Based on the description of the book I really really wanted to like it, but I just couldn't do it. The concept of wanting revenge against someone and then realizing it's not all it's cracked up to be is not original and this book didn't really add anything new or interesting to it. Pipi is so caught up in everything that has gone wrong for her that she never realizes all of the good things right in front of her. Even after Ricky points this out to her she still doesn't really get it. The plot involving Kara and her threatening to get Pipi's sister fired was a little over the top and actually weakened the story. As for Sarah, everyone looks at her as the paragon of good, but really she's just a bystander to bullying and she never does anything to help those that Kara hurts. Her prank/revenge on Pipi at the end is cruel and it is just brushed aside like it was not big deal. I was also disappointed with the parents in the story - they didn't seem to really have Pipi's back when she's bullied and teased by her classmates and instead just tell her to get over it. They also have allowed her to get so wrapped up in the negatives of her life rather than helping her talk through the problems. The school's complete lack of response to the way Pipi is treated by her peers also rang false.

The Humiliations of Pipi McGee by Beth Vrabel tells the story of one chronically unfortunate middle-schooler, Pipi, as she comes to terms with her repertoire of embarrassments and seeks revenge against those who contributed to them. A definite coming of age story, the book follows Pipi’s ups, downs and learning curves as she discovers who she is and what it means to be cool or uncool.

One of my favourite things about this book was its focus on representation. Pipi’s story is infused with plenty of diversity, I many forms, in a way that normalises difference. Reading the book, I was invested, entertained, included. I felt Pipi’s hurt and embarrassment. Even when I disagreed with her actions, I liked her and wanted her to seek improvement.

Overall, The Humiliations of Pipi McGee shows a lot of promise, and could be a definite middle grade favourite! In its pre-publication state, some of the writing, grammar and formatting (at least for kindle) could use some tightening, and I would have loved a slightly ‘rounder’ ending where Pipi’s relationship with friends Ricky and Tasha was concerned. I look forward to seeing what others think of this book when it releases on the 17th of September, 2019.

no one should bring up seventh grade, ever.

that said, pipi mcgee and her redemption/revenge plan is such an eight grade dilemma and i love it so much. she's a very likeable character, however vindictive. bonus points for cute blended family dynamics, sisterhood rising and the importance of forgiving your friends, but not letting mean people get the best of you. extra bonus points for the artsy nerdy kids bonding. all the former eight grade weirdos and misfits will appreciate it.

We aren't able to read/ review this book because the formatting of the file is messed up. I wasn't sure how to tell you this.

DISCLAIMER: The book is given by NetGalley, the author and the publisher in exchange of an honest review. All the review written is not related to any personal issues or connection.

TRIGGER: Typical story about middle-schoolers. Some scenes will leave you giggling and some will leave you such nostalgic feelings of embarrassment, laughter, humiliations, friendship, first beer, and maybe first love.

"I mean when you're not trying to extract revenge or being completely obsessed with bad things that happened to you, you're fun to be around."

Full review: https://literatureisliving.wordpress.com/2019/03/29/the-humiliations-of-pipi-mcgee-of-beth-vrabel/

Is a fun book and kind of different mostly because is a girl and not a boy who wants to change her life in school. Enjoyed it, but I thought it was a graphic book and not a novel. I would recommend this to children and any other person that enjoy middle grade books like this. I thought is good and fun, but sadly it wasn't 100% for me. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity, my excuses for the short and not so good review.

Entertaining and engaging read, plausible characters and some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. The doodle-style illustrations break up the text nicely and make the book attractive to younger readers. Some serious issues are tacled discretely within the plot e.g families evolving after a divorce, relationships between peer groups during the transition from primary to middle school. I would recommend this novel to upper Key Stage 2 children who enjoy a lighthearted and amusing read.

This was an entertaining story about a middle school student who seeks revenge on those who she believed has humiliated her in her younger years. I found some of this story to be redundant. I wanted Pipi to move on be my productive. It was a bit predictable at times. I think we have all experienced times of humiliation but don’t preform acts of revenge. I work in a middle school and the students are much kinder in reality. But the book on a whole was enjoyable. I think the YA students would enjoy it and relate to various aspects.

From kindergarten through seventh grade, Pipi McGee has been through some stuff. Mostly stuff that she defines as catastrophically embarrassing or life-alteringly cringe-y. But eight grade is going to be her year. She is going to turn her luck around and make right all of her old wrongs. Unfortunately things don't go quite as easily as planned.

Pipi is the kind of story where you really want to relate more to the lead character but she makes it a bit tough on you. With a tendency for dramatics and a bad habit of always seeing the worst in an awkward situation, Pipi can come across as whiny and a bit petulant. That said, her crew of supporting characters certainly added more depth and dimension to the story, so well done for that.

This was a super cute book. Well Written and easy to get into. And I love the cover. I could relate to this character so much even as a grown woman I can remember vividly what Pipi is feeling. This book would be great for anyone struggling with life.

<blockquote>"I mean when you're not trying to extract revenge or being completely obsessed with bad things that happened to you, you're fun to be around."</blockquote>

This pretty much sums up this book for me. Pipi is a really annoying protagonist, who is so obsessed with trying to become one of the popular girls, and in everyones good graces, that she doens't notice who she is hurting around her. It is hard to feel sympathetic towards here, which is what you should feel for a main character.

But, if you can get through that, and get through the info dump at the beginning of the book, where we are introduced to her Dad, her StepDad, her teenage mother sister, and her neice of said sister, then it is a decent story.

But, I still like <em>Mean Girls</em> better, who did revenge and becoming one of the mean girls to extract revenge, better.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Penelope McGee, an 8th grader, wanted redemption and revenge for all the humiliations she suffered since kindergarten - thereby wiping the slate clean for when she moved on to high school.

This story contained a diverse group of characters including bullies and “mean girls” on all levels: students, parents, and educators. Meanness seemed to be rampant in this school environment. For example, after one particular incident when Penelope was on a school trip in fourth grade, she had a bathroom accident when her zipper got stuck. Since that time, Penelope was called Pipi. However, it was not only her tormentors who called her that name, but her best friends and family as well. Her dad’s explanation …the name was catchy. I understand why her tormentors changed her name (because that’s what they do), but had difficulty reasoning why her supposedly support group of friends and family went along with this sudden name change…a constant reminder of Penelope’s humiliation and embarrassment.

Many parts of this story were a bit over the top, but it was geared towards middle grade humor and entertainment. That being said, the smartest person in this story who seemed to know what was going on in everyone’s life, unlike some adults, was Penelope’s four year old niece, Annie. With her superior intellect, Annie offered advice and support, especially to Penelope. However, even with the advice given to her by Annie and others, Penelope found out the hard way that “hurt people hurt people”…and any middle schoolers reading this story should also be mindful of that lesson.

Pipi no longer likes her nickname, and wants to be called Penelope. She is trying to fix all the mistakes she made in elementary school, but is she willing to do so no matter the consequences? Middle schoolers will love and connect with Pipi McGhee!

WOW!!!! This was so powerful.
I did receive this for free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review so keep that in mind.

This story stars out introducing Penelope or as she’s know Pipi Mcgee she’s an 8th grader who wants to finally break out of her embarrassing shadow. Every year like clockwork something horrible happens and she becomes the laughing stock of the school. But this year she’s determined to get redemption and revenge. But at what cost? Friendships are put to the test, the enemy become an ally and betraying a loved one seemed so easy. Things aren’t always what they seem.


I was very pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book so much, I tend to stay away from middle grade reads but decided to get out of my same old patterns and comfort zones and I’m very grateful I did. I wouldn’t of come across something this great.

As with some books, I did find some of it a little ridiculous but I had to remind myself that this is middle grade and with coming of age stories there’s some very childlike decisions. I still think that the story taught us so many admirable and good lessons.

It’s says that it’s okay to be weird, gay, wallflowerish, poetic. Fitting a mold doesn’t have to dictate yourself, love yourself is the important thing.

Wow.

Let’s go back to last May, when I was looking through NetGalley and downloaded THE RECKLESS CLUB. That was the very first Beth Vrabel book I ever read. And from there I proceeded to read PACK OF DORKS and CALEB AND KIT and all the rest of them, and I loved every sing one of them. I don’t think there was a single one I disliked. And I heard that THE HUMILIATIONS OF PIPI MCGEE was coming and I was very excited.

I was not disappointed with it.

The idea of a middle-school girl who wants a chance at redemption and revenge for all of her most embarrassing moments was an interesting premise. And I loved the way she ended it all. I also really, really enjoyed the little nods to THE RECKLESS CLUB.

Another classic by Beth Vrabel that I will definitely be purchasing in the fall.