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My Best Friend #2
My Brilliant Life and Other Disasters
It’s a new term and Jessica has high hopes, especially as Natalie has chosen to work with her on the class wildlife project. If only Jessica can concentrate and not mess it all up… The comic is coming along brilliantly, too. But then Scarlett rolls into town, with her super-cool attitude and alternative lifestyle. And her cartoons…
- GenresMiddle Grade
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2013
24 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Wilkins
25 books22 followersI grew up in Hertfordshire, with one younger brother, two dogs and one cat. And some parents.
I always loved stories and jokes. Even though I was absolutely terrible at spelling and grammar, I wanted to be a writer. I didn't know how to do that though, so I did a degree in Sociology and then worked lots of random jobs, while telling people that I wanted to be a writer.
I have been a pizza deliverer, insurance broker, shelf stacker, litter picker, photo-developer, receptionist, HR recruiter, admin assistant, office temp, cashier, waitress, customer service rep, barmaid, stand up comedian and a writer. I love being a writer the best.
I also love travelling, and am very lucky that I have been to lots of different places, including America, Africa, India, Thailand, France, Greece, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Cuba.
I now live in London with my husband and our two rescued cats (Smithers and Liono) and I hope that I get to write many more books and visit many more places.
- from her website
I always loved stories and jokes. Even though I was absolutely terrible at spelling and grammar, I wanted to be a writer. I didn't know how to do that though, so I did a degree in Sociology and then worked lots of random jobs, while telling people that I wanted to be a writer.
I have been a pizza deliverer, insurance broker, shelf stacker, litter picker, photo-developer, receptionist, HR recruiter, admin assistant, office temp, cashier, waitress, customer service rep, barmaid, stand up comedian and a writer. I love being a writer the best.
I also love travelling, and am very lucky that I have been to lots of different places, including America, Africa, India, Thailand, France, Greece, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Cuba.
I now live in London with my husband and our two rescued cats (Smithers and Liono) and I hope that I get to write many more books and visit many more places.
- from her website
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 26, 2014
Admittedly, I'm not the target-audience for this novel and I definitely recommend it for ages 9 - 12!
One of my ARCs when I began blogging was 'My Best Friend & Other Enemies', the first book in the series which I rated really-highly. So, I was looking forward to a light-hearted, laugh-out-loud, packed full of wit, type-book in it's sequel. Despite all of that being there, I found that I didn't enjoy it as much as the first novel; whether I felt this because some of the pacing was quite slow, not all - there were points where I was pretty amused by the jokes thrown in, or because I've grown-up slightly and I know that this would make the perfect read for any 9-12 year-old who is just beginning to get into reading. Although, this novel definitely had some great messages to learn inside it, from the world of our main-character Jessica; it was packed with life-lessons on arrogance, confidence, jealousy and friendship, all of which are really important.
Catherine Wilkins' writing really does reflect the life of an eleven year-old, and it's definitely a honest reflection of what Primary School is like - as I was there only a few years ago! Of course, it wouldn't be the series I initially loved if not for the over-exaggerated, and hilarious, competition between neighbours over who's child is doing better in school, and the representation of love/hate relationships in your family when they won't buy you Kit Kats and your Dad always has to offer your Mum a cup of tea to calm her down. These smaller-aspects of the novel were my favourite parts of this book - as you could see the author wasn't forcing all the humour at you, and trying to continuously leave you laughing, but instead family-life is just a funny thing - and rightly so. You can relate to the family in this book, and the neighbours you may know, to the characters in this book, and it makes it easier to picture.
The storyline itself was great - it begins where the first book left off - Jessica and her friends are publishing(Printing) out a comic that will be spread around the school, and despite it only being popular in the playground, you get a sense that it is something bigger, and it really brings you back to how school is really the only thing you know when you're young(not that I'm old, or anything!). I was glad to see the continuation of a storyline that saw Jessica being left-out by who she thought was her best friend, because a new-girl, Amelia, joined her class, was still there. Jessica overcoming how she felt towards Amelia was definitely a hard-task for her, but also not just 'running back' to the friend who left her alone was something I wanted to see, and did see. This novel was about friendships and honesty, and shows how people may not believe you. Jessica's arrogance, as I mentioned above, became annoying, for lack of a better word, something I think was purposefully done to give a clear-message that you should always be modest and stay grounded, or you will loose those around you.
Admittedly, I did have a few problems with this book; and I was a little disappointed by the fact it didn't have the same originality as the refreshing first book. Some times, despite being able to relate to Jessica's family-life, I noticed the same situation had happened only a few chapters ago, or that the same joke was being recycled, and I wanted something new! There were parts in the book when I wanted something to happen, where Jessica would realise how arrogant she had become and start to resolve things, or for more excitement, as there wasn't much of that until the final chapter, where I liked what happened and wished I had seen more of that wit in the previous one hundred and fifty pages. I'm not, by any means, saying this is a bad book. As it's not. There's no doubt you will find yourself laughing throughout, or that it will teach you a few life-lessons no matter how old you are.
You can find this review, and more, over at my blog: A Day Dreamer's World
One of my ARCs when I began blogging was 'My Best Friend & Other Enemies', the first book in the series which I rated really-highly. So, I was looking forward to a light-hearted, laugh-out-loud, packed full of wit, type-book in it's sequel. Despite all of that being there, I found that I didn't enjoy it as much as the first novel; whether I felt this because some of the pacing was quite slow, not all - there were points where I was pretty amused by the jokes thrown in, or because I've grown-up slightly and I know that this would make the perfect read for any 9-12 year-old who is just beginning to get into reading. Although, this novel definitely had some great messages to learn inside it, from the world of our main-character Jessica; it was packed with life-lessons on arrogance, confidence, jealousy and friendship, all of which are really important.
Catherine Wilkins' writing really does reflect the life of an eleven year-old, and it's definitely a honest reflection of what Primary School is like - as I was there only a few years ago! Of course, it wouldn't be the series I initially loved if not for the over-exaggerated, and hilarious, competition between neighbours over who's child is doing better in school, and the representation of love/hate relationships in your family when they won't buy you Kit Kats and your Dad always has to offer your Mum a cup of tea to calm her down. These smaller-aspects of the novel were my favourite parts of this book - as you could see the author wasn't forcing all the humour at you, and trying to continuously leave you laughing, but instead family-life is just a funny thing - and rightly so. You can relate to the family in this book, and the neighbours you may know, to the characters in this book, and it makes it easier to picture.
The storyline itself was great - it begins where the first book left off - Jessica and her friends are publishing(Printing) out a comic that will be spread around the school, and despite it only being popular in the playground, you get a sense that it is something bigger, and it really brings you back to how school is really the only thing you know when you're young(not that I'm old, or anything!). I was glad to see the continuation of a storyline that saw Jessica being left-out by who she thought was her best friend, because a new-girl, Amelia, joined her class, was still there. Jessica overcoming how she felt towards Amelia was definitely a hard-task for her, but also not just 'running back' to the friend who left her alone was something I wanted to see, and did see. This novel was about friendships and honesty, and shows how people may not believe you. Jessica's arrogance, as I mentioned above, became annoying, for lack of a better word, something I think was purposefully done to give a clear-message that you should always be modest and stay grounded, or you will loose those around you.
Admittedly, I did have a few problems with this book; and I was a little disappointed by the fact it didn't have the same originality as the refreshing first book. Some times, despite being able to relate to Jessica's family-life, I noticed the same situation had happened only a few chapters ago, or that the same joke was being recycled, and I wanted something new! There were parts in the book when I wanted something to happen, where Jessica would realise how arrogant she had become and start to resolve things, or for more excitement, as there wasn't much of that until the final chapter, where I liked what happened and wished I had seen more of that wit in the previous one hundred and fifty pages. I'm not, by any means, saying this is a bad book. As it's not. There's no doubt you will find yourself laughing throughout, or that it will teach you a few life-lessons no matter how old you are.
You can find this review, and more, over at my blog: A Day Dreamer's World
June 4, 2015
The next in this series, this is a believable insight into friendships.
Jessica is happy that her and Natalie are mates again – even if she does have to be nice to Amelia. But Jess is thinking about other stuff now anyway. The new secret comic she has produced with Joshua, Lewis and Tanya. Tanya is the school thug and demanded to be on the comic committee because the title (Hellfern Juniors) instead of Hillfern was her idea.
A wildlife project is announced and Jess is pleasantly surprised when Natalie chooses her over Amelia. But Natalie is very serious about doing well and Jess is too busy thinking about the magazine and new cartoon ideas.
This causes a lot of strife and Jess is soon to learn a lesson about friendship.
Jessica is happy that her and Natalie are mates again – even if she does have to be nice to Amelia. But Jess is thinking about other stuff now anyway. The new secret comic she has produced with Joshua, Lewis and Tanya. Tanya is the school thug and demanded to be on the comic committee because the title (Hellfern Juniors) instead of Hillfern was her idea.
A wildlife project is announced and Jess is pleasantly surprised when Natalie chooses her over Amelia. But Natalie is very serious about doing well and Jess is too busy thinking about the magazine and new cartoon ideas.
This causes a lot of strife and Jess is soon to learn a lesson about friendship.
August 30, 2020
2,5⭐️/5⭐️
Knížka se četla velice lehce a rychle. Za mě byla o trošku slabší než první díl. S postavy jsem se moc nezžila a bylo mi celkem jedno, co se jim stane. Hlavní “zaporák” této knížky je Améliina sestřenice, kterou jsem nemusela, protože se chovala hrozně. Taky se tady více rozjíždí romantická linka (opravdu lehká). Úplně nevím, co mám k této knížce ještě říct, prostě klasická oddechová knížka pro děti od 7-12 let. A pokud máte mladšího sourozence, co rád čte, je to ideální knížka (spíše pro holky).
Knížka se četla velice lehce a rychle. Za mě byla o trošku slabší než první díl. S postavy jsem se moc nezžila a bylo mi celkem jedno, co se jim stane. Hlavní “zaporák” této knížky je Améliina sestřenice, kterou jsem nemusela, protože se chovala hrozně. Taky se tady více rozjíždí romantická linka (opravdu lehká). Úplně nevím, co mám k této knížce ještě říct, prostě klasická oddechová knížka pro děti od 7-12 let. A pokud máte mladšího sourozence, co rád čte, je to ideální knížka (spíše pro holky).
July 21, 2014
Very funny, very clever, but with some great hidden messages in the storyline. Definitely recommended for any kids of 9+
January 5, 2023
Life is SWEET!
Jessica's got her best friend back (mostly) and her comic is ready to GO!
The only ink blot on the landscape is SCARLETT, Amelia's super-cool, super ANNOYING cousin-
Who just HAPPENS to draw cartoons too!
This is an amazing book. Catherine Wilkins has created Jessica, a fun, easygoing cartoonist who is determined to be good. I also noticed how the story often refers back to the protagonist's family life, such as playing with Jessica's little brother Ryan, or her older sister Tammy brandishing yet another petition- or her mum making up embarrassing nicknames!
A story full to the brim with inspiration (and cartoons!) that tells the exciting tale of Jessica's life in Year Six, and there is lots of cool illustrations to keep you going along the way. You can't get much better than that!
5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jessica's got her best friend back (mostly) and her comic is ready to GO!
The only ink blot on the landscape is SCARLETT, Amelia's super-cool, super ANNOYING cousin-
Who just HAPPENS to draw cartoons too!
This is an amazing book. Catherine Wilkins has created Jessica, a fun, easygoing cartoonist who is determined to be good. I also noticed how the story often refers back to the protagonist's family life, such as playing with Jessica's little brother Ryan, or her older sister Tammy brandishing yet another petition- or her mum making up embarrassing nicknames!
A story full to the brim with inspiration (and cartoons!) that tells the exciting tale of Jessica's life in Year Six, and there is lots of cool illustrations to keep you going along the way. You can't get much better than that!
5 Stars!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 12, 2021
Książka tak samo jak w pierwszej części ciągnje temat przyjaźni i wystawiania ją na próbe przez główną bohaterkę jak i również inne osoby. Nie odstaje jakoś bardzo od poprzedniej książki. Jednakże co mi przeszkadzało podczas czytania to przewidywalność, gdy zdażyła się jedna sytuacja od razu mogliśmy powiedzieć co się stanie za parenaście stron. Irytowało mnie również bardzo podejście głównej bohaterki do wielu rzeczy. Ale nie była na tyle odpychająca żeby dać jej 1 lub 2 gwiazdki jak i również nie była idstająca w pozytywny sposób żeby dać jej 4 lub 5 gwiazdek.
May 31, 2016
Catherine Wilkins is so talented, she inspired me to be a writer
This book was simply amazing, I love the characters, it made me laugh, I actually limited myself to a chapter every few hours
And when I won a game I read another chapter as a prize
Thank you Catherine Wilkins for this amazing opportunities
This book was simply amazing, I love the characters, it made me laugh, I actually limited myself to a chapter every few hours
And when I won a game I read another chapter as a prize
Thank you Catherine Wilkins for this amazing opportunities
August 26, 2016
This book is fun and gets you reading. Jessica has got Natalie back (nearly) Jessica's new comic is about to be launched at school. Annoyingly Amelia's cousin Scarlett is here to stay and it happens that she draws cartoons too...
December 3, 2014
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, and I can see why my 9yo adored it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews