Told in the alternating perspectives of two eigth grade narrators, Wendelin Van Draanen’s Flipped is a charming entrance to the battle of the sexes. Bryce is cute, with stunning blue eyes, and the center of Juli’s universe. Juli is a dreamer, an artist and, according to Bryce completely weird. She’s been in love with him ever since he moved in across from her in 2nd grade, but all Bryce has wanted to do is avoid Juli. Things start changing in 8th grade, however, when Bryce realizes there’s something special and compelling about Juli, and Juli begins to realize there’s not much character behind Bryce’s amazing blue eyes.
The voices and characters are authentic, and seeing incidents and memories through each characters’ eyes allows the reader a deeper appreciation for the feelings behind the actions. I grew increasing frustrated with Bryce’s self-centeredness while I continued to be drawn in to Juli’s charismatic and caring personality. Their perspectives capture the struggles of middle school perfectly and it was heartwarming to see the changes that came over them as they grew up before our eyes.
- Posted by Cori