'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 18 October 2015

Review: Ella Diaries - Dreams Come True

Ella’s diary entries continue in their typical highly entertaining, frequently dramatic, and visually stimulating way. This time she has a new subject to fill the pages with. Her pop idol Cassi Valentine is coming to town. Reasons why she adores Cassi: her dance moves, her stylish outfits (something Ella can really relate to) and her song lyrics which cover subjects Ella is passionate about - best friends and girl power.

Ella has long dreamed of meeting her idol. When a video-making competition is announced with a lunchtime concert with Cassi as the prize, Ella begins to hope that her dream will come true.

But nothing is ever easy. Sneery and smirky Peach Parker will again show her true colours by using her major sucking up methods to try and get attention and the best parts in the video. Although Ella has her measure and knows when stealing other people’s ideas and claiming them as her own comes into play, the truth always shows itself in time.

Can Ella and Peach put aside their animosity and collaborate to create a song for the competition? If not, can Ella’s entry be the winning one? Ella is again faced with many relationship challenges, choices and decisions.  Although she frequently expresses her frustrations and feelings to Diary, logic, fairness and acceptance always prevail.

This is a terrific series. With its light-hearted humour, entertaining language and highly appropriate illustrations by Danielle McDonald, girls will thrill at this and all forthcoming books about Ella and her scintillating diary entries. I love Ella’s character, and the positive resolution to the dilemmas she faces. The special words she uses in her entries continue to be starred and defined. This is a wonderful way to teach young readers new words.

Other books in the series include:
Ella Diaries: Double Dare You
Ella Diaries: Ballet Backflip
Ella Diaries: I Heart Pets

Title: Ella Diaries: Dreams Come True
Author: Meredith Costain
Illustrator: Danielle McDonald
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $12.99 RRP
Publication Date: August 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760153045
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction