With this installment, I have caught up as far as I can in the series since my local library does not have a physical copy of the fourth book. The series continues to delight. I loved the addition of Henry, an uncle of sorts, who finds himself stuck in panda form after a romantic rejection. He had been staying at the Brooklyn Zoo but comes to the house in time to go to summer camp with Effie and work as a counselor. Effie continues to have
her world expanded and in this installment discovers more about her magic and how to interact with other witches. I liked this installment the most so far.
This book did not stand out in any way, good or bad. The author gave some hints of character development in the group of diverse musicians chosen as back up singers who end up wanting to start their own band. As I started to describe that, I remembered what brought down the narrative for me. The author tried to do too much. In addition to what I previously described, there are
subplots with romance and the fact that the star has been lip-synching because of a medical issue as well as a disappointing reaction (and actions) of an indie band that one of the back up singers likes. Ultimately, even if the narrative had worked, it’s the wrong age range for a middle school classroom.
Somehow, when checking out this book, I missed the fact that I have already read it, a handful of years ago due to its presence on a previous SCASL book list. Quickly after starting, I had to check Storygraph so at least I had not forgotten it completely. I enjoyed it a bit more this time around and still appreciate the things I noticed in my first review.
These volumes are so much fun. Goldie is such a lovable, irascible character who even though she makes mistakes, she chooses to learn and grow rather than sulk. I really like the case in this installment and the possibility of bigger things just around the corner.
I, unfortunately, agree with the low ratings and reviews for this book. I have read much better from Hope Larson and will extend a bit of grace since this book comes from early in her career. This book, set at a summer camp, features a lot of unlikeable mean girl type characters who, including the main character, do not appear to learn anything. Larson also brings up some series issues but
handles them completely without care. I would not put this on any classroom shelves or recommend it.
I gave the second book in this series a chance when I should have just walked away after the first. I struggled to engage with the main character and also wondered where a different, supposedly close, friendship came from when this book opened with it. (I remember nothing about this particular friendship mentioned in the first book. Consider the series DNF’d.
