Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this follow-up to her popular Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not So Fabulous Life, Russell offers a slight but amusing tale of a middle-school nerd who finds she is not so nerdy after all. The book is structured as the diary of Nikki Maxwell, with pages designed to look like handwritten, heavily illustrated entries. The story follows Nikki's trials and tribulations in the face of harassment from the most popular girl in class, a possibly requited crush on her lab partner, kooky plans from her boy-crazy best friends, and complications from her pesky little sister. Things spin out of control when Nikki finds herself with three commitments the night of the big dance. The most affecting, original parts of the book are Nikki's attempts to balance her excitement over her budding romance and her loyalty to her friends. The rest of the plot covers the well-trod territory of the lonely but lovable outsider. Filled with manga-inspired artwork, the story should amuse younger readers, but not challenge them. Ages 9-13. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-In this second entry in a female version of Wimpy Kid (though with more text), Nikki's humorous diary details the ups and downs of middle-school girl friendships from the point of view of an outsider. Though somewhat flat in tone, it won't disappoint fans of the illustrated notebook format. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In her second book, self-professed dork Nikki Maxwell must save her middle school's Halloween dance after mean girl MacKenzie tries to sabotage the party and stick Nikki with the blame. Nikki's social fiascoes--while not the most original or logical--are funny and fast paced. As in the first book, her diary entries are full of exclamation points, smiley faces, and smart illustrations. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
