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April-May #1
A Month with April-May
'Life is not a bowl of cherries. Suck it up.' On April-May's first day at Trinity College, she has the wrong colour bag, too-bright socks and she gets her favourite novel confiscated for reading it during class. She makes total enemies with the evil Mrs Ho, but she makes total friends with mouth-breather Melly. Then, she meets the gorgeous Seb, loses her entire wardrobe to a hobo and gets branded a sockless trouble-maker. A MONTH WITH APRIL-MAY is a one-eyebrow-raised account of a teenager's trials and tribulations as she navigates a new school, a new family situation and a whole new way of life.
195 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2013
5 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Edyth Bulbring
26 books38 followersEdyth Bulbring is an award-winning author of nine Young Adult novels: The Summer of Toffie and Grummer which was shortlisted for the English Academy's 2010 Percy FitzPatrick prize for Youth Literature (Oxford University Press, February 2008); Cornelia Button and the Globe of Gamagion (Jacana, April 2008); The Club (Jonathan Ball Publishers, September 2008); Pops and The Nearly Dead (Penguin, March 2010); Melly, Mrs Ho and Me (Penguin, September 2010); Melly, Fatty and Me which was awarded the English Academy's 2012 Percy FitzPatrick prize for Youth Literature (Penguin, September 2011); The Mark which was awarded the English Academy's 2016 Percy FitzPatrick Prize for Youth Literature (Tafelberg September 2014) and Snitch which won the 2017 M.E.R Prize for best Afrikaans or English youth novel (Tafelberg, May 2016).
She was born in Boksburg and grew up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She worked as a journalist for fifteen years and was the political correspondent at the Sunday Times of South Africa covering the first democratic elections. She likes dogs, trees and junk shops.
She was born in Boksburg and grew up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She worked as a journalist for fifteen years and was the political correspondent at the Sunday Times of South Africa covering the first democratic elections. She likes dogs, trees and junk shops.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 4, 2019
(3.7 stars)
This book is meant for a middlegrade or younger YA audience, which does mean that I am not the target demographic. However, I did enjoy the writting style it really showed April May's character, she was consitent, smart and whitty. And she was likable. And she was being portrayed completely accurately as a 14 year old girl, however, this does mean that she often can be infuriating, make really poor decisions and be a brat and sometimes cruel. She tends to be manipulative and cruel, but I can't fully fault this as it is accurate. Though I liked the unique writing style that mirrored a thought process, if you are someone that likes world building and detailed description then this isn't the book for you. In fact if she wasn't on the cover we would have no clue what she looked like. In fact, sometimes the lack of detailing does bring my rating down, because so many things are left undeveloped and we do just skip to what is relevant to the ending. Like, her mentioning she's in a covern and basic things like her classmates. And even with the consideration that it is a short novella, it is a little basic. Saying this the 'facts' section before every chapter is really enjoyable and spices up this book. My last point is that unfortunitly this stories heavy reliance on Twilight does really date it, but it doesn't ruin it. DECENT AND ENJOYABLE.
This book is meant for a middlegrade or younger YA audience, which does mean that I am not the target demographic. However, I did enjoy the writting style it really showed April May's character, she was consitent, smart and whitty. And she was likable. And she was being portrayed completely accurately as a 14 year old girl, however, this does mean that she often can be infuriating, make really poor decisions and be a brat and sometimes cruel. She tends to be manipulative and cruel, but I can't fully fault this as it is accurate. Though I liked the unique writing style that mirrored a thought process, if you are someone that likes world building and detailed description then this isn't the book for you. In fact if she wasn't on the cover we would have no clue what she looked like. In fact, sometimes the lack of detailing does bring my rating down, because so many things are left undeveloped and we do just skip to what is relevant to the ending. Like, her mentioning she's in a covern and basic things like her classmates. And even with the consideration that it is a short novella, it is a little basic. Saying this the 'facts' section before every chapter is really enjoyable and spices up this book. My last point is that unfortunitly this stories heavy reliance on Twilight does really date it, but it doesn't ruin it. DECENT AND ENJOYABLE.
February 19, 2020
In the book “A month with April-May” by Edyth Bulbring there is a quote that says “Life is not a bowl of cherries. Suck it up.” Personally i think this quote pretty much means that life isn't always sweet and perfect or the way you want it to be and in the end we cant really do anything about it so all we can do is suck it up and deal with it.
The book is about a girl (April-May) who begins high school at her new school where on the first day she gets picked on by a teacher (Mrs. Ho) who soon becomes her enemy when she comments on April-May’s colorful socks and book bag. Her name April-May’s name is quite different and isn't too appealing to her she got her name when her parents couldn't decide on either “April” or “May” so they gave her both. She finds her name embarrassing and finds that it turns heads quite easily so when she gets called on she just says her name is “Bella” so it doesn't draw as much attention to her. April-May loves Stephenie Meyers, the Twilight series and English class and was told that the English teacher (Miss Morape) does too. In April-May’s head her and Miss Morape would have been best friends until Miss Morape walks into the door and it is her enemy Mrs. Ho. April-May soon starts to question everything on how two totally different people could be so alike.
My overall experience with the book was okay i didn't really enjoy the book I thought the character April-May was quite annoying but if you like cheeky/ fun books then this might be a good fast read for you.
The book is about a girl (April-May) who begins high school at her new school where on the first day she gets picked on by a teacher (Mrs. Ho) who soon becomes her enemy when she comments on April-May’s colorful socks and book bag. Her name April-May’s name is quite different and isn't too appealing to her she got her name when her parents couldn't decide on either “April” or “May” so they gave her both. She finds her name embarrassing and finds that it turns heads quite easily so when she gets called on she just says her name is “Bella” so it doesn't draw as much attention to her. April-May loves Stephenie Meyers, the Twilight series and English class and was told that the English teacher (Miss Morape) does too. In April-May’s head her and Miss Morape would have been best friends until Miss Morape walks into the door and it is her enemy Mrs. Ho. April-May soon starts to question everything on how two totally different people could be so alike.
My overall experience with the book was okay i didn't really enjoy the book I thought the character April-May was quite annoying but if you like cheeky/ fun books then this might be a good fast read for you.
February 2, 2015
Rating: 3.5 Stars
A Month with April-May was quite an enjoyable, fast read. The main character April-May February was cheeky, lively and fun. She also got on my nerves for quite a lot of the book. To be honest, she was a bit of a brat. However, I must admit I did enjoy watching her character grow throughout the book and I felt she did learn some important lessons in the end. She’s still got a long way to go though!
While I did enjoy reading this, I also had a few issues with it. The plot was very simple and obviously aimed at younger teens (it reminded me a little of the Georgia Nicolson series). April’s plot to get back at her teacher was childish and a little on the ridiculous and nasty side. To be honest, I didn’t realise when I started it that most of the book would revolve around April trying to get revenge. It was quite funny at times, with some layers of sadness in there too. I would have liked to have heard more from April on how she felt about her family situation, because I felt like maybe this was one of the reasons she was acting up a little.
The writing was simple and, while I really liked it and the structure of the book, I felt it didn’t quite fit with the age range. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but I don’t think I would have understood a lot of the references in my younger teenage years. However, I did get annoyed with the lack of dialogue. A lot of the time April relates to the audience what was said, but I always feel dialogue moves the story along and at times this aspect did slow the book down.
Overall, A Month with April-May was a quick, easy and fun read. I’m interested to see what else we learn about April in the next book and am hopefully we’ll get more of an insight into what she’s feeling. This is the perfect breezy weekend read.
Thank you to The Five Mile Press/Hot Key Books for providing a copy of the book for review
This review and many more can be found at Maree's Musings.
A Month with April-May was quite an enjoyable, fast read. The main character April-May February was cheeky, lively and fun. She also got on my nerves for quite a lot of the book. To be honest, she was a bit of a brat. However, I must admit I did enjoy watching her character grow throughout the book and I felt she did learn some important lessons in the end. She’s still got a long way to go though!
While I did enjoy reading this, I also had a few issues with it. The plot was very simple and obviously aimed at younger teens (it reminded me a little of the Georgia Nicolson series). April’s plot to get back at her teacher was childish and a little on the ridiculous and nasty side. To be honest, I didn’t realise when I started it that most of the book would revolve around April trying to get revenge. It was quite funny at times, with some layers of sadness in there too. I would have liked to have heard more from April on how she felt about her family situation, because I felt like maybe this was one of the reasons she was acting up a little.
The writing was simple and, while I really liked it and the structure of the book, I felt it didn’t quite fit with the age range. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but I don’t think I would have understood a lot of the references in my younger teenage years. However, I did get annoyed with the lack of dialogue. A lot of the time April relates to the audience what was said, but I always feel dialogue moves the story along and at times this aspect did slow the book down.
Overall, A Month with April-May was a quick, easy and fun read. I’m interested to see what else we learn about April in the next book and am hopefully we’ll get more of an insight into what she’s feeling. This is the perfect breezy weekend read.
Thank you to The Five Mile Press/Hot Key Books for providing a copy of the book for review
This review and many more can be found at Maree's Musings.
May 29, 2025
I first this book when I was 10 years old and 10 years later it is still as hilarious as the first time I read it. I don't have too much to say about it, but I will say this:
the concept of asking a 7 year old kid on crutches after a car accident if he wants to play hopscotch.
3.5*
the concept of asking a 7 year old kid on crutches after a car accident if he wants to play hopscotch.
3.5*
January 15, 2022
Très belle histoire j'ai adoré , une fan de twilight comme april may
February 11, 2024
ילדה שאוהבת את דמדומים עם שם של לוח שנה
February 29, 2024
A very nice book to read ❤️🥹
January 25, 2013
“I should have known from the first moment I met her: it was either me or Mrs Ho. One of us was going to have to go.”
Everyone knows staring a new school is hard. And April-May February may have just had the worst first day in the history of ever.
First, her bag was the wrong colour. Then she got yelled at (again) for having too bright socks. Then she makes a new worst enemy in the form of Mrs Ho, the evilest person ever. Next her clothes get nicked. And on top of it all, she's totally addicted to Twilight and can't get her hands on the second book (begin panic attack now!). Yup, day one, and already she has the big, fat label of 'Trouble Maker'.
On the bright side, she does have a new best friend in Melly. There's also a totally hot guy on the scene (he's called Seb and might just be her own Edward).
Who said childhood was innocent and carefree? Whoever did obviously never had to live through Trinity College. Or have a to-the-end battle against the persistent Mrs Ho.
Or have a freaking calendar as a name!
I do love funny books, me. I read so many tearjerkers and dystopias and paranormals, so down-to-earth funnies are always more than welcome. Of course, A Month With April-May wasn't overly down-to-earth, instead being more bonkers, kind of like the Georgia Nicolson series – something I loved! It was completely barmy and bundles of fun. I'll admit, there are some darkish moments and bits where I wanted to smack April-May on the back of her head, but I stormed right through the book in a single sitting, gobbling it up. I can't wait for the next in the series!
I just adored all the characters in this book – they were all absolutely mad! Since the book was only short, we didn't really get to know everyone overly well, but I liked loads of them anyway. And I loved April-May, even if she was an evil, sneaky, crafty, sore-losing genius! She was just hilarious – cheeky, funny, witty – everything you could want in a teen lead! I found myself instantly falling in love with the wacky April-May – she was just brilliant! Plus, her evil-genius moments were pretty scary-brilliant! I loved Melly, her sweet bestie – she was the best bestie a girl could have! And Mrs Ho was a brilliant character – poor woman, the lady was in charge of a sinking ship and had an evil genius as an arch nemesis! No wonder she was tightly wound, hey?! I can’t wait to see more of her. Seb was a bad boy – I don’t really know what April-May saw in him: I think she just wanted an Edward – but what teen doesn't? I also liked Fluffy, her dad. He was kind of scattered but was really sweet and loving. Speaking of, April-May's family was insane and so, so dysfunctional. I'm sure people will be able to relate to April-May's situation – she felt like she had to be two people for her parents, like being pulled apart. And all she wanted was for them to be together again. I felt so sorry for her – and very impressed by her crafty get-Mom-and-Fluffy-together-again tactics!
I loved Bulbring's voice – it was snarky and funny and so teen. And I felt like I totally got and loved April-May! Oh, and I loved all her "Cold Facts" – some of them were really funny and all were so interesting. I also loved all the Afrikaans words that were scattered about. And I found April-May's war both amusing and the kind of thing only an evil genius can cook up! And with the short chapters and non-stop hijinks, I found myself zipping through it – y’know the sort: just one more chapter ... Dangerous! And the ending was just perfect – and left me wanting more of April-May's insanity!
I must say, I was kind of expecting a tween book when I picked this one up – I'm not sure why, maybe the length? – but this is a very teen book: I can't wait for the teens of England to be set loose on this one, cause they're gonna love it!
Now, with a lovably flawed and crafty heroine, a battle of wills between her and a teacher and a series of mad and funny events, A Month With April-May has left me wanting much more time with her! Perfect for fans of Jess Jordan and Georgia Nicolson, April-May is going to be a huge, huge hit with teen girls. Yay to April-May! I'm super excited about your next book - but please be longer!!
Everyone knows staring a new school is hard. And April-May February may have just had the worst first day in the history of ever.
First, her bag was the wrong colour. Then she got yelled at (again) for having too bright socks. Then she makes a new worst enemy in the form of Mrs Ho, the evilest person ever. Next her clothes get nicked. And on top of it all, she's totally addicted to Twilight and can't get her hands on the second book (begin panic attack now!). Yup, day one, and already she has the big, fat label of 'Trouble Maker'.
On the bright side, she does have a new best friend in Melly. There's also a totally hot guy on the scene (he's called Seb and might just be her own Edward).
Who said childhood was innocent and carefree? Whoever did obviously never had to live through Trinity College. Or have a to-the-end battle against the persistent Mrs Ho.
Or have a freaking calendar as a name!
I do love funny books, me. I read so many tearjerkers and dystopias and paranormals, so down-to-earth funnies are always more than welcome. Of course, A Month With April-May wasn't overly down-to-earth, instead being more bonkers, kind of like the Georgia Nicolson series – something I loved! It was completely barmy and bundles of fun. I'll admit, there are some darkish moments and bits where I wanted to smack April-May on the back of her head, but I stormed right through the book in a single sitting, gobbling it up. I can't wait for the next in the series!
I just adored all the characters in this book – they were all absolutely mad! Since the book was only short, we didn't really get to know everyone overly well, but I liked loads of them anyway. And I loved April-May, even if she was an evil, sneaky, crafty, sore-losing genius! She was just hilarious – cheeky, funny, witty – everything you could want in a teen lead! I found myself instantly falling in love with the wacky April-May – she was just brilliant! Plus, her evil-genius moments were pretty scary-brilliant! I loved Melly, her sweet bestie – she was the best bestie a girl could have! And Mrs Ho was a brilliant character – poor woman, the lady was in charge of a sinking ship and had an evil genius as an arch nemesis! No wonder she was tightly wound, hey?! I can’t wait to see more of her. Seb was a bad boy – I don’t really know what April-May saw in him: I think she just wanted an Edward – but what teen doesn't? I also liked Fluffy, her dad. He was kind of scattered but was really sweet and loving. Speaking of, April-May's family was insane and so, so dysfunctional. I'm sure people will be able to relate to April-May's situation – she felt like she had to be two people for her parents, like being pulled apart. And all she wanted was for them to be together again. I felt so sorry for her – and very impressed by her crafty get-Mom-and-Fluffy-together-again tactics!
I loved Bulbring's voice – it was snarky and funny and so teen. And I felt like I totally got and loved April-May! Oh, and I loved all her "Cold Facts" – some of them were really funny and all were so interesting. I also loved all the Afrikaans words that were scattered about. And I found April-May's war both amusing and the kind of thing only an evil genius can cook up! And with the short chapters and non-stop hijinks, I found myself zipping through it – y’know the sort: just one more chapter ... Dangerous! And the ending was just perfect – and left me wanting more of April-May's insanity!
I must say, I was kind of expecting a tween book when I picked this one up – I'm not sure why, maybe the length? – but this is a very teen book: I can't wait for the teens of England to be set loose on this one, cause they're gonna love it!
Now, with a lovably flawed and crafty heroine, a battle of wills between her and a teacher and a series of mad and funny events, A Month With April-May has left me wanting much more time with her! Perfect for fans of Jess Jordan and Georgia Nicolson, April-May is going to be a huge, huge hit with teen girls. Yay to April-May! I'm super excited about your next book - but please be longer!!
May 5, 2013
Reviewed for Confessions From Romaholics
To see review at Confessions
“A Month with April – May” is a cute little story that you don’t want to miss if you are a fan of authors like Jacqueline Wilson. It follows April – May February on her first month through her new school, Trinity College, and living with her dad ‘Fluffy’ in South Africa. She a typical young teenager who has a bad sense of fashion and bad home life, so school is supposed to be her escape. Alas, it seems that it is not going to be. She has the worst first day ever; she’s labelled a trouble maker at school, has a run in with Mrs Ho, a teacher that will soon become a constant figure in her school life, and has skirmishes over her uniform, her socks, and bag. But April – May is just getting started as she is discovering herself and establishes her own identity as a person. She’s is currently obsessing over Twilight and rebelling against the teachers.
But even rebels need friends, and April-May soon makes friends with Seb. April-May is secretly “crushing” on Seb as he resembles “Twilight’s” Edward Cullen, who is the ultimate guy in her eyes. He a rebel, a smoker, and he’s older and doesn’t care about her lack of popularity. But April-May’s other friend Mel, the classroom monitor, grounds her, and makes sure that April-May doesn’t get into any more trouble. But It’s difficult not to when you’re not part of the “in” crowd.
April-May will appeal to young readers in the YA age bracket. It’s amusing and took me back to my early teenage years. What it has going for it is that it is set in South Africa, a different locale than the other popular offerings in this reading style. But the issues teens suffer are the same and it’s a cute little story.
I must say I loved the “Twilight” references in the book and the main character’s obsession with Bella and Edward and how it affected her everyday life. However, we only get a month for now and while it is an in-depth looks that takes us through her daily routine, it wasn’t something outstanding. It missed the spark that I loved in Jacqueline Wilson’s books. I may read the next book if I am offered a copy but I wouldn’t be clamouring to go and buy a copy as it comes out.
3 couples
To see review at Confessions
“A Month with April – May” is a cute little story that you don’t want to miss if you are a fan of authors like Jacqueline Wilson. It follows April – May February on her first month through her new school, Trinity College, and living with her dad ‘Fluffy’ in South Africa. She a typical young teenager who has a bad sense of fashion and bad home life, so school is supposed to be her escape. Alas, it seems that it is not going to be. She has the worst first day ever; she’s labelled a trouble maker at school, has a run in with Mrs Ho, a teacher that will soon become a constant figure in her school life, and has skirmishes over her uniform, her socks, and bag. But April – May is just getting started as she is discovering herself and establishes her own identity as a person. She’s is currently obsessing over Twilight and rebelling against the teachers.
But even rebels need friends, and April-May soon makes friends with Seb. April-May is secretly “crushing” on Seb as he resembles “Twilight’s” Edward Cullen, who is the ultimate guy in her eyes. He a rebel, a smoker, and he’s older and doesn’t care about her lack of popularity. But April-May’s other friend Mel, the classroom monitor, grounds her, and makes sure that April-May doesn’t get into any more trouble. But It’s difficult not to when you’re not part of the “in” crowd.
April-May will appeal to young readers in the YA age bracket. It’s amusing and took me back to my early teenage years. What it has going for it is that it is set in South Africa, a different locale than the other popular offerings in this reading style. But the issues teens suffer are the same and it’s a cute little story.
I must say I loved the “Twilight” references in the book and the main character’s obsession with Bella and Edward and how it affected her everyday life. However, we only get a month for now and while it is an in-depth looks that takes us through her daily routine, it wasn’t something outstanding. It missed the spark that I loved in Jacqueline Wilson’s books. I may read the next book if I am offered a copy but I wouldn’t be clamouring to go and buy a copy as it comes out.
3 couples
December 27, 2012
I had not heard of A Month with April-May before, so when I was contacted by the publisher to review this book, I read the synopsis and thought it sounded like a light, fun read. The minute I began reading I did not want to stop, and finished the book in a few hours.
When I started reading my first thought was 'I feel sorry for this girl having a name like April-May February'. I don't like my own full name, for reasons I won't go into, but if I had a name like that I would definitely be changing it at the first possible opportunity. Even though the name is strange, it actually fits the character perfectly. I love her sense of humour, her attitude and how she thinks about things and rationalises doing things she shouldn't, and even how she categorises teachers into 'the bunch that barely make it out of bed to come to school' and 'people you just don't want hanging around your classroom'.
April-May goes into great detail about her surroundings, which makes for an amusing read, for example her desk-mate is the class mouth-breather, or how much she loves Edward Cullen . I loved her game of Russian roulette with a thesaurus and having to use similes five times that day for her chosen word.
The hi-jinx that April gets into, and ends up dragging her friends into as we'll had me laughing, and its not until the very end that April-May realises exactly what she has got, and finally realises the truth.
Edyth Bulbring has taken a normal school girl with everyday problems and turned her into an intriguing, quirky character that I needed to know more about. A Month With April-May is a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed from the moment I began, but one that also ended far too soon, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
When I started reading my first thought was 'I feel sorry for this girl having a name like April-May February'. I don't like my own full name, for reasons I won't go into, but if I had a name like that I would definitely be changing it at the first possible opportunity. Even though the name is strange, it actually fits the character perfectly. I love her sense of humour, her attitude and how she thinks about things and rationalises doing things she shouldn't, and even how she categorises teachers into 'the bunch that barely make it out of bed to come to school' and 'people you just don't want hanging around your classroom'.
April-May goes into great detail about her surroundings, which makes for an amusing read, for example her desk-mate is the class mouth-breather, or how much she loves Edward Cullen . I loved her game of Russian roulette with a thesaurus and having to use similes five times that day for her chosen word.
The hi-jinx that April gets into, and ends up dragging her friends into as we'll had me laughing, and its not until the very end that April-May realises exactly what she has got, and finally realises the truth.
Edyth Bulbring has taken a normal school girl with everyday problems and turned her into an intriguing, quirky character that I needed to know more about. A Month With April-May is a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed from the moment I began, but one that also ended far too soon, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 4, 2012
A month with April-May is a fab little read and perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson or Louise Rennison and a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
April-May is a brilliant character. She's quirky and a refreshing honest character who you warm to instantly as you see her world through her eyes. I loved how she came up with random facts of the day and the way in which she developed relationships around her and mostly importantly the fact that she loves reading YA fiction instead of the classics. Definitely a girl I can relate to!
I liked how the story was that little bit different from the books I've compared it to by being set in South Africa (which is also where the author is from) as it gives the book a different feel to those set in the UK and adds a bit more diversity to the genre.
I particularly enjoyed that April-May was this really ordinary kid. She has divorced parents and lives in a relatively poor family but rather than getting her down she just gets on with it. I thought it was really nice to see that side because all too novel YA novels focus on the rich kid with the perfect life or the kids who doesn't but really acts out to make up for it.
The story takes place over a month, as the title suggests, and I liked it because it gave you a real in depth look into the world that April-May lives in rather than just a sweeping overview and therefore gave the reader a real chance to get to know her.
A story which is both brilliantly funny but with real heart too. Highly recommended.
April-May is a brilliant character. She's quirky and a refreshing honest character who you warm to instantly as you see her world through her eyes. I loved how she came up with random facts of the day and the way in which she developed relationships around her and mostly importantly the fact that she loves reading YA fiction instead of the classics. Definitely a girl I can relate to!
I liked how the story was that little bit different from the books I've compared it to by being set in South Africa (which is also where the author is from) as it gives the book a different feel to those set in the UK and adds a bit more diversity to the genre.
I particularly enjoyed that April-May was this really ordinary kid. She has divorced parents and lives in a relatively poor family but rather than getting her down she just gets on with it. I thought it was really nice to see that side because all too novel YA novels focus on the rich kid with the perfect life or the kids who doesn't but really acts out to make up for it.
The story takes place over a month, as the title suggests, and I liked it because it gave you a real in depth look into the world that April-May lives in rather than just a sweeping overview and therefore gave the reader a real chance to get to know her.
A story which is both brilliantly funny but with real heart too. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2015
2.5 stars. This book is about a young girl called April-May. She has been accepted into a private school and is trying to settle down in this very different surroundings. The story is based in South Africa and gives the reader a slight insight to what it might be like to live there.
The book is quite childish as the April is trying to get rid of the teacher in a way that reminds me of The Parent Trap. (But instead of getting people together, it's getting people away from each other.) The whole "emo" part of the novel is quite stereotypical and can be quite annoying at times.
Although this I loved some of the supporting characters such as Sam Ho and Melly. Even tough April herself could be quite immature (not even starting about the Twi-heart thing) at times, the other characters will definitely pick up the story.
Overall this book is definitely a more summer read and being such a small book you can read it in less than 2 hours. It's worth picking up.
The book is quite childish as the April is trying to get rid of the teacher in a way that reminds me of The Parent Trap. (But instead of getting people together, it's getting people away from each other.) The whole "emo" part of the novel is quite stereotypical and can be quite annoying at times.
Although this I loved some of the supporting characters such as Sam Ho and Melly. Even tough April herself could be quite immature (not even starting about the Twi-heart thing) at times, the other characters will definitely pick up the story.
Overall this book is definitely a more summer read and being such a small book you can read it in less than 2 hours. It's worth picking up.
May 25, 2014
This book is a simple short story based in Africa with many ANNOYING references to the popular series Twilight.
April-May is a teenage girl who has a not so rich family and struggles with irritating teachers, I suppose her constant whining and experimental actions was meant to relate to a teens behaviour. Wrong! I'm just going to say not every teenager is a school skipping, smoker who enjoys tormenting the living daylight out of their teachers.
The writing style was rather basic and the story wasn't exactly captivating but it was an okay read. Now I just want to mention one thing when you read a book you do NOT want to see the words: twilight, vampire, Edward, Bella, new moon, blood and any other reference to Twilight 50 million times, that is not a way to engage your readers. But I guess the story had a moral to it, keep your real friends because fake friends are pathetic.
April-May is a teenage girl who has a not so rich family and struggles with irritating teachers, I suppose her constant whining and experimental actions was meant to relate to a teens behaviour. Wrong! I'm just going to say not every teenager is a school skipping, smoker who enjoys tormenting the living daylight out of their teachers.
The writing style was rather basic and the story wasn't exactly captivating but it was an okay read. Now I just want to mention one thing when you read a book you do NOT want to see the words: twilight, vampire, Edward, Bella, new moon, blood and any other reference to Twilight 50 million times, that is not a way to engage your readers. But I guess the story had a moral to it, keep your real friends because fake friends are pathetic.
February 21, 2013
April-May is a bit offbeat, always honest and altogether quite charming. I love the snappy way this book is written and the wry observations. It is probably nothing we haven't all read before, but there was just a bit of extra dazzle about it, and the cast of secondary characters was really enjoyable.
Full review at:
http://bookgrotto.blogspot.com.au/201...
Full review at:
http://bookgrotto.blogspot.com.au/201...
November 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read and didn't take me too long to finish it. The title character is humorous, realistic and easy to relate to. Each character in this book is unique and interesting in their own way. Basically, this book was rly gr8
March 28, 2013
Interesting coming of age story set in South Africa. Laugh out loud and funny but also bittersweet story about family and friendship. Recommended 11+
March 23, 2014
I was not into this book that much. It was kind of lame in a way. But it was at least good at the end when April-May (female protagonist)realized the truth!!!
June 22, 2014
An interesting story about a young girl who lives in Johannesburg. It was good to read something about a character who isn't completely sympathetic and also who had a different style of life.
April 9, 2015
love the title
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews