Violet in Bloom

Flower Power #2

by Lauren Myracle

Katie-Rose, Violet, Milla, and Yasaman—four girls with seemingly little in common but their flower names—are nurturing their new friendship and are busy building luvyabunches.com, their very own social-networking site. Their first flower-power task? A doomed campaign to get their school to serve healthier snacks. The Jelly-Yums they champion—soon dubbed “beans of grossness”—taste like candied beets. And that’s just the start of their troubles. A scheming classmate tries to drive a wedge between Katie-Rose and Yasaman, Violet may have been slammed in a secret journal, and poor Milla unintentionally commits hamstercide. It will take all the strength and genuine affection of these pals to weather a particularly stormy week of fifth grade.

Bestselling author Lauren Myracle brings her understanding of the weight of fifth-grade dramas to another hilarious and memorable book that preteens will love!

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Friendship, Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, School

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Lauren Myracle is the author of numerous young adult novels. She was born in 1969 in North Carolina. Lauren Myracle holds an MA in English from Colorado State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. she has written many novels, including the famous IM books, ttyl, ttfn, and l8r, g8r.

Her first novel, Kissing Kate, was selected as one of ALA's "Best Books for Young Adults" for the year 2004. It was named by Booklist as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers." Her middle-grade novel, Eleven, came out 2004, followed by its YA sequels (Twelve, Thirteen, Thirteen Plus One) .

Reviews

[fiona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Violet In Bloom by Lauren Myracle was a realistic fiction book about four best friends, Milla, Violet, Katie-Rose, and Yasaman, and about their ups and downs during the fifth grade. Milla has a crush on Max, Katie-Rose’s neighbor, and accidentally kills his hamster. Violet is trying to cope with the fact that her mom is in a mental home, and Katie-Rose and Yasaman are fighting because of a classmate, Natalia. Meanwhile, the girls are launching a “Snack Attack” mission to help their school get healthier snacks. When all seems lost the four FFF’s (Flower Friends Forever) pull it back in and save the day.
I thought Milla, Yasaman and Katie-Rose were very over-dramatic. They all thought their problems were so important, while Violet’s mother was in a mental home. (Which, if you ask me, should have been the main problem.) Max will get over the death of his hamster, and Katie-Rose and Yasaman will become friends again, laughing about this petty fight they thought was life shaking. But Violet will always have that reminder that somewhere her mom was not completely sane. None of them really helped Violet, or cared much about her case. They all said, “Oh yeah, Violet’s mom’s in a mental hospital and I’m fighting with my best friend because of some other girl I don’t like, that’s the real problem.” For example, when Yasaman called Violet and Katie-Rose to tell them Milla was sad about Max’s hamster, Yasaman completely pushed away the fact that Violet was in the car, about to see her mom in a mental home! Violet did call Milla the second after, to make sure she was okay because she was a good friend. She put her own problem aside and tried to help them (Milla, Yasaman, and Katie-Rose), unlike her friends.
Personally, I thought the book was not good because the story was so unrealistic and obviously made up that it made you feel like you were in some imaginary land where everything was sugarcoated and they just threw in a few problems to keep you interested. The characters were well developed, and the “Snack Attack” idea was good, and I think they could have made the story more focused on that, instead of individual problems.
All in all, I didn’t particularly enjoy this book, and I wouldn’t recommend it to someone my age. To be honest, I read it because I’d read it a few years ago and wanted to see what the rest of the series was like, but it was too childish. It was important for me to finish the book, and not stop half-way even if the story didn’t interest me.

[Lacey Louwagie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So . . . I just got off the phone with Lauren Myracle after she did a Book Club chat for the organization I work with, so I might be just a teensy bit biased by her awesomeness. But, I probably would have given this book four stars (or at least a very high three) anyway.

I always think of Lauren as a Modern Day Judy Blume for the way she captures authentic adolescent girls' concerns and voice, although I think she's a touch more fun than Judy Blume (Judy Blume, I still love you!). This book, the second one in the Luv Ya Bunches series (I didn't read the first), took a little while to get going. I enjoyed the voice and the humor the whole time, but the stakes didn't seem to get very high until about halfway through. Then, there were some jaw-dropping, "Oh no she didn't . . ." moments that both delighted and horrified me. There's a middle school chaos scene at the end (which includes crying pre-schoolers and horrified teachers) that just took me RIGHT BACK.

My main complaint about this book, besides the fact that it took a little while to get going, is that it didn't seem particularly focused on Violet. (There are four best friends featured: Katie Rose, Violet, Camilla, and Yasaman). That's too bad, because her story was really intriguing. It almost seems like she titled the book in advance and then found that as the story grew, it wasn't all that rooted in Violet after all -- but, the title remained. Still, a good read, one that I can recommend to tween girls without reservation -- and if anyone wants an ARC version of it with kitty teeth marks on the cover, let me know!

[Rebeccapd96 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The FFFL ( Flower Friends For Life) Katie Rose, Yasaman, Violet and Camila are best friend. Camila has a crush on Max, Katie Roses neighbor. When Camila is invited to Max's house and ends up squishing Stewy, Max's hamster. Camila feels really bad and hides and skips school. Meanwhile, Violet and Yasamen and Katie Rose are having their own problems.Violet is having to deal with her mother who is in a mental home. Yasamen and Katie Rose are having some friendship troubles over a girl named Natalia. Will all the girls get along?


This book was really good, I loved the blogs, texts and other things. The concept of this book was really cute, but I think it was pretty easy. Th characters, blogs and other things were cute too! This book it a reality, and it's for any one who wants an easy read thats funny, cute and silly. Enjoy

[Natia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this book. It was so good. I think is just because I really like Lauren Myracle's books and her style of writing, that's probably why I like her books. My favorite character in this book is Camilla also known as Milla. She did something terrible to her crush, Max. She killed his hamster!!! You have to read the book to find out the rest. Violet has deal with something big. Her mother is in a mental hospital.Also, this boy in her class Cyril keeps staring at her and writing in his mysterious journal.Katie-Rose has problems with another girl, Natalia. Yasaman is having an internal conflict. She has to decide whether to be Natalia's friend or Katie-Rose's friend.In the end all of the girls fix their problems. Great Book for all types of girl, especially because the book is written from different girls' point of view.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another awesome book from Lauren Myracle. I love the newfound friendship of the girls, and how hilarious their ideas are. I like this whole book! The one part I don't like is...(SPOILER AHAID)

When Milla accidently kills Max's hamster. I feel so sorry for her. And Max. And the hamster.

But I did love this book.

[Elisa Coolio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. Way more than the first book honestly the first book was soo boring. But I loved the storyline in this book the only reason I give it four stars is because I kinda lost interest in the snack petition part of the story but the rest was really good!!! Yeeeeee!

[Ellie Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Porkchop snack attack and Stewey made me give this book 5 stars ✨.

[Jasmine Mongue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how descriptive the author (Lauren Myracle) was about Violet. Also, I really like the evolving friendship between the flower girls. :)

[sladynoire · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeee!!!!!!

[Avery N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was much better

[Xyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 out of 5 stars - this was a very interesting book. I'm taking 1/2 a star because personally, I do not like the use of text lingo in books - even when used in a text or blog situations. Why? Because phones now have full keyboards. There is no need to shorten beyond contractions or established acronyms. Even worse was the talking frog emoji (LOLfrog) that spouted, "I hope you is hazzing..." I feel that we need to encourage proper grammar in written and spoken word. Understandably this is my own personal opinion and you are free to disagree with me. Other "grammar police" readers might dock more stars for this, but I could see the purpose here and follow some bloggers who also employ the technique. [Considering the author has won awards and accolades for her Internet Girls series which is written entirely in IM...I am in a small crowd. ;-) ]

Now onto the rest of the review. My first love in this book is the diverse cast - four girls with flower-based names who are best friends. Camilla, Katie-Rose, Violet, Yasaman. I see them as the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" in training. Each has multiple levels of things in their lives with which they deal daily. Camilla is the cute little blonde with two moms - she has recently been liberated from a mean girl clique and found 3 new best-flower-friends. Katie-Rose the cute brunette with a nice family, but abandonment, anger, and control issues (she's the friend whose internal filter doesn't always work properly). Violet is African American and usually the confident one, but her mom has mental health issues. Yasaman is Muslim. Let me say again...I LOVE this cast of characters!

Second love of the book. The chapters change point of view but are clearly identified at the beginning to let you know who is speaking or thinking. At the very start of the book I could only see negative feelings and actions happening and couldn't understand how 10-year old girls could be so distressed. Then I thought about my experiences in elementary and middle school. Ms. Myracle clearly understands developmental psychology. The reader finds the characters filled with self doubt, first love, embarrassment, anger, humiliation, indecision, fear, the list goes on. I could identify with each of the characters and remember instances in my own childhood where similar and sometimes identical situations happened. The girls learn how to deal with these feelings and become better people in the process. [Unfortunately, Milla and Max may have flashbacks the rest of her life; poor Stewy.]

Here's the thing. I remember very similar things happening in my youth so what that tells me is that even though we as humans like to think we are evolved certain experiences happen to help us get to be where we are as adults. Some people become better and others do not. This book reminded me that I need to watch and assist those in need to work through and process the negative situations in which we find ourselves - the mean girls and the goofy guys who don't understand how much their actions hurt - without negative ends.

It's interesting how even the antagonists become ever so slightly sympathetic when you see...it just makes you think.

The title is rather deceptive. Since Violet is one of the Flower Power Girls, you think the story focuses on her and her development. It does not. It would be more accurate if named Flowers in Bloom as each character finds herself in a situation she has a hard time facing and grows from facing it.

A side note: Another contributing factor in losing 1/2 a star...I picked this book up at a yard sale and had no idea this is book 2 in the series. No indication anywhere on the cover or spine. HUGE pet peeve of mine. HUGE! Thankfully, with the exception of not knowing how Milla was freed from the mean girls group, book one (Luv Ya Bunches) does not seem to impact book two.

Second side note: I was reading "About the Author" and understand why she chose to include the IM and text lingo. Still not fond of it. :)

Overall...if you get a chance to read this - DO! There is no bad language nor will you find any adult situations. Some violence - mostly taunting - and poor Stewy - nothing terribly graphic. In my humble opinion, the scenes and feelings depicted in this novel are things children go through (adults too). And if you say not...well, then you're Natalia talking about Coke/Pepsi. ;-)

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for children in grades 4-6 to enjoy due to the use of blogging and the maturity of the narration. In this book, the Flower Friends Forever, Katie Rose, Camilla, Violet, and Yasaman are four fifth graders who don’t have much in common besides their flower names and their love for each other. With the start of their fifth grade year, Katie Rose had posted an invite via their blog page luvyabunches.com so the four of them could discuss an urgent issue-the evil Cheezy D’lites. The girls slowly find out about the unhealthiness of these snacks being served in their school and want to take action. As they try to follow through with their plan, Yasaman and Katie-Rose test their friendship with a new girl. Violet grows worried that someone is writing mean things about her in his journal, and Camilla deals with the death of a pet hamster. Their flower power saves them as they spread the message to their fellow students. After reading this book, I thought it was humorous because of the way their friendship is portrayed. It reminded me of the problems I faced with my friends in elementary school. With that said, I think that students can really connect with this story, making it fun and enjoyable for them to read. I believe that it's important to share these good examples of how to overcome conflicts with friends with children of that age.

[Erika Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet In Bloom in my opinion would be a good book for fifth graders. The book is written about a group of ffith graders and focuses on the drama and hardships that people go through at that age. Therefore, I believe fifth grade readers would be able to relate to it and bettering there chances of sticking with it. While I enjoyed the reading and found it entertaining, I also found it somewhat predictable. The whole book led up to this huge catastrophy at the end. The plot was good and the storyline was good I however, had a hard time finishing it though because I could already assume the ending. I thought this book would be good to have within a classroom because of the way it represents friendship. Fifth grade children often find themselves fighting with their friends a great deal. This book shows how that can happen but how to resolve it and focus on what really matters. The book also addresses issues such as a child living in a homosexual household as well as a child that has different religious views comparred to her friends. This would be good to have within a classroom because it allows children to see that it doesn't matter where you come from or what you believe in, everyone is the same and should be treated equally.

[Marissac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet in Bloom is about another adventure that the FFF'S (Flow Friends Forever) endure. Violet, Katie-rose, Camila (Milla), and Yasmin are back for another heart breaking, fun, and outrageous time in 5th grade. Yasmin comes up with a great idea that she posts on her blog (LuvYaBunches.com) and all the girls like but Katy-rose takes it a little too far when Natalia comes into the picture. Camila thinks she is doing things right with her crush Max, but something goes wrong and it devastates her. Violet does something that she thought she would never do and she liked it, also she makes a "new friend" that she thought creeped her out but he turns out to be kinda nice.

I really liked this book. But i'm glade that I read the first one to this book or I wouldn't have gotten what was going on. I thought the author did a great job on the characters and what they feel. Some of the book was a little surprising because the first book wasn't that surprising so I really thought this one was awesome! I think Lauren Myracle should keep these books coming!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet in Bloom follows the 5th grade stories of the flower friends; Milla, Katie-Rose, Yasaman, and Violet. All dealing with problems in their lives. It's a good thing their flower pals will be there forever. Their site that Yasaman created is just blooming but will the girls survive what happens when the soil of their flower box is shaken? All their problems somehow, indirectly relate to a guy. It could be their dad, a crush, or an annoying pair of classmates who can't seem to do the chicken dance no matter how hard they try. A simple read for girls in grades 4-5, love the thoughts and style of the book but this may not be as challenging as you want.

[StorySnoops · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the prequel to this book, the author accurately portrays typical tween drama with heart, including friendship troubles, insecurities, fears, crushes, teamwork, and the importance of being yourself. Girls will relate to these issues and speed through this fun and easy read. Diversity is celebrated, as each of the four girls are of a different race (African-American, Asian, Caucasian, and Middle-Eastern), and each has her own ...(click for the full review http://www.storysnoops.com/detail.php...)

[Ubalstecha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katie-Rose, Violet, Milla, and Yasaman are back for another round of blogging, videos, chats and text messages. This time they face the problems jealousy, a mentally ill parent, crushes, hamster death and a fight for healthier food. All while trying to stay friends.

Myracle once again proves she has an ear for the voices of the tween set. She also knows how to integrate new technology into her writing without it being a gimmick. These two facts make up for the fact that the story takes a bit to get going and some parts are a little implausible.

Good stuff.

[Lexi]

I enjoyed this book through the mindset of a preteen. This book focuses on difficulties with friendships which can be prevalent in schools. I would recommend this for girls between the ages of 9-13 but all ages might enjoy. The chapters a short and to the point for the most part which makes it easier, in my opinion, to read. I thought this book was interesting in the character development, and I also really liked that their was something unique and diverse about each character. (Gay moms, Muslim, etc.) I would read more from Lauren and I would also stock my classroom with more of her books.

[Shazzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's easy to look at this series and say the diversity is forced, or too easy, but at the same time, it's just nice to see such diversity in a middle grade book. And forced or not, it's worth it, because Myracle has created four distinct and wonderful characters, each with their own credits and their own faults, and the best thing I can say is that I can see a little bit of myself in each one of them and their struggles.

[Mira · Rating 3 out of 5]

2011 review
I have been so excited to get my hands on this book. Though I would have preferred a tangible edition instead of just words on my Kindle screen, I was desperate, you know? I've been waiting so long, and I didn't know what else to buy. Well, there's not much to say. A simple plot, and a nice follow-up to Luv ya Bunches. I can't wait for the next book. I'm gonna make a prediction here; the book cover will be blue.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lauren Myracle's books are highly rated by readers and critics alike, but I am not overly impressed with her books. This book was written (the readering level, and the way that the characters spoke) for a pretty young age. Id say third or fourth grade. But it also delt with some pretty heavy issues. So it is a bit difficult to know what age to recommend this book to. However, think book was, in my opinon a HUGE imprevment to TTYL.

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, even though I believe the first one was a little more interesting to me. I disliked how sassy and mean Katie-Rose was being to Natalia. I felt like she was the new Modessa. I don't think it was necessary to put the death of Stewie the way Lauren Myracle did. It was a little unclear to me and after realizing what happened, a bit, you know, weird. But, overall, I liked the book enough to give it four stars.(I would have given it three and a half stars, though)

[Oalfardan4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet, a sweet, shy girl, wanted her mother to come back home to be a whole family with her father, but her mother is in a mental hospital and was under a strict lock-out and she could never visit her because of her state of mind, so she tried her best to get her daughter to come visit her, was it really how they both expected it to be?

Violet in Bloom, a book about strength and self discovery.

[Sps · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Korin would say, "1, 2, 3, awwwwww!"

But it was awww-worthy: it has a two-mom family, fifth graders rallying for animal rights, Myracle's pitch-perfect tween girl emotions, a peeing hamster, and the phrase "lunch was made of awesome." So cute! Maybe the 10th Avenue girls will read it if I can give them the first one in the series first.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH, how I <3 this series!!!! 4 girls who all have both good and bad things going on in their 5th grade lives. Acknowledges how hard the age is, while still pointing to the parts where there is joy. I wish I could have read this when I was 10! Tween-ness handled with sensitivity, respect, and HUMOR. A supportive, safe series for girls struggling with being THAT age.

[Tineisha]

This book was really good to me, because it was about 4 girls name VIOLET,KATIE-ROSE,CAMILLA,YASAMAN. The reason why i like this book because it is a type of book that is good for you and to me it was exellent. and each chapter it has their name and through the whole chapter it's talking about them and it's interesting that's why i like it.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so fun to jump back into fifth grade with Milla, Violet, Katie-Rose and Yasaman! I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Luv Ya Bunches. There was lots of drama in this book but Myracle deals with it all in a way that's endearing and age-appropriate. I hope the next book has lots more FFF (Flower Friends Forever!) hijinks and lessons about friendship.

[Esme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start my critique, I think this book is for audiences a little younger but I loved it. My critique is that some of the characters don't really fit into the story or have a story. Like a character named Cyril, he is mysterious and shows the readers that the girls stand up to bullies but he has no true point.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about this book is that it captures the voice of a fifth grader so accurately. I could connect to a lot of the characters and thought "Hey! I was totally like that in fifth grade!" i I really enjoyed reading this book. Please wrote another, Lauren Myracle!!!! 

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book i loved it, it was about four girls who each had a name that was a flower. each chapter was from a different girls perspective. if u like books about girls u should deffinatly read this book!