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Lara Bloom #1
Glow Up, Lara Bloom: the secret diary of a teenage catastrophe!
MY NAME IS LARA BLOOM AND THIS IS MY LIFE . . .
Meet Lara Bloom - the best friend you never knew you needed. This is her diary . . .
When Lara meets super-cute new boy Caiden, she begins to think that the way to his heart is to give herself a glow up. But her friends are not impressed. You should never glow up for a boy, only for yourself!
As Lara and her friends embark on their project of empowerment and self-love, Lara shares her innermost thoughts with her online journal. How can she keep her hair under control when she's playing football? Why is she so fast on the pitch yet so uncoordinated off it? And how will she ever convince Caiden to take an interest in her?
With her worries safely locked in her top-secret journal, Lara is on track to unlock the glow-up of her dreams. Surely nothing could possibly go wrong . . .?!
A heart-warming story of friendship, crushes and learning to love yourself. Perfect for fans of GEEK GIRL, Louise Rennison and Alesha Dixon.
Meet Lara Bloom - the best friend you never knew you needed. This is her diary . . .
When Lara meets super-cute new boy Caiden, she begins to think that the way to his heart is to give herself a glow up. But her friends are not impressed. You should never glow up for a boy, only for yourself!
As Lara and her friends embark on their project of empowerment and self-love, Lara shares her innermost thoughts with her online journal. How can she keep her hair under control when she's playing football? Why is she so fast on the pitch yet so uncoordinated off it? And how will she ever convince Caiden to take an interest in her?
With her worries safely locked in her top-secret journal, Lara is on track to unlock the glow-up of her dreams. Surely nothing could possibly go wrong . . .?!
A heart-warming story of friendship, crushes and learning to love yourself. Perfect for fans of GEEK GIRL, Louise Rennison and Alesha Dixon.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
24 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 9, 2022
This book is a hug from friends, a roar against bullies, and a back-of-the-net super goal for being the best version of who you want to be - for you, and no one else. Lara is a brilliant, funny, modern teen heroine and I really, really want to be part of the SQuIDGE Squad now.
February 12, 2023
Glow Up Lara Bloom is an enjoyable tale, telling of the trials and tribulations of teen years. While I can barely remember my teens so am most definitely not the target audience, I found the book fun to read and warmed to Lara and her friends.
Lara is part of a close knit group of four friends who always have each other’s backs. When new boy Caiden moves to town, Lara decides that she needs to ‘glow up’ in order to appeal to him, despite her friend Kayleigh’s plea to ‘glow up’ for herself, and not to impress anyone else.
Although she trusts her friends, Lara’s closest confident is her online journal, believing that her innermost dreams and fears are safe from prying eyes: will she be able to lead her school football team to 100 unbeaten games; how can she tame her wild hair; why is she so clumsy; why does Caiden seem to prefer being with Sienna rather than with her? But then Lara’s worst nightmare happens and everyone knows what she thinks.
I always enjoy books written in diary or letter form and so I found this book fun to read. There is a strong positive message running throughout that you should only change something about yourself if you want to do it for you; you should never change for someone else. This is important to reinforce in this age of internet influencers. The close knit friendship was also very touching. The four girls are all quite different, but their individual strengths complement each other and bring them closer together. The way the group protect Lara when her diary goes public is heart-warming
While I do remember as a teenager having a strong interest in boys, at times I found Lara’s obsession with Caiden almost to the exclusion of everything else a little concerning. I was also puzzled (PLOT SPOILER) why she still wanted to be with Caiden after all she had been through, while he had continued to go out with her arch nemesis Sienna despite Lara’s obvious interest, and suspicions that she was being bullied by Sienna and her group of friends.
The other thing I found a little concerning was Lara’s addiction to her phone and her diary. Whilst the diary is clearly a device to tell the story, I did find it a little unrealistic that teachers and parents would allow the constant use of her phone, whether in class or at mealtimes. Is this really the level of obsession with today’s teens?
Nevertheless, overall the book is refreshing, with a black female football loving protagonist, learning to accept herself as she is. There’s lots to laugh at in the book, with an important message and a beautiful friendship at the heart of it.
Lara is part of a close knit group of four friends who always have each other’s backs. When new boy Caiden moves to town, Lara decides that she needs to ‘glow up’ in order to appeal to him, despite her friend Kayleigh’s plea to ‘glow up’ for herself, and not to impress anyone else.
Although she trusts her friends, Lara’s closest confident is her online journal, believing that her innermost dreams and fears are safe from prying eyes: will she be able to lead her school football team to 100 unbeaten games; how can she tame her wild hair; why is she so clumsy; why does Caiden seem to prefer being with Sienna rather than with her? But then Lara’s worst nightmare happens and everyone knows what she thinks.
I always enjoy books written in diary or letter form and so I found this book fun to read. There is a strong positive message running throughout that you should only change something about yourself if you want to do it for you; you should never change for someone else. This is important to reinforce in this age of internet influencers. The close knit friendship was also very touching. The four girls are all quite different, but their individual strengths complement each other and bring them closer together. The way the group protect Lara when her diary goes public is heart-warming
While I do remember as a teenager having a strong interest in boys, at times I found Lara’s obsession with Caiden almost to the exclusion of everything else a little concerning. I was also puzzled (PLOT SPOILER) why she still wanted to be with Caiden after all she had been through, while he had continued to go out with her arch nemesis Sienna despite Lara’s obvious interest, and suspicions that she was being bullied by Sienna and her group of friends.
The other thing I found a little concerning was Lara’s addiction to her phone and her diary. Whilst the diary is clearly a device to tell the story, I did find it a little unrealistic that teachers and parents would allow the constant use of her phone, whether in class or at mealtimes. Is this really the level of obsession with today’s teens?
Nevertheless, overall the book is refreshing, with a black female football loving protagonist, learning to accept herself as she is. There’s lots to laugh at in the book, with an important message and a beautiful friendship at the heart of it.
February 23, 2023
Should she publish additional works, I would adore to read them. She writes about the insecurities, trials, and tribulations of being a teenager. She has an older brother or sister who excels academically, and her parents and extended family see success in her. Her concerns about confidence, bullying, and other topics are extremely significant.
She attempts to alter aspects of herself in order to better fit in on her journey of self-discovery, but doing so would only dim her light. Her natural hair and football skills are the main things she wants to change to fit in with her peers. She thinks it will make her crush pay more attention to her, but in reality, he has already noticed her. In his eyes, what sets her apart from everyone else is the things she wants to change. A major plot point of the book is when she and her friends go on a "glow up" mission. After this, Lara realizes that she is who she is because of her unique qualities and that she should live her life to please herself rather than others. A great book about the struggles teenagers face when they want to conform to "norms." I can see this having a huge impact on younger readers because it stresses the importance of being yourself and not trying to imitate anyone else. An excellent YA novel.
I believe that every teenager, particularly teenage girls, should read this. This book has very accurately depicted a teenager's life!
She attempts to alter aspects of herself in order to better fit in on her journey of self-discovery, but doing so would only dim her light. Her natural hair and football skills are the main things she wants to change to fit in with her peers. She thinks it will make her crush pay more attention to her, but in reality, he has already noticed her. In his eyes, what sets her apart from everyone else is the things she wants to change. A major plot point of the book is when she and her friends go on a "glow up" mission. After this, Lara realizes that she is who she is because of her unique qualities and that she should live her life to please herself rather than others. A great book about the struggles teenagers face when they want to conform to "norms." I can see this having a huge impact on younger readers because it stresses the importance of being yourself and not trying to imitate anyone else. An excellent YA novel.
I believe that every teenager, particularly teenage girls, should read this. This book has very accurately depicted a teenager's life!
April 30, 2023
Fourteen-year-old Lara Bloom is going into Year 10 but she's still as clumsy, flat-chested and frizzy-haired as ever. On the positive side she's also the captain and top goal-scorer of the girls' football team, and she has three fantastic supportive friends. But when she meets gorgeous new boy, Caiden, she starts to worry that boys don't like sporty girls and becomes convinced that she desperately needs a makeover to catch his attention. Lara's friends insist that she doesn't need a makeover she needs a 'glow-up' instead - she needs to work on her confidence and self-worth rather than her appearance. But Lara's nemesis, the flawless Sienna, has her sights set on Caiden, and Lara knows she won't stand a chance if her Mum doesn't at least let her relax her hair...
Lara documents all of her thoughts in a diary app (after her brother reads her paper diary and blackmails her) and her laugh-out-loud funny inner monologue, as well as some of the ridiculous situations she finds herself in, prove Dee Benson a worthy successor to Louise Rennison. (I thought I might die of second-hand embarrassment during several points in the story.)
'Glow Up, Lara Bloom' is a heartfelt, hilarious and deeply relatable story with a wonderful message about learning to love and embrace everything about yourself. There aren't enough funny books for teens, and I'll definitely be recommending this one in the school library.
Lara documents all of her thoughts in a diary app (after her brother reads her paper diary and blackmails her) and her laugh-out-loud funny inner monologue, as well as some of the ridiculous situations she finds herself in, prove Dee Benson a worthy successor to Louise Rennison. (I thought I might die of second-hand embarrassment during several points in the story.)
'Glow Up, Lara Bloom' is a heartfelt, hilarious and deeply relatable story with a wonderful message about learning to love and embrace everything about yourself. There aren't enough funny books for teens, and I'll definitely be recommending this one in the school library.
February 15, 2023
Glow up Lara Bloom
By Dee Benson
Published by Hot Key Books
This YA read explores many of the aspects of growing up as a teenager in a modern world. Fitting in, perceptions of yourself and how others perceive you are just a few of the topics entwined in this heartfelt journey of adolescence.
Lara is a beautiful teenager, inside and out who wants to fit in. Who doesn’t? But it is her journey of self discovery that plays with your heart and mind as she tries to change things about herself to fit into society more and more.
Her football skills could be better, her afro hair could be tamed but all this is to suit her peers. Or so she thinks. She also believes it'll make her crush notice her more!
So Lara embarks on a 'glow up' mission with her friends only to realise it's her unique qualities that make her ‘her’ and that she should live to please herself and not others.
This is such an important book to show representation of all types of young women, struggling to find out who they are. It should be on all classroom “tbr piles, proving the impact of being yourself far outweighs that of trying to be a copy cat of someone else.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
#DeeBenson
By Dee Benson
Published by Hot Key Books
This YA read explores many of the aspects of growing up as a teenager in a modern world. Fitting in, perceptions of yourself and how others perceive you are just a few of the topics entwined in this heartfelt journey of adolescence.
Lara is a beautiful teenager, inside and out who wants to fit in. Who doesn’t? But it is her journey of self discovery that plays with your heart and mind as she tries to change things about herself to fit into society more and more.
Her football skills could be better, her afro hair could be tamed but all this is to suit her peers. Or so she thinks. She also believes it'll make her crush notice her more!
So Lara embarks on a 'glow up' mission with her friends only to realise it's her unique qualities that make her ‘her’ and that she should live to please herself and not others.
This is such an important book to show representation of all types of young women, struggling to find out who they are. It should be on all classroom “tbr piles, proving the impact of being yourself far outweighs that of trying to be a copy cat of someone else.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
#DeeBenson
January 25, 2023
I rate it 4.25. This is the first of Dee Benson’s book that I’ve read because it is a debut novel. I would love to read her other work should she published more. She writes about the insecurities, trials and tribulations one go through as a teenager, with an overachiever older sibling and parents and extended family who see success reflected by having great academic achievements. The issues she raises about confidence, bullying etc is so important. The emotional high and lows, boy brought me back to my teenage years (though mine was boring..really). At some point along reading this as a 35 year old mother of 2 very young children, I thought my gosh, this Lara Bloom is selfish, however I realised and remembered that being teenager is still a lot about themselves as a child who still needs protection as well as someone who needs spaces to have independent thoughts and character to start finding their own way in the world. So actually, this book has reflected the life of teenager very well! It was a little long for me, but I’m sure the entire writing process was way longer for Dee Benson.
I think this is a must read for every teenager especially for teenage girls.
I think this is a must read for every teenager especially for teenage girls.
March 20, 2023
Glow up Lara Bloom is a wonderful middle- grade book about q young teenage girl called Lara as she struggles with her life. Some of her many struggles are her hair, her body and boys. She wants to change everything about herself as soon as she meets the new boy who just moved into her neighbourhood, Caiden. Her friends warn her that 'glowing up' should be for herself not for some boy she doesn't even know, but Lara insists that she wants this. Lara and her friends work together to try to become the better versions of themselves by channelling some powerful women energy. Lara has bigger problems than this though, Lara is top goal scorer and captain of her schools girls football team and they have been unbeaten for the past two years they are coming close to 100 unbeaten matches and if they complete it there will be a huge party thrown in their honour, but with Lara's enemy Sienna lurking the halls trouble isn't far behind.
This book is wonderful for young reader coming to terms with the new changes happening in their lives and it is brilliant representation of some of the troubles faced with WOC'S in todays world.
This book is wonderful for young reader coming to terms with the new changes happening in their lives and it is brilliant representation of some of the troubles faced with WOC'S in todays world.
January 29, 2023
I always enjoyed the diary-style books when I was younger, I found them very readable. This book is based on the protagonist using a journalling app, which works well and helps her document everything that's happening. I liked the thread of the 100 football games unbeaten challenge throughout the book, but I found the 'Glow-Up' bits to be a bit preachy in places - obviously the message the author is trying to give has good intentions: girls can be sporty and look good, feel confident in yourself but don't have a makeover just to attract boys, stand up to bullies etc, but sometimes the 'you are amazing just as you are' gets a bit much. There were a few other things which grated a bit on me - overuse of the word 'like' (which I know a lot of kids overuse anyway, but it felt wrong to be reading it in a book), and when Lara's teacher took her phone off her in a lesson, she says she 'feels kind of empty, having to be without her phone for the rest of the lesson'. Doesn't strike me as a responsible thing to have in a book, to normalise having your phone on you at all times.
January 29, 2023
I started this book expecting to only read a few pages, but i was absolutely hooked from the very first page and i ended up finishing the entire book in one sitting, i could not help myself!!!
firstly, i love this cover it's so cute and captures the essence of the book perfectly. secondly, i loved the plot, everything was so fun to read and i enjoyed every moment of this book. i really found lara's struggles with her hair very moving and interesting, and i loved how that struggle was portrayed throughout the book.
i loved geek girl and dork diaries when i was younger, and this book is perfect for people who loved either of those books because it's so similar - also if you like the movie angus, thongs and perfect snogging - this book is for you!
one thing i will say is that sometimes the cringe was too incessant - so many embarrassing things happen that honestly gave me wayyyyy too much second hand embarrassment, i had to pause for a few seconds ahhaha but overall really enjoyed this book and i would love a sequel!!!
firstly, i love this cover it's so cute and captures the essence of the book perfectly. secondly, i loved the plot, everything was so fun to read and i enjoyed every moment of this book. i really found lara's struggles with her hair very moving and interesting, and i loved how that struggle was portrayed throughout the book.
i loved geek girl and dork diaries when i was younger, and this book is perfect for people who loved either of those books because it's so similar - also if you like the movie angus, thongs and perfect snogging - this book is for you!
one thing i will say is that sometimes the cringe was too incessant - so many embarrassing things happen that honestly gave me wayyyyy too much second hand embarrassment, i had to pause for a few seconds ahhaha but overall really enjoyed this book and i would love a sequel!!!
March 1, 2023
This is a lovely book for a teenage girl who has needs a boost to her self esteem as you laugh out loud at the embarrassing events that seem to happen to Lara as she writes her very personal thoughts down, then records them in an app for security from her brother.
She worries about school, about meeting boys or a particular boy Caiden, about her uncontrollable hair which hates getting wet and most importantly whether she will reach 100 games unbeaten with her school girls football team.
Supported throughout by a great group of friends as they navigate their way through everyday events and try to think of ways to improve their lives and to get their own back on Sienna the bully who has a way of making herself look the victim by falsifying information written by Lara.
The book had some laugh out loud events, some embarrassing events, a story of first love, uncomfortable bullying scenes but would make a reader understand that these things can happen and do happen to most of us and you do get through it.
She worries about school, about meeting boys or a particular boy Caiden, about her uncontrollable hair which hates getting wet and most importantly whether she will reach 100 games unbeaten with her school girls football team.
Supported throughout by a great group of friends as they navigate their way through everyday events and try to think of ways to improve their lives and to get their own back on Sienna the bully who has a way of making herself look the victim by falsifying information written by Lara.
The book had some laugh out loud events, some embarrassing events, a story of first love, uncomfortable bullying scenes but would make a reader understand that these things can happen and do happen to most of us and you do get through it.
June 14, 2023
A contemporary twist on the Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Except that Lara Bloom is the polar opposite of Adrian Mole; She dark-skinned, female, curly-hired and sassy.
And, like most kids her age (the target audience) Lara’s speech, and her diary entires, are littered with emojis, excessive use of Capslock and a wide ranger of weird and wonderful fonts. It looks just like when my 8yo is let loose on a Word document.
I think the format would appeal to younger readers (age 9-12) as it breaks it up into smaller sections and doesn’t feel like a “chapter book”.
Lara has all the typical problems of a modern-day Tween… parents, little brothers reading her diary, school, friends, texting, social media….
“Side note: I told you my parents are tyrannical overlords. I got grounded for TWO WHOLE DAYS when they found out I hadn’t done any of my holiday homework.
Another side note: Can I just say that summer holiday homework is a ridiculous idea? It’s right up there with chocolate teapots and marshmallow scissors.”
Overall, it’s a fun book
January 24, 2023
I always enjoy reading a young adult book. This one was really great.
I loved the format of it being like a diary. And how it explained everything about Lara’s life.
Her three best friends just reminded me of my friends from secondary school and all the crazy things we did in the name of being noticed by the boy we had a crush on.
There is always the one girl who you don’t get on with and learning how to deal with that and how to make it ok with yourself is a really important lesson.
I have 2 girls who are 6 and 9 at the moment but I will be keeping this book to let them read when they get a little older. I think it’s has some important lessons within it. Plus she’s a badass footballer and you don’t find that in many girl books.
Overall an excellent book, set out really well and captivating to read. Just when you think lara can’t do anything else stupid she goes and proves you wrong!
I loved the format of it being like a diary. And how it explained everything about Lara’s life.
Her three best friends just reminded me of my friends from secondary school and all the crazy things we did in the name of being noticed by the boy we had a crush on.
There is always the one girl who you don’t get on with and learning how to deal with that and how to make it ok with yourself is a really important lesson.
I have 2 girls who are 6 and 9 at the moment but I will be keeping this book to let them read when they get a little older. I think it’s has some important lessons within it. Plus she’s a badass footballer and you don’t find that in many girl books.
Overall an excellent book, set out really well and captivating to read. Just when you think lara can’t do anything else stupid she goes and proves you wrong!
January 28, 2023
This book took me back a few decades, to those confused (and often embarrassing teenage years). Of course, back in my day there was no social media/internet to complicate teenage angst/first love.
This book follows the story of Lara - she's a fairly typical teen, in that she hates her hair, has a huge crush on the new boy at school, has a close knit group of friends - but also seems to have attracted the attention of an enemy.
She's also the school's star football player and is now the captain of a team that is approaching a record 100 games without defeat.
It's a fun and fast paced teen romcom really. Lara is full of insecurities and so, so clumsy at times but a really likeable character. The book is peppered with emojis and has the real feel of a teenage diary. She has challenges but also finds strength where she only once had insecurity.
A fab read with an empowering and positive message.
This book follows the story of Lara - she's a fairly typical teen, in that she hates her hair, has a huge crush on the new boy at school, has a close knit group of friends - but also seems to have attracted the attention of an enemy.
She's also the school's star football player and is now the captain of a team that is approaching a record 100 games without defeat.
It's a fun and fast paced teen romcom really. Lara is full of insecurities and so, so clumsy at times but a really likeable character. The book is peppered with emojis and has the real feel of a teenage diary. She has challenges but also finds strength where she only once had insecurity.
A fab read with an empowering and positive message.
January 29, 2023
Lara has met a new boy called Caiden, in a panic to make him like her she and her friends decide to give themselves "Glow ups."
She is so sure this will work and he will instantly fall for her.
Just average old Lara, clumsy, awkward in everything except her beloved football.
She confides all these hopes and dreams to her journal, her insecurities and low feelings of self worth.
But being so sure her life is on track with her glow up, she feels nothing can go wrong with her plans.
But when it does is she ready for the fall out?
This was a fun, socially conscious book aimed at teens and deals with a myriad of social issues and themes that affect teens today, bullying, cyber security, peer pressure and above all the feeling that they have to improve themselves to be popular.
When the main character doesn't understand she is fine as she is and people actually DO appreciate her without any dramatic changes.
A fun yet also quite serious read.
She is so sure this will work and he will instantly fall for her.
Just average old Lara, clumsy, awkward in everything except her beloved football.
She confides all these hopes and dreams to her journal, her insecurities and low feelings of self worth.
But being so sure her life is on track with her glow up, she feels nothing can go wrong with her plans.
But when it does is she ready for the fall out?
This was a fun, socially conscious book aimed at teens and deals with a myriad of social issues and themes that affect teens today, bullying, cyber security, peer pressure and above all the feeling that they have to improve themselves to be popular.
When the main character doesn't understand she is fine as she is and people actually DO appreciate her without any dramatic changes.
A fun yet also quite serious read.
January 29, 2023
I have just finished reading Glow Up Lara Bloom by Dee Benson and must note that I am middle aged adult reviewing this YA book. The book is based around 14 year old Lara (Omolara), her friends, family and her secret ‘crush’ on new boy Caiden. There are themes of Lara journaling her secret thoughts, her desires and fears, the dynamics and insecurities within the friendship group and and female football to name a few. I thought the female football thread was timely and topical after the success of the England team in 2022 and I liked, and found interesting, the subject of Lara’s hair type as this is not something I had considered before.
Serious topics of self image, self esteem, bullying and cyber crime run throughout the book. Whilst related in this context to Lara and her friends, these are of course universal to gender, age and ethnicity with messages of body confidence and image. In that respect it is a great book for any age!
Serious topics of self image, self esteem, bullying and cyber crime run throughout the book. Whilst related in this context to Lara and her friends, these are of course universal to gender, age and ethnicity with messages of body confidence and image. In that respect it is a great book for any age!
January 29, 2023
Lara Bloom is a klutz, she is clumsy, awkward and really into football.
So when a new, hot boy arrives he is all Lara dreams of but feels she could never have.
Doubting her own self worth and attractiveness she and her friends come up with the idea of a glow up to enhance themselves to be more confident.
Lara thinks she has nailed it and now nothing can go wrong with operation glow up.
After all, being so unlucky it's about time something went her way.
Surely nothing can go wrong with her plans?
But she doesn't count on the scheming Sienna who will stop at nothing to spoil things for her and Caiden.
When things turn into a disaster how can Lara put it right and still get the boy?
Fun, quirky and a good read with a moral in the tale of how people should be liked and respected for themselves.
I really enjoyed this and I love Lara Bloom, she was such a great character.
A really good read.
So when a new, hot boy arrives he is all Lara dreams of but feels she could never have.
Doubting her own self worth and attractiveness she and her friends come up with the idea of a glow up to enhance themselves to be more confident.
Lara thinks she has nailed it and now nothing can go wrong with operation glow up.
After all, being so unlucky it's about time something went her way.
Surely nothing can go wrong with her plans?
But she doesn't count on the scheming Sienna who will stop at nothing to spoil things for her and Caiden.
When things turn into a disaster how can Lara put it right and still get the boy?
Fun, quirky and a good read with a moral in the tale of how people should be liked and respected for themselves.
I really enjoyed this and I love Lara Bloom, she was such a great character.
A really good read.
January 31, 2023
Lara is a teen trying to find her own way. On her journey of self discovery she tries to change things about herself to fit in more but as such losing these aspects of herself would only dim her light. Her football skill and her natural hair being mainly what she wants to change to suit her peers. She thinks it'll make her crush notice her more when in fact he's noticed her all along. The things she wants to change are what sets her apart from everyone else in his eyes. She embarks on a 'glow up' mission with her friends which is a main thread in the book. After this, Lara realises it's her unique qualities that make her and that she should live to please herself and not others. A great book which shows the battles teenagers face in wanting to conform to 'norms'. I can see this being really impactful for younger readers in the importance of being yourself and not trying to be a carbon copy of someone else. Overall, a great YA read.
February 1, 2023
Quite a fun book to read, and showing quite clearly from the bright pink cover as well that it is aimed at young teenage girls in particular. It's fun seeing how teens are coping with the ever changing world around them, and I like that it is written in a journal-style as it makes you feel quite engaged with the main character i.e. Lara Bloom. This also goes perfectly hand-in-hand with the use of emojis and text messages. From the blurb you can note the focus on crushes, and we discover that Lara has a crush on a boy called Caiden who she essentially wants to 'glow up' for, as she feels he may not like an awkward girl like herself. She starts having regular sessions with her friends so she can be noticed more by Caiden, and it's funny because the things she is trying to change about herself are actually what Caiden loves about her the most. It's a great learning point for the teens out there to be true to themselves and be proud of who they are
February 2, 2023
Although this book is clearly aimed at a younger audience than me, I did enjoy reading it and have now passed it onto my daughter for her to read and hopefully enjoy.
Thanks to Reader's First for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Lara is captain of her football team and has little interest in her appearance, until new boy Caiden starts at school. Then she decides that her friends may be right in trying to glow themselves up, and she joins them in trying to improve herself. But will Caiden notice, or was he quite happy with Lara as she was?
Lara is a likeable main character, and the book is written as a series of journal posts so is in a relaxed chatty style.
Clearly aimed at a more teenage market, I still think for a more mature reader there is enough to enjoy, as it is not preachy and has a nice sense of humour and self-deprecation running through it
Thanks to Reader's First for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Lara is captain of her football team and has little interest in her appearance, until new boy Caiden starts at school. Then she decides that her friends may be right in trying to glow themselves up, and she joins them in trying to improve herself. But will Caiden notice, or was he quite happy with Lara as she was?
Lara is a likeable main character, and the book is written as a series of journal posts so is in a relaxed chatty style.
Clearly aimed at a more teenage market, I still think for a more mature reader there is enough to enjoy, as it is not preachy and has a nice sense of humour and self-deprecation running through it
March 5, 2023
This is a light hearted read about a young girl who decided to keep an online diary.
Lara Bloom loves to write about her life in her diary until her older brother, Danny decided to read it and blackmail her. Then her friend Anaya gave her a link to an online diary.
Now, Lara shares all her secrets into her online diary including the secret about her crush on Caiden, the new boy who arrived in school.
The author has written this in a first person narrative and it reads like a dairy account and it is a child's perspective. I really liked how some parts of the text the font changes, the use of emojis and dates are used to imply diary accounts.
The front cover is bright, colourful and bold featuring the main character.
I absolutely loved reading this book. I also think a younger reader will benefit from reading it because it is written in a childlike manner from the viewpoint of a child dealing with siblings, friendship, growing up and first crushes.
Lara Bloom loves to write about her life in her diary until her older brother, Danny decided to read it and blackmail her. Then her friend Anaya gave her a link to an online diary.
Now, Lara shares all her secrets into her online diary including the secret about her crush on Caiden, the new boy who arrived in school.
The author has written this in a first person narrative and it reads like a dairy account and it is a child's perspective. I really liked how some parts of the text the font changes, the use of emojis and dates are used to imply diary accounts.
The front cover is bright, colourful and bold featuring the main character.
I absolutely loved reading this book. I also think a younger reader will benefit from reading it because it is written in a childlike manner from the viewpoint of a child dealing with siblings, friendship, growing up and first crushes.
May 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this young teenage girls' world of friendships, football, giggles, unfairness, make-up, music, families and giggles.
Lara is a lively and thoughtful girl who is conscious of her own feelings and often puzzled about when to tell the truth. Her habit of journalling is a brilliant way to work through her emotions, ambitions, crushes, grievances and decisions. Her closest friends are nicely varied with each being a fully rounded person rather than a stereotype or merely a foil for Lara.
We see Lara at school, in the park, in her friends' houses and with her own family. And, most importantly, playing football, for which her ability and skill is demonstrated unapologetically. The pace of story-telling, the vocabulary, the dialogue, the switches between journal entries and narrative, together with the action are all pitched just right for young teenagers and believable for adult readers too.
Lara is a lively and thoughtful girl who is conscious of her own feelings and often puzzled about when to tell the truth. Her habit of journalling is a brilliant way to work through her emotions, ambitions, crushes, grievances and decisions. Her closest friends are nicely varied with each being a fully rounded person rather than a stereotype or merely a foil for Lara.
We see Lara at school, in the park, in her friends' houses and with her own family. And, most importantly, playing football, for which her ability and skill is demonstrated unapologetically. The pace of story-telling, the vocabulary, the dialogue, the switches between journal entries and narrative, together with the action are all pitched just right for young teenagers and believable for adult readers too.
January 22, 2023
This is very much one for the teenagers, containing as it does lots of emojis, text message exchanges and changes in font - not to mention no shortage of capital letters - within the diary format (which for the first few pages is handwritten before switching to an electronic journal for the rest of the book). Nor will anyone who wishes to buy or borrow the book have much difficulty in spotting it on the bookshelf thanks to the brightly coloured front cover, which is very much in keeping with the theme of the tale.
The story concerns the title character Lara Bloom, who decides to give herself the ultimate glow up when the new boy Caiden arrives at her school. But will her efforts (and the help of her friends) be enough to win his heart, and will it prove to be wise for Lara to pour all her thoughts into what is supposed to be her secret online journal?
The story concerns the title character Lara Bloom, who decides to give herself the ultimate glow up when the new boy Caiden arrives at her school. But will her efforts (and the help of her friends) be enough to win his heart, and will it prove to be wise for Lara to pour all her thoughts into what is supposed to be her secret online journal?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2023
Lara Bloom is desperately falling for the new boy Caiden but fears he won't like her for her awkward, clumsy, football loving self.
She and her friends decide to embark on a glow up and hold regular sessions to improve themselves.
Sure this is the fast track to success to getting the boy of her dreams Lara gives it all she's got.
She is determined and sure that this will work and she and Caiden will be a couple.
Nothing will go wrong, surely THIS times she deserves a little luck?
But things don't always go according to plan and when things go badly wrong her world falls apart and she has to deal with all that ensues.
But the moral of the story is that we shouldn't have to TRY to make people like us, we as ourselves should be enough.
A clever story that will appeal to it's teen audience, sympathetically and well written dealing with sensitive subject matters.
I really enjoyed this.
She and her friends decide to embark on a glow up and hold regular sessions to improve themselves.
Sure this is the fast track to success to getting the boy of her dreams Lara gives it all she's got.
She is determined and sure that this will work and she and Caiden will be a couple.
Nothing will go wrong, surely THIS times she deserves a little luck?
But things don't always go according to plan and when things go badly wrong her world falls apart and she has to deal with all that ensues.
But the moral of the story is that we shouldn't have to TRY to make people like us, we as ourselves should be enough.
A clever story that will appeal to it's teen audience, sympathetically and well written dealing with sensitive subject matters.
I really enjoyed this.
January 29, 2023
Lara Bloom is according to her a hot mess that needs a glow up as quickly as possible.
Why?
Well there is the handsome bew boy at school, Caiden.
He is all the inspiration she needs to glow up to the max as surely a boy like that wouldn't be interested in a football obsessed, clumsy girl like her would he?
Doubting her own abilities and looks she sets out to win Caiden's heart.
But though she thinks its a sure fire thing its not going to be so easy as the mean Sienna is set on stopping her getting together with the hottest boy in school.
But things go disastrously wrong.
Can she win through and get Caiden to be interested in her for herself?
This is a really good story for teens who dont see the value in themselves and how they should think more of who they truly are.
A fun story and Lara Bloom was a great character and role model for girls and a great read for adults too.
Why?
Well there is the handsome bew boy at school, Caiden.
He is all the inspiration she needs to glow up to the max as surely a boy like that wouldn't be interested in a football obsessed, clumsy girl like her would he?
Doubting her own abilities and looks she sets out to win Caiden's heart.
But though she thinks its a sure fire thing its not going to be so easy as the mean Sienna is set on stopping her getting together with the hottest boy in school.
But things go disastrously wrong.
Can she win through and get Caiden to be interested in her for herself?
This is a really good story for teens who dont see the value in themselves and how they should think more of who they truly are.
A fun story and Lara Bloom was a great character and role model for girls and a great read for adults too.
February 2, 2023
I read this along with my friends 12 year old to be able to see what they thought of it so this is her review really.
The main character is Lara Bloom, Lara and her friends all had things they wanted to change or to be better, Lara badly wanted bigger boobs.
Kayleigh decided she knew how to make things change but not for anyone else, just themselves.
She gave them all projects to work on, at the start she had three of them planting there booms in the front garden, taking a tip from nature that things will grow in the earth.
Lara was often late to their meetings because her annoying brother had been able to open her journal even though it had a lock and key, now he was bribing her that if she didn’t do his chores for him he is going to tell his friend that she had a crush on him.
I think this is a well written book with the characters coming alive, it is also funny in a lot of parts.
The main character is Lara Bloom, Lara and her friends all had things they wanted to change or to be better, Lara badly wanted bigger boobs.
Kayleigh decided she knew how to make things change but not for anyone else, just themselves.
She gave them all projects to work on, at the start she had three of them planting there booms in the front garden, taking a tip from nature that things will grow in the earth.
Lara was often late to their meetings because her annoying brother had been able to open her journal even though it had a lock and key, now he was bribing her that if she didn’t do his chores for him he is going to tell his friend that she had a crush on him.
I think this is a well written book with the characters coming alive, it is also funny in a lot of parts.
February 2, 2023
first of all. i absolutely LOVE the design on the cover. she’s GORGEOUS OMG!!!! absolutely stunning i think shes so so beautiful. everytime i read another book since this it hasnt topped it. i admire this book so much. absolutely so easy to pick up and read with easy. absolutely adore the characters. the writing the plot the pacing and the set up were all so fun and easy going. i so miss the characters all ready especially my girl. 10 out of 10 and big props to the author for creating this. i will most definitely be sharing and recommending to everyone i know. there is only so much i can hype up and book but this is one i will continue to do for as long as i can. highly recommend to everyone who wishes to read something new. hope the author is doing well and u will definitely definitely not regret reading this!!!! five big big stars from me i cant wait to read again
May 8, 2023
Brilliantly charming
Whilst I do love to read a good Young Adult novel I was apphensive in thinking this might just be a bit too young of an audience for me to enjoy but I was completley wrong. It is brilliantly written covering toics that go much deeper in our society such as cyber bullying and feminism.
I loved the whole feel the book had that it is important to stay true to yourself be proud of who you are. The friendships between characters are done so well and you really do love each and every aspect of each one as it moves through each chapter.
Though it covers these deep and meaningful subjects it is an easy read and lighthearted throughout making for a wonderful read to escape the world but then make you think about the world a little more when you are done! I would recommend this book for all ages, everyone can learn something and it so charming, funny and sweet.
Whilst I do love to read a good Young Adult novel I was apphensive in thinking this might just be a bit too young of an audience for me to enjoy but I was completley wrong. It is brilliantly written covering toics that go much deeper in our society such as cyber bullying and feminism.
I loved the whole feel the book had that it is important to stay true to yourself be proud of who you are. The friendships between characters are done so well and you really do love each and every aspect of each one as it moves through each chapter.
Though it covers these deep and meaningful subjects it is an easy read and lighthearted throughout making for a wonderful read to escape the world but then make you think about the world a little more when you are done! I would recommend this book for all ages, everyone can learn something and it so charming, funny and sweet.
May 29, 2023
I came to this book thinking it would be a humourous book about a girl with a crush. However whilst this is true to a degree, this book is much more than that. It has a positive, feminist message about being yourself and loving the skin you are in. It also tackles a storyline about cyber bullying. In addition the main character is a football player.
So yes the book is funny in places and it does all wrap up nicely in the end but it does not ignore issues which are very real to young teenagers today. I am very much looking forward to recommending this book to the year 7 and 8 student at my school. The diary style entry will mean that they will feel are progressing quickly through the book. I feel that this is a perfect next step for those who are fans of The Dork Diaries or who want a more up to date version of Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison.
So yes the book is funny in places and it does all wrap up nicely in the end but it does not ignore issues which are very real to young teenagers today. I am very much looking forward to recommending this book to the year 7 and 8 student at my school. The diary style entry will mean that they will feel are progressing quickly through the book. I feel that this is a perfect next step for those who are fans of The Dork Diaries or who want a more up to date version of Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison.
February 2, 2023
Glow up, Lara Bloom is a great teen tale of friendship, learning to love yourself for yourself not for popularity and standing up to bullies.
Lara Bloom is atrociously clumsy and everything always seems to go wrong for her except when she’s playing football. When a new boy shows up she decides to join her friends in a “glow up” (aka makeover!). I loved that the focus of the book (constantly re-iterated by one of her friends) was not to do it for someone else but to do it for yourself. A very positive and important message for a teen audience.
The book is written as Lara’s journal. This does make it relatable and allows a deeper sense of how challenging that age can feel and how insecurities can get the better of us. I hope that anyone reading this novel and finding themselves in Lara’s position finds someone to talk to and has friends as wonderful as hers.
Lara Bloom is atrociously clumsy and everything always seems to go wrong for her except when she’s playing football. When a new boy shows up she decides to join her friends in a “glow up” (aka makeover!). I loved that the focus of the book (constantly re-iterated by one of her friends) was not to do it for someone else but to do it for yourself. A very positive and important message for a teen audience.
The book is written as Lara’s journal. This does make it relatable and allows a deeper sense of how challenging that age can feel and how insecurities can get the better of us. I hope that anyone reading this novel and finding themselves in Lara’s position finds someone to talk to and has friends as wonderful as hers.
February 2, 2023
Okay this book was so good! I was reading it and I felt her emotions, her embarrassment, I can't believe that happened to her! Its a story between Laura Bloom and Caiden. If only they got together it would have been the perfect ending. Lara is such a funny, kind and amazing character, her hair struggles are hilarious!
The comedy is so good. From planting their boobs in soil to howling at the moon. Absolutely amazing, when this is published go buy it I can't recommend it enough.
She hates her hair as she can't control it and she wants to be pretty and perfect so Caiden likes her.
The glow up stages are ridiculously funny. Her best-friends are so supportive and amazing, I would love friends like that.
Sienna is so annoying! I though they could become friends again but after what she did its clear she's a vindictive nasty human being. Lara deserves better! Definitely worth the read, absolutely love this book. 5 stars
The comedy is so good. From planting their boobs in soil to howling at the moon. Absolutely amazing, when this is published go buy it I can't recommend it enough.
She hates her hair as she can't control it and she wants to be pretty and perfect so Caiden likes her.
The glow up stages are ridiculously funny. Her best-friends are so supportive and amazing, I would love friends like that.
Sienna is so annoying! I though they could become friends again but after what she did its clear she's a vindictive nasty human being. Lara deserves better! Definitely worth the read, absolutely love this book. 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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