Flipped Paperback – May 13, 2003

Flipped by Wendelin Van DraanenReview by Mrs. Maureen D. CoelhoRead this hysterically funny story about two young kidswho meet by chance when Bryce and his uptight parents move into Juli'sneighborhood. It is the summer before their 2nd grade in school when the movingtruck backed into the driveway, and they began unloading their belongings. Julijumped up on the vehicle and right into Bryce's life. She locked eyes on Bryce'sblue eyes and almost kissed him. Each chapter of this hilarious story is adelightful yet different version of the same situations told by Bryce then byJuli. Their families arequite different.Bryce's father is judgmental and opinionated. His mother is quiet and dominated by her husband. They are obsessed with their appearance and what people think about them; they still did not show compassion or kindness toward each other or the grandfather. Bryce's family is distant and unemotional. Even after the grandfather moved in with them, Juli's father is a hard-worker who loves to paint. He has a brother with medical issues that he financially cares for and physically visits on the weekends. They are not concerned with the upkeep of the house that they rent. They do not surround themselves with fancy, name-brand clothes, or expensive household items.Juli is a strong-willed, full of life, energetic girl who blossoms into a beautiful yet unique young woman by the end of the story. Bryce is a typical, naive boy who is not interested in girls or drama. When he first met Juli, he thought she was pushy, obnoxious, and forward. He watched her from a distance as she succeeded in many things, including winning the School Science Fair, raising chickens, hatching and selling chicken eggs, climbing trees, and landscaping her yard.Juli received some much-needed help from Bryce'sgrandfather. The two became close friends and shared personal information aboutthemselves as they worked. Bryce was jealous that Juli and his grandfatherbecame so close when the grandfather barely spoke to Bryce or his family. Julihas a likable personality, and she supports her opinions with rational actions.She even climbed the tall tree on their street and protested so the townshipworkers wouldn't cut it down. Bryce began to see the real Juli, and he slowlystarted to like what he could see.Opinions about each other change slowly throughout the story as Juli and Bryce get to know each other better. Bryce thought her family was crazy, needy, unkempt, and lazy. After Juli explained to Bryce's grandfather that they rent the house so they can afford to keep Juli's uncle close to them to visit him often.Bryce begins to identify Juli's strengths as positivecharacter traits. He admires her father for loving his brother so much. Herespects her brothers for following their dreams of becoming musicians. Brycerealizes that his father is sad and regrets giving up his ideas to work andhave a fancy house. As Bryce begins to fall for Juli, she starts to think Bryceis lazy and doesn't stand up for his beliefs. She slowly loses interest in himand no longer wants to have him be her 1st kiss.I rate this story 4 stars out of4 stars. Thisthe real story is easy to read and understand. It is entertaining to read thesame situation explained by two different people. The characters are likableand humorous. The author leaves you toimagine the courtship of the two main characters. You do not know what will happen next, but it is evident that Bryce connects with Juli's feelings. Topics of discussion include a first kiss,romance, dating, neighbors, science experiments, self-worth, endangered trees,hatching chicken eggs, and family support.The target audience for this straightforward read story is aged ten and up. There is no profanity or explicit dialogue in the text. Everyone wants to fall in love and find true happiness. As you read Juli's conversation, you can imagine her first kiss with Bryce and how special it would be if it would happen. It makes you think about your first kiss and your first crush.I enjoyed the adoration both characters had for each other. The book was much better than the movie. The setting for the film is the 1950's in America.I did not pick up on clues in the book to think it took place in the 1950s.

Too many complimentary adverbs to start listing them. If you want a perfect read aloud book to children, this is it. If you want a book to restore your adult perspective, this is it. If you want a book that will make fundamental changes in how you see others, this is it. Kudos Ms. Van Draanen!

This book was the 1st ever book that I read like this. I read this when I was a 2 grader and I'm now going into the 8th grade. This book made me fall in love with books. When I read this book I realized there was more to books than just words, its a whole adventure that you can get lost in. Since then I have read many books with different perspectives and they continue to have me like them but they never seem to quite compare with what I felt after I read this. I felt it had been so long since I last read it and since I got a kindle and didn't know what to read I figure why not go back to my roots. And I'm so glad I did. I read the book in about 4 hours spilt between two days. But overall in just so glad I picked up this book back then and got to experience a book I would never forget.

Such a cute book. And great for gifting the only thing is it arrived a bit dirty but with a cleaning wipe; it turned out fine.

This was a wondering book for our teenager. They where interested in the story, the book was a good and easy read and they where able to take something from it. Great read for the summer or the school year.

Came in perfect condition! I can’t wait to start reading it. 😇

When I got the book I concerned because of all the bad reviews but mine came perfectly fine with all the pages and no ripped pages. I originally got the book bc I watched the movie and the book is equally as good as the movies.

I really like how it is not a dramatic romance book, how it's just what two people think of each other and change their opinions through time.I would definitely read this for your first romance book.