I’ll admit I didn’t know where to put this as it’s been so long since I read it I can’t right a proper review, yet it didn’t feel like it would fit with the other genres I’ve posted about. Well, it probably could but it just stands out so much on its own it needs its own post.

For one thing it’s author is the world-famous Madonna! Now I know, I know most celebrities have a ghost writer or something so they can slap their name on the cover and say they’re a children’s author but from what research I could find, I believe she did so. She said that one of the main characters, Binah who is motherless was developed as a way for Madonna to work her own feelings about her mother’s early death.

Knowing that I do remember how well-done Binah was in going through her slow growth of shyness and timidity after her mother’s death and taking care of house in her absence to growing more confident with the help of her friends. There were relapses as she confronts mothers day activities and her father’s impending dating life, she navigates through her complicated feelings to accept this new mother who is also her favorite teacher, to accept that she has love to spare and won’t forget her original mom.

But it’s not only gloom and not only about Binah. The book centers on five different girls who are the best and closests of friends. The books reflect that age with its giddiness and silliness with imagination spots and repetitive phrases from the omniprescent that only get more ridiculous which is the point. They’re bright and fun, and though these girls sometimes get into a spot of conflict with each other, they can be mean, overdramatic and such, they will always come through tighter than ever.

They feel real in a sense being at turns goofy, hardheaded, melodramatic yet sweet together. Each story has a message but it is balanced by these well done characters so it doesn’t feel overly preachy. Plus there is a spot of magic in there too.

Plus the illustrations by Jeffrey Fulvimari are delightfully colorful and expressive and so fit in with the lighthearted tone.

I highly enjoyed this 14 book series and think its a great read for any lower schooler.