Everybody Bugs Out - Book Review

Title ~ Everybody Bugs Out
Series ~ Annabelle Unleashed #3
Author ~ Leslie Margolis
Release Date ~ May 24, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books
Source ~ Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Annabelle has tamed the wild boys and catty girls of middle school. Now it's time for her first school dance! A couple of Annabelle's friends already have dates and she would like one, too. Better yet, she finally has a crush on someone—Oliver. The problem? Claire also likes him, and she's called dibs. To complicate things further, Annabelle has to work super closely with her secret crush on their science fair project! And it looks like one of their competitors is up to something shady. . . . If Annabelle says something, will Oliver respect her for it or think she's a snitch? And will she ever understand what these junior-high boys are really thinking?

This third book in the Annabelle Unleashed series captures another unforgettable moment of junior-high drama—complete with utter embarrassment and total joy.

REVIEW

Everybody Bugs Out reminds me of all of the relationship drama going down at my middle school. Everybody seems to have a crush, but their crush likes someone else. It is like having a soap opera going on for eight hours a day! I understand how Annabelle feels; not being entirely comfortable acting on a crush. Leslie Margolis has hit on the reality of tween relationships.

In a refreshing break from young adult romances, Annabelle acts like a typical tween girl. She acts exactly the same way that I would, and I can completely relate to both Annabelle and her story. What I love most about Annabelle is her relationship with her friends. They all stand up for each other and share advice, especially about boys.

I really like how the science fair is worked into the plot. There are little updates about how Annabelle’s project is progressing all through the book. Oh, and Annabelle has to use some of her famous boy training techniques for the science fair. I never grow tired of reading about her tactics with boys.

The sweet and fresh relationship between Annabelle and Oliver is the spotlight of this book. At first, Oliver seems to be just another rowdy boy in need of training. As it turns out though, Oliver is a nice guy and I can see why Annabelle has a crush on him. Perhaps someday there will be an Oliver for me or one of my friends at school. I hope so.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

This cover fits right along with the other two books. I love how the ladybugs form a heart, to represent all the crushes going on. And might that be Annabelle and Oliver sitting there? They seem to be having a good time.