REVIEWS+

Jaclyn Hyde

by Connor White
BONDOR-STONE, Annabeth & . 240p. HarperCollins/Harper. May 2019. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062671455.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—Fans of Bondor-Stone and White will not be disappointed by this character-driven reimagining of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Jaclyn Hyde strives to be perfect. One day, when everything happens to go wrong and she is feeling utterly imperfect, Jaclyn stumbles across a recipe for perfection potion. The potion transforms Jaclyn into Jackie, her goblin alter ego. Jackie will do anything to ensure Jaclyn is perfect, even if that means mistreating others. With the help of her loyal friends, Fatima and Paige, Jaclyn learns that being the best version of yourself is better than being perfect. Readers of all ages will find Jaclyn relatable and redeemable even after Jackie comes to life. Jaclyn's parents and idolized older sister inadvertently push Jaclyn to strive for perfection, while her friends help ground her in reality. Although the plot may be predictable for older readers, the mini-mysteries and comedic elements balance the conflict and make it all worthwhile.
VERDICT This modern take on a classic focuses on friendship, family, community, and being your best self; recommended for fans of "The Spiderwick Chronicles," Hotel Transylvania, and Roald Dahl.
Reviewed by Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metropolitan Library-Reynoldsburg , May 01, 2019

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?