The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter

Bessica Lefter #1

by Kristen Tracy

After an unfortunate incident at the hair salon, Bessica is not allowed to see her best friend, Sylvie. That means she's going to start middle school a-l-o-n-e. Bessica feels like such a loser. She wants friends. She's just not sure how to make them. It doesn't help that her beloved grandma is off on some crazy road trip and has zero time to listen to Bessica. Or that Bessica has a ton of homework. Or that gorgeous Noll Beck thinks she's just a kid. Or that there are some serious psycho-bullies in her classes. Bessica doesn't care about being popular. She just wants to survive - and look cute. Is that too much to ask?

6 - 8 Lexile® 570L Guided Reading GR Level S DRA 40 - 50 ACR 3.9

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, School, Friendship, Young Adult, Contemporary, Humor

305 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2010

Reviews

[Liz at Midnight Bloom Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't read many middle grade novels because I consider the protagonists too young for my reading tastes, and indeed, I think my rating of 3 Stars is a reflection of that. The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter is an enjoyable read, and perhaps if I were younger I would have enjoyed it even more, but in the end, I simply liked the novel.

Bessica Lefter feels like her life is over. Not only has her grandma abandoned her in favour of going on a road trip with her new boyfriend to explore caves and different landmarks, but her best friend won't even be attending the same middle school as her! Poor Bessica. She's about to head to her new school all alone and no clue how to ever fit in...

I did sort of roll my eyes a bit at Bessica's actions in the novel. I know she's only eleven, but she's sort of stubborn and is under the impression that whatever she thinks is best, others would also agree with. It's not that she's bossy... she just sort of thinks that she's always right. In other words, she's pretty much a girl that acts her age- but even so, I don't remember acting the way she did when I was that young! She's forgetful at times and she tends to act before she thinks, with both of these characteristics leading to some funny moments and putting a smile on my face!

When I think back on it, not much really happens in the novel... yet I was always entertained in some fashion. Bessica is adjusting to a new school without her best friend, which would be hard for anyone, and she's not used to the fact that her grandma is not by her side. Combine these facts with how Bessica is having a horrible time trying to make some new friends, and you've got some heartwarming moments to be found too. It all sort of leads lead up to a hilarious ending that had me laughing so hard I had to put the book down for a moment. So while I might have been slightly annoyed with Bessica's immaturity in the beginning, I was happy to see her grow as a character and be a little more considerate to others.

The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter is a novel that younger audiences will most certainly take a liking to... and great for those looking for some light-hearted laughs along with a story about a young girl just trying to settle into her new middle school all alone.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bessica Lefter is kind of a selfish jerk, but a very lovable one.

[sammi]

on my grind of rereading books from middle school

[Jia Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally I love a good teen novel. I loved the characters! Bessica sounds like a fun girl with a really good crazy personality. I could really relate to this book in a way of both struggling through middle school, but as time goes on its getting better! I am really anxious to read to sequel to this, the only thing i wasn't a huge fan of was the fact that Bessica's problems didn't resolve until the very end, which was disappointing. The description was on point, i could really picture what everything looked like. Overall it was a great read!

I really enjoyed the plot of Sylvie being out of Bessica's life, i feel like it really added suspense and curiosity to the book. All the terrible things adding onto Bessica's life were getting crazy, and then slowly everything started straightening out. Like I said I can relate to Bessica's troubles, sixth grade was a huge struggle for me, until the end of the year when i realized what was important, and what wasn't. Sometimes it's better to have no friends rather than fake ones.

[LibraryLaur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come for SLJ

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say 4 stars but Little Diva insists on 5 stars. It really is a great book about starting middle school.

[Cora Cevita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bessica bothered me. She was SO whiney. And what she did to Sylvie was messed up. She made Sylvie into something she was not and used the fact that Sylvie's a pushover to he advantage. Bessica just broke all the rules to try ti be popular. Like, girl, as someone who's entering her last year of MS, that's not what you should be focusing on. Focus on grades, and trying to be less of a jerk. She was very annoying and rude.
She shouldn't have lied, and shouldn't have thrown away her diary without really taking Sylvie's opinions into view, even though Sylvie paid for half. She is a toxic friend, and kinda dumb. Like did she expect her parents to be fine with what she did?! Also, stop trying to mess up your grandma's love life. If she's happy, that's all that matters. She was very selfish and only cared about herself when it came to friends. She was SO selfish she tried to break up her grandma love life (and her bf to at made her happy) so she could date someone with a boat. Ugh.
The only good character was the grandma.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars. A fun middle school realistic fiction. Nothing deep, nothing but humor, friendships, a kind-of sassy grandmother. Pure entertainment. Bessica and her best friend are sent to different middle schools, and Bessica wants to reinvent herself and figure out how to navigate MS without her best friend.

[michelle ˚⊹♡]

ah bessica my favorite little furry! some parts were very irritating to read granted it’s based around a girl who just started 6th grade and i’m far from that age now however i do think that for the age this book is indented for it’s very cute but because of this book was not written for my age range i feel like i have no right to rate it

[Patsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, this self-centered, inconsiderate girl needed to be reinvented. But probably no more than other tweenagers in her stage of life. I'm glad things turned out well for Bessica. Her story was well told by Kristen Tracy.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

My problem with this book is that I never warmed up to the main character. Okay, she was an anxious person facing a new situation--but she was also very self-involved and reckless with her actions regarding other people. It's difficult to cheer someone on with an attitude like that.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bessica is a rude selfish jerk and no one in the novel even mentions that to her. She was not a good person at all she was very immature and she learns no lessons in the book to be a better person. Overall the book had a good story besides that brat bessica.

[Kiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I like the uniqueness of Bessica's name.

[Erika]

So far this book is good cause so far its about two best friends that are going into middle school but their parents separate them so now they are going to different middle schools

[Susan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute. I read it because someone on the listservs raved about how it totally brought them back to the awkwardness and pain of middle school. I thought the author did a pretty good job of this. Nothing too heavy or emotional, but it was a quick, fun read. Bessica and her best friend Sylvie are about to start middle school. In anticipation of an all new her, Bessica decides to get a new haircut, and, as usual, Sylvie follows her lead. Only the haircut looks cute on Bessica and terrible on Sylvie... For Sylvie's mom, this is the last straw. She's never thought Bessica was a very good influence on her daughter, so at the last minute she enrolls Sylvie in the other middle school in town - meaning that Bessica has to start middle school ALL BY HERSELF. She has a hard time making new friends, and despite explicit instructions from some older girls, runs into the school bully, gets on the wrong side of the hall monitor, and basically has the worst first day ever. And without Sylvie, things look like they're going to continue to go downhill. Can Bessica make it on her own?

[Stacy Ford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bessica is all about starting all things new. She and her best friend Sylvie are determined to leave their childish ways behind them as they enter middle school. A shared diary, two pixie cuts and the arrival of her grandma's boyfriend in a Winnebago later and Bessica's world comes crashing down. Sylvie's mom announces that Sylvie will not be going to the same middle school and that she and Bessica shouldn't speak anymore. Bessica is at a loss. Everything in middle school goes wrong. Bessica can't find friends, she gets tagged as a member of the alt crowd, she isn't fitting in. All this and she is trying her best to do all of these things. She decides to try out for cheer-leading, but soon discovers she can't tumble enough to do that but luckily she can try out to be the mascot.

Bessica's grandma and parents are ever the optimists and encouragers. They consistently encourage Bessica to continue to try to make friends. Bessica is all about her self, just as middle schoolers are.

The struggles in this book will appeal to many middle grade readers.

[Makenziecr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bessica is all about being a brand new person because she and her shy BFF SYlvie are going to a brand new middle school away from all of their friends. So, following that logic, Bessica decides to get her and Sylvie a pixie cut. But, that didn't go over so well with the moms. In fact Mrs. Potaski decides to move Sylvie to the other middle school, leaving Bessica with no friends that she knows. And to top that, Bessica's grandma leaves on a 6 week trip with her new boyfriend. Then, school starts, at the begining Bessica DISPISED it...she was getting bullied, didn't know anyone, didn't have a lunch group, and ended up eating with the alt crowd. YIKES! She tried to avoid the dweebs, and tried to join the cheer squad. But, on the day of the cheer try-outs she sees the kids trying to be the mascots. They all look like they were having so much fun, so she decided to do what makes her happy. Things get progressivly better and even her and Sylvie make up. Over all I thought it was a great book because I could relate to it.

[Caiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a girl named Bessica Lefter and her friend, Sylvie, and they were about to start middle school together. But, when Sylvie's mom discovers that Bessica has a list of regrets of 5th grade, and that Bessica made Sylvie cut her hair Sylvie's mom decides to change schools! Bessica wants to fit in, and she learns to do it her way. She thinks popularity is like being the school cheerleader or mascot, and her point of view is about to change.
I would reccomnend this book to people who like some drama and even though this book is kind of interesting, but not too interesting so that you would want to be in this book, but I would prefer if this book had more action in it. But,in think this book relates to me because my best friend moved to another school also, but not for the same reason as Sylvie, and we still make it work. I wish that the book was a little longer so that it can rap up loose-ends..I think the book was well written but, I don't think the ending was satisfactory.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the books that hit my radar over the summer was Bessica Lefter Bites Back. It sounded like a spunky middle grade story that I'd love, and then I learned that there was a book that came before it? Excellent!

The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter follows Bessica into middle school after losing her best friend after a hairstyling incident. Such begins a bit of a downward spiral for Bessica as she hits a new school with parents who don't quite get it and her grandmother, who is very close, off on a cross-country trip with her new boyfriend. Bessica's forced to navigate largely on her own.

It's a good story! Bessica is really likable, it's a realistic-feeling story, and the ending doesn't feel forced, which is often a problem with books like this. It ties together really well, and is perfect for this age group.

Definitely worth looking into if this is within your interests, or the interests of readers you know of any age.

[Zahra Mahdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! This has been one of my all time favorites since I bought it at the K-5 Scholastic Book Fair in Fourth Grade. This paperback wonder provided me a safe guide of what not to do in Middle School, and it sets a good example for girls out there who have ended up is situations like this. I can relate, because I started Middle School not too long ago. It has been an amazing journey throughout this book and I would love to say that Kristen Tracy did a great job. Bessica Lefter is a funny character who portrays the feeling of a normal sixth grader- as if overwhelmed by the stereotypical middle school image.

This story has changed my perception on Middle School forever. It is a fun ride. Plus, through thick and thin you always have someone along the line who loves you. You love them too. For all you rising sixth graders out there, The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter is the book to read!

[Sherry Rampey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child in a military family, I can totally see Bessica's perspective throughout this book. Everyone is usually nervous when they start middle school. New friends, new routine, and new look, Bessica thinks everything will be perfect. She will soon discover that life isn't perfect, especially when her friend Sylvie goes to the "other" middle school. Bessica now has to battle the middle school blues by herself, but she will soon discover that sometimes people are not what or who they seem.

A great read for the new middle school gal, probably may not be too popular with the boys. Tracy has certainly created a great character in Bessica and her growth throughout her 6th grade year will have some of us remembering those days or still trying to forget them. The wittyness and euphemisms Bessica's grandma Rhoda prescribes are just what the doctor ordered.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine my surprise when I bought this book for our school library, and while cataloging it discovered that the author was a grade school friend of mine and we grew up just down the street from each other!! (Hi Kristen!) Of course I have to read it now. ;-)

Ok, I just finished this book & I loved it! It is funny, quirky, sweet, and has a good message. Also a bit painful...Kristen realistically writes about some of the angst of those pre-teen years, so it feels like you are living those awkward, embarrassing moments right along with Bessica! On a personal note, I love how Kristen incorporated parts of her own experience, which I remember too: split sessions (yuck!), school colors, Bee mascot (Go Bees!), some of the cheers, and of course familiar locale! Way to go, Kristen, great book!

[Samantha Tai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bessica Lefter is looking forward to new beginnings when she starts middle school with her best friend Sylvie. But after a tragic hair incident at a hair salon, Sylvie's mom decides Bessica and Sylvie need a break from being best friends. Bessica feels an additional loss when her grandmother decides to take a long vacation with her new boyfriend Willy. Now Bessica is starting middle school without any friends and all she really wants to do is fit in and belong. I'd recommend The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter to girls who have read the Junie B Jones series or Lois Lowry's Anastasia Krupnik series.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bessica Lefter has spent her whole life with her best friend. They do everything together, from sharing a journal to buying the same notebooks...until her friend's mother makes the decision that the two will be separated in middle school. Suddenly Bessica is left on her own to navigate a middle school where she knows no one. She finds herself disastrously falling into the "wrong" crowd in loner-sville, in spite of unflagging optimism. Will she find her way?

Good for girls looking for a pink, fluffy book after reading Ida B, or the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Takes place in Idaho.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

After an incident at the hair salon, Bessica is not allowed to see her best friend, Sylvie. That means she's going to start middle school a-l-o-n-e. Bessica feels like such a loser. She wants friends. She's just not sure how to make them. It doesn't help that her beloved grandma is off to some crazy road trip and has zero time to listen to Bessica. Or that Bessica has a ton of homework. Or that gorgeous Noll Beck thinks she's just a kid. Or that there are some serious psycho-bullies in her classes. Bessica doesn't care about being popular. She just wants to survive-and look cute. Is that too much to ask when you're eleven?

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was a very good book because it talked about a girl who got broken up with her friend right before middle school began. The main characters name is Bessica Lefter. Her best friends name is Sylvie. The first day of middle school was rough for Bessica because she had no friends at all. Through out the book she tried and tried to do something she liked. She tried out for school mascot. She ended up making it. I think this book was amazing. Any kid going into middle school would like this cause it talks about a girl going into middle school and how she felt. You should really read this amazing book.

[Rachel Arling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to all girls that like books with some drama. I do like most drama books so I give this book a 5 star rating, because I like it when you can relate to some of the parts in the book you are reading.
this book is an easy reader because it is not hard to understand and because it is realistic fiction, that makes it less sad. This book is dramatic because its shows a girl who struggles through middle school and has made some decisions in the past that she now regrets. some parts of the book are more sad than others but I think that this is a good book for all teenage girls who need some drama in there lives.

[Suzanne Eastman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle school is “puke bad”, Bessica is quick to point out to just about anyone who will listen. This book will resonate with anyone who would rather read about middle school rather than re-live it, or maybe anyone who doesn’t find middle school to be an easy place to be. She is a girl, that not for lack of trying, manages to get herself in many difficult situations, and finds believable solutions, sometimes…..other times, well she is just like you or me! I’m hoping that there will be more stories about Bessica, I think many girls will be able to relate to her.

[Emmeline Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is like one of my favorite books! Although I don't think that Middle school is that bad. Bessica is not really open to other people, so maybe that is why she did not make any friends (besides the twins)and that is probably why she is so lonely. I also think that it was a very bad idea for her to instruct her Sylvie to throw their diary away in a construction area. It is also very irresponsible for her to tell Sylvie that it was ok to get a haircut at the mall. There are so many fun and interesting adventures in this book, that I'm sure that anybody who reads this, will enjoy it

[Brianne R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grade/interest level: Middle School
Reading level: 570
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Main Characters: Bessica, Sylvie, Mom, Grandma, Willy
Setting: Unknown
POV: 1st

When Bessica Lefter starts middle school, she is excited. But when she finds out her best friend won't be there along the way because she's going to a different school. Her mom thinks Bessica is a bad influence so they are forbidden of being friends. Her grandma is off on a trip with her boyfriend, and her middle school life is terrible when she almost gets suspended for what she didn't do. Will she survive middle school?