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The BFF Bucket List
Ella and Skyler have been best friends since kindergarten—so close that people smoosh their names together like they’re the same person: EllaandSkyler. SkylerandElla.
But Ella notices the little ways she and Skyler have been slowly drifting apart. And she’s determined to fix things with a fun project she’s sure will bring them closer together—The BFF Bucket List. Skyler is totally on board.
The girls must complete each task on the list together: things like facing their fears, hosting a fancy dinner party, and the biggest of them all—speaking actual words to their respective crushes before the end of summer. But as new friends, epic opportunities, and super-cute boys enter the picture, the challenges on the list aren’t the only ones they face.
And with each girl hiding a big secret that could threaten their entire friendship, will the list--and their BFF status--go bust?
But Ella notices the little ways she and Skyler have been slowly drifting apart. And she’s determined to fix things with a fun project she’s sure will bring them closer together—The BFF Bucket List. Skyler is totally on board.
The girls must complete each task on the list together: things like facing their fears, hosting a fancy dinner party, and the biggest of them all—speaking actual words to their respective crushes before the end of summer. But as new friends, epic opportunities, and super-cute boys enter the picture, the challenges on the list aren’t the only ones they face.
And with each girl hiding a big secret that could threaten their entire friendship, will the list--and their BFF status--go bust?
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
32 people are currently reading
1049 people want to read
About the author
Dee Romito
17 books249 followersDee Romito is an author of fiction and nonfiction books for young readers from picture books to middle grade. Her middle grade books include The BFF Bucket List, No Place Like Home, Postcards from Venice, and co-authored Best.Night.Ever (Aladdin/S&S).
Her nonfiction picture books, Pies From Nowhere and The Last Plastic Straw, have received starred reviews, a Crystal Kite Award, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her early chapter book series is titled Fort Builders, Inc. (Aladdin/S&S).
Dee blogs about writing at WriteforApples.com and is a Co-Founder of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. While she does her best to be a grown-up most of the time, giggling with her BFFs is still one of her all-time favorite things. You can visit her website at DeeRomito.com.
Her nonfiction picture books, Pies From Nowhere and The Last Plastic Straw, have received starred reviews, a Crystal Kite Award, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her early chapter book series is titled Fort Builders, Inc. (Aladdin/S&S).
Dee blogs about writing at WriteforApples.com and is a Co-Founder of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. While she does her best to be a grown-up most of the time, giggling with her BFFs is still one of her all-time favorite things. You can visit her website at DeeRomito.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 22, 2015
Oh my goodness - this book was such adorable fun! Ella and Skyler have been best friends for forever! They're looking forward to going to high school together but in the summer before, they feel their friendship drifting apart. Something must be done! Ella comes up with a brilliant idea - a BFF Bucket List - things that they can do as best friends together. Oh and they're fun - random acts of kindness, facing fears, hosting a fancy-pants dinner party. I LOVED reading about all of the things on the list. I could see young readers wanting to make their own lists, too.
I think Dee Romito really captures what it is to be a tween! Crushes, shifting friendships, wanting to root yourself but also grow and experience new things. I also loved the other characters who filled out this book. I will warn you, though, this book made me very hungry. Their hangout spot is THE DONUT. Total yum
Told with humor and heart, you should add THE BFF BUCKET LIST to your to-read list! I loved it.
I received an ARC for an honest review, but let's be honest - I've already ordered two copies. One for me and one for a friend. :)
I think Dee Romito really captures what it is to be a tween! Crushes, shifting friendships, wanting to root yourself but also grow and experience new things. I also loved the other characters who filled out this book. I will warn you, though, this book made me very hungry. Their hangout spot is THE DONUT. Total yum
Told with humor and heart, you should add THE BFF BUCKET LIST to your to-read list! I loved it.
I received an ARC for an honest review, but let's be honest - I've already ordered two copies. One for me and one for a friend. :)
December 28, 2015
I was lucky to read an Advance Reader's Copy of THE BFF BUCKET LIST by Dee Romito. I simply adored this sweet, fun, fast read. Ella and Skyler have been BFFs forever, but with middle school ending, their differences that have always seemed so complimentary now threaten to break their BFF bond. Maybe a BFF Bucket List is just the thing to glue their friendship back together! This charm of a book took me right back to middle school where BFFs are everything. I love the growth of the girls' friendship, and how the author showed how friendships can mature and reemerge in a different place where there's room for everyone to be their growing-up selves. This is a great read for tweens and teens navigating the social landscape of late elementary and middle school, and a fun read for anyone who's shared a half-heart charm necklace with a BFF!
November 27, 2015
I was lucky to receive an advance reviewer copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
WOW! I loved this book! The BFF Bucket List is a very touching, heartfelt story about two girls - BFFs - and the momentous summer before they begin high school. Though this particular summer turns out to be even more momentous than either one of them expected.
While the plot is loads of fun - a BFF bucket list of sweet and/or crazy things for the two of them to do together - it swerves in surprising and touching ways as Ella and Skylar each stretch and grow, while secretly worrying they may be going off in different directions. Ultimately, the girls learn that "someone who has touched your life will always stay in your heart" and the BFF bucket list takes on more importance than they first realized.
The BFF Bucket List is a great middle grade read that's sweet and cute with tons of heart. Highly recommend!
WOW! I loved this book! The BFF Bucket List is a very touching, heartfelt story about two girls - BFFs - and the momentous summer before they begin high school. Though this particular summer turns out to be even more momentous than either one of them expected.
While the plot is loads of fun - a BFF bucket list of sweet and/or crazy things for the two of them to do together - it swerves in surprising and touching ways as Ella and Skylar each stretch and grow, while secretly worrying they may be going off in different directions. Ultimately, the girls learn that "someone who has touched your life will always stay in your heart" and the BFF bucket list takes on more importance than they first realized.
The BFF Bucket List is a great middle grade read that's sweet and cute with tons of heart. Highly recommend!
November 10, 2015
I was so fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Skyler and Ella are best friends--sort of. Things have been a little off lately, but Ella's determined to get their friendship back to normal before high school starts in the fall. As they work to check off items on their BFF Bucket List, they encounter all kinds of unexpected challenges that not only threaten the success of their list, but the success of their friendship as well.
I absolutely adored this book and read it from cover-to-cover in one sitting! Both main characters are so relatable and fun. Dee Romito uses a TON of humor (I was cracking up a solid 99.9% of the time) while providing an extremely realistic portrayal of a struggling friendship and everything it entails.
Middle grade BFFs are going to want to put "read this book" on their bucket lists. Can't wait for it to be out in the world!
Skyler and Ella are best friends--sort of. Things have been a little off lately, but Ella's determined to get their friendship back to normal before high school starts in the fall. As they work to check off items on their BFF Bucket List, they encounter all kinds of unexpected challenges that not only threaten the success of their list, but the success of their friendship as well.
I absolutely adored this book and read it from cover-to-cover in one sitting! Both main characters are so relatable and fun. Dee Romito uses a TON of humor (I was cracking up a solid 99.9% of the time) while providing an extremely realistic portrayal of a struggling friendship and everything it entails.
Middle grade BFFs are going to want to put "read this book" on their bucket lists. Can't wait for it to be out in the world!
December 21, 2015
This is a charming and funny book, filled with real moments that will resonate with anyone who is, or has ever been, moving on from middle school. Romito's ear for tween dialogue is spot on perfect and can bring you to laughter and close to tears in the same scene. I loved the dual narrative because it showed you how both girls were struggling with maintaining their friendship in the face of a lot of changes, both small and large. And I don't want to spoil it, but just wait for the scene with the cow!
A fun, breezy read that still manages to deal with some real issues about friendship at the same time.
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)
A fun, breezy read that still manages to deal with some real issues about friendship at the same time.
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)
December 17, 2015
Friendship might very well be the core of the middle school experience. You can get through ANYTHING with a good friend by your side. But what about when boys come along? And . . . high school? Ella and Skyler have been BFFs for as long as they can remember, but the summer before high school, things seem like they might be changing. Skyler starts getting frustrated over Ella's resistance to trying new things. And Ella, well, she just wants things to stay the same as much as possible. Ella thinks she's found the solution in the BFF Bucket List: a list of adventurous (mostly in her terms) activities for her and Skyler to do together. Activities like braving their biggest fears . . . and cart-racing through a big box store in their pajamas . . . and actually talking to their crushes. But while they start tackling this list, there are other changes afoot -- changes out of either's control. What if this is really their last summer together for a while?
Dee Romito's debut is a totally winsome, cozy read sure to find legions of tween fans. Readers will strongly relate to Ella and Skyler, who represent the two different pulls that make the middle school years so challenging. (For the record, I was totally the risk-averse, change-wary Ella, while my BFF back then was a classic Skyler.) A sweet story about friendship and the possibility of some things staying the same in the midst of change.
Dee Romito's debut is a totally winsome, cozy read sure to find legions of tween fans. Readers will strongly relate to Ella and Skyler, who represent the two different pulls that make the middle school years so challenging. (For the record, I was totally the risk-averse, change-wary Ella, while my BFF back then was a classic Skyler.) A sweet story about friendship and the possibility of some things staying the same in the midst of change.
November 14, 2014
Cannot even describe how much I love this book!!!!
April 29, 2016
They're sweet! They're close! They're best friends forever!
But wait: how long is "forever"?
It's the summer before their first year of high school, and Ella can't understand why Skyler wants to bring new friends into their lives--like that annoying Brooke, who keeps trying to to come between them (even though Skyler refuses to admit it).
Skyler wants to stay friends with Ella, but Ella's refusal to accept new pals, and her need to always take the lead in deciding what they do together, is starting to feel...well...suffocating?
So, when a friendship reaches a crossroads, what's the best plan? Yes!! A Bucket List of activities for the two girls to do together this summer! Ella's got it all mapped out--it's just the way to protect her and Skyler's special bond against the changes threatening on the horizon.
Until things start to go wrong...
THE BFF BUCKET LIST is a pitch-perfect pleasure! A bittersweet celebration of the unique love between young best friends, this book delivers on the joyful promise of its cover... but it's not mere fluffy entertainment. There's real substance to it. I drew in my breath sometimes at the sharp pain of moments that could seem trivial on the surface, but that meant everything to Ella or Skyler. And both girls' denial of the reality of the forces pulling them in different directions leads to some pretty monumental secret-keeping. I was truly wound up about who would find out what, and when. And the ending truly satisfies!
The author does a remarkable job of letting us see how change, dealt with in the right way, becomes growth. These friends took control of change in their lives by growing to meet it, and by refusing to give up what really matters. All was done through a healthy Middle Grade point of view, making this a great choice not only to own, but for teachers to keep in the free-reading racks in the classroom.
I loved it! I highly recommend it!
But wait: how long is "forever"?
It's the summer before their first year of high school, and Ella can't understand why Skyler wants to bring new friends into their lives--like that annoying Brooke, who keeps trying to to come between them (even though Skyler refuses to admit it).
Skyler wants to stay friends with Ella, but Ella's refusal to accept new pals, and her need to always take the lead in deciding what they do together, is starting to feel...well...suffocating?
So, when a friendship reaches a crossroads, what's the best plan? Yes!! A Bucket List of activities for the two girls to do together this summer! Ella's got it all mapped out--it's just the way to protect her and Skyler's special bond against the changes threatening on the horizon.
Until things start to go wrong...
THE BFF BUCKET LIST is a pitch-perfect pleasure! A bittersweet celebration of the unique love between young best friends, this book delivers on the joyful promise of its cover... but it's not mere fluffy entertainment. There's real substance to it. I drew in my breath sometimes at the sharp pain of moments that could seem trivial on the surface, but that meant everything to Ella or Skyler. And both girls' denial of the reality of the forces pulling them in different directions leads to some pretty monumental secret-keeping. I was truly wound up about who would find out what, and when. And the ending truly satisfies!
The author does a remarkable job of letting us see how change, dealt with in the right way, becomes growth. These friends took control of change in their lives by growing to meet it, and by refusing to give up what really matters. All was done through a healthy Middle Grade point of view, making this a great choice not only to own, but for teachers to keep in the free-reading racks in the classroom.
I loved it! I highly recommend it!
February 17, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dee Romito has captured something simple, true, and bittersweet in The BFF Bucket List - the growing pains of two best friends as they leave childhood and start to explore their own identities. There's a lot of silliness, and tons of laughs, but at the core of this heartfelt story are two young women who are figuring out what friendship means, and who they want to be.
The breezy writing made it a quick, enjoyable read - and the fun cast of characters will keep you giggling through each page.
Dee Romito has captured something simple, true, and bittersweet in The BFF Bucket List - the growing pains of two best friends as they leave childhood and start to explore their own identities. There's a lot of silliness, and tons of laughs, but at the core of this heartfelt story are two young women who are figuring out what friendship means, and who they want to be.
The breezy writing made it a quick, enjoyable read - and the fun cast of characters will keep you giggling through each page.
December 17, 2015
A fun, sweet, and very honest story of how best friends can drift apart through no fault of either party. Some very fun storylines and a great twist that I won't give away! Read it!
August 15, 2016
I love this book! I love the friendship. I love how they fight to save it. It took me straight back to my middle grade days, and made me wish I had been as proactive as Ella about saving my friendships.
You see, Ella and Skylar are two unique girls about to enter High School. But instead of growing closer, they find themselves drifting apart, and that is so not okay with Ella. Since she is a planner and a list-maker, that is exactly what she does. She makes a BFF bucket list in a crazy attempt to bring them back together and save their friendship.
Romito is a master at portraying the struggles of middle graders. This friendship is so real, and the inevitable drift that occurs as they each grow and become their own person is heartbreaking. But you never wallow in that. Instead, we are pulled along in a crazy series of adventures as Skyler and Ella learn to embrace new friends and try new things.
I cheered at their successes. I worried through their struggles. I so very much wanted them to find a way to make it all work.
This book is so much fun, and I really hope that it will lead to thousands of BFF bucket lists as best friends everywhere try new activities together to bring them closer! I highly recommend this book!
(Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review).
You see, Ella and Skylar are two unique girls about to enter High School. But instead of growing closer, they find themselves drifting apart, and that is so not okay with Ella. Since she is a planner and a list-maker, that is exactly what she does. She makes a BFF bucket list in a crazy attempt to bring them back together and save their friendship.
Romito is a master at portraying the struggles of middle graders. This friendship is so real, and the inevitable drift that occurs as they each grow and become their own person is heartbreaking. But you never wallow in that. Instead, we are pulled along in a crazy series of adventures as Skyler and Ella learn to embrace new friends and try new things.
I cheered at their successes. I worried through their struggles. I so very much wanted them to find a way to make it all work.
This book is so much fun, and I really hope that it will lead to thousands of BFF bucket lists as best friends everywhere try new activities together to bring them closer! I highly recommend this book!
(Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review).
March 8, 2016
It’s the summer before high school starts and Ella and Skyler have been BFFs forever. Ella likes watching movies at home, just the two of them, but Skyler wants to hang out at The Donut and the bowling alley with other kids from their class. Their friendship is changing and Ella fears they’re growing apart, so she creates the BFF Bucket List, a list of things she and Skyler have to do together before school starts.
The list is adorable and fun and I can see BFFs reading this book together and coming up with their own lists. For Skyler and Ella, many times their adventures end in disasters (and injuries!). Told in both Skyler and Ella’s perspective, readers will be rooting for them to finish their bucket list. Both hilarious and full of heart, this book should be in everyone’s to-be-read pile.
The list is adorable and fun and I can see BFFs reading this book together and coming up with their own lists. For Skyler and Ella, many times their adventures end in disasters (and injuries!). Told in both Skyler and Ella’s perspective, readers will be rooting for them to finish their bucket list. Both hilarious and full of heart, this book should be in everyone’s to-be-read pile.
February 7, 2016
My son and I were lucky to get our hands on an ARC of The BFF Bucket List, and we loved it! Here's what he had to say (he's nine):
I thought that the book was excellent. It was hilarious, and at the same time some parts could be sad. I liked the part where they go racing in the shopping carts. It made me sad when they kept secrets from each other because that's just sad. I would recommend The BFF Bucket List to people who enjoy books with comedy and drama as well as water balloon fights.
My additions:
The BFF Bucket list is a fun read for late elementary age and up - boy or girl! The characters and story line are very relatable, and the emotions are raw and totally on point with the middle school experience. Get your hands on this book when it comes out in May!
I thought that the book was excellent. It was hilarious, and at the same time some parts could be sad. I liked the part where they go racing in the shopping carts. It made me sad when they kept secrets from each other because that's just sad. I would recommend The BFF Bucket List to people who enjoy books with comedy and drama as well as water balloon fights.
My additions:
The BFF Bucket list is a fun read for late elementary age and up - boy or girl! The characters and story line are very relatable, and the emotions are raw and totally on point with the middle school experience. Get your hands on this book when it comes out in May!
May 1, 2016
One of the most tragic things that can happen in middle school is the loss of a friendship. Yet that age seems to come with so much growth, it's easy for best friends to drift apart. In The BFF Bucket List, ultra-organized Ella desperately tries to save her friendship with her outgoing best friend Skyler. Skyler is making new friends, though, and the more Ella tries to get her to stick to this "bucket list," the stickier things seem to get. The story is heartbreaking in parts as the girls try to hold onto what they once had, but it also has a positive outcome.
May 11, 2016
What a sweet book! This story about two eighth-graders turning high-schoolers hit home for me, since I have a daughter of that exact age. The issues and struggles and joys reflected in this book sound just like the things I hear and see at home. A good book for kids, and also for parents, since they can get a glimpse into the things their own children might be dealing with. The characters are real and likable, and deal with things in real ways. Romito does a great job of bringing the story alive, and resolves the conflicts in ways that are believable and realistic. Highly recommended.
May 25, 2017
The BFF Bucket List is a fun and poignant coming-of-age novel. I grew up in the '70s and '80s and this story resonated for me, bringing back memories of middle school. We may not have had cell phones and the Internet, but we did have the angst and the optimistic spunk and the ever-changing friendships that Romito so eloquently captures. I love the alternate growth and desire for things to stay the same that the two main characters struggle with. I was sad to say goodbye to these girls when the book ended!
October 23, 2015
Super cute.
January 16, 2017
I would've adored this book when I was a tween. Hijinks + heart in a story that models the way friendships can shift and change but still remain.
April 5, 2016
This is a very sweet book about friendship. I think most kids experience a situation similar to this: a friendship that's changing, and two friends who are growing apart. It's great to see the situation from both of the girls' perspectives, and the voices of each narrator are pitch-perfect. I love the list that Ella creates and how valiantly they try to follow it, because even though their friendship is not the same, they don't want to lose one another. It's really fun to watch the girls do the items on their list, and there's a lot of humor and kindness here. I think this book would be a perfect present for tween best friends.
May 21, 2016
What a delight this book! Ella and Skyler have been best friends forever. But things are changing; they're changing. So when Ella comes up with the BFF Bucket List as a way to bring the friends closer together once more, both of them are shocked when the list only seems to intensify their differences. Add in new friends and some big secrets, can their friendship survive?
Romito makes us love both friends equally and we really understand how deep their love is for one another. This is a lovely book about friendships and the power of love. Wonderful!
Romito makes us love both friends equally and we really understand how deep their love is for one another. This is a lovely book about friendships and the power of love. Wonderful!
June 19, 2017
The BFF Bucket List is proof that there is no such thing as a "girl book" or "boy book". After whizzing through this "major fun" book, my son handed it to me & insisted I read it too... We both loved it! I enjoyed traveling back to middle school without actually having to go back, and my son & I both really enjoyed the humor. (This book has even inspired us to create our own "bucket list" for the summer!)
Dee Romito did a beautiful job capturing the ups & downs of adolescent friendship while telling a very fun story... I highly recommend this book!
Dee Romito did a beautiful job capturing the ups & downs of adolescent friendship while telling a very fun story... I highly recommend this book!
February 21, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.
I'll confess that I don't read much middle grade, but this book was such a joy to read. It reminded me of when I was a young teenager and some of the trouble my friends and I used to get into! It's a wonderful story about friendship and all the forms it can take, and all the ways it can evolve. Funny and fun with a few twists along the way, I was sad when the book ended. I'm hoping for a sequel in the future! :)
I'll confess that I don't read much middle grade, but this book was such a joy to read. It reminded me of when I was a young teenager and some of the trouble my friends and I used to get into! It's a wonderful story about friendship and all the forms it can take, and all the ways it can evolve. Funny and fun with a few twists along the way, I was sad when the book ended. I'm hoping for a sequel in the future! :)
May 11, 2016
I just loved this book. It is an honest look at two friends beginning to grow apart, and while it deals with the heartache inherent in such a situation - the book chooses not to dwell on it. Instead, we see the two friends find ways to keep their old friendship alive while also welcoming new friends into their lives. Both honest and upbeat, I would put this book into the hands of every middle grade kid
December 15, 2015
This book is sweet and funny, but it also deals with growing up and what that can mean for two people as they change and begin to move in different ways. I think this book would be a great read for kids as they begin to expand their circle of friends and maybe move on from some childhood ones. I wish I'd had it when I was growing up. Also, I cried at the end.
February 15, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The BFF Bucket List, and I absolutely loved it. Ella and Skyler's many (mis)adventures as they attempt to maintain their friendship during the last summer before high school are fun, funny, and sweet. Such a charming read.
July 19, 2017
A pretty good plot just kind of a stranger book
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March 4, 2020I hate life but this book made me feel better then nothing>:I Thanks for making this book and have a good life >:P
June 4, 2016
(I was lucky to receive an ARC during her ARC tour)
I thoroughly enjoyed THE BFF BUCKET LIST! It was a really fun read and took me back to that age again! The friendships that can be strained from middle to high school is definitely something all can relate to. The BFF bucket list seems like the best way to be sure they still spend time with only each other. But life interferes and hilarity ensues.
I love how Skylar and Ella know each other so well. Skylar knowing that Starbursts are Ella’s tell when stressed, and Ella knowing that Skylar will be 12 minutes late. The inner struggle that Skylar and Ella each have with an upcoming change which they keep secret from one another blends nicely with the idea of conquering their fears while making it the best summer with their list. Unexpectedly they end up conquering their concerns of adding other friends to their inner circle and dealing with jealous emotions as well. Also I loved the message that keeping secrets because we assume a person’s response, is not always the best strategy and comes out in the end anyway.
There were many areas I laughed out loud, such as while Ella pets the cow and the giant moo. When penny boy walks over to Skylar at The Donut and she has cream on her face was another moment. And the cherry on the sundae moment when The Donut and its giant donut catches on fire was fantastic. (not the fire of course, but the comical timing piece of it).
When I read about letterboxing, it reminded me of the fun doing that with my daughter.
The list that at times seemed like it would pull them apart, actually brings them together while adding more friends to complete the list.
So in the end, the list did make for a great summer. Skylar and Ella realized that their true friendship may be different, but could work just as well as a best friendship.
Some of my favorite lines were:
“For someone who is proud of being a free spirit, she’s insanely predictable.”
“Oh my MOO!” This was awesome!
“Buy in ginormous quantities”
“We’re not the same friends we were at the end of the school year. Things are changing and we’re not always going in the same direction.”
“I’m doing it for us,” I say. And with that Skyler hugs me a little bit tighter.
“I swear laser beams must shoot right of my eyes. Skyler would never hide anything from me. I’m the one who’s hiding something from her.”
“OH MY PENNIES!”
“Yup, been told that before…….Makes me unique.”
“True friends.” Someone who has touched your life will always stay in your heart.”
“I can’t deny that things have changed between us, but my shoulders relax and my heart feels whole again knowing we’re still friends.”
Wonderful way to end!
I thoroughly enjoyed THE BFF BUCKET LIST! It was a really fun read and took me back to that age again! The friendships that can be strained from middle to high school is definitely something all can relate to. The BFF bucket list seems like the best way to be sure they still spend time with only each other. But life interferes and hilarity ensues.
I love how Skylar and Ella know each other so well. Skylar knowing that Starbursts are Ella’s tell when stressed, and Ella knowing that Skylar will be 12 minutes late. The inner struggle that Skylar and Ella each have with an upcoming change which they keep secret from one another blends nicely with the idea of conquering their fears while making it the best summer with their list. Unexpectedly they end up conquering their concerns of adding other friends to their inner circle and dealing with jealous emotions as well. Also I loved the message that keeping secrets because we assume a person’s response, is not always the best strategy and comes out in the end anyway.
There were many areas I laughed out loud, such as while Ella pets the cow and the giant moo. When penny boy walks over to Skylar at The Donut and she has cream on her face was another moment. And the cherry on the sundae moment when The Donut and its giant donut catches on fire was fantastic. (not the fire of course, but the comical timing piece of it).
When I read about letterboxing, it reminded me of the fun doing that with my daughter.
The list that at times seemed like it would pull them apart, actually brings them together while adding more friends to complete the list.
So in the end, the list did make for a great summer. Skylar and Ella realized that their true friendship may be different, but could work just as well as a best friendship.
Some of my favorite lines were:
“For someone who is proud of being a free spirit, she’s insanely predictable.”
“Oh my MOO!” This was awesome!
“Buy in ginormous quantities”
“We’re not the same friends we were at the end of the school year. Things are changing and we’re not always going in the same direction.”
“I’m doing it for us,” I say. And with that Skyler hugs me a little bit tighter.
“I swear laser beams must shoot right of my eyes. Skyler would never hide anything from me. I’m the one who’s hiding something from her.”
“OH MY PENNIES!”
“Yup, been told that before…….Makes me unique.”
“True friends.” Someone who has touched your life will always stay in your heart.”
“I can’t deny that things have changed between us, but my shoulders relax and my heart feels whole again knowing we’re still friends.”
Wonderful way to end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2017
The BFF Bucket List is by far one of the most inspirational and encouraging books that I have read in a while. It has a perfect mix of both deep and true feelings, as well as hilarious comedy. It is a reminder that best friends can grow apart and still maintain a friendship.
Skyler and Ella are complete opposites as well as best friends. They've known each other since Kindergarten and would not have it any other way. Though the two 8th grade girls are about to go to high school and Skyler begins to search for more friendship variety. Ella, terrified to lose her best (and perhaps only) friend, whips up a BFF Bucket List for them. Everything from saying actual words to their crushes, going shopping in their pajamas and facing their greatest fears is included. Though when things get a bit out of hand, both girls find themselves yearning for the friendship they used to have. The only thing stopping them from letting the BFF Bucket List tear them apart is secrets. Both Skyler and Ella have a big, life changing secret that could put a final end to their BFF vows. Should they tell each other the truth or accept the fact that they are beginning to grow apart?
I absolutely loved the book. It was very deep and emotional in a way that was easy to relate to. It perfectly described the tugging feeling that all teens face when choosing between an old friend and a new one. It accurately portrays the grueling experience that is growing up and understanding who you are. It also focuses on the fact that it is alright to grow apart from a friend no matter how close you were before. The only thing I disliked was the ending. I would have loved a bit more of a sweet finish to the story. Dee Romito really left the audeince at a cliffhanger. Despite this, every thing was amazing. It made me feel caught in the BFF drama too as I constantly found myself being ripped between both girls. I felt happiness, relief, sadness and the pain of growing up. If these emotions bring a BFF to mind, you will love this book. This is also a book of interest to anyone who loves a good comedy with a deep meaning. It is a lot like the movie series Girl Meets World and the book Counting Thyme.
Skyler and Ella are complete opposites as well as best friends. They've known each other since Kindergarten and would not have it any other way. Though the two 8th grade girls are about to go to high school and Skyler begins to search for more friendship variety. Ella, terrified to lose her best (and perhaps only) friend, whips up a BFF Bucket List for them. Everything from saying actual words to their crushes, going shopping in their pajamas and facing their greatest fears is included. Though when things get a bit out of hand, both girls find themselves yearning for the friendship they used to have. The only thing stopping them from letting the BFF Bucket List tear them apart is secrets. Both Skyler and Ella have a big, life changing secret that could put a final end to their BFF vows. Should they tell each other the truth or accept the fact that they are beginning to grow apart?
I absolutely loved the book. It was very deep and emotional in a way that was easy to relate to. It perfectly described the tugging feeling that all teens face when choosing between an old friend and a new one. It accurately portrays the grueling experience that is growing up and understanding who you are. It also focuses on the fact that it is alright to grow apart from a friend no matter how close you were before. The only thing I disliked was the ending. I would have loved a bit more of a sweet finish to the story. Dee Romito really left the audeince at a cliffhanger. Despite this, every thing was amazing. It made me feel caught in the BFF drama too as I constantly found myself being ripped between both girls. I felt happiness, relief, sadness and the pain of growing up. If these emotions bring a BFF to mind, you will love this book. This is also a book of interest to anyone who loves a good comedy with a deep meaning. It is a lot like the movie series Girl Meets World and the book Counting Thyme.
June 6, 2016
Originally posted at Log Cabin Library
This is the summer before Ella and Skyler are set to enter high school, they've each got big plans, as well as a few secrets that they've been keeping. The BFF Bucket List really captures that feeling of two friends outgrowing one another, where at first you enjoyed doing all the same things, but then start to have new interests and hobbies that the other person doesn't have. For Ella and Skyler, it's a struggle watching their friendship change, and they each deal with it in very different ways. Ella comes up with the list of tasks to complete and Skyler tries to broaden their group by bringing along other people or just doing the activities that she wants to try without Ella. You get a feel for what each of the girls is thinking via the alternating of chapters between the duo. I found the story easy to relate to and Romito really captures the feel of soon to be high schoolers. The activities on the bucket list were quite creative and the best friend photo shoot and random acts of kindness were two of my favorites, what fun it would be for two best friends to come up with their own lists together. As Skyler and Ella would say, "major fun" (with a salute).
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review via a Giveaway hosted at Literary Rambles
This is the summer before Ella and Skyler are set to enter high school, they've each got big plans, as well as a few secrets that they've been keeping. The BFF Bucket List really captures that feeling of two friends outgrowing one another, where at first you enjoyed doing all the same things, but then start to have new interests and hobbies that the other person doesn't have. For Ella and Skyler, it's a struggle watching their friendship change, and they each deal with it in very different ways. Ella comes up with the list of tasks to complete and Skyler tries to broaden their group by bringing along other people or just doing the activities that she wants to try without Ella. You get a feel for what each of the girls is thinking via the alternating of chapters between the duo. I found the story easy to relate to and Romito really captures the feel of soon to be high schoolers. The activities on the bucket list were quite creative and the best friend photo shoot and random acts of kindness were two of my favorites, what fun it would be for two best friends to come up with their own lists together. As Skyler and Ella would say, "major fun" (with a salute).
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review via a Giveaway hosted at Literary Rambles
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