Oh my goodness this book! As I read this book I remembered my life in 6th grade. So much angst and anxiety. Who was your friend, who is your friend and can it all get more awkward. This author did a fantastic job with some pretty heavy subjects. This book touched on many things to include major illness, mental illness and even twelve year old girl issues. Ms. Davis built this world in such a way that I felt myself back in middle school. I loved the characters in this book and enjoyed them working through all the difficulties they faced. I will definitely buy this book for my classroom library.

I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Serena Says is a middle grade move about a girl named Serena who wants to start a vlog. Serena’s best friend has just had a kidney transplant, and suddenly doesn’t seem to be Serena’s best friend anymore.

I identified with a lot of the feelings in this book, perhaps even too much - every time Leilani appeared, I felt annoyed by her! Having been a teenage girl, I definitely related to these issues and remembered them strongly.

This book had a really diverse cast. There were characters of color, characters of different physical and mental abilities, and characters with long-term medical issues.

Reading the ARC, this issue may have been fixed, but there was some confusion for me in the middle where Serena was suddenly upset about something Leilani suggested for her subcommittee. It did not seem to be mentioned until later so I don’t know if I missed something in my ARC or not.

All in all, definitely one I’ll place in my class library!

This book has a whole lot to love! The vlogs were spectacularly done! Felt very true to the voice of Serena and the kinds of experiences she is going through as a 6th grader. It speaks truths about friendships and the ever changing nature of them, especially at that middle school age.

I received this e-ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Serena is a sixth grader whose best friend has just had a kidney transplant. The whole trajectory of Serena's sixth grade year is changed when a cold keep Serena from being the class ambassador and bringing JC the class get well gift. Leilani brings it instead, and she and JC strike a fast friendship that leaves Serena feeling left in the dust.

This book is one a lot of kids will be able to relate to, Serena is a sympathetic but strong main character and her journey is a great one.