Lisa Shanahan

Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com

Gemma Stone will be the world's oldest flower girl. A fourteen-year-old flower girl dressed as a giant swan. Since her bridezilla sister is intent on a wedding theme of "animals who mate for life," Gemma will be paired up with a war-crazy tomboy from her sister's family-to-be and forced to waddle down the aisle.

As the big day approaches, Gemma occupies her time with the school drama club as she attempts to get close to her crush, Nick. show more Unfortunately, Gemma finds herself practicing for auditions with the fascinating Raven De Head, of the town's most dysfunctional family. Will Gem be able to look beyond Raven's anger and cynicism and her own prejudices to find a new friend--possibly more?

I laughed my way through the first several chapters as I got to know the quirky Stone family. Shanahan created a zany cast of characters, and they all had supporting roles for the protagonist.

Gemma delivers in every chapter: loving and sweet, bold and sassy, uncertain and questioning. She struggles to find a balance between her comfortable past and a roller coaster future as she puts childhood behind her and ventures into a new world of personalities and relationships.

Raven's family has the most to teach her, though the lesson of how an abusive family can still have a strong bond is a tough one for Gemma to learn. Any book that can make a reader like me both laugh and cry, as this one does, is worth picking up! show less

Well, other than the zoo setting (which is necessary to bring all these animals together in this situation), this is marvelous. Fantastic pictures which let the animals be themselves, but also be individual 'people' in their own right. And bits for the adults about the special kind of friendship a lady gorilla would have for a silverback, and the catatonic state that bullies can put a sensitive soul into.

But on the child's level, it's mostly just a fun, funny adventure. And it does prove show more that everyone in a community has value, especially if they happen to carry around a versatile tool. Highly recommended, esp. to Pre-K through 2nd grade I think. show less

Gemma's sister is getting married into a military family. Gemma has also been convinced to audition for the school play. She overcomes a lot in this year but what a wild ride.

I found this to be one of the funniest books I have read in a while. Gemma is great. Her 14-year-old voice is perfect. She has some good moments at the bridal fair (flower girl dresses) and at school and at other's homes. She realizes how shallow so many are including herself. Her dad is a typical dad--embarrassing his show more kids when not complaining about his lawn and offering advice to others on theirs. Her mom is a typical mom trying to smooth ruffled feathers. Her sister and the 3 R's (read the book) are pains-in-the-behinds. The parents of the others--Nick, Raven, and the groom--give Gemma a contrast to her parents.

I loved the story. I loved Gemma and Raven. I especially loved what Gemma learned over that year on love, family, and people. show less

1001 rec., aka My Big Birkett

Mostly fun, with some deep poignancy, for young teens. The biggest issue treated too lightly, imo, and I really don't believe in Brian Debbie, but never mind. The Australian vibe is cool. The Shakespeare is awesome... if I were an English teacher of 14 yos I would have the kids read this with (or before) [b:The Tempest|12985|The Tempest|William Shakespeare|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327793692s/12985.jpg|1359590] and I bet they'd get a lot more out of the show more play.

3.5 rounded down just because I have a feeling I won't remember it for long.
I will consider more by the author. show less