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Real Mermaids #1
Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings
First zit. First crush. First…mermaid’s tail?
If she hadn’t been so clueless, she might have seen it coming. But really, who expects to get into a relaxing bathtub after a stressful day of shopping for tankinis and come out with scales and a tail?
Most. Embarassing. Moment. Ever.
Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But this revelation raises a serious question: if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown?
Jade is determined to find out. But how does a plus-sized, aqua-phobic, mer-girl go about doing that, exactly? And how will Jade ever be able to explain her secret to her best friend Cori, and her crush, Luke?
This summer is about to get a lot more interesting…
If she hadn’t been so clueless, she might have seen it coming. But really, who expects to get into a relaxing bathtub after a stressful day of shopping for tankinis and come out with scales and a tail?
Most. Embarassing. Moment. Ever.
Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But this revelation raises a serious question: if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown?
Jade is determined to find out. But how does a plus-sized, aqua-phobic, mer-girl go about doing that, exactly? And how will Jade ever be able to explain her secret to her best friend Cori, and her crush, Luke?
This summer is about to get a lot more interesting…
206 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2010
143 people are currently reading
5102 people want to read
About the author
Helene Boudreau
22 books252 followersHélène Boudreau writes fiction and non-fiction for children and young adults. She is also a compulsive walker, a chicklet wrangler and a lover of cheese and cheap chocolate.
Her tween novel REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR TOE RINGS is a 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Award Finalist.
Her tween novel REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR TOE RINGS is a 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Award Finalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
June 18, 2012
This is what happens when the book I'm currently reading is at the wrong house. I end up getting a random book on my kindle and finishing it, even though I didn't like it. It's hard to make me dislike a mermaid character, but this did it.
Jade is a teenage girl who we're supposed to feel sorry for (I think) as she is preparing for a pool party despite her fear of water. She doesn't want to go, but her best friend is making her try on all sorts of bathing suits. Then, suddenly, she finds the perfect suit, and the designer tag has her mother's name on it. Turns out that her phobia is caused by the fact that her mother drowned in a lake while Jade was present.
Right after this, Jade gets her period, despite formerly lying about it to her best friend in the world because she felt like the only one who hadn't. We are then supposed to feel sorry for her as she goes through a mortifying (or supposed to be) drug store run with her father, who buys out the feminine hygiene aisle.
After falling asleep in the bath, Jade sprouts a tail. Turns out, her mother was a mermaid who gained legs after too much exposure to land. This begins a twisty web of lies, overblown, badly-written angst, and the discovery that her mother isn't dead, but was trapped in the lake, where there is a mermaid jail. In an effort to get her mother back, Jade lies some more and manipulates the boy who likes her into taking her to the magical place that can turn merpeople into land-people.
All in all, I found the protaganist, unlikable, selfish and flat, who even after resolving to be better, falls into the same traps without guilt or anything her adventure more wish-fulfillment than anything else. It could have been a great book, but as it is, it's just not. Best to skip this one, in my opinion.
Jade is a teenage girl who we're supposed to feel sorry for (I think) as she is preparing for a pool party despite her fear of water. She doesn't want to go, but her best friend is making her try on all sorts of bathing suits. Then, suddenly, she finds the perfect suit, and the designer tag has her mother's name on it. Turns out that her phobia is caused by the fact that her mother drowned in a lake while Jade was present.
Right after this, Jade gets her period, despite formerly lying about it to her best friend in the world because she felt like the only one who hadn't. We are then supposed to feel sorry for her as she goes through a mortifying (or supposed to be) drug store run with her father, who buys out the feminine hygiene aisle.
After falling asleep in the bath, Jade sprouts a tail. Turns out, her mother was a mermaid who gained legs after too much exposure to land. This begins a twisty web of lies, overblown, badly-written angst, and the discovery that her mother isn't dead, but was trapped in the lake, where there is a mermaid jail. In an effort to get her mother back, Jade lies some more and manipulates the boy who likes her into taking her to the magical place that can turn merpeople into land-people.
All in all, I found the protaganist, unlikable, selfish and flat, who even after resolving to be better, falls into the same traps without guilt or anything her adventure more wish-fulfillment than anything else. It could have been a great book, but as it is, it's just not. Best to skip this one, in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2011
I knew I would love Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings. I had read the great reviews. I enjoy the author’s quirky, somewhat “out-there” sense of humour. And I always love a book that draws me into an alternate world and allows me to stay there, happy for the duration, in my suspended disbelief.
And so I bought the book. And so I kept the book. And so I waited for one of those delicious afternoons where I could climb into a tub with my box of chocolates and a cup of tea. And I’m so glad I did.
Jade completely pulled me into the drama of her first big crush, her search for her mother and, oh yes, her transformation into a mermaid. Now this is no Disney princess sort of mermaid story. For one thing, no Disney mermaid ever had to contend with getting her first period on the day of her big transformation. For another thing, the mermaids Jade meets in this book don’t live in azure coastal waters. Rather they live as prisoners in the lake where her mother ‘drowned’ the year before. But as Jade comes to realize that her mermish heritage is genetic, she finds herself plagued by questions about her mother’s actual fate. Then add to all that, the fact that Luke, the cutest boy in school, seems to have noticed the webbing between two of Jade’s toes and Jade certainly has more than your typical teenage woes to contend with.
Thanks to Boudreau’s unpredictable plot development and compelling narration, I was submerged in Jade’s world for the entire afternoon. I felt her agony as her legs turned to tail and back again; I learned to tune my hearing to the language of mermaid rings; I learned to breathe water. And it’s a good thing I did because, with the release of Real Mermaids Don’t Hold Their Breath coming in May 2012, I look forward to spending another blissful afternoon in my tub!
And so I bought the book. And so I kept the book. And so I waited for one of those delicious afternoons where I could climb into a tub with my box of chocolates and a cup of tea. And I’m so glad I did.
Jade completely pulled me into the drama of her first big crush, her search for her mother and, oh yes, her transformation into a mermaid. Now this is no Disney princess sort of mermaid story. For one thing, no Disney mermaid ever had to contend with getting her first period on the day of her big transformation. For another thing, the mermaids Jade meets in this book don’t live in azure coastal waters. Rather they live as prisoners in the lake where her mother ‘drowned’ the year before. But as Jade comes to realize that her mermish heritage is genetic, she finds herself plagued by questions about her mother’s actual fate. Then add to all that, the fact that Luke, the cutest boy in school, seems to have noticed the webbing between two of Jade’s toes and Jade certainly has more than your typical teenage woes to contend with.
Thanks to Boudreau’s unpredictable plot development and compelling narration, I was submerged in Jade’s world for the entire afternoon. I felt her agony as her legs turned to tail and back again; I learned to tune my hearing to the language of mermaid rings; I learned to breathe water. And it’s a good thing I did because, with the release of Real Mermaids Don’t Hold Their Breath coming in May 2012, I look forward to spending another blissful afternoon in my tub!
March 8, 2020
Real Rating: 2.5/5 Stars
someone stop me from reading crappy mermaids book with characters that are annoying as hell and undeveloped worlds.
someone stop me from reading crappy mermaids book with characters that are annoying as hell and undeveloped worlds.
July 26, 2013
Great. How embarrassing, starting your period while trying on bathing suits. Especially when you didn’t want to try on bathing suits in the first place. Because you have no intention of swimming. Especially since your mom drowned a year before. On top of that, imagine running into him, that boy who hasn’t spoken to you since that unfortunate incident during spin-the-bottle. Just ‘cause Luke’s been gone on a sailing trip for six months doesn’t mean anything has changed. Oh, and you can’t tell your best friend you started because you lied and told her it had already happened a couple of years ago.
And did I mention that the brand of the suit is your mother’s first name?
Unfortunately, this emotional day is not over for Jade…hoping to relax in a tub full of Epsom salts, soothing away the day (along with her cramps), she dozes off only to wake and notice that she she inexplicably has…a tail. Weirder still, her dad doesn’t seem at all surprised.
Jade starts to learn the truth about who she is and what her mother was, but because she’s been forbidden to tell even her best friend Cori, it starts to drive a wedge between them. Plus, why in the world is she just about literally running into Luke Martin all over town? And why is she starting to have feelings for him?
Where is her mother when she needs her?
This is a sweet story with just enough drama to pull you along. Add into that some twists and turns, and you will (maybe) be surprised at the outcome. This is the first in a series, so it will be fun to see what’s in store for this little mermaid. While there is talk of periods and boys, it seems to be for the younger end of YA.
Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings by Hélène Boudreau was published December 10, 2010 by Sourcebooks, Inc.. Ink and Page purchased this book, so no one had a choice about whether it was reviewed.
Rating: 3
Genre: Young Adult Fiction Fantasy Romance
Ages: 12 and up
You Might Want to Know: Nothing of note
And did I mention that the brand of the suit is your mother’s first name?
Unfortunately, this emotional day is not over for Jade…hoping to relax in a tub full of Epsom salts, soothing away the day (along with her cramps), she dozes off only to wake and notice that she she inexplicably has…a tail. Weirder still, her dad doesn’t seem at all surprised.
Jade starts to learn the truth about who she is and what her mother was, but because she’s been forbidden to tell even her best friend Cori, it starts to drive a wedge between them. Plus, why in the world is she just about literally running into Luke Martin all over town? And why is she starting to have feelings for him?
Where is her mother when she needs her?
This is a sweet story with just enough drama to pull you along. Add into that some twists and turns, and you will (maybe) be surprised at the outcome. This is the first in a series, so it will be fun to see what’s in store for this little mermaid. While there is talk of periods and boys, it seems to be for the younger end of YA.
Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings by Hélène Boudreau was published December 10, 2010 by Sourcebooks, Inc.. Ink and Page purchased this book, so no one had a choice about whether it was reviewed.
Rating: 3
Genre: Young Adult Fiction Fantasy Romance
Ages: 12 and up
You Might Want to Know: Nothing of note
May 30, 2013
This is the first book in the series and the last one I'll read.
Jade has all the same problems that other adolescents do with a couple of big differences--her mother disappeared without a trace a couple of years ago and Jade turns into a mermaid when her feet touches water. Ooops, her father forgot to tell her that her mom was a mermaid and drowned only she isn't actually actually dead but has been kidnapped by evil mer-people, or 'pesco-sapiens' if you are politically correct, who want to be able to change into a human. What?
It was just so implausible and unrealistic, even for a fantasy novel. For example, Jade finds her mermaid mother after several years of the woman missing. She calls her father for help and then....falls asleep waiting for him. When the dad finally arrives, he says it's too late at night and they'll look for the mom tomorrow. Perhaps ridiculous is a better word than implausible. Young girls might like the book, very immature young girls. There is a lot of slang and MTV-type talk which got really irritating. It was most certainly not the best mermaid book I've ever read but the covers are just gorgeous.
I really wish the author had spent a little more time on character development. Jade had such promise--she's a little chubby and neurotic and overly dramatic. Usually, this is just the kind of character I like. And, there were some good moments. I especially liked how Jade reacted to her first period, both realistic and funny. But, overall, a stinky fish of a tale.
Jade has all the same problems that other adolescents do with a couple of big differences--her mother disappeared without a trace a couple of years ago and Jade turns into a mermaid when her feet touches water. Ooops, her father forgot to tell her that her mom was a mermaid and drowned only she isn't actually actually dead but has been kidnapped by evil mer-people, or 'pesco-sapiens' if you are politically correct, who want to be able to change into a human. What?
It was just so implausible and unrealistic, even for a fantasy novel. For example, Jade finds her mermaid mother after several years of the woman missing. She calls her father for help and then....falls asleep waiting for him. When the dad finally arrives, he says it's too late at night and they'll look for the mom tomorrow. Perhaps ridiculous is a better word than implausible. Young girls might like the book, very immature young girls. There is a lot of slang and MTV-type talk which got really irritating. It was most certainly not the best mermaid book I've ever read but the covers are just gorgeous.
I really wish the author had spent a little more time on character development. Jade had such promise--she's a little chubby and neurotic and overly dramatic. Usually, this is just the kind of character I like. And, there were some good moments. I especially liked how Jade reacted to her first period, both realistic and funny. But, overall, a stinky fish of a tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2013
4.5 stars
This book is flipping awesome. The humor, the character flaws, the MERMAIDS...awesomeness.
Jade is a great heroine, in that she is. not. a. mary. sue. Finally! A character who has flaws, who doesn't have ten different guys who think she is the most beautiful human being they've ever laid eyes on, who isn't the girl that rules the school, and who does not have enough money to buy ten mansions and a yacht. She's REAL. She has problems that girls will relate to. She struggles with her weight. She is going through a rough patch with her friend. She recently lost her mom. And her dad embarasses her when she is talking to her crush.
The whole mermaid thing is great too. I have around four 'mermaid books' on my kindle waiting to be read, and I am pretty sure this one will be among my favorites. Not since Emily Windsnap have I enjoyed a book like this so much!
Also, the ending is wonderful. I want to read the sequel now, and badly. It's sigh worthy, it really is.
So, if you are thinking about reading this, I highly recommend it. Especially if you love humor (really, this book is so darn FUNNY), real problems, and a good book in general.
This review can be found on:
http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspo...
This book is flipping awesome. The humor, the character flaws, the MERMAIDS...awesomeness.
Jade is a great heroine, in that she is. not. a. mary. sue. Finally! A character who has flaws, who doesn't have ten different guys who think she is the most beautiful human being they've ever laid eyes on, who isn't the girl that rules the school, and who does not have enough money to buy ten mansions and a yacht. She's REAL. She has problems that girls will relate to. She struggles with her weight. She is going through a rough patch with her friend. She recently lost her mom. And her dad embarasses her when she is talking to her crush.
The whole mermaid thing is great too. I have around four 'mermaid books' on my kindle waiting to be read, and I am pretty sure this one will be among my favorites. Not since Emily Windsnap have I enjoyed a book like this so much!
Also, the ending is wonderful. I want to read the sequel now, and badly. It's sigh worthy, it really is.
So, if you are thinking about reading this, I highly recommend it. Especially if you love humor (really, this book is so darn FUNNY), real problems, and a good book in general.
This review can be found on:
http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspo...
December 7, 2015
Cute YA story. Good for pre-teens.
August 16, 2017
Yet another mermaid novel! I enjoyed it. The ending ... was awesome. I liked the main character; she's funny, though she does need to work on her friendships. There's a little bit of romance, the kind where the couple are too shy and misunderstood to know how much they like each other until the end. I look forward to seeing their relationship blossom in the next book.
August 5, 2021
So me and my sister Kaitlynn were browsing through a thrift store when we stumbled across this story. The title made us laugh, the cover made me cringe, and the synopsis made us feel intrigued. She decided to pick it up and we both decided to read it. I just finished it and, umm, how is this book so good and fun and totally bonkers at the same time?
Boudreau is a fantastic writer of young YA stories. The tone, the characters, and the plot all fit together in a really good way. I loved the twists this book took. I just loved everything about it. I can't wait for Kaitlynn to finish reading it so that we can discuss it and maybe continue with the series together.
Boudreau is a fantastic writer of young YA stories. The tone, the characters, and the plot all fit together in a really good way. I loved the twists this book took. I just loved everything about it. I can't wait for Kaitlynn to finish reading it so that we can discuss it and maybe continue with the series together.
February 12, 2013
I bought Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings for my eleven year old step-daughter. She loves to read, and she absolutely loved this book. She was begging for the rest of the books before she was even finished. I read the book after she finished, because I’ve seen it reviewed around the blogosphere, and I wanted to see what it was all about.
When we first meet the main character, Jade, she is having a really rough day. She is at the mall with her best friend and father, when horror of all horrors, she finally gets her period. Not only does she get her first period, but she is trying on bathing suits, and bleeds on the perfect bathing suit. Jade is mortified, and I was mortified for her. She buys the bathing suit, stressing the entire time that the sales clerk will see the blood. Then she goes to the drug store to buy feminine hygiene products and runs into her dad. Her mom drowned, so her dad is all she has. It’s mortifying enough that she her dad has to help her in this situation, but then she runs into the cute guy from school that no one has seen for a while right as her dad is yelling out something embarrassing about pads.
Jade’s day doesn't get any better after that. She goes home and she takes a nice hot bath to relax and unwind from the horrors of the day and suddenly she has a fin. Jade freaks out. She’s screaming at the top of her lungs, and her dad has to break down the door to get to her. I cringed for Jade…first the period stuff, then her dad has to carry her naked out of the bathtub because obviously she can’t get out herself. Jade learns that she is a mermaid and that her mom was too. Jade doesn't handle the news very well. I read a lot of young adult paranormal type books, and often times the character is immediately accepting of their new paranormal status, or even think how cool it is. Not Jade, she is scared, pissed, horrified and resistant. I find this to be a more realistic reaction in a normal teenager.
One day, Jade is down by the water and thinks that she sees her mom. She foolishly runs into the water and of course sprouts a tail again. She finds out that the water surrounding her home is not what it seems and that her mom is being held against her will by some nasty mermaids. Jade formulates a plan to try to save her mom. I’ll leave it to you to find out whether she succeeds by reading the book.
I enjoyed Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings. It was a fun, and short read for me. Jade is a typical younger teen faced not only with normal teen issues like having your first period, crushing on boys, and issues with her best friend, but she also has some paranormal issues like sprouting a tail. I found Jades normal issues to be realistic and relatable. I still remember how embarrassing my first period was, and looking at the way my stepdaughter reacts when the topic of periods or boys comes up, I’d say the authors depiction is dead on.
Jade has best friend issues because she is keeping a secret from her best friend and there is also some insecurity and jealousy of a new girl in their group. I found these to be believable as well. At that age best friends are of the mentality that there should be no secrets. Jade also has a negative self-image. She isn't a size 6 like the rest of her friends and is very insecure about this. I think this is the age where girls really start to notice this kind of thing and feel bad about it. I hope that in the next few books Jade can realize that she can be bigger than her friends and still beautiful.
Overall, I think this book was well written. The characters are all well developed. The issues in this book (other than sprouting a fish tail) are all issues that tweens and early teens are experiencing. I think this book is very positive and I will definitely be getting the next two books for my stepdaughter.
When we first meet the main character, Jade, she is having a really rough day. She is at the mall with her best friend and father, when horror of all horrors, she finally gets her period. Not only does she get her first period, but she is trying on bathing suits, and bleeds on the perfect bathing suit. Jade is mortified, and I was mortified for her. She buys the bathing suit, stressing the entire time that the sales clerk will see the blood. Then she goes to the drug store to buy feminine hygiene products and runs into her dad. Her mom drowned, so her dad is all she has. It’s mortifying enough that she her dad has to help her in this situation, but then she runs into the cute guy from school that no one has seen for a while right as her dad is yelling out something embarrassing about pads.
Jade’s day doesn't get any better after that. She goes home and she takes a nice hot bath to relax and unwind from the horrors of the day and suddenly she has a fin. Jade freaks out. She’s screaming at the top of her lungs, and her dad has to break down the door to get to her. I cringed for Jade…first the period stuff, then her dad has to carry her naked out of the bathtub because obviously she can’t get out herself. Jade learns that she is a mermaid and that her mom was too. Jade doesn't handle the news very well. I read a lot of young adult paranormal type books, and often times the character is immediately accepting of their new paranormal status, or even think how cool it is. Not Jade, she is scared, pissed, horrified and resistant. I find this to be a more realistic reaction in a normal teenager.
One day, Jade is down by the water and thinks that she sees her mom. She foolishly runs into the water and of course sprouts a tail again. She finds out that the water surrounding her home is not what it seems and that her mom is being held against her will by some nasty mermaids. Jade formulates a plan to try to save her mom. I’ll leave it to you to find out whether she succeeds by reading the book.
I enjoyed Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings. It was a fun, and short read for me. Jade is a typical younger teen faced not only with normal teen issues like having your first period, crushing on boys, and issues with her best friend, but she also has some paranormal issues like sprouting a tail. I found Jades normal issues to be realistic and relatable. I still remember how embarrassing my first period was, and looking at the way my stepdaughter reacts when the topic of periods or boys comes up, I’d say the authors depiction is dead on.
Jade has best friend issues because she is keeping a secret from her best friend and there is also some insecurity and jealousy of a new girl in their group. I found these to be believable as well. At that age best friends are of the mentality that there should be no secrets. Jade also has a negative self-image. She isn't a size 6 like the rest of her friends and is very insecure about this. I think this is the age where girls really start to notice this kind of thing and feel bad about it. I hope that in the next few books Jade can realize that she can be bigger than her friends and still beautiful.
Overall, I think this book was well written. The characters are all well developed. The issues in this book (other than sprouting a fish tail) are all issues that tweens and early teens are experiencing. I think this book is very positive and I will definitely be getting the next two books for my stepdaughter.
January 16, 2014
View more of my review and others at my blog: www.mynotsovacantshelf.blogspot.com
This book is exactly what you would expect. It’s a cute fun read that left me smiling and wondering about the rest of the series.I definitely didn’t see a lot of it coming. I sort of expected to have the whole novel be about Jade spending time on land and having to deal with what she is while dealing with the regular perils of adolescence. But, you’re introduced to the under water world; however, not too much. It leaves a lot to the imagination and i’m assume we are given limited knowledge about the underwater world because it will appear in the next few books, and that’s more than ok for me, it in no way affect the quality of this novel or story. In fact, it leaves me wanting to know more. This novel gives you background of Jade, her life, and her family. And, it deals with Jade getting answered and trying to adjust with what she has found out. The adventure in this novel is a great YA story for an easy fun read. Its not overly dramatic, nor is it lacking any humour, and it has the right about of drama that at one point I found surprising that bad guys seemed really “evil”, but then it can easily change your mind about that too. The real shock for me was the ending, which I was so busy thinking about other things I didn’t really see coming.
Good:
Jade—She’s awkward and has some serious curve balls thrown her way, but her morals and values never change.
Luke—A nice guy that surprises you
Bad:
Although it is a cute and fun story it didn’t blow my mind, but that doesn’t mean it was good, just that something was missing.
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall the story was pretty good quality. It was a cute fun read that was easy to follow, and something I would recommend even to a younger viewer. It teaches some pretty good life lessons, while keeping you tied into the fantasy world that so many of us love.
This book is exactly what you would expect. It’s a cute fun read that left me smiling and wondering about the rest of the series.I definitely didn’t see a lot of it coming. I sort of expected to have the whole novel be about Jade spending time on land and having to deal with what she is while dealing with the regular perils of adolescence. But, you’re introduced to the under water world; however, not too much. It leaves a lot to the imagination and i’m assume we are given limited knowledge about the underwater world because it will appear in the next few books, and that’s more than ok for me, it in no way affect the quality of this novel or story. In fact, it leaves me wanting to know more. This novel gives you background of Jade, her life, and her family. And, it deals with Jade getting answered and trying to adjust with what she has found out. The adventure in this novel is a great YA story for an easy fun read. Its not overly dramatic, nor is it lacking any humour, and it has the right about of drama that at one point I found surprising that bad guys seemed really “evil”, but then it can easily change your mind about that too. The real shock for me was the ending, which I was so busy thinking about other things I didn’t really see coming.
Good:
Jade—She’s awkward and has some serious curve balls thrown her way, but her morals and values never change.
Luke—A nice guy that surprises you
Bad:
Although it is a cute and fun story it didn’t blow my mind, but that doesn’t mean it was good, just that something was missing.
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall the story was pretty good quality. It was a cute fun read that was easy to follow, and something I would recommend even to a younger viewer. It teaches some pretty good life lessons, while keeping you tied into the fantasy world that so many of us love.
December 18, 2010
4.5 stars
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings is a great coming of age story, mixed with a little mystery, for middle grade readers. It's fun, it's quirky and Jade's voice is one of realism as she's coming to terms with things that are going on around her and humorous. Jade had me laughing out loud more than once. Helene does a brilliant job at merging reality with fantasy, as Jade herself is a 13 year old girl who's not only coming to terms with her mother's mysterious drowning, but she's coming to terms with hitting womenhood and finding out she's also a Mermaid.
Helene wove together her mermaid mythology with that of a young girl growing up, having her first crush, coming to terms of who she is both as a young teen and a mermaid, and discovering her family's secret. Jade's voice is one that I connected to and really fell in love with. She's so hard not to like. I really liked her Dad's character. He's there for her and does his best to help her through her tough situations. Her BFF Cori is a great character as well. I loved the little twist Helene throws in at the end with Jade's crush Luke.
This is one book I would definitely recommend for tweens. It's a fun, charming, witty story and one teen girls and women can definitely relate to in some sense. Not many books can deliver the humor of the "you know what" all girls get and deal with for the first time, like Helene did with Jade. I hope I get to read more about Jade. Her voice is one that will be hard to forget. This is a coming of age story with humor.
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings is a great coming of age story, mixed with a little mystery, for middle grade readers. It's fun, it's quirky and Jade's voice is one of realism as she's coming to terms with things that are going on around her and humorous. Jade had me laughing out loud more than once. Helene does a brilliant job at merging reality with fantasy, as Jade herself is a 13 year old girl who's not only coming to terms with her mother's mysterious drowning, but she's coming to terms with hitting womenhood and finding out she's also a Mermaid.
Helene wove together her mermaid mythology with that of a young girl growing up, having her first crush, coming to terms of who she is both as a young teen and a mermaid, and discovering her family's secret. Jade's voice is one that I connected to and really fell in love with. She's so hard not to like. I really liked her Dad's character. He's there for her and does his best to help her through her tough situations. Her BFF Cori is a great character as well. I loved the little twist Helene throws in at the end with Jade's crush Luke.
This is one book I would definitely recommend for tweens. It's a fun, charming, witty story and one teen girls and women can definitely relate to in some sense. Not many books can deliver the humor of the "you know what" all girls get and deal with for the first time, like Helene did with Jade. I hope I get to read more about Jade. Her voice is one that will be hard to forget. This is a coming of age story with humor.
November 8, 2010
The first few chapters of this book are hysterical. Gave it to my 13-year-old when I was done, and she was in stitches. Great voice.
January 28, 2018
There were no toe rings in this book.
August 16, 2023
2.5 this was a silly read
May 21, 2025
Still a classic idc
March 14, 2014
I've had this one on my iPhone for a while and would read it in bits and snippets while I was in line at the store.
This book started strong. The narrator is conversational and funny. She is a 14 year old girl dealing with the loss of her mother and the onset of womanhood. While I found her interactions with her father to be amusing at times (ex: she has her first period and her dad rushes to her aid with a shopping cart full of pads), I thought other jokes fell flat.
Somehow the opening tone of confusion, loss and longing gets lost in an almost sit-com like tone when the plot turns to solving the mystery of Jade's mother and sorting out Jade's crush on Luke. I felt as though this novel took on too much, too fast. Jade's introspection and wry humor gets lost in an action/adventure story that reminded me of something from the A-Team, for all it's simplicity and racing around.
Boudreau introduces some interesting characters and then dumps them: Eddie, to some extent Luke... Others which are boring to begin with become just plain annoying: Corrie, her heart of gold best friend, and her nemesis Lanie, the shallow, beautiful and mean friend stealer.
This might be a fun book for a 12 year old girl, though. I'm just the wrong audience entirely. ...even though I like stories about mermaids still... I liked this one for about the first three chapters. But all the magic and mystery fell flat in a plot about escaping bad guys and going to a party. humph.
This book started strong. The narrator is conversational and funny. She is a 14 year old girl dealing with the loss of her mother and the onset of womanhood. While I found her interactions with her father to be amusing at times (ex: she has her first period and her dad rushes to her aid with a shopping cart full of pads), I thought other jokes fell flat.
Somehow the opening tone of confusion, loss and longing gets lost in an almost sit-com like tone when the plot turns to solving the mystery of Jade's mother and sorting out Jade's crush on Luke. I felt as though this novel took on too much, too fast. Jade's introspection and wry humor gets lost in an action/adventure story that reminded me of something from the A-Team, for all it's simplicity and racing around.
Boudreau introduces some interesting characters and then dumps them: Eddie, to some extent Luke... Others which are boring to begin with become just plain annoying: Corrie, her heart of gold best friend, and her nemesis Lanie, the shallow, beautiful and mean friend stealer.
This might be a fun book for a 12 year old girl, though. I'm just the wrong audience entirely. ...even though I like stories about mermaids still... I liked this one for about the first three chapters. But all the magic and mystery fell flat in a plot about escaping bad guys and going to a party. humph.
May 22, 2017
This was an absolutely adorable mid grade book. It is a very easy read and if you have a kid who is currently reading mid grade I think you should let them read this book, and then steal it and read it yourself. I am gushing at the cuteness of this book, but I might be a bit obsessed with mermaids... que "Part of this World" now.
Anyway, the plot is easy and sure it is predictable at points especially for those who prefer adult fiction but if you are wanting something fun for the brain and fast paced I think this is it. Plus it is on Kindle Unlimited I mean you really can't go wrong.
and if you are obsessed with mermaids... this book is a no brainer.
Anyway, the plot is easy and sure it is predictable at points especially for those who prefer adult fiction but if you are wanting something fun for the brain and fast paced I think this is it. Plus it is on Kindle Unlimited I mean you really can't go wrong.
and if you are obsessed with mermaids... this book is a no brainer.
September 6, 2019
Jade falls asleep in the tub and when she wakes up, she has a mermaid tail. Flash back 4 hours, and she is in the store trying on swimsuits with her best friend. That's when she gets her first period and has to run to the drugstore to load up on feminine hygiene products. Her mother died a year ago, so it's her dad who has to help her through the ordeal.
She goes home and takes a bath in epsom salt and the next thing she knows....mermaid tail. Of course, she freaks out and her dad tells her that her mom was a mermaid too, but she can't tell anyone, including her friends. For the rest of the story you have some friend jealousy, flirting, and Jade discovering that her mother is alive, but not well, as she is being held captive by some evil water creatures.
I'm sure girls like to read books about girls starting their period, but it was just way too prominent here. The scene took up about 20% of the story. It's completely out of place in this particular story. Aside from that, there's not much of a plot. When I tried to verbalize what happens, there really wasn't much to say. I like the idea of the main character being part human and part mermaid, and needing to stay out of salt water to prevent the tail from forming (even though it's VERY far fetched), but the rest of it was meh.
The best mermaid book is The Tail of Emily Windsnap.
She goes home and takes a bath in epsom salt and the next thing she knows....mermaid tail. Of course, she freaks out and her dad tells her that her mom was a mermaid too, but she can't tell anyone, including her friends. For the rest of the story you have some friend jealousy, flirting, and Jade discovering that her mother is alive, but not well, as she is being held captive by some evil water creatures.
I'm sure girls like to read books about girls starting their period, but it was just way too prominent here. The scene took up about 20% of the story. It's completely out of place in this particular story. Aside from that, there's not much of a plot. When I tried to verbalize what happens, there really wasn't much to say. I like the idea of the main character being part human and part mermaid, and needing to stay out of salt water to prevent the tail from forming (even though it's VERY far fetched), but the rest of it was meh.
The best mermaid book is The Tail of Emily Windsnap.
January 27, 2018
What a refreshing, cute story! It was a quick read that had me giggling along with the teenage antics (and angst)
Who would think that after the "Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.", a nice relaxing soak in the tub could make the day get worse? Well, it would if you fell asleep in the bath and woke up a mermaid! Thus the story of Jade and finding out that she is a mermaid, learning more about her mother's drowning and all the drama that a teenager has to deal with on a daily basis!
Good middle grade book. I would recommend it to 10-14 yr olds, especially girls, or anyone who just wants to let loose and just laugh for a bit!
Who would think that after the "Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.", a nice relaxing soak in the tub could make the day get worse? Well, it would if you fell asleep in the bath and woke up a mermaid! Thus the story of Jade and finding out that she is a mermaid, learning more about her mother's drowning and all the drama that a teenager has to deal with on a daily basis!
Good middle grade book. I would recommend it to 10-14 yr olds, especially girls, or anyone who just wants to let loose and just laugh for a bit!
August 29, 2020
3.5 stars. Totally cute story for a Y9 kid! Protagonist is 13, going on 14, and is struggling to do puberty after the recent loss of mum.
Boy do you have to sit back and take the fantasy elements in this book at face value and just have a wee chuckle - if you think it's going to be a dramatic 'evil merpeople vs. land-dwellers', you're reading the wrong book.
Funny and cute quick read - excellent palate cleanser.
Oh, and dear author, next time when you write characters that have 'puppy fat', can you not have them eating junk food in every second page? Only add it when it contributes something to the story ... thanks. 😁
Boy do you have to sit back and take the fantasy elements in this book at face value and just have a wee chuckle - if you think it's going to be a dramatic 'evil merpeople vs. land-dwellers', you're reading the wrong book.
Funny and cute quick read - excellent palate cleanser.
Oh, and dear author, next time when you write characters that have 'puppy fat', can you not have them eating junk food in every second page? Only add it when it contributes something to the story ... thanks. 😁
July 20, 2022
This was VERY middle grade. I know that sounds silly. But its more young in the story than others i have read. Once you get past the almost contemporary middle grade beginning it has a fun plot and the mermaid parts are excellent!
June 3, 2018
This was really elementary but I still enjoyed my time with this book.
July 22, 2020
I'm not gonna lie... it was really creative. That's all.
November 17, 2024
would've been better as a plain ole contemporary.
2.5/5 stars
2.5/5 stars
December 24, 2010
Our heroine in Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings was 13-year-old Jade. She finds out she's a mermaid after a crazy day at the mall where she first got her period while trying on bathing suits. If that wasn't bad enough, she bumped into a cute boy while shopping for feminine products with her dad. Jade just wanted to forget about her stressful day by taking a nice relaxing soak in the tub when she came out with scales and a tail instead. It turned out her mom was a mermaid who was washed ashore during a hurricane and was breathing air for too long that her lungs and gills changed and couldn't live as a proper mermaid anymore. But a year ago, Jade's mom mysteriously drowned and now it's just Jade and her father. Still grieving from her mom's sudden passing, Jade had to wonder if her mom was once a mermaid how could she have drowned?
There are two words to describe this middle-grade read: cute and fun. Jade was very likable and brave and she had a unique voice. I really liked that Jade was plus-sized, adorably awkward and had insecurities about herself but she didn't spend time whining about it--many young girls can definitely relate to her character. She also had a great relationship with her dad and I liked his character as well. You kind of feel for the man because he's trying his best to raise his daughter but Jade doesn't hesitate to go to him when she is in trouble and he was always there to help her. Other characters I liked were Jade's best friend Cori (she's the kind of best friend you want your heroines to have) and her crush Luke. The twist in the end was unexpected but made the ending all the more sweet. I thought the author did a good job mixing real-life "firsts" with fantasy. Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings had plenty of humor, action and a mystery. Younger girls will especially eat it up and wish for more of Jade's story.
There are two words to describe this middle-grade read: cute and fun. Jade was very likable and brave and she had a unique voice. I really liked that Jade was plus-sized, adorably awkward and had insecurities about herself but she didn't spend time whining about it--many young girls can definitely relate to her character. She also had a great relationship with her dad and I liked his character as well. You kind of feel for the man because he's trying his best to raise his daughter but Jade doesn't hesitate to go to him when she is in trouble and he was always there to help her. Other characters I liked were Jade's best friend Cori (she's the kind of best friend you want your heroines to have) and her crush Luke. The twist in the end was unexpected but made the ending all the more sweet. I thought the author did a good job mixing real-life "firsts" with fantasy. Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings had plenty of humor, action and a mystery. Younger girls will especially eat it up and wish for more of Jade's story.
May 21, 2011
The Good Stuff
* Absolutely positively one of the most delightful pieces of tween fiction I have ever read
* Heroine is a very real and refreshingly honest
* Strong opening grabs your attention and you are hooked into the story
* Sort of reminded me of a hipper Judy Blume book (This is a compliment)
* Snappy witty dialogue
* Love the relationship between Jade and her Dad
* Positive relationships between Jade and her friends and boys
* Very unique storyline
* Author really remembers what its like to be a 13 yr old girl
* Author's Canadian
The Not so Good Stuff
* I wanted more -- there better be a sequel
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Pleasantly plump girl bumps into cute (but evil) boy. A few polite words were exchanged. Girl and boy from parallel universes part ways, never to speak again."
"Geesh! They really should invent a brain implant with a drop-down menu of witty comebacks because right then, I had nothing."
"Hey Jade?' He called out holding two packages of maxi pads.
I shook my head violently to stop Dad from talking, but from where he stood, I doubted he could see I was talking to a boy. A mildly annoying, but nonetheless cute boy.
'Do you want wings or no wings?'
It was official. This was shaping up to be the Most. Embarrassing. Day. Ever."
"I was in no mood to negotiate with the Tampon Terrorist."
Who should/shouldn't read
* Perfect book for the middle school or tween girl
5 Dewey's
I picked this up at the OLA Conference and didn't have to review it, just loved it and wanted to pass it on to you guys too
* Absolutely positively one of the most delightful pieces of tween fiction I have ever read
* Heroine is a very real and refreshingly honest
* Strong opening grabs your attention and you are hooked into the story
* Sort of reminded me of a hipper Judy Blume book (This is a compliment)
* Snappy witty dialogue
* Love the relationship between Jade and her Dad
* Positive relationships between Jade and her friends and boys
* Very unique storyline
* Author really remembers what its like to be a 13 yr old girl
* Author's Canadian
The Not so Good Stuff
* I wanted more -- there better be a sequel
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Pleasantly plump girl bumps into cute (but evil) boy. A few polite words were exchanged. Girl and boy from parallel universes part ways, never to speak again."
"Geesh! They really should invent a brain implant with a drop-down menu of witty comebacks because right then, I had nothing."
"Hey Jade?' He called out holding two packages of maxi pads.
I shook my head violently to stop Dad from talking, but from where he stood, I doubted he could see I was talking to a boy. A mildly annoying, but nonetheless cute boy.
'Do you want wings or no wings?'
It was official. This was shaping up to be the Most. Embarrassing. Day. Ever."
"I was in no mood to negotiate with the Tampon Terrorist."
Who should/shouldn't read
* Perfect book for the middle school or tween girl
5 Dewey's
I picked this up at the OLA Conference and didn't have to review it, just loved it and wanted to pass it on to you guys too
March 5, 2014
4/5 Stars..
I remember when my little sister bought me this book and told me "Here you go!!! Since you love reading so much I bought this for you!!" and then I told her "Thanks! I'll read it in a couple of minutes." And then I automatically started to read it, and finished it in 2 hours :) (yes its a fast read, and the writing is really easy to get into) And I'm glad she got me this book, because this was one of the best mermaid books, on top of "Of Poseidon" and "Forgive my Fins" :)
Summary:
This is what NORMAL people deal with when they reach their teenage years:
1. First zit
2. First crush.
3. Surviving high school
But Jade's life is a little different, apart from the normal stuff she finds out she has a mermaid’s tail when she's taking a bath after a stressful day shopping!!!
It was her Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.
Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But this revelation raises a serious question: if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown? Here's the answer, SHE DIDN'T
So throughout the book she starts to get used to her new secret that she has to keep from her best friend Cori, and her crush, Luke; and starts to find answers to that question.
In this book, there will be revelations that will shock you (it did to me a couple of years ago), relationships (light romance), and laugh out loud moments :)
*Recommend if you want a fun, fast, and light book to read*
This summer is about to get a lot more interesting…
I remember when my little sister bought me this book and told me "Here you go!!! Since you love reading so much I bought this for you!!" and then I told her "Thanks! I'll read it in a couple of minutes." And then I automatically started to read it, and finished it in 2 hours :) (yes its a fast read, and the writing is really easy to get into) And I'm glad she got me this book, because this was one of the best mermaid books, on top of "Of Poseidon" and "Forgive my Fins" :)
Summary:
This is what NORMAL people deal with when they reach their teenage years:
1. First zit
2. First crush.
3. Surviving high school
But Jade's life is a little different, apart from the normal stuff she finds out she has a mermaid’s tail when she's taking a bath after a stressful day shopping!!!
It was her Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.
Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But this revelation raises a serious question: if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown? Here's the answer, SHE DIDN'T
So throughout the book she starts to get used to her new secret that she has to keep from her best friend Cori, and her crush, Luke; and starts to find answers to that question.
In this book, there will be revelations that will shock you (it did to me a couple of years ago), relationships (light romance), and laugh out loud moments :)
*Recommend if you want a fun, fast, and light book to read*
This summer is about to get a lot more interesting…
December 30, 2010
When I first saw this one on my twitter feed, I wasn't so sure I wanted to read it. I hadn't seen the cover yet, but the title kind of threw me off. I'm not sure why, but somehow, it just did.
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings starts off with Jade (the main character) shopping with her best friend for the perfect swimsuit to fit her muffin-top, plus-sized body. She finally finds one...Then everything pretty much goes haywire from there.
She gets a mermaid's tail, while sitting in a salt water tub after a rough day in the mall. Freaky. She finds out she inherited it from her mother. Here's what's bothering her - if her mother was a mermaid, how did she drown?
Hurricane Jade is determined to find out. But how can she keep it a secret from her best friend? And all the other questioning eyes in her small city?
Everything about Hélène Boudreau's latest release was wonderful. The characters were likable, the plot was somewhat unique, and the outcome, although slightly predictable, was completely satisfying. I was hooked from the first page, and pleased when I flipped over the last one. My only concern about this book was that it recommends it for ages 9 and up, I have siblings around that age, and I think Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings is more suitable for ages 11 and up.
Overall, this is one book you just can't miss. Its a fun and quick read, and even comes with Jade's recipe for scrumptious 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake in the end!
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings starts off with Jade (the main character) shopping with her best friend for the perfect swimsuit to fit her muffin-top, plus-sized body. She finally finds one...Then everything pretty much goes haywire from there.
She gets a mermaid's tail, while sitting in a salt water tub after a rough day in the mall. Freaky. She finds out she inherited it from her mother. Here's what's bothering her - if her mother was a mermaid, how did she drown?
Hurricane Jade is determined to find out. But how can she keep it a secret from her best friend? And all the other questioning eyes in her small city?
Everything about Hélène Boudreau's latest release was wonderful. The characters were likable, the plot was somewhat unique, and the outcome, although slightly predictable, was completely satisfying. I was hooked from the first page, and pleased when I flipped over the last one. My only concern about this book was that it recommends it for ages 9 and up, I have siblings around that age, and I think Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings is more suitable for ages 11 and up.
Overall, this is one book you just can't miss. Its a fun and quick read, and even comes with Jade's recipe for scrumptious 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake in the end!
September 20, 2017
Real Mermaids don’t wear toe rings
The main character is Jade. Jade is teenage girl who is named after a hurricane. Jade’s Mother died two years ago. She is having a tough time dealing with the loss of her Mother. Her friend Cori’s pool party is coming up soon. Jade would like to impress, her crush Luke. How is She ever going to keep the secret that She is a mermaid. Jade also is trying to solve the mystery of how her mom drowned. She doesn’t understand how her Mom drowned if she was a mermaid too.
I think that the book was well written. I really liked Jade, and how she handled herself with her problems. I don’t really know if I liked the plot or not, because of all the stuff that’s going on in Jade’s life. I found it really compelling because I love mermaids, and when I read the back I found it really interesting. One of the quotes I found was, “Just keep swimming” from Finding Nemo, because no matter how hard life is you need to keep going.
My Text-to-self was, when I was little I was terrified of the water because I didn’t know how to swim, and I didn’t want to float on my back. In the book Jade is scared of the water because her mom drowned. Jade got over her fear by her mom reassuring her. I got over my fear by my mom and my neighbor helping me to float on my back, and I also took private swim lessons.
The main character is Jade. Jade is teenage girl who is named after a hurricane. Jade’s Mother died two years ago. She is having a tough time dealing with the loss of her Mother. Her friend Cori’s pool party is coming up soon. Jade would like to impress, her crush Luke. How is She ever going to keep the secret that She is a mermaid. Jade also is trying to solve the mystery of how her mom drowned. She doesn’t understand how her Mom drowned if she was a mermaid too.
I think that the book was well written. I really liked Jade, and how she handled herself with her problems. I don’t really know if I liked the plot or not, because of all the stuff that’s going on in Jade’s life. I found it really compelling because I love mermaids, and when I read the back I found it really interesting. One of the quotes I found was, “Just keep swimming” from Finding Nemo, because no matter how hard life is you need to keep going.
My Text-to-self was, when I was little I was terrified of the water because I didn’t know how to swim, and I didn’t want to float on my back. In the book Jade is scared of the water because her mom drowned. Jade got over her fear by her mom reassuring her. I got over my fear by my mom and my neighbor helping me to float on my back, and I also took private swim lessons.
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