The Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower by Lisa Gaff wasn’t very exciting. I didn’t have any emotions when I was reading this book. I usually feel like I am in the book. I didn’t feel like I was in this book. It gave less excitement since I wasn’t in the story and didn’t know how exactly the characters felt. This story was about a girl name Bernetta Wallflower who got accused from “her best friend” Ashley.Bernetta’s mom works at a private school called Mount Olive. It cost a lot to get in this school but since Bernetta’s mom work there, her family got in for free. Ashley is a girl who steals money and threatens people. Bernetta thought that Ashley was her best friend but then she got accused of doing something she didn’t do. Bernetta now had to pay the full price to get into Mount Olive. Bernetta doesn’t want to get in a private school. She can’t do anything since she is grounded. Her sister lies that Bernetta is babysitting for her friend. Bernetta lied to her sister that she had a great job. Her job was stealing with a guy name Gabe. Bernetta didn’t know Gabe but Gabe suggested working together to earn money. Finally Bernetta earns enough money for Mount Olive, but then Ashley stole her money again. The worst thing is that Gabe helps Ashley to steal it. Gabe regrets it but Bernetta is mad. Would Bernetta be able to get to Mount Olives? What would she tell her parents when they ask her where all the money is? There is an exciting way the story ends and you won’t know it until you read the book.I think that this story can be written better. Adding more emotions would help the story get exciting. Some parts were great but some parts needed more information. This whole story was a mystery. I enjoyed reading this book. I wouldn’t say that you have to read this book for it wasn’t a great book. Definitely read this book if you have nothing to do. This book wasn’t horrible.This book has mystery. You don’t know who Gabe actually is. There are many parts I didn’t understand until I got to the end. I would recommend this book to kids that love mystery. It doesn’t have detectives, but it makes the reader ask many questions.
Bernetta is framed by the girl she thought was her BFF. Accused of running a blackmail/cheating ring, Bernetta escapes expulsion, but loses her scholarship. Unless she can make $9000 over the summer she will attend to a public school in the fall. Luckily Bernetta has some talent as a magican. Unfortunately her new �??friend�?� Gabe thinks that talent can be turned into big money by running cons. His motto, �??It isn't stealing if people give you money.�?� This is a cute book, but a little disturbing that it is full of tips for running scams.
It was a very funny book -- never talking down, always smart -- and the while the plot is way over-the-top, I was happy to go along for the ride. Bernetta is a charming character, one that I could easily identify (who hasn't been framed for something they didn't do, even if it isn't a cheating ring?) and sympathize with. I loved her family -- including her very nice older sister Elsa to her silly younger brother Colin -- and even enjoyed the relationship Bernetta formed with Gabe.A fun little read.
—Melissa
After being framed for running a cheating ring, Bernetta enters a life of crime running con games to earn the money she needs to go back to her private school. This is just to out there. It is so unbelievable. Main character is 12 and it is really hard to believe that she and the boy she meets could run con games like this that the boy learned from watching movies and reading books. The ultimate connections to the girl who framed her in the first place are just to coincidental. Good premise but it ultimately just does not work.
—Rachel
I've become a huge fan of Lisa Graff's and this book was adorable.As you may know, I am a huge fan of heist stories, and this one is a new favorite. I never really think of kid con artists, but Bernetta and Gabe are excellent at it. (I guess that's one of the best qualities for a con artist, right? The ability to go undetected and to fly well below anyone's suspicions?)I don't want to say much about the plot because of the potential for spoilers, but this is absolutely a book you don't want to miss.Bernetta (and her sister Elsa!) is an amazing character, the kind you'll want to spend more time with.Recommended.
—Kelly Hager
