How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
Review Detail
Kids Fiction
237
Learning to be yourself
Overall rating
4.0
Plot/Characters/Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Ali Sloane is tired of moving. She's changed schools and houses/apartments so many times that she can't claim any one place as home. Ali and her parents, one of whom is a Copycat possessing the ability to shapeshift into any person or animal, currently live with her great-grandmother in the town her father grew up in. It's strange being in Saint John, a place brimming with fog nearly every day, but Ali soon finds there's plenty to love about living with her great-grandmother in a new-to-her town. At school, Ali follows her standard protocol: be nice, fit in, and go along with whatever anyone else says. Her goal is always to blend, even if it means not being herself. When Ali finds out her cousin, part of the estranged branch of the Slone family, also goes to school there, she is eager to meet him. Especially when she suddenly gets the Sloane Copycat powers herself. In order to break the family feud and master her newfound abilities, Ali will have to seek answers in the past and learn to be herself in her present.
THE COPYCAT is a beautifully written story about a girl deciding whether or not to be authentic to herself. I loved the strange magical element of Ali and her father being able to shape shift. While the story does present some history and theories as to why they can change, it doesn't focus too much on the logistics. MacKnight layers the magic in a way that feels natural and even usual in Ali's life, a significant feat in a book that is largely grounded in contemporary, realistic life. There is a well-executed balance of Ali understanding the magnitude of what Copycat powers can do if used for greed or self-interest without going so far down into the morality of great power that you forget the primary focuses of the book: family and being true to yourself.
Ali is a relatable protagonist. It's easy to imagine how badly you might want to fit in when you've moved around so much and just want to avoid being bullied or ostracized. Ali is often lonely in all the new places, so when she does start to make friends at Saint John, it takes her a while to realize that pretending to be something you aren't isn't the best foundation for true friendships. I adored the secondary characters like Cassie and Emily and Ali's journey in both getting to know them and eventually letting them know the real her, the one who doesn't agree to whatever they say.
Middle grade readers who like their fiction realistic but don't mind a touch of magic will find a new favorite in THE COPYCAT, complete with a heartwarming cast of characters, themes of friendship and family, and more.
THE COPYCAT is a beautifully written story about a girl deciding whether or not to be authentic to herself. I loved the strange magical element of Ali and her father being able to shape shift. While the story does present some history and theories as to why they can change, it doesn't focus too much on the logistics. MacKnight layers the magic in a way that feels natural and even usual in Ali's life, a significant feat in a book that is largely grounded in contemporary, realistic life. There is a well-executed balance of Ali understanding the magnitude of what Copycat powers can do if used for greed or self-interest without going so far down into the morality of great power that you forget the primary focuses of the book: family and being true to yourself.
Ali is a relatable protagonist. It's easy to imagine how badly you might want to fit in when you've moved around so much and just want to avoid being bullied or ostracized. Ali is often lonely in all the new places, so when she does start to make friends at Saint John, it takes her a while to realize that pretending to be something you aren't isn't the best foundation for true friendships. I adored the secondary characters like Cassie and Emily and Ali's journey in both getting to know them and eventually letting them know the real her, the one who doesn't agree to whatever they say.
Middle grade readers who like their fiction realistic but don't mind a touch of magic will find a new favorite in THE COPYCAT, complete with a heartwarming cast of characters, themes of friendship and family, and more.
Comments
Already have an account? Log in now or Create an account
Powered by JReviews
How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
FEATURED GIVEAWAYS
Giveaway: Happily Ever Afters (Elise Bryant) ~ (US Only)
Happily Ever Afters (US Only) by: Elise Bryant Release Date: January 5th, 2021 Publisher: Harpercollins Children's Books/Balzer + Bray About the Book: Jane the Virgin meets To All...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Chat with Amanda Hocking (The Ever After), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Today we're excited to chat with Amanda Hocking author of The Ever After. Read on for more about Amanda and her book, plus a giveaway! Meet Amanda Hocking ! AMANDA HOCKING ...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Of The Week: Author Chat with Alexandra Bracken (Lore), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week !! Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release! We will also be hosting a givea...
Posted in News & Updates
Exclusive Trailer Reveal: Those Who Prey (Jennifer Moffett), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Today we're excited to share the book trailer for Those Who Prey (Jennifer Moffett) ! Read on for more about Jennifer, and her book, plus the trailer & giveaway! Meet Jennifer Moffet...
Posted in News & Updates
Author Of The Week: Author Chat with Karen McManus (The Cousins), Plus Giveaway! ~ (US Only)
Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week !! Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release! We will also be hosting a givea...
Posted in News & Updates
Indie Superstars with the Author of Born Royal + Giveaway (International)
Welcome to YA Books Central's "Indie Superstars" column. This event will spotlight the best and brightest of the indie community. You don’t want to miss out on these talented ...
Posted in News & Updates
Latest Book Listings Added
In this riveting, keenly emotional debut fantasy, a Black teen...
Clark thought he knew what grief was. Addie thought...
A gorgeously illustrated collection of twelve “lush and deliciously...
From the acclaimed author of Defy, Sara B. Larson,...
Twelve-year-old Rosie Singer’s mom is missing whatever it is that...
On October 2nd, 1977, Glenn Burke, outfielder for the Los...
It's been almost a year since Sila's mother traveled halfway...
Jocelyn and Alex have always been best friends...until they aren't....
Latest Member Reviews
"I don't know how this series keeps getting better, but it does. This third book is just... so much happens..."
"This book... oof. It hurt. But if you know me at all, you know my favorite books are the kind..."
"This book grabbed me from the very beginning, throwing me into this beautifully-crafted, intriguing new world. The plot is fast-paced..."
"'My High School Royal Boyfriend' by Kylie Key follows new River Valley High students Blaire and Alex, as they try..."
"BORN AT DAWN is an upper YA fantasy full of adventure - the main character is half human and half..."
"As a girl, Vi suffered various forms of torture from her mom and she was the equivalent to a lab..."
"THE LOST PRINCE opens up where the first one left off. Ada is with Lee searching for a cure to..."
"This book literally starts out with a bang as multiple meteorites strike cities across the earth at the same time,..."
"Annie lives in a small town where everyone knows everything about each other. She is usually the subject of the..."
"A cute story. The story: My High School Rebel Boyfriend stars a high school senior, Harper,..."
"Definitely a book that's worth a read. The Story: Kenna wants to be able..."
"This beautiful story is highly enjoyable. The writing flows easily, and the characters feel relatable. The main conflict was interesting..."
"An intriguing tale of forbidden love as two young lovers fight to stay together. Well written and entertaining. ..."
"This was actually a pretty interesting story. At first I really wasn't sure how it was going to go so..."
"The story: When Emmitt’s twin sister Minnie dies in a tragic accident, it cripples not only him..."
"Oh the feels this book gave me. Davi's officially back but still not really? His memories are all over the..."
"This second entry was good, well technically fifth. I am really glad that the story picked up right after the..."
"Set in a Greek/Roman era, where not only one but three worlds are colliding, Arianna is a human girl who..."
"'My High School Rebel Boyfriend' by Kylie Key follows main characters Harper and Mitchell as they have to find a..."
"This superhero tale is a lot of fun, with likeable characters, lots of action, and a thread of faith that..."