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Hazel, Not a Nut
This is the funny, funky story of Hazel Anne Mooney, told by the girl herself. Hazel is fourteen, smart, funny and fed up. How could anyone whose initials spell HAM, who only manages set one at school for English and Food Tech and who, let's face it, is far from model-girl slim, be anything but fed up? But Hazel's tormentor, the gorgeous, glamorous, all-achieving Lauren Stevenson, class bitch and bully, is about to fall apart under the pressure to stay pencil-thin. And when the conflict between the two girls comes to a head, the outcome takes everyone by surprise, especially Hazel!
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2003
5 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 11, 2023
2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
2020 EDIT: Read the whole thing in one day. Oh how long it has been since I read 'Hazel, Not a Nut' in school! Got my own copy now and not a library one.
Admittedly it is very preachy and simplistic about the subject of bullying - an issue with no easy answers, and less easy solutions. How naïve and overly hopeful we all were in 2003. But in a way it was what I needed in school. I like the characters, and the framing: a few chapters are written in diary form, and there are fewer pages of texting between the school bullies. Though near the end the book has the main character, the bullied Hazel, go on a diet and lose a bit of weight - rather easily in fact - and THAT is part of her newfound happiness and improved health (barf!). However, it isn't the whole story, and it has nothing to do with the climax. A point is made that Hazel's weight is a genetics thing, and she won't ever be skinny, per say. Hazel's friendships and family bonding are what make her the most happy. Support is key.
'Hazel, Not a Nut' has an obvious agenda, but a good heart overall. A quick, light and straightforward read for any young person looking for a sweet and satisfying breather - and for hope - at school, like myself at that age. They - we - are not alone. We never were.
Fixing a mistake from my original review: Hazel's last name is Mooney, not Murray.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
A book I once found in my school library by chance.
A sweet, realistic and touching story about a girl unfortunately named Hazel Anne Murray (HAM) who is bullied. Not a lot of children's books about bullying deal with the subject as complexly as this. It explores how it can be prevented, and how the bullies themselves are often as miserable as their victims. Sometimes they pick on others weaker than they are because it makes them feel better in control of their own lives.
'Hazel, Not a Nut' is helpful fiction for kids who feel they are alone with their problems. But by talking about them, help is always at hand, even where they'd least expect it. It's also a tale about friendship, and why we should all make life worth getting through for everyone.
Needs more recognition I'd say.
Final Score: 5/5
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
2020 EDIT: Read the whole thing in one day. Oh how long it has been since I read 'Hazel, Not a Nut' in school! Got my own copy now and not a library one.
Admittedly it is very preachy and simplistic about the subject of bullying - an issue with no easy answers, and less easy solutions. How naïve and overly hopeful we all were in 2003. But in a way it was what I needed in school. I like the characters, and the framing: a few chapters are written in diary form, and there are fewer pages of texting between the school bullies. Though near the end the book has the main character, the bullied Hazel, go on a diet and lose a bit of weight - rather easily in fact - and THAT is part of her newfound happiness and improved health (barf!). However, it isn't the whole story, and it has nothing to do with the climax. A point is made that Hazel's weight is a genetics thing, and she won't ever be skinny, per say. Hazel's friendships and family bonding are what make her the most happy. Support is key.
'Hazel, Not a Nut' has an obvious agenda, but a good heart overall. A quick, light and straightforward read for any young person looking for a sweet and satisfying breather - and for hope - at school, like myself at that age. They - we - are not alone. We never were.
Fixing a mistake from my original review: Hazel's last name is Mooney, not Murray.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
A book I once found in my school library by chance.
A sweet, realistic and touching story about a girl unfortunately named Hazel Anne Murray (HAM) who is bullied. Not a lot of children's books about bullying deal with the subject as complexly as this. It explores how it can be prevented, and how the bullies themselves are often as miserable as their victims. Sometimes they pick on others weaker than they are because it makes them feel better in control of their own lives.
'Hazel, Not a Nut' is helpful fiction for kids who feel they are alone with their problems. But by talking about them, help is always at hand, even where they'd least expect it. It's also a tale about friendship, and why we should all make life worth getting through for everyone.
Needs more recognition I'd say.
Final Score: 5/5
August 25, 2023
I think this book is a great depiction of bullying amongst teens especially around the ages of 12-15. When I got this book I didn't know it would have such a deep meaning behind it. I wish I had this book when I was around that age, it would've been quite helpful. Bonus points for the fact that Hazel's diary entries remind me of my own at the time.
I read it in one sitting but some points felt that they were dragging along too much. Maybe I would've rated it a bit higher if I had read it a few years ago.
Besides that, I definitely recommend this book to teens around the ages of 13-15. Might be helpful in some ways.
I read it in one sitting but some points felt that they were dragging along too much. Maybe I would've rated it a bit higher if I had read it a few years ago.
Besides that, I definitely recommend this book to teens around the ages of 13-15. Might be helpful in some ways.
March 28, 2013
*2 STARS*
This is one of those books where the characters are way too young for their actual age. These kids are 15 years old, yet they're about as mature as a 11 year old.
The book wasn't bad though, it touches on some very important issues. I guess the story was a bit young for me... so I won't be too harsh.
Writing was very casual, fast paced but not very descriptive. Parts of the book was written in diary-form, which was original (if done right).
The lead character's voice was unique, so I enjoyed that aspect of the story.
*2 STARS
This is one of those books where the characters are way too young for their actual age. These kids are 15 years old, yet they're about as mature as a 11 year old.
The book wasn't bad though, it touches on some very important issues. I guess the story was a bit young for me... so I won't be too harsh.
Writing was very casual, fast paced but not very descriptive. Parts of the book was written in diary-form, which was original (if done right).
The lead character's voice was unique, so I enjoyed that aspect of the story.
*2 STARS
September 19, 2008
Fairly average teenage novel that deals with bullying. Probably one of the first that I read that involved text messages! Nothing amazing but not bad either.
July 8, 2010
This book has everything from bulling to bulimic READ IT
March 18, 2015
Very good read addresses important subjects such as eating disorder is a light matter.
Read
June 17, 2009this book is a bit sad the girl in disss is fat and a loser
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews