Effie the Rebel

Effie Kostas #2

by Laura Wood

Effie is changing the world, one classroom at a time.
Dark forces are at work at Highworth Grange school: the student council has been taken over by a tyrannical villain with his own agenda. But Effie Kostas isn't about to stand by and watch democracy crumble! She's leading the resistance - but politics can be a dirty game and Effie will need to keep her wits about her as she faces down the enemy. With the help of her brilliant band of misfit friends, a bad-tempered parrot, and a former nemesis, can Effie save the school she loves before it's too late?

Genres: Middle Grade

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2021

About the author

Laura Wood is the winner of the Montegrappa Scholastic Prize for New Children's Writing and the author of the 'Poppy Pym' and 'Vote for Effie' middle-grade series and YA novels, A Sky Painted Gold and Under a Dancing Star.

She loves Georgette Heyer novels, Fred Astaire films, travelling to far flung places, recipe books, Jilly Cooper, poetry, cosy woollen jumpers, Edith Nesbit, crisp autumn leaves, Jack Gilbert, new stationery, sensation fiction, salted caramel, feminism, Rufus Sewell's cheek-bones, dogs, and drinking lashings of ginger beer.

Reviews

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like needles, so I knew I needed something light and funny to accompany to my first covid vaccination to distract me. Given how much I enjoyed the first book in the series, I took EFFIE THE REBEL with me and read most of it shuffling through the queue and then sitting afterwards. It is just such a readable book, the pages almost turning themselves as Effie gets involved in more school politics shenanigans.

This time, Effie wants to make the school greener, and her once-nemesis Aaron (her opponent for the position of school council president she lost to in the first book) is on her side! But nothing is plain sailing for Effie, as Aaron is off school and his vice president is trying to take over - and run things for his benefit.

The book addresses the climate emergency we're facing (very topical given the climate meeting later this year!). There are great practical examples of big (litter picking a river) and small (reusable bottles) ways we can be greener in our lives.

There are also the small injustices around nepotism within schools (like councils with any say over the budget giving it to the clubs they're involved in.) It's a clever little way to get readers going "yes, it's unfair!" (because the small perceived slights linger longest in the memory!) and empathise with Effie as she rebels to stop him. BUT, it's rule-abiding Effie, so she still plays a lot fairer than her opponent (and is guilt ridden over the smallest infractions!)

I think everyone at the vaccine centre thought I was a bit odd for giggling in a vaccine centre, but this book is just hilarious. I was so pleased to see that the school council minutes were back as they were my favourite part of the multi-media aspect from the first book.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Vote for Effie when I read it a few years ago, and I’m so happy it finally has a sequel because I really wanted to see how Effie reacted to losing the student council election at the end of book one. And I wasn’t disappointed in the results! Effie is still every bit (or maybe even more) determined to have her voice heard and to try and change the world with the help of her friends/campaign team, and when evil Matt Spader takes over the job of president with only his own interests at heart, of course Effie fights back. Effie is such a fun, positive character who really does want the best for not only everyone around her, but the planet itself too, and her passion for saving the planet was really inspiring. I also still really enjoyed her campaign team’s dynamic and Matt was a perfect antagonist to love to hate. My absolute favourite is still her little sister Lil though, because my god that child is a goddess among mere mortals and I kind of want to be her? I’m dying to know how Mary Berry ended up on her list too though. This is such a lovely, light, funny read that also touches on some really serious issues such as the climate crisis and how awful it is not to be believed when someone is making your life difficult, and I very much hope to see more of Effie in the future.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is so full of fun and humour. Effie is such a bright character, her enthusiasm is so infectious.

[EdenB15 · Rating 3 out of 5]

So after reading the first one i decided to read the 2nd one. It was actually better in my opinion so persevere

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was mainly about school politics between the children

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is this series so excellent?! I read this book the day it was delivered, I was so excited to get it. Effie is back on a campaign, but this time it's for the environment.

I love her passion, and I love her relationships through the book. From her wonderful friends, to her family, to her grudge match with Matt :D And how can I not mention her amazing sister?! I want her in my life. The scene with Aaron and the biscuits was so epic. And I still need to know what Mary Berry did.

The environmental elements also show how you can try to change things even when you're young, just by making small changes. I do heartily agree with Effie, and hope more people will make these sorts of changes!

These books are funny while delivering a message on being passionate about serious issues and I can't recommend them enough. 5 stars.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Effie Kostas is back and as strong-willed and high-spirited as ever!

Effie may have narrowly lost her school election but she won't let this stop her in her tracks. This term Effie is concerned by the ruin of the local lake, the amount of plastic used in school, and its lack of eco-friendly resources.

I love how determined Effie and her gang of friends are she is a great role model to kids. I can't wait to read more of her.