroyed sycamore tree, Juli's homegrown chickens and their eggs, Bryce's widowed grandfather, and family problems and secrets. By 8th grade, Juli pegs Bryce as a shallow jerk. She is so over him. Meanwhile, Bryce sees something in Juli that he has never noticed before. Is it the way she talks about beauty and nature like an adult? Is it the way she reminds Bryce's grandfather of his spirited dead wife? Eighth grade will be one flipped year for the two of them.

This book is charming, funny, and well-written. Both middle and high schoolers alike will be able to empathize with the main characters and connect with their teenage language.

Reader reviewed by Fiona Flamingo

A he said-she said eight grade romance!
Julianna, deep and thoughtful, liked Bryce, handsome and confused, first. More like, Julianna was obsessed with Bryce first. But that was before she found he was throwing out all the eggs she had given him, or didn't like her back at all.
Then Bryce likes Julianna just as she stops liking him. Things are flipped.

Julianna and Bryce alternate telling the story. They are both witty and interesting characters.
Very interesting, funny book, part of the romance genre.

Reader reviewed by msse

My classroom of middle school special education students listened to Flipped on CD's. They really enjoyed most of the book. I thought they especially liked the comparision and contrast as the story was told by both the boy and the girl. The book seemed to hit a "slow" spot for the 2nd half, however, kids were interested enough to listen all the way through to the end. I would recommend to students 5th grade and beyond.

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Juli Baker knew that Bryce Loski was the one from the first moment she looked at him. All Bryce could see was a strange and awkward girl who seemed obsesses with him. For years, Juli continued to like him, saying, My Bryce. Still walking around with my first kiss. But Byrce has always thought differently.

Now its eighth grade, and things are different. Due to problems in his family, Bryce is starting to see Juli differently. He even might like her. Unfortunately, Juli doesnt seem to like Bryce as she did anymore. Something changed in eighth grade; they seem to have flipped.

Flipped is a truly heartfelt story that all middle-schoolers should read. Its a story about finding love and making up to the people you hurt. Wendelin Van Draanen is an amazing author, and I especially liked her Sammy Keyes series, so I checked this book out. If the upside down chick on the cover doesnt draw you in, I hope this review does.

Reader reviewed by Nadine-Stella

Overview
Juli Baker is more than excited for the new neighbors to move in, especially since they have a boy her age. Finally, shell have someone to play with. When Bryce Loski first meets Juli, it is a totally disaster. She shows him off in front of his dad, then runs into his house before they can send her home. During the following years, Juli has a hard time hiding her crush on Bryce. Bryce has an even harder time hiding from Juli, especially since they have every class together. These neighbors have barely shared a full conversation with each other, but thats about to change. When Bryces grandfather moves in with the Loskis, all these secrets start emerging from the Baker home while the Loskis house becomes uneasy. Things get said that cannot be taken back, and feelings start emerging that were never there. Are things just stiring up, or is it finally time the Loskis and Bakers have dinner together?

Review
Bryce and Juli were such great characters to read about. Especially since the book it written from both their point of views, it was really easy to relate. I could understand why Bryce thought Juli was an annoyance at first, but if hed just given Juli the time to explain herself, there would have never been a problem at all. Juli is the typical girl. She reads into everything that Bryce says and does, and interprets it the complete wrong way. It had me laughing because I could totally relate. Why do we girls do this to ourselves? The other characters were typical, ones that we can pick out in our everyday lives.
Flipped was a really cute story about first love and how things arent always what they seem. The story line was great, it really sucked me in. I really liked how it was expanded from the first day Bryce and Juli met, to present day. Flipped was a quick and easy read. And a really interesting, yet simiple cover.

Reader reviewed by Ruthie

This was a perfect coming-of-age novel! I loved "flipping" between the perspectives and watching the characters grow. Bryce particularly interested me. He seemed to undergo the most change out of all the characters and I'd have to say his family was pretty dysfunctional also. I admired Juli's spirit and she was definitely a person I could relate too. Although this book is intended for middle-school level. I'd still recommend it to others. It's a book anyone can enjoy.

Reader reviewed by Julie

This book was very enjoyable because you got to see how different a boy and a girl can be and their two different takes in life. It was like interrogating two different people and getting two complete different stories.

If you see this book in the bookstore take the time to syop and read the back of the book to see how great of a potential this book really has.

Reader reviewed by Kristen

This book is about the typical boy/girl next-door. Bryce moved across the street from Juli when they were in second grade. Juli was totally into Bryce, but he couldn't stand her. By the time they get to eighth grade they flipped.

This was an ok book. I didn't like how the book ended. I think Juli should have reacted differently to some things.

Reader reviewed by Babydex17

Is there a sequel? There needs to be a sequel. To many questions were left unanswered. What's gonna happen with Bryce's parents? Are him and Julie going to get together? What about their siblings? What's goin on with them? Are the two girl's who fought over Bryce still fighting over Bryce? That book just left a whole gap open. It's kind of like when J.K. Rowling left harry potter open for three years, too many unanswered questions.