I've read a few of Jacqueline Wilson's books by now, and I do recall quite liking Double Act and not disliking whatever the other one I read was - though nothing too special, she can write a very natural, realistic voice for a young girl. This book, however... wow no. See, to ME, it just wasn't that realistic - nor were any of the characters likable. I swapped it through readitswapit.co.uk because I'm more keen on sending out my books to good homes that I'll swap with almost anything that sounds halfway decent. (*cough*Sweet*cough* another disaster!) This didn't even make a quarter.First of all, I didn't like Ellie much. I didn't enjoy her voice at all - too boy-obsessed AND only 13. Come on, really? Really?? And then, she meets Russell - she's sketching him while he's sketching her in McDonald's. And he's in year 11 (so I assume 16), and he totally gets on the same bus as her and wants to walk her home, with a detour on the way to a park. Where they practically make out, after having known each other for all of an hour. I'm sorry, but it just read like he was coming on WAY too strongly. At one point he was about to grope her chest and Ellie was all thinking, do I want this? But then I *don't* want him to think I'm all uptight, so okay I'll let him go this far... and this could have totally turned into a cautionary tale about how It's Okay To Say No, but it didn't. Blah. Also, I can't buy a 13-year-old staying out until 11 and whining that her friends can stay out past midnight. THIRTEEN. I don't think her 9pm curfew is that bad at ALL for her age.And then Russell is a total douche, I'm sorry. I mean he throws a whiny hissy-fit about Ellie spending time with her girlfriends, like she dares to think they're more important than him. Magda's father bought their concert tickets ages before he invited her to the dance. He wants her to just ditch her friends and be rude to Magda's father. Pssht, douche.And then the ending was just crap and awful with the whole going in the sketchy van of the sketchy boys debacle... again, could have been a cautionary tale! And okay in that case it was a little, though of course nothing too bad happened. But ughhhh, those three girls were dreadful and shallow and so unbelievable as 13-year-olds. Or are kids really like that these days?! I refuse to believe it. But come on, the BSC were 13... and sure they weren't entirely that believable either, but at least they didn't behave like these three did!
This is another thoroughly entertaining teen read from Jacqueline Wilson. This book dealt with a lot of a issues many teenagers face including curfews, having crushes on teachers, managing a boyfriend alongside friendships, taking risks and telling lies. I found this book quite funny compared to the others; particularly Ellie's relationship with Russell. Although I did find Russell to be very selfish and Ellie to easily forgive him. Overall, a very good read, dealing with a lot of issues teenage girls face. Would recommend this book to young teenagers especially as it's more relatable to them, although I think it's suitable for anyone aged 12 and over.
Do You like book Girls Out Late (2015)?
'Girls Out Late' by Jacqueline WilsonThese books are just too easy to read! The girls may be roughly the same age as me but there doing much different things than I do. They do things much different than the rebelist girls I know. Like I've said for the other two books, the plot is for older kids but the writing for young children. I must admit I love the relationship between Ellie and Russell. It's romantic but kissing the first time they meet? That's just a bit wrong. Especially since Ellie isn't the slutty type.This book is a just a book you read if you're bored.
—Indie
Dame Jacqueline Wilson (a very deserved title!) is, in my opinion, the best contemporary children's writer. She writes perfectly, in content, theme, style and accessibility for children from aged 6 to 13 (ish - of course this varies among children). She writes flawlessly for children, I could not find a single fault.She is never patronizing and introduces young people to important life issues such as love, poverty, friendship, adolescence, separated parents, illnesses and so much more, in a manner that is accessible and completely appropriate for young people. Children challenge themselves with their reading skills as the lexis and syntax are by no means 'easy' but are happy to do so as the plots and characters are so engaging.A fantastic writer, whom I am sure instilled my love of reading and fiction from a young age.The 'girls' series are brilliant for older girls, and Wilson really taps into what pre-adolescent girls feel. Fantastic.
—Annabel
Source: I own this book. Cost: Unknown Title: Girls Out Late Series: Girls #3 Author: Jacqueline Wilson Overall Rating: 3 starsIn some ways, this is my favourite in the series.But in other ways, it's my least favourite. But I think it all comes down to the age thing. Reading this at the age it was intended for, I loved it, I thought Russell was so nice and I loved the idea of breaking Curfew. However, now, I just see Ellie as kind of stupid and boy obsessed, she's 14. It doesn't matter if you have a boyfriend or not, I went to an all girls school so maybe that's why I have no sympathy there. We just sort of didn't care about boys in our school, because there was none. I just didn't enjoy revisiting this one.
—Connie
