The Bigfoot Queen

The Littlest Bigfoot #3

by Jennifer Weiner

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes the third and final book in the “cheerful” ( The New York Times Book Review ) and “charming” ( People ) trilogy about friendship, adventure, and celebrating your true self.

Alice Mayfair, Millie Maximus, Jessica Jarvis, and Jeremy Bigelow face their biggest challenge yet when exposure of the sacred, secret world is threatened by a determined foe, someone with a very personal reason to want revenge against the creatures who call themselves the Yare.

The fate of the tribe and its members’ right to live out peacefully in the open is at stake. Impossible decisions are made, friendships are threatened, secrets are revealed, and tremendous courage is required. Alice, her friends, and her frenemies will have to work together and be stronger, smarter, and more accepting than they’ve ever been.

But can some betrayals ever be forgiven?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Audiobook, Young Adult, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 24, 2023

About the author

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eighteen books, including Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, and, most recently, That Summer. A graduate of Princeton University, she lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.

Reviews

[Bill Syken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I'm the author's husband. But I thoroughly enjoyed Jen's fun and heartfelt conclusion to the trilogy.

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for The Bigfoot Queen: Littlest Bigfoot, Book 3 (audiobook) by Jennifer Weiner read by a full cast.

I’ve really enjoyed this series. The characters have been so much fun. Everybody is going to have to team up this time to protect the Yare from being wiped out by a madman seeking revenge. Everything is at stake for this tribe that just wants to live out their lives peacefully.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested this solely because it’s Jennifer Weiner and who doesn’t love her books? I didn’t even know she wrote YA so this was a fun little surprise for me. I didn’t read the first 2 books in the series and I think I would have benefited from it, but I was still able to read this one just fine without having done so.
When the fate of the Bigfoot , or Yare, as they like to call themselves, is at stake from the No Furs, Alice and her friends have to work together to protect their own from a very determined enemy so that they can gain acceptance once and for all. Friendships are tested, secrets are revealed and the kids have to be braver than they ever thought possible.
Thanks to Aladdin Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Paige (pagebypaigebooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars

“She knew what, and who, she was... and, once you knew those things, it was a much simpler matter to find out where you belonged.”

I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.

Instagram Post

Blog Post

Content Warnings: kidnapping

I loved the themes of found family in this book! We had a large cast of characters that all had some form of self-improvement and development, I think that the multiple POVs really helped to develop each side plot. Even though this was technically the third book in the series, I agree that it can be read as a standalone. But I do think that reading the first two books would connect you to the characters more. The storyline was intriguing and was fun to follow. However, I do wish that the ending was a bit longer to give more closure.

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read book one, once upon a time, and missed book two, somewhere along the way, but it didn't hold me back from enjoying this one anymore than the leather straps on the chair that... well, it didn't hold me back. 😉 (that's a secret reveal for you to discover in the book!)

It has been quite the journey with these characters, especially our four youngsters, and while it was a grand ending to a wonderful series, you can't help but tear up as you say goodbye.

All in all, it's a story of acceptance, understanding, learning to be yourself and learning to share yourself with the world. It's a tale that reminds us that love is a powerful thing, for better or worse, and kindness can go a long way in making a lasting impression.


*copy received for review; opinions are my own - full review on my site!

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @rockstarbopktour for having my kids and I on this booktour. I have my dates mixed-up, so here I am posting late.

👧🏻 review: I have never read this series before and I started slower, but once I grasped it the flow went smoothly. After picking up the story, I realized it speaks to me especially in middle-school environment when everyone is selfishly focused on themselves. There are some frenemies, some genuine friends and some simply jaded ones. At the end of the day, it is simply easier to forgive and forget while working smarter rather than harder. I love this book and I have asked my mom to borrow the first two books so that I can go back and understand each character’s story. It is an emotional book and I have to admit that I really enjoyed it.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the emphasis on the power of unity and acceptance in this book. Alice and her friends, along with their frenemies, are forced to set aside their differences and work together. Their journey necessitates them to become stronger, smarter, and more open-minded than ever before. It also explores whether certain betrayals can ever truly be forgiven and the impact such decisions have on individuals and relationships. The characters, including both allies and adversaries, are richly developed, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. It is a thrilling adventure and thought-provoking, a must-read!

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Wiener does it again. Why is such a delight!? I loved this. I plan to buy a copy for my twins. I can't wait for the next book.

[enjoyingbooksagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story the characters are forced to set aside their difference with others and work for the main goal which is the fate of the tribe .
I like this book because it shows the readers that you can side aside any indifferences and work together for a common goal of peace. This is the third book in this series.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess, the title for the book was what first caught my attention. I then went over and learned about the author. Jennifer has written plenty of books and I wanted to try one. While this is the third in the series, I easily jumped in and had fun. As it’s also the end of the series, I now want to go and read the other books too.

Alice and her three companions have a big pickle to tackle. The hidden Bigfoot community, or Yare’s, are about to be exposed. They need help and Alice and her friends are just the ticket.

What a delightful and thoughtful story. I think young ones, and adults, will benefit by reading this story about strength of character, love and acceptance. With plenty of adventure and excitement to make for a super fun read.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Kidnapping & hostage situations

[RivkaBelle]

DNF @ 42%
I got sick, and therefore stopped driving for almost a week. And I'm not invested enough in seeing this through to get back to it now.

[Janet Hutcheson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars. Beginning was difficult to get into-perhaps easier if you read the other books in the series. Reading level seemed too low-content more for Middle School ( 5-8)

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying end to the series!

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great conclusion to The Littlest Bigfoot trilogy. I loved the characters in this series and seeing how they grew from book to book. This series shared a great message about acceptance and understanding as well as learning how to be yourself. Overall this was a great read that middle graders should love.

Thank you Simon Kids for sending me a copy of this book.

[Laina SpareTime]

Cross-posted from my blog where there's more information on where I got my copy and links and everything.

So I picked this up and made a joke on Blusky about how I was glad that middle grade authors often do a little recap at the beginning of books because I sure was struggling to remember the plot of the first two books in this series. And then I actually went to check and saw that I had read the second book in 2017 and I wondered why it had taken me so long to pick this one up. And then I actually looked at the date on this one and realized it was only published in 2023. It’s December 2024. That’s not actually that long ago, but there was a six year gap between the second and third books. That seems… unusal, especially for a middle grade book.

Overall, I liked this and I thought it was a pretty good way to wrap up the series, but I do think that gap made for some issues. It sort of feels like this series was planned to be more like four or five books and it had to abruptly wrap up, because a lot of things are dropped and sort of glossed over. A lot of characters don’t get a lot of screentime (or page-time), including Millie! Millie is barely a character in this book. She’s in like four scenes. The plot also is not the strongest. Probably 50 pages of the book is mostly recap, which, again, I did need after that gap in reading the other two books, and then a ton of the plot is wrapped up in the epilogue in a way that feels a little rushed and not very well planned out.

Also, Alice’s mother’s fake name randomly changes from Felicia to Felicity, so. There are some editing issues.

The book does have a lot of very sweet parts. I really liked the friendship between Alice, Millie, and Jessica. The moments when they’re actually together are probably the best parts of the book. I love how they’re supportive of each other and when they actually try to figure things out between them. Unfortunately, those moments were few and far between. They spend most of the time split up – again, a moment where I wish there had been more book to explore that. It was also really nice to see the body positivity message come back and for Alice to really grow into herself, even if it feels a little sudden.

My last note is that this one felt a lot darker than I remember the other two being. There’s a lot of death going on and for how young this book reads, I was a bit surprised.

Overall, I’m glad I read this and finished the series. I enjoy the author’s writing and honestly I really like her writing for children, and I hope she writes more middle grade. While a little underwhelming, it was cute and I enjoyed reading it.

Content notes: Kidnapping, guns, threats of medical violence, a surprising amount of death. I’d be careful with your more sensitive readers.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Bigfoot Queen" by Jennifer Weiner is a delightful and heartwarming adventure that explores the challenges faced by a group of unique characters in the sacred world of the Yare, creatures who happen to be Bigfoots. With a blend of humor, friendship, and a touch of fantasy, Weiner crafts a narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

The central characters – Alice Mayfair, Millie Maximus, Jessica Jarvis, and Jeremy Bigelow – face their most significant challenge yet as the secrecy of their world is threatened by a determined adversary with a personal vendetta against the Yare. The stakes are high, with the fate of the tribe and their right to live peacefully hanging in the balance. As the characters grapple with impossible decisions, friendships are tested, secrets are laid bare, and an extraordinary amount of courage is required.

Jennifer Weiner excels in creating a world that is both magical and relatable. The camaraderie among the characters is endearing, and their personalities shine through with authenticity. The dynamics of the group, including both friendships and frenemies, add depth to the story and make the characters more relatable to readers.

The narrative explores themes of acceptance, strength, and forgiveness, as the characters are forced to work together in ways they never imagined. The challenges they face are not only external but also internal, as they confront betrayals that test the limits of forgiveness. This adds an emotional layer to the story, making it more than just a fantasy adventure.

The pacing of the novel is well-managed, and Weiner keeps the reader invested in the characters' journey by introducing twists and turns that add suspense and intrigue. The writing style is engaging, with a good balance of humor and heart, making it suitable for a wide range of readers.

While the fantasy element is prominent, the underlying themes of friendship and forgiveness make "The Bigfoot Queen" a universally appealing read. Some readers may find the fantastical elements a departure from Weiner's more realistic works, but the charm and wit that characterize her writing remain intact.

In conclusion, "The Bigfoot Queen" is a four-star read that captivates with its blend of fantasy, friendship, and heartfelt moments. Jennifer Weiner's exploration of forgiveness and courage in the face of betrayal adds depth to the story, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for readers of all ages.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bigfoot Queen is the third book in the Littlest Bigfoot Trilogy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner. Bigfoot Queen is a charming middle-grade book about friendship, adventure, and celebrating your true self. It’s the story of Alice, a wealthy girl who lives in New York City. Her parents move her to a different school every year, and she's never really had friends. Then, she goes to this boarding school in Upstate New York, where she meets Millie. Alice thinks Millie lives in a town nearby. Millie shows up at night, popping out of nowhere mysteriously. It turns out that Millie is not entirely human.

I started reading this to my little guy one night before bed and wondered if I should stop because the premise is scary, but I kept going, and I’m so glad I did. Millie is a bigfoot, but they consider the word a slur. Millie is fascinated with humans and wants to know everything about them. She wants to be part of Alice’s world. One of the messages in the book is that adulthood is a series of poses, costumes, disguises, and faces that we wear at different times, but that who you are is literally in your DNA, and that’s something you cannot change. You can't pretend to be someone you're not; you should learn to accept and own it. I love the message to live authentically and not try to change who you are. I hope that all eight- or nine-year-old girls who will read this book feel a little comforted about their own physical selves, their bodies, and the worth those bodies have. Ultimately, Bigfoot Queen is a book about hope, redemption, and celebrating your true self.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Mattie:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a nice end to the story. I’ve been waiting on this book for years and though I definitely have my criticisms I’m just really happy the series finally got a conclusion. There were definitely a few timeline and continuity issues which I could potentially overlook if there hadn’t been a 6 year gap between book 2 and 3. I’m also still really confused as to why Faith’s society friends called her Felicity. Her name had always been Felicia in the previous books. Like maybe it changed in the re prints but that seems like a strange detail to change. I also thought the epilogue was a tad unrealistic however it is juvenile fiction so I get it. Also where did Jo go?!? Justice for her I missed her.

Now onto what I loved about this book. I loved that they let Alice be mad at her mom. That is one of the things I found weird about the ending of the last book and I’m glad Alice didn’t forgive right away. Also I’m glad Millie found her bravery and that Alice found love for her strong body. I also loved that Alice still sees Mark. He wasn’t the best but I think dumping that relationship would’ve been unrealistic. I also loved the jail seen with Yetta and Christopher, that plot line couldn’t have ended better.

This book is simultaneously the strongest and the weakest of the series. It had the most engaging plot of the series but also felt a tad unedited. Despite my critiques in just happy that this series received a well deserved conclusion. 4/5 stars.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series but I had not read the previous two and I was able to follow although by reading the previous you get more of the details and history. There is an emphasis on the power of unity and acceptance in this book that is an underlying theme. Alice and her friends, along with their frenemies, are forced to set aside their differences and work together. Their journey necessitates them to become stronger, smarter, and more open-minded than ever before. It also explores whether certain betrayals can ever truly be forgiven and the impact such decisions have on individuals and relationships. The characters, including both allies and adversaries, are richly developed, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. There is also a theme of forgiveness and empathy in the book that shows that connecting to others provides for a deeper understanding of yourself. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up to 4. When The Bigfoot Queen became available on NetGalley, I definitely wanted to read it ... because ... who wouldn't want to read a Jennifer Weiner book. The cover makes it obvious that it is a children's/YA book. What I didn't realize is that The Bigfoot Queen is #3 in the series. I do feel like I hadn't quite connected with some of the characters and I'm guessing that is because I hadn't read books #1 or #2.

The primary concept encompassing The Bigfoot Queen is quite fascinating. Jennifer Weiner is a very creative author.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of The Bigfoot Queen in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Jennifer Weiner the author and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing. Publication date is Oct 24, 2023.

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly disappointed. I loved the first in the series, liked the second. But this feels not quite polished enough to be finished. Didn’t the editor point out there is a big thing about Jessica and her grandfather, and then they never meet to have it out? Too easy to get out of the hopeless situation- let’s dial 911 and specify no city cops? And, doesn’t the federal government want to have immortal soldiers too? Reasonable setups, interesting having well meaning people getting sucked into doing bad things, but no real soul searching afterwards. BTW, did I miss the explanation of what vitalnews was withheld from evil genius and how that made all the difference? And did grandma go to jail for grand theft auto? What happens to all the mutant evil soldiers? And surely there had to be many complicit folks at the laboratory- all off Scot free?

It’s a bit of a mess.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, which ends the three books series, is absolutely charming. I read the first 2 books and listened to the 3rd, and it was wonderfully narrated. There was a long wait between books two and three and I was delighted when I learned the third book was coming out. Although I don't normally read young adult or fantasy, these are my favorite books by this author. They have a big message and are beautifully written.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series by Jennifer Weiner. There are so many life lessons in these books. I loved all the separate stories and characters and that they all come together over the course of the series.
The characters are all likable and relatable. Each character’s story is well designed to show how each character grew and evolved over the course of this series.
And it’s always fun to imagine Bigfoots.

[Dexter Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting ending to the Littlest Bigfoot Saga

I was so captivated by the story and how everyone came together against the villain who wanted to hurt the Yares to obtain immortality.
It is a great story and I enjoyed all the strong girls and women involved.
It is very empowering, especially for young women trying to figure out how they fit in the world.
Enjoy!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Mayfair doesn't fit in. She is big, strong and has wild hair. Her mother sends her to different schools and camps each year. She never feels she fits in. This book concludes the Bigfoot series with all the characters coming together for a happy ending. The creepy, old science man is exposed.

[Jovelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I rating this based on how long it took to publish this? No, otherwise this would be one star. Seriously? 4 YEARS? I mean, even without that dramatic ending to the second book, that is ridiculous.
That's all I'm going to say, except that this was a lot darker than the other ones.

[Kimberly Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t feel like this story fully wrapped things up. Though it seems like it was a trilogy- I hope it comes back. This was such a fun series. Ending was slightly rushed but was fun to learn what happened after the drama in New York. Some additional characters rounded it out well too.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. I didn't realize it was number 3 in a series or I would have gone for the first two books. I don't think I lost very much by just getting to 3 though. 1 and 2 are probably very good and would give some additional insight maybe.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the story! I hope the Yare do well