Lana's Reviews > Bad Girls

First of all, I would like to say that I just HAD to review this book as I needed virtually no excuses to read it again, it was one of my all time favourite books when I was in junior school and I have probably read it over 50 times in total!

I cannot say a bad word about Jaqueline Wilson as an author in general but this was the first book of hers I read and therefore the one which made me fall in love with her as a little girl. "Bad Girls" tells the story of Mandy White, a normal 10 year old schoolgirl with parents a little older than other children of her age. Mandy is bullied at school by three of the most horrible characters I have ever come across in a children's book; Melanie, Sarah and Kim. Together they make fun of her clothes, hairstyle and generally make her everyday life a misery.

However when Tanya, the new girl next-door, wants to be Mandy's friend, she is delighted! Tanya is older than the girls at school, wears high heels and cool clothes and is MUCH more fun than anyone she has ever known. Mandy's Mum and Dad think that Tanya is a bad girl and that Mandy shouldnt be friends with her, but a series of events and some (very minor!) scrapes with the law prove otherwise and, although Tanya moves away at the end of the story, Mandy's life is greatly improved by their friendship.

Wilson is an author who truly understands her target audience and really gets into their thoughts and feelings,"Bad Girls" is certainly no exception.It deals with some sensitive subjects in a positive and easily accessible way. I personally have a zero-tolerance attitude towards bullying, preventing bullying of any kind is something I am very passionate about. Looking back now it probably all began with reading this book.

In my opinion this book is perfect for children (especially girls!) in years 4-6, or for any child who is just getting into reading on their own with slightly more in-depth novels.

All in all, a touching and moving book about school life, family and the incredible power of true friendship.