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Tracy Beaker #4
My Mum Tracy Beaker
Everyone's favourite feisty heroine - Tracy Beaker is BACK in this entertaining novel featuring her daughter Jess. Now a major TV series on CBBC and iPlayer'An unbelievable talent' - David WalliamsJacqueline Wilson, most-loved author has sold 40 million copies of her books. Her characters don't need a cape, or a special power to be a hero to generations of children; just huge imaginations, a bit of fierceness and a big heart. And there is no hero fiercer or more iconic than Tracy.Now meet Tracy's daughter, Jess in this heart-warming tale of unconventional families and unconditional love.Jess and Tracy Beaker are the perfect team. They do everything together. Jess thinks Tracy is the best mum ever, even when she shouts at her teachers! Tracy has made the perfect home for Jess, leaving The Dumping Ground far behind her. Yes, it's tiny, a bit mouldy and the Duke Estate is a bit scary. But it's their happy home.Until Sean Godfrey, Tracy's rich boyfriend, whisks them away to a whirlwind life of fast cars and celebrity stardom.Will Jess's brilliant mum turn into a new person altogether?And will Tracy realise that her childhood dream might not be what she needs after all?_____Shortlisted in the UK Author Category in the National Book Awards 2018!One of The Observer's Best Children's Books of 2018!
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2018
97 people are currently reading
1176 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
399 books5,696 followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
March 7, 2024
'I wish there was a sport called Reading a Book, where competitors had to choose the best book in the library, find the cosiest corner, and read.'
- Jess Beaker in 'My Mum Tracy Beaker'📖
I've been saving this one for a little while, and now I've finally read it and loved it even more than I had expected!
Some context: I stumbled across Jacqueline Wilson as a kid. Despite her being hugely popular, I was so focused on finding every pony themed book I could get my hands on, that I was oblivious to her until about 11 or 12. From my first Jacqueline Wilson book (Glubbslyme) a new obsession began. Over the years I have built up a collection of most of her books (I still have a few to go) and have kept reading them long past the intended reading age.
Tracy Beaker is probably her most famous character. As well as the original trilogy of books, which I own in a lovely glittery blue bind up (it's one of my favourite books that I have!), there was a TV show, which I also loved. In fact I can think of few children's adaptations that worked so well. Apparently there was also a show following an older Tracy, now working at the Dumping Ground (the childrens home she grew up in) but I don't think that aired in New Zealand. If it did I completely failed to notice it, though I'd have liked to see it.
Tracy is a tough, outrageous, brave, troubled character, who leaps off the page, and is illustrated perfectly by Nick Sharratt. The actress that played her in the show was also a perfect casting choice, in my opinion.
So, perhaps more than any other Jacqueline Wilson character, Tracy is woven through my childhood as a sort of ever present, ever engaging presence. I loved her so much, and still do, so I was thrilled when I heard about this book. It actually first came to my attention because people on the Internet were angry about it (of course they were). I was just excited!
I think the Internet calmed down eventually, and the actress who played Tracy on TV wrote a really nice opinion piece about it all, which I enjoyed reading. I'd link it, but I'm using the App on my phone and its all a bit beyond me to be honest. I think it was for The Guardian if you're interested in looking it up.
The reason for the long history, is just to try and convey the level of investment I have in Tracy, and maybe give an idea of why it was so exciting to catch up with her again.
She's an adult now, with a daughter of her own, the Jessica Bluebell Camilla Beaker I quoted at the opening of this review. Longtime fans will understand the significance of her middle names.
Jess is a wonderful character, and quite different from her mother - where Tracy is fierce, boisterous and tough(ish), Jess is shy and anxious. They both have brilliantly vivid imaginations though!
Tracy is an excellent mum. Not a perfect one by any means, but a truly good one, and she and Jess have a great relationship. Again, if you know Tracy's history, this is very important. But Tracy has a new boyfriend/fiance, who takes them to live in his mansion, and offers them the life that Tracy dreamed of as a kid.
What I love about this is that Sean, the boyfriend, isn't exactly the villain, and you can see the many reasons Tracy is with him (other than the money) even though they are rather mismatched.
I won't detail the plot any further, as I'd hate to ruin it for anyone, but it was wonderful to see who popped up again. Cam, Tracy's foster mum, is in it a lot, and I adored her more than ever. One of the best appearances came near the end of the book, and made me cry bit! Actually I got quite teary throughout much of the book. I didn't want it to end, and was relieved when I saw there'll be another one!
If you haven't already read the Tracy Beaker books, you could still pick this up and enjoy it, but knowing the events of the first three does heighten the significance of many things and adds so much. And if Tracy was a childhood favourite, this is definitely worth getting! 📚
One of my favourites of the year so far.💖
Updated 2024:
Author Dame Jacqueline Wilson reads to zoo animals:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cle...
- Jess Beaker in 'My Mum Tracy Beaker'📖
I've been saving this one for a little while, and now I've finally read it and loved it even more than I had expected!
Some context: I stumbled across Jacqueline Wilson as a kid. Despite her being hugely popular, I was so focused on finding every pony themed book I could get my hands on, that I was oblivious to her until about 11 or 12. From my first Jacqueline Wilson book (Glubbslyme) a new obsession began. Over the years I have built up a collection of most of her books (I still have a few to go) and have kept reading them long past the intended reading age.
Tracy Beaker is probably her most famous character. As well as the original trilogy of books, which I own in a lovely glittery blue bind up (it's one of my favourite books that I have!), there was a TV show, which I also loved. In fact I can think of few children's adaptations that worked so well. Apparently there was also a show following an older Tracy, now working at the Dumping Ground (the childrens home she grew up in) but I don't think that aired in New Zealand. If it did I completely failed to notice it, though I'd have liked to see it.
Tracy is a tough, outrageous, brave, troubled character, who leaps off the page, and is illustrated perfectly by Nick Sharratt. The actress that played her in the show was also a perfect casting choice, in my opinion.
So, perhaps more than any other Jacqueline Wilson character, Tracy is woven through my childhood as a sort of ever present, ever engaging presence. I loved her so much, and still do, so I was thrilled when I heard about this book. It actually first came to my attention because people on the Internet were angry about it (of course they were). I was just excited!
I think the Internet calmed down eventually, and the actress who played Tracy on TV wrote a really nice opinion piece about it all, which I enjoyed reading. I'd link it, but I'm using the App on my phone and its all a bit beyond me to be honest. I think it was for The Guardian if you're interested in looking it up.
The reason for the long history, is just to try and convey the level of investment I have in Tracy, and maybe give an idea of why it was so exciting to catch up with her again.
She's an adult now, with a daughter of her own, the Jessica Bluebell Camilla Beaker I quoted at the opening of this review. Longtime fans will understand the significance of her middle names.
Jess is a wonderful character, and quite different from her mother - where Tracy is fierce, boisterous and tough(ish), Jess is shy and anxious. They both have brilliantly vivid imaginations though!
Tracy is an excellent mum. Not a perfect one by any means, but a truly good one, and she and Jess have a great relationship. Again, if you know Tracy's history, this is very important. But Tracy has a new boyfriend/fiance, who takes them to live in his mansion, and offers them the life that Tracy dreamed of as a kid.
What I love about this is that Sean, the boyfriend, isn't exactly the villain, and you can see the many reasons Tracy is with him (other than the money) even though they are rather mismatched.
I won't detail the plot any further, as I'd hate to ruin it for anyone, but it was wonderful to see who popped up again. Cam, Tracy's foster mum, is in it a lot, and I adored her more than ever. One of the best appearances came near the end of the book, and made me cry bit! Actually I got quite teary throughout much of the book. I didn't want it to end, and was relieved when I saw there'll be another one!
If you haven't already read the Tracy Beaker books, you could still pick this up and enjoy it, but knowing the events of the first three does heighten the significance of many things and adds so much. And if Tracy was a childhood favourite, this is definitely worth getting! 📚
One of my favourites of the year so far.💖
Updated 2024:
Author Dame Jacqueline Wilson reads to zoo animals:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cle...
July 22, 2018
‘I’m not crying. It’s hay fever!’
And Jacqueline Wilson has delivered again.
WHAT A SEQUEL.
And Jacqueline Wilson has delivered again.
WHAT A SEQUEL.
November 19, 2018
This is classic JW. I feel as though she was bearing the older, original readers of Tracy Beaker in mind when writing this and pulled out all the stops to give us a nostalgic experience. I've always had a fascination with details and Jacqueline Wilson does them brilliantly. You can see and taste the foods eaten, feel how important the characters' treasures are to them, fully know your surroundings and understand that even the background characters have intricate stories that could have been focused on. None of this is at the expense of the DRAMA however. The sense of tension was great and reading this booted me out of my slump. Despite being a great sequel though, for me this book had its drawback(s?) I didn't, however, mind that things fit together a little too neatly at the end of the book. I liked the very-unlikely ending and the random little twists of fate made me smile.
March 22, 2019
It was brilliant to catch up with Tracy again and i love how the story is told from Tracy's daughters (Jess) viewpoint. Tracy and Jess are different in manners, Tracy is loud still and Jess is quieter but they make such a great team. The great team is tested with Sean Godrey the famous footballer.
So many memories from previous books were brought back; Peter sharing the same birthday, the dumping ground, Cam, Carly and the beach. I still love all the illustrations. Last but not least the return of JUSTINE LITTLEWOOD. She hasn't changed!
So many memories from previous books were brought back; Peter sharing the same birthday, the dumping ground, Cam, Carly and the beach. I still love all the illustrations. Last but not least the return of JUSTINE LITTLEWOOD. She hasn't changed!
March 4, 2019
I don't believe that books have age limits: a well-written book is a well-written book, whomever the intended audience might be. I read the three Tracey Beaker novels as a child and am now in my thirties, reading this book to make myself smile.
In many ways, it was everything I expected. Jacqueline Wilson has a limited number of leading characters available to her imagination (I would not expect a lot of deviation from an author so prolific, so this honestly is not a criticism), so I knew Jess would either be loud and brash or a quiet bookworm. I loved how Cam was both no-nonsense and very maternal. I smiled at all the familiar turns of phrase and I was at first sceptical but gradually very impressed with the way Sean's character was revealed. Jacqueline Wilson, maybe not nowadays quite so much, but certainly twenty years ago, was pretty amazing for being one of the only writers of such difficult subjects for children, and this is still where she shines.
But it was also where she disappointed me.
There were other areas that jarred: I found Tracey's constant, cheerful and perfectly-recalled references to her own past grating and unnecessary. I found the ending tacked-on and absurd considering today's job/housing market. It irritated me that Cam and Mary were having a relationship but this was never once directly mentioned, only coyly alluded to.
But what upset me was that Sean was controlling and a liar, who tried to turn Tracey into someone she wasn't, but when Tracey split up with him these facts were never addressed. Tracey was depressed when they split up, as would be expected, but I kept waiting for Tracey, or Cam or Jess to point out that he was a seriously nasty piece of work and Tracey deserved to be treated like a human being by a partner. But it never happened; the reader, from Tracey's reaction and even Jess' disappointment upon returning to their council flat, could easily be left thinking that Tracey missed out on an opportunity, and she probably should have put up and shut up. It seemed so important that everyone was nice, and I had forgotten this about Wilson's writing - it kills the realism (arguable as a priority, I know!), and prevents characters from defending themselves well, which should matter when you have a direct line to young girls.
Wilson's works always contain strong messages of family, love and friendship, which is why they continue to sell: we love her. I feel in this book, however, she missed something significant in the edit, and wish she would write the final third again.
In many ways, it was everything I expected. Jacqueline Wilson has a limited number of leading characters available to her imagination (I would not expect a lot of deviation from an author so prolific, so this honestly is not a criticism), so I knew Jess would either be loud and brash or a quiet bookworm. I loved how Cam was both no-nonsense and very maternal. I smiled at all the familiar turns of phrase and I was at first sceptical but gradually very impressed with the way Sean's character was revealed. Jacqueline Wilson, maybe not nowadays quite so much, but certainly twenty years ago, was pretty amazing for being one of the only writers of such difficult subjects for children, and this is still where she shines.
But it was also where she disappointed me.
There were other areas that jarred: I found Tracey's constant, cheerful and perfectly-recalled references to her own past grating and unnecessary. I found the ending tacked-on and absurd considering today's job/housing market. It irritated me that Cam and Mary were having a relationship but this was never once directly mentioned, only coyly alluded to.
But what upset me was that Sean was controlling and a liar, who tried to turn Tracey into someone she wasn't, but when Tracey split up with him these facts were never addressed. Tracey was depressed when they split up, as would be expected, but I kept waiting for Tracey, or Cam or Jess to point out that he was a seriously nasty piece of work and Tracey deserved to be treated like a human being by a partner. But it never happened; the reader, from Tracey's reaction and even Jess' disappointment upon returning to their council flat, could easily be left thinking that Tracey missed out on an opportunity, and she probably should have put up and shut up. It seemed so important that everyone was nice, and I had forgotten this about Wilson's writing - it kills the realism (arguable as a priority, I know!), and prevents characters from defending themselves well, which should matter when you have a direct line to young girls.
Wilson's works always contain strong messages of family, love and friendship, which is why they continue to sell: we love her. I feel in this book, however, she missed something significant in the edit, and wish she would write the final third again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2018
"Mum just smiled at her. She never sticks to any of the rules. My mum's Tracy Beaker."
Jacqueline Wilson has done it again!
An outstanding portrayal of the UK class divide made accessible to children. I was concerned she might try to make it too modern, but the comments of selfies and Instagram (Even naming a teddy dog Snapchat) were used perfectly and shows how relevant Wilson still is today.
Most notably the book really shows the after effects of being in care:
"Mum can't stand people being late, and she goes nuts if they completely fail to turn up. Cam says it's because at the Dumping Ground she used to spend most her weekends waiting at the window for her mum to come".
I adored the storyline, Wilson's narrative style, the recurring characters and Sharratt's illustrations. Also - yay for lesbian Cam!
Jacqueline Wilson has done it again!
An outstanding portrayal of the UK class divide made accessible to children. I was concerned she might try to make it too modern, but the comments of selfies and Instagram (Even naming a teddy dog Snapchat) were used perfectly and shows how relevant Wilson still is today.
Most notably the book really shows the after effects of being in care:
"Mum can't stand people being late, and she goes nuts if they completely fail to turn up. Cam says it's because at the Dumping Ground she used to spend most her weekends waiting at the window for her mum to come".
I adored the storyline, Wilson's narrative style, the recurring characters and Sharratt's illustrations. Also - yay for lesbian Cam!
January 3, 2019
This was SO CUTE
November 25, 2018
Check out my review on my blog HERE!
This is the first book in years that I have been so excited about, that I purchased it on its release day!
If you don't know, Jacqueline Wilson has played a huge part in not only helping me fall in love with books but also in my formative years as a child and teenager. When I found out that Jacqueline was revisiting the character of Tracey as an adult, I knew it was going to be one I needed to buy.
The novel is so perfectly reminiscent of "old" Jacqueline Wilson novels while also being set in the modern day. Tracey now has a child and it is so interesting to see how this stroppy, moody girl has grown into an independent, responsible and fiercely protective mother of her child, Jess. Jess and Tracey's relationship is so lovely and caring. It is so heart warming to read about their loving relationship when usually in Wilson's novels the children are in the mix of very volatile dysfunctional family's.
Another aspect I enjoyed of the novel was the voice of Jess. Wilson has perfectly captured the more timid Jess's voice and en-captured the modern young girl. We see this as Jess names her imaginary dog "Snapchat" and the difference in the playground talk she experiences at school. Jess was such a wonderful character to read about, fiercely loyal to her mum, funny, shy and all round adorable.
The writing style of the novel is exactly what you expect from Jacqueline, beautiful descriptions, funny scenes, family moments and all accompanied by Nick Sharratts wonderful illustrations. Reading this novel was like slipping into a warm bath of nostalgia for me. I loved revisiting all of these old characters again in modern setting and seeing how life has changed after we turned that final page all those years ago. Another interesting part, I enjoyed was the slight hinting at Cam's sexuality as she develops a close relationship with a woman. Although I would have loved to see this more explicitly stated, I think it was great to include in the novel.
Overall the novel was wonderful nostalgia bliss. Tracey Beaker has got to be one of the most iconic characters in children's literature and this novel will definitely stay with me.
This is the first book in years that I have been so excited about, that I purchased it on its release day!
If you don't know, Jacqueline Wilson has played a huge part in not only helping me fall in love with books but also in my formative years as a child and teenager. When I found out that Jacqueline was revisiting the character of Tracey as an adult, I knew it was going to be one I needed to buy.
The novel is so perfectly reminiscent of "old" Jacqueline Wilson novels while also being set in the modern day. Tracey now has a child and it is so interesting to see how this stroppy, moody girl has grown into an independent, responsible and fiercely protective mother of her child, Jess. Jess and Tracey's relationship is so lovely and caring. It is so heart warming to read about their loving relationship when usually in Wilson's novels the children are in the mix of very volatile dysfunctional family's.
Another aspect I enjoyed of the novel was the voice of Jess. Wilson has perfectly captured the more timid Jess's voice and en-captured the modern young girl. We see this as Jess names her imaginary dog "Snapchat" and the difference in the playground talk she experiences at school. Jess was such a wonderful character to read about, fiercely loyal to her mum, funny, shy and all round adorable.
The writing style of the novel is exactly what you expect from Jacqueline, beautiful descriptions, funny scenes, family moments and all accompanied by Nick Sharratts wonderful illustrations. Reading this novel was like slipping into a warm bath of nostalgia for me. I loved revisiting all of these old characters again in modern setting and seeing how life has changed after we turned that final page all those years ago. Another interesting part, I enjoyed was the slight hinting at Cam's sexuality as she develops a close relationship with a woman. Although I would have loved to see this more explicitly stated, I think it was great to include in the novel.
Overall the novel was wonderful nostalgia bliss. Tracey Beaker has got to be one of the most iconic characters in children's literature and this novel will definitely stay with me.
June 2, 2019
I haven't read a Jacqueline Wilson novel in years, well over a decade ago actually! But when I found out there was a grown up Tracy Beaker novel in the pipeline I knew it was going to be on my TBR. Jacqueline Wilson did not disappoint, the nostalgia was overflowing! This book brought back so many amazing childhood memories of being curled up reading The Story of Tracy Beaker. It is such a heartwarming, delightful tale, and also, can I just say.. go Cam!
October 12, 2018
The excitement I tried to contain while awaiting the publication of this book was too much. A throw back to my childhood self and my love for Jacqueline Wilson and Illustrator Nick Sharratt, who between them played a massive part in the development of my imagination and hooking me into the world of reading. The idea behind this book is sensational, returning a fictional character from over 15 years ago. Not only has this got readers of my generation interested but those of a younger generations too. Jess Beaker is a very likeable character and I found myself siding with her opinions and feeling more than those of Tracy. I found the middle of the book a little bit slow but with an ending I couldn't have imagined better.
November 15, 2018
Tracy Beaker is back with her daughter Jess in a wonderful follow up to her own smash series!
Life for the pair collides with the past as Tracy falls for Shaun a previous character known as Football for us readers and we see how Jess has to accept and prepare for change as her mum sets to marry him and move from their usual council estate to his mansion house.
Through the story, Cam is there for Jess to open up to as well as Tyrone a boy from school who previously bullies Jess before the pair become a form of friends.
Battersea cats and dogs home shows up in the story promoting adopting animals over buying puppies or kittens and the girls discover their lives may be perfect without a man on the scene as they make a great team!
All about how life changes can cause friendship and relationship changes as life adapts to new situations, this was a stunning addition to a well loved classic series, the points made are positive to mention from adoption to love, family and friendship.
Life for the pair collides with the past as Tracy falls for Shaun a previous character known as Football for us readers and we see how Jess has to accept and prepare for change as her mum sets to marry him and move from their usual council estate to his mansion house.
Through the story, Cam is there for Jess to open up to as well as Tyrone a boy from school who previously bullies Jess before the pair become a form of friends.
Battersea cats and dogs home shows up in the story promoting adopting animals over buying puppies or kittens and the girls discover their lives may be perfect without a man on the scene as they make a great team!
All about how life changes can cause friendship and relationship changes as life adapts to new situations, this was a stunning addition to a well loved classic series, the points made are positive to mention from adoption to love, family and friendship.
November 4, 2018
I may be 24 but Jacqueline Wilson is an author I will always love and read. It’s thanks to Jacqueline I got into reading! I grew up with the mighty Tracy Beaker so this was a must read for me and I wasn’t disappointed at all.
This book brought back so many memories for me! The real Tracy Beaker is back with a mini her! Oh dear. Jess is just like her mum but a smaller version. Parts had me laughing at loud, other parts sad. It is a brilliant story with a lovely ending. I loved all the little pictures throughout Nick Sharratt is a brilliant illustrator.
I loved every second of it even if I did devour it within a day. Highly recommend! An easy read for me but just what I needed, to get away from adulthood and take a step back into my early teenage days for a while. Its a fantastic story of the beaker girls. Five stars from me. You’re never too old for Jacqueline Wilson.
This book brought back so many memories for me! The real Tracy Beaker is back with a mini her! Oh dear. Jess is just like her mum but a smaller version. Parts had me laughing at loud, other parts sad. It is a brilliant story with a lovely ending. I loved all the little pictures throughout Nick Sharratt is a brilliant illustrator.
I loved every second of it even if I did devour it within a day. Highly recommend! An easy read for me but just what I needed, to get away from adulthood and take a step back into my early teenage days for a while. Its a fantastic story of the beaker girls. Five stars from me. You’re never too old for Jacqueline Wilson.
June 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I've been reading Jaqueline Wilson books since I was a kid and the first one I ever read was the story of Tracy beaker and I've read all the books in the TB series so it was brilliant to find out how her life turned out when she grew up. Any Tracy beaker fans will love this as much as I did.
September 16, 2019
First read Tracy Beaker when I was about 8. 21 years later and so glad I picked this book up. Loved all the references to the dumping ground and some of the other children. Jacqueline always delivers in all her books. The story was amazing and the issues throughout were well written. Definitely not aimed at my age group but worth a read if you loved Tracy Beaker growing up.
November 13, 2019
This book was okay but I didn't think it was up to jacqueline wilson standards, I must have a too high expectation for her books now.
March 14, 2023
4.5 stars
As a child I was a number one fan of Jacqueline Wilson and even as an adult her books are still relatable. It's nice to see one of Jacqueline Wilson's most famous characters grow up.
⭐Storyline⭐
Tracy Beaker, the abandoned little girl who grew up in a children's home, is all grown up and has a mini-me daughter, Jess. The story is told from 10-year-old Jess's perspective. Jess is a happy child who has an excellent relationship with Tracy, who is a doting and caring mother, and her foster grandmother Cam, who adopted Tracy. However, Jess isn't so happy when Tracy starts dating famous footballer, Sean Godfrey.
⭐ Strengths⭐
-It was lovely catching up with a big character from my childhood. It was great to see Tracy develop into a caring, lovable and generous person after being a deeply troubled child. Tracy is still loud and brash, but she has a huge heart. I love how Tracy and Cam maintain a strong and loving relationship. I love Cam and how she loves and cares for Tracy a million times more than Tracy's shallow, selfish and unreliable birth mother, Carly (who also makes an appearance in the book).
Jess is a likeable character too and is smart and compassionate for her age. I loved Alfie the dog too!
-The book conveys a strong message. Tracy wants Jess to have everything that she never had, even sticking with vain and dim Sean because he leads a lavish lifestyle which he is happy to share with Tracy and Jess. Everybody is impressed by Sean's celebrity status apart from Jess who finds him flashy and idiotic. Jess doesn't want luxuries and fancy things; just love, attention and being surrounded by home comforts. It goes to show that a parent's love, time and attention is more important than buying them gifts and giving them money but not being present in their child's life.
-I liked the twists in the story such as Sean turning out to be Football from "The Dare Game" (a favourite of mine) and Tracy by rare fate meeting Peter Ingram, the boy she shared a birthday with at the care home. It is implied that they may start a romantic relationship.
-Although I'm not the target audience for this book, I still enjoyed it a lot.
⭐ Weaknesses ⭐
-Although I love Jacqueline Wilson, her books are very formulaic and follow a similar storyline- usually a child from a single parent family who hates their parent's romantic partner. However, at least Tracy doesn't allow her boyfriends to mistreat Jess and Tracy always puts Jess first unlike some of the other characters' mothers in books such as "Secrets" and "The Bed and Breakfast Star". The mothers in Jacqueline Wilson's books all uniformly have a terrible taste in men.
-The story was a bit repetitive at times and consisted of Jess ranting about her dislike for Sean.
⭐ Conclusion⭐
As a life-long fan of Jacqueline Wilson, she doesn't disappoint. Her stories are relatable for both children and adults alike which is a rare skill. Jacqueline Wilson's stories are always heartwarming with terrific characters.
⭐Grade⭐
A+
As a child I was a number one fan of Jacqueline Wilson and even as an adult her books are still relatable. It's nice to see one of Jacqueline Wilson's most famous characters grow up.
⭐Storyline⭐
Tracy Beaker, the abandoned little girl who grew up in a children's home, is all grown up and has a mini-me daughter, Jess. The story is told from 10-year-old Jess's perspective. Jess is a happy child who has an excellent relationship with Tracy, who is a doting and caring mother, and her foster grandmother Cam, who adopted Tracy. However, Jess isn't so happy when Tracy starts dating famous footballer, Sean Godfrey.
⭐ Strengths⭐
-It was lovely catching up with a big character from my childhood. It was great to see Tracy develop into a caring, lovable and generous person after being a deeply troubled child. Tracy is still loud and brash, but she has a huge heart. I love how Tracy and Cam maintain a strong and loving relationship. I love Cam and how she loves and cares for Tracy a million times more than Tracy's shallow, selfish and unreliable birth mother, Carly (who also makes an appearance in the book).
Jess is a likeable character too and is smart and compassionate for her age. I loved Alfie the dog too!
-The book conveys a strong message. Tracy wants Jess to have everything that she never had, even sticking with vain and dim Sean because he leads a lavish lifestyle which he is happy to share with Tracy and Jess. Everybody is impressed by Sean's celebrity status apart from Jess who finds him flashy and idiotic. Jess doesn't want luxuries and fancy things; just love, attention and being surrounded by home comforts. It goes to show that a parent's love, time and attention is more important than buying them gifts and giving them money but not being present in their child's life.
-I liked the twists in the story such as Sean turning out to be Football from "The Dare Game" (a favourite of mine) and Tracy by rare fate meeting Peter Ingram, the boy she shared a birthday with at the care home. It is implied that they may start a romantic relationship.
-Although I'm not the target audience for this book, I still enjoyed it a lot.
⭐ Weaknesses ⭐
-Although I love Jacqueline Wilson, her books are very formulaic and follow a similar storyline- usually a child from a single parent family who hates their parent's romantic partner. However, at least Tracy doesn't allow her boyfriends to mistreat Jess and Tracy always puts Jess first unlike some of the other characters' mothers in books such as "Secrets" and "The Bed and Breakfast Star". The mothers in Jacqueline Wilson's books all uniformly have a terrible taste in men.
-The story was a bit repetitive at times and consisted of Jess ranting about her dislike for Sean.
⭐ Conclusion⭐
As a life-long fan of Jacqueline Wilson, she doesn't disappoint. Her stories are relatable for both children and adults alike which is a rare skill. Jacqueline Wilson's stories are always heartwarming with terrific characters.
⭐Grade⭐
A+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2021
3 stars
**spoilers about this book and the 3 part CBBC tv series My Mum Tracy Beaker below**
What a throwback! Jacqueline Wilson books got me into reading when I was younger so I was more than happy to read this one before the TV series that was on tonight!
Tracy Beaker was exactly the same as I remembered her! So fiesty and fearless and in love with her daughter, Jess. I loved all of the mentions of characters from Tracy's childhood and loved the references to little mementos too (the Mickey Mouse clock!!).
In comparison with the 3 part TV series, I felt much more understanding of Jess in the book than the TV series because the reader knows exactly what's going on inside her head. Don't get me wrong, the TV series was very enjoyable and Jess was played brilliantly, but it's different to watch a characters actions when you dont know what they're thinking (if that makes sense). I loved how the old characters were played by the same actors from the original tv series and TV movie too!!
I also loved how Cam and Mary (spoiler alert!!) got married in the TV series - a lovely ending that didn't happen in the book!
Back to the books....I don't understand why I would get told off in primary school for reading Jacqueline Wilson's books. I remember a teacher telling me that they dealt with too grown-up themes, but lots of children actually go through the situations in her books.
Anyway, a very fun read that took me back to my childhood! Apologies for the rambling review...
**spoilers about this book and the 3 part CBBC tv series My Mum Tracy Beaker below**
What a throwback! Jacqueline Wilson books got me into reading when I was younger so I was more than happy to read this one before the TV series that was on tonight!
Tracy Beaker was exactly the same as I remembered her! So fiesty and fearless and in love with her daughter, Jess. I loved all of the mentions of characters from Tracy's childhood and loved the references to little mementos too (the Mickey Mouse clock!!).
In comparison with the 3 part TV series, I felt much more understanding of Jess in the book than the TV series because the reader knows exactly what's going on inside her head. Don't get me wrong, the TV series was very enjoyable and Jess was played brilliantly, but it's different to watch a characters actions when you dont know what they're thinking (if that makes sense). I loved how the old characters were played by the same actors from the original tv series and TV movie too!!
I also loved how Cam and Mary (spoiler alert!!) got married in the TV series - a lovely ending that didn't happen in the book!
Back to the books....I don't understand why I would get told off in primary school for reading Jacqueline Wilson's books. I remember a teacher telling me that they dealt with too grown-up themes, but lots of children actually go through the situations in her books.
Anyway, a very fun read that took me back to my childhood! Apologies for the rambling review...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
So nostalgic. Jacqueline Wilson’s books were a huge part of my childhood so I loved revisiting her writing. It’s cute to see characters you grew up with become mums and hear their children’s stories. I’m getting old.
August 6, 2018
Brilliant continuation of the story. So many nods to the old books and older fans but very new too. I hope this isn't the last I hear of Tracy.
January 9, 2020
Everything I was expecting and more, Jacqueline has done it again, not a single thing left out!
January 5, 2019
This book was heart warming and funny at the same time, it brought back my love for Tracy Beaker and of course Jaqueline Wilson. It shows life threw Tracy’s daughters eyes and teaches the lesson that sometimes less is more and just because somewhere is posh and fancy doesn’t mean it’s home.
September 23, 2020
When it was announced that a new TV show 'My Mum Tracy Beaker' (based on this book) would be coming out, featuring Tracy now living as a single mum, I remember the premise coming under quite a lot of criticism. People were calling it "classist" and pointing out that "just because [Tracy] was in a children’s home it doesn’t mean her future relationships have to break down."
Whether the premise is flawed or not, class does play a huge role in this novel, to the point where most of the characters and their actions are defined by their societal class. Tracy and Jess are working class, the good, hard-working kind because Tracy works a lot of jobs and they help their neighbours up the stairs. They live in Marlborough Towers, right next door to Devonshire Towers. Now that's where the real ruffians live, where step-dads abuse their kids (because they're working class) and where "even the babies look like they'd spit on you"). Marina is middle class and has a lovely house and lovely daughters. Sean Godfrey represents 'new money' with his bland and empty mansion. Tracy is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her and Jess to climb the social ladder and live with Sean, whilst Cam represents someone who is entirely comfortable with her place in society, and this comfortability allows her to form genuine relationships. Then there are characters like Justine and Carly who are just absolute tarts. Gosh the illustrations of these two had me in stitches.
I do appreciate Wilson's low-key class commentary, but it can at time lead to one-dimensional characterisations. People are not as one-dimensional as little Jess seems to see them, and for that reason I thought it a shame that she didn't give Sean Godfrey more of a chance to be a good step-dad for her. The guy seemed to be really trying.
The ending was a little bit cobbled-together, but I can see it is mainly sequel building for 'We Are the Beaker Girls', a book I will definitely start soon. Don't know what the point was thematically of reintroducing weedy-Peter, but I hope this can lead to some nice material in the next novel. One thing Wilson does well (perhaps too well) is her commitment to the series as a whole, making references to the TV series and all of the original books, even including a major character from 'The Dare Game' which was my favourite as a child. 4 stars.
Whether the premise is flawed or not, class does play a huge role in this novel, to the point where most of the characters and their actions are defined by their societal class. Tracy and Jess are working class, the good, hard-working kind because Tracy works a lot of jobs and they help their neighbours up the stairs. They live in Marlborough Towers, right next door to Devonshire Towers. Now that's where the real ruffians live, where step-dads abuse their kids (because they're working class) and where "even the babies look like they'd spit on you"). Marina is middle class and has a lovely house and lovely daughters. Sean Godfrey represents 'new money' with his bland and empty mansion. Tracy is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her and Jess to climb the social ladder and live with Sean, whilst Cam represents someone who is entirely comfortable with her place in society, and this comfortability allows her to form genuine relationships. Then there are characters like Justine and Carly who are just absolute tarts. Gosh the illustrations of these two had me in stitches.
I do appreciate Wilson's low-key class commentary, but it can at time lead to one-dimensional characterisations. People are not as one-dimensional as little Jess seems to see them, and for that reason I thought it a shame that she didn't give Sean Godfrey more of a chance to be a good step-dad for her. The guy seemed to be really trying.
The ending was a little bit cobbled-together, but I can see it is mainly sequel building for 'We Are the Beaker Girls', a book I will definitely start soon. Don't know what the point was thematically of reintroducing weedy-Peter, but I hope this can lead to some nice material in the next novel. One thing Wilson does well (perhaps too well) is her commitment to the series as a whole, making references to the TV series and all of the original books, even including a major character from 'The Dare Game' which was my favourite as a child. 4 stars.
October 10, 2018
As a childhood lover of the original Tracy Beaker books, like many others in this camp I was excited to read this new updated as to how Tracy's life would progress beyond the Dumping Ground. In many ways I enjoyed this book for its realistic depiction of Tracy; she had a troubled childhood and is a troubled person, and so I can well believe that she's had trouble in school, keeping a job and relationships. I also enjoyed the many original characters who made a comeback in this book; Football, Cam, Tracy's mum, Justine and Peter. I admit I never would have imagined Football becoming a love interest for Tracy. I did find it slightly predictable that Justine would remain the enemy of the story, but in a way this also felt right; as if the two of them would ever truly become friends. I did also find Wilson's use of so many modern terms slightly forced, as though she had made sure to reference emojis, Instagram and Snapchat to assure both the reader and perhaps herself that this book was several decades ahead of the original story. This works, however the books risks becoming easily dated and out of touch with future young readers, in a way in which the original Story of Tracy Beaker never did. I did also cringe at Wilson's several references to her own works; Hetty Feather and Lola Rose are mentioned obscurely. Wilson has done this in several of her works before, and it's never been something I've agreed with. Someone it seems like self-advertising in completely the wrong place. Nevertheless this was overall a lovely nostalgic read, and genuinely felt like catching up with a childhood friend, excitedly turning the pages, eager to hear of what Tracy's been up to since we last heard from her so many years ago.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2019
I'm so pleased to say that my first experience reading Jacqueline Wilson as an adult lived up to all the enjoyment of my childhood. I want more of Tracy and Jess already. They both know what's really important in life - family and a good charity shop bargain. This book had the wonderful effect all Wilson's books have had on me: of making me feel perfectly normal in a world that sometimes decides I'm odd.
January 27, 2019
OMG the nostalgia!!!! Tracy Beaker was my childhood and it was amazing to re-enter that world again and it didn’t disappoint.
Thank you Jacqueline Wilson for an amazing book....I loved how you brought back Tracy, Cam and two other characters from the original books, and showed just how independent Tracy is.
Thank you Jacqueline Wilson for an amazing book....I loved how you brought back Tracy, Cam and two other characters from the original books, and showed just how independent Tracy is.
May 11, 2020
I first came across Tracy with my children when they were young and reading this book felt like bumping into an old friend who I haven't seen in years. Tracy is just as funny and fiesty as she has ever been.
For my full review please visit my blog at: https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
For my full review please visit my blog at: https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
November 15, 2019
I was in a reading slump but finally finished this and I'm glad I did. I will probably get the next book in this series. It's not the best or most exciting read but it's about characters from my childhood and how they've grown up which is nice.
I like how it reintroduced old characters i had wondered about. It's a perfect nostalgic read.
I like how it reintroduced old characters i had wondered about. It's a perfect nostalgic read.
July 12, 2019
I was so shocked when I heard about this book, Tracy is a mum!?! So I had to read (well, listen as I had it on audio). It was so nostalgic to catch up with Tracy again and it was a lovely conclusion to the books and TV shows I loved so much as a kid.
January 6, 2021
I loved this series as a child, I had to read this. I loved all of the references to the old books such as the mickey mouse alarm clock and the pink Cadillac.
It was a heartwarming way to end the series.
It was a heartwarming way to end the series.
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