Marina is mean. Sachi is nice. Marina is Barney’s. Sachi is Burlington Coat Factory. It’s bad enough they’re forced to coexist i...
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Mar 09, 2011
Reading Vacation's Mom
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REVIEW
We all know them. The mean girls at school. They are the ones who think they rule the school and bring others down just because they can. Their friends aren’t real though, because they are only being loyal out of fear. Marina is all-out mean.
Then there are the nice girls. Sometimes too nice, if you know what I mean. They can’t say no to anyone, and they get walked all over. Sachi falls into this “too nice” category.
Jessica Leader presents both sides of this story in a creative way. More...
We all know them. The mean girls at school. They are the ones who think they rule the school and bring others down just because they can. Their friends aren’t real though, because they are only being loyal out of fear. Marina is all-out mean.
Then there are the nice girls. Sometimes too nice, if you know what I mean. They can’t say no to anyone, and they get walked all over. Sachi falls into this “too nice” category.
Jessica Leader presents both sides of this story in a creative way. More...
Dec 12, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
In the book, Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader, the two main characters are Marina Glass and Sachi Parikh. Marina is considered the “mean” girl and Sachi the “nice” girl. Marina is popular and pretty, and Sachi is quiet and good at math. She lets people to tell her what to do and walk all over her, especially her friends. They both meet at an after school class, video. Sachi does something very unlike herself and forges her parents’ signature on the permission slip, for they want her to sign up fo
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Jul 16, 2010
Katelyn
rated it: 
If you're looking for a cute, fun and fresh middle grade read, look no further. Jessica Leader was able to bring out the personalities, situations and attitudes of typical middle school students in Nice and Mean. The unique idea of having the two main characters, Marina and Sachi, compile a video compilation together for an end of year school project would be one thing, but these two girls are from opposite ends of the spectrum in every way you can imagine and it's hilarious to read.
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Jun 30, 2010
Phoebe
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This is a fresh, authentic tale of middle school diversity; not just group diversity, but also the diversity within one person--because each one of us is more than any "label."
As a first-generation American, I could identify with hardworking immigrant Sachi, who yearns to be more than just "Nice." Yet as an ex child-drama-queen, I could also identify with snooty, snarky Marina who is up to her earrings in social drama (most of which is her own dang fault). Both v More...
As a first-generation American, I could identify with hardworking immigrant Sachi, who yearns to be more than just "Nice." Yet as an ex child-drama-queen, I could also identify with snooty, snarky Marina who is up to her earrings in social drama (most of which is her own dang fault). Both v More...
Jul 04, 2010
Kelsey
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With so many fabulous YA novels out on the market, I rarely venture to read middle grade. I'm so glad I decided to pick up Nice and Mean, though, it was a terrific read! Jessica Leader has a nice writing style and everything flows together well. She gets inside her character's heads, so they're even more believable and realistic. I liked how the narration switched between Sachi (the "nice" girl) and Marina (the "mean" girl). It was interesting to get both of their perspective
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Jun 12, 2010
Ari
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One of my favorite part of the book is when Sachi and Priyanka talk abouthow every few years or so, Indian culture becomes popular (bhangra music, people start wearing variations of saris, etc.) and then interest dies out. I thought this was an interesting point that was brought up and I enjoyed reading about Sachi exploring the topic. Fashion trends can change, but it's not right that every couple of years one culture or another becomes "in" and then later on, it's "out."
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Aug 26, 2010
Susan
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A fun foray into tween culture as a nice girl Sachi and mean girl Marina sign up for a video class, each with their own secret agenda. The author does a great job of getting into the heads of each of the girls. The situations and characters feel authentic, and I really cared about what would happen. It's a great read for middle grade girls, but older teens will also recognize the conflicts and apppreciate the issues that are raised.
Oct 14, 2010
melissa1lbr
rated it:
This was a fun and a bit frightening reminder of the way girls treat each other in junior high. The kids felt real, I loved how diverse the characters were, and I also liked how Marina didn't change overnight and become the nicest person ever. I also liked Sachi's story of beginning to be something other than just the nice girl. Full review at One Librarian's Book Reviews.
Jun 09, 2010
Erin
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I would have loved this in sixth grade. Captures the voice of the studious hard worker and the snarky fashionista perfectly. Well done.
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Oct 23, 2010
Taylor
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Adorable! Jessica writes for the same imprint as I do, so naturally I was anxious to read her book. I loved how vastly different her two main characters were and the movie plot really hooked me in. This book is definitely woo.
Nov 14, 2010
Katie
rated it:
This was a delightful book that was a reminder of how stressful middle school can be for girls. What's popular? Who's popular? I really enjoyed this book and will enjoy hearing what my daughter thinks of it once she gets done reading it. It's nice to have books out there that a Mother and daughter can both read. Thanks Jessica Leader!
Oct 10, 2010
Cassidy
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I thought this book was pretty boring. I didnt think it really had flow to it. Sorry Guys!
Sep 12, 2010
Abby
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When mean girl Marina and nice girl Sachi are partnered for a video project, can they put aside their differences to make the project work?
This is a great middle-grade read with authentic, diverse characters and a lot of heart. Details about fashion and creating videos add a little sparkle to the story. I'd hand this to girls who liked Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle or shug by Jenny Han.
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/07/...
This is a great middle-grade read with authentic, diverse characters and a lot of heart. Details about fashion and creating videos add a little sparkle to the story. I'd hand this to girls who liked Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle or shug by Jenny Han.
More on the blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2010/07/...
Dec 26, 2010
Melanie
rated it:
Definitely a nice and fun read. Having heard the author last month at Destinations Booksellers made this a title I wanted to finish. She did a great job of discussing the difficulties of being an immigrant family, and all the ups and downs and drama of middle school girl friendships.
Aug 24, 2010
R
rated it:
I don't know how Jessica Leader managed to take someone as seemingly nasty as Marina and make her into such an entertaining, likable character. I was seriously rooting for her the whole time.
Okay, well obviously I was rooting for Sachi. But I can root for two people, can't I?
Okay, well obviously I was rooting for Sachi. But I can root for two people, can't I?
Jul 27, 2010
Carol
rated it:
This is a fun, well crafted book for tweens that takes readers on several unexpected twists and turns, yet manages to bring the story satisfactory conclusion.
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