Project Middle School (Hope #1) by Alyssa Milano

Project Middle School (Hope #1) Reviews

• 
  Briana

  ARC Review (Source: BookCon)
  
  Hope is a quick, feel good middle grade story about a budding scientist and activist (Hope) starting her first year of middle school. The general idea is very on trend (girls in STEM!, dealing with bullies!), but the actual writing was not to my personal taste. The narration and dialogue are both casual and approachable, but the kids all sounded like adults to me, and the message(s) of the book frequently overshadow the story.
  
  Frankly, the book feels preachy. Hope encounters a number of social issues she has to find ways to work through, such as committing microaggressions against her classmates and having to deal with the girls in the science club being interrupted and talked over by the boys. There are lengthy speeches about many of these issues, and there is even a several page argument about the invalidity of astrology, which the book seems to have a vested interest in debunking for reasons I don’t entirely understand. (I agree astrology is fake; I just didn’t see how inserting a lesson on this was integral to the story in any way.) Basically, Hope teaches readers to be sensitive to racial issues, feminist issues, real science vs. fake science, and more, which is all good; it just does it in a way I found heavy-handed. I think young readers, as well, can tell when they’re trying to be taught a lesson by a book, so this might not hit the mark with all of its target audience either.
  
  
  
  That said, the preachiness is somewhat mitigated by the fact that Hope is herself a fairly flawed character. She doesn’t just witness microaggressions; she commits them. She doesn’t just show everyone girls can be as good as boys at science; she gets so caught up in her own messages that she messes it up. She also struggles with other run-of-the-mill middle school problems like learning to share her BFF with new friends and dealing with bullies. This part is fine; it just feels like a lot of other middle grade books that deal with the exact same themes, and it’s here where I get cynical and think about how any celebrity can walk up to a publisher and say, “Hey! I’d like to write a perfectly average middle grade story about *gasp* friendship and bullying; isn’t that just a great idea for kids!” and they get a book deal as if it’s a novel idea.
  
  Overall, the book is average. It had just enough interest and unique characterization to keep me going, in spite of the fact I felt constantly preached at. The sequel is set up to be about Hope and her family doing good deeds to save an animal shelter, which sounds fun if you’re into animals but, well, also has a lot of potential for insertions of Good Morals and Lessons for Kids. I won’t be continuing with the series.
  
  (Also a shout-out to the illustrator for really fun and emotive illustrations, though I did find it hilarious the characters seem to wear the same clothes in every scene, like cartoon characters rather than book characters!)
  
  
• 
  Tara Strosnider

  Meet Hope Roberts. She's 11 years old, and she wants to be an astrophysicist. She loves swimming, Galaxy Girl comic books, and her two rescue dogs.
  
  Hope believes it's always a good day to champion a cause, defend an underdog, and save the future. And most of all, she believes in dreaming big. That's why she's enrolled in all of the advanced classes at her new middle school. She's smart and confident in her abilities. But though Hope seems super strong on the outside, there's another side of her, too. She's just a regular girl trying to survive middle school.
  
  This first book starts with the beginning of sixth grade, and Hope's BFF Sam made some new friends over the summer. Hope doesn't know how to handle it. She and Sam have always been inseparable! Then Hope meets her new lab partner, Camila, and they get off on the wrong foot. And even though Camila is great at science, she doesn't want to join the science club. The club is all boys, and she doesn't feel welcome.
  
  When Hope hears that, she's determined to recruit more girls into the science club, including Camila. Hope knows that sometimes changing the world starts small. So now Hope has a mission! Can she turn the science club into a place that's welcoming for everyone -- and make some new friends along the way?
  
  Hope's relatability, kindness, empathy, and can-do attitude will inspire a generation of do-gooders. This new series is a response to the very palpable feeling that not only can young people save the world -- they will!
• 
  Liz

  This book was just really lacking in depth and felt a bit clunky with the girls can do/be anything message. Also, personally I’m really tired of the two best friends go to middle school and then one gets bitchy. Sometimes two girls go to middle school and nothing bad happens to their friendship.
• 
  Kathy (Bermudaonion)

  Sweet middle grade book about friends Hope and Sam as they begin their middle school journey. They have different interests and each make new friends but still value each other.
• 
  Kristen

  Edelweiss+ provided me a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  
  This was cute, but it just doesn't have much depth. It reads like an after school special, where characters make life-changing discoveries and learn lessons in a ridiculously short period of time. Hope lives a pretty cushy life (a well-adjusted family, two parents, pets, a pool, etc.) and doesn't really encounter anything all that terrible at school.
  
  There are some great themes here (girls in STEAM, speaking up for yourself, changing friendships), and the illustrations are cute...but it's so simplistically done that I worry my middle graders will think it childish. And it does kind of feel that way...it may be better suited for elementary students wanting to read about middle school.
  
• 
  Heather

  3.5 stars
  I was a bit skeptical bc it’s co-written by Alyssa Milano (and sorry, Alyssa, but for some reason I judge actors who think they can write kids’ books. It’s unfair. Sorry! But You’re my Project Runway All-Stars host, so I thought I’d give it a try).
  It was cute.
  A bit on the surface, but cute.
  It hit on these topics without it feeling like it was being too obvious:
  STEAM and girls
  Friends changing, especially in middle school years
  Working towards a cause
  Understanding why people are mean or acting a certain way
  Finding your voice
  Staying true to who you are
  
• 
  Bel

  2.5
  
  This is going to find its place and will do well thanks to the name of the author... it just wasn’t my thing... I didn’t enjoy the writing style (too chatty but didn’t really sound like any kids I have met) and it was kind of preachy. I love that it is STEM based and I think the idea, I just wasn’t thrilled by it overall.
• 
  Brandie Shanae Bridges

  This book was everything that I was hoping for. When I first heard about this book I was so excited because of course there was a girl of color on the cover of the book which is awesome. When my daughter and I were trying to 9find a book for her to read she immediately grabbed the book without no hesistation. When she showed me the book I remember that the book was just released and I was able to speak to one of the authors of the book, which I was so happy to meet her. Debbie strongly recommended this book when she met my daughter and I am so happy that my daughter enjoyed it. My daughter and I read it every night before she went to bed she fell in love with the main character Hope and so did I. I even enjoyed this book because it talked about science, friendship, teamwork, and speaking up for yourself. This book was inspirational for my daughter and I. Also before I began reading to my daughter I made her count to the number of the chapter that we were on. She enjoyed the interaction and she also loved the pictures that were in the book as well. Every time we saw pictures my daughter always confirmed which one was Hope, her best friend Sam, and Hope's new friends Camila and Grace. My daughter loved this book so much she wanted to read more about Hope and her friends and she was so sad when I told her we had to wait for the next book to come out. But once I told her that she needed to be patient and understanding like Hope she did calm down. Now mind you my daughter is only four and she loved this book. This book is awesome and it is a book that I would reread to my daughter again and again.
• 
  American Mensa

  Do you like actor and activist Alyssa Milano? Then you'll probably like her children's book Hope Project Middle School. The main character is Hope, a girl who loves science, rescue dogs, and Galaxy Girl comic books. The story takes place at JFK Middle School, a contemporary, suburban, public school which is like a giant roller coaster for Hope.
  
  The plot follows Hope's journey through the ups and downs of middle school. She learns to make new friends while keeping old ones. She struggles to keep her best friend, Samantha, while still learning to let new friends in. Hope finds that she shouldn't be so judgy about Lacey, Camilla, Connor and other kids at school. She also learns not to be too competitive and to accept help when she needs it. For example, Hope over-promises that she can program a robot herself and rejects help. Get ready for a big drop- put your arms up and scream!
  
  I give this book five stars. I am glad I read it. It's certainly a thrill the first time around. It is a challenge for mid-elementary readers, perfect for middle-schoolers, and easy for high-schoolers. Parents can always share this with their kids because it has great life lessons, too! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Hope series!
  Reviewed by Ruth M., age 7, Southern Connecticut Mensa
• 
  Barbara

  Eleven-year-old Hope Roberts knows exactly what she wants to be when she grows up--an astrophysicist. When she makes the cut for accelerated classes at her school, and her best friend Sam will be attending different classes, she's a bit anxious but still eager to begin this phase of her academic journey. Hope makes some mistakes as she and her team work on a project for a science competition, but with some quick and innovative thinking, she manages to turn things around. I appreciated how the plot includes her worries about the growing distance between her and Sam as well as her concerns about being able to fit in with her new classmates and how she is such a creative problem-solver, never just complaining or laying blame, but coming up with ways to make her point. For instance, when it seems that some of the boys in her class ignore or talk over the girls, something even her teacher is guilty of doing, Hope has the perfect response, and with the help of some of her classmates, makes her point. It's cool to see someone her age trying to make a difference, starting in her own classroom.
• 
  Katherine Loyacano

  Hope Roberts is my new favorite middle grade character. Hope: Project Middle School by Alyssa Milano and Debbie Rigaud is a positive, uplifting, and enjoyable middle grade book about a young girl entering her first year of middle school and the bumps she experiences along the way. This story is the first in a series that introduces us to the main character Hope Roberts, who has a positive attitude, loves science, and wants to save the world.
  
  I love the positive message that this book gives young girls, especially girls who have a passion for math and science. I love the diversity of characters and the dynamics of Hope’s family and her friendships. I also love that Hope is a young activist that cares about issues in her community, such as the closing of an animal shelter, and her willingness to problem-solve to make life better for the rescue dogs. At the end of the book is a section with Hope’s Tips that give practical advice about using your voice to share thoughts and ideas as well as make positive changes.
• 
  Stephanie Bange

  The first of a series, Hope is an 11-year-old gifted student starting sixth grade.
  
  This school story has it all, that is, all of the hot topics that readers are finding in books for children today, including changing friendships, STEM, bullying and microagressions. There is a definite feeling that each is being thrown into the pot to see what cooks. This book is all surface with little depth to any of the problems or issues touched in the book. Co-authored by Columbus, OH author Debbie Rigaud, I was sadly disappointed when reading this. It was didactic in places, felt forced in others, and in still others read as “white”. Artwork by Eric S. Keyes (of Simpsons fame) is sprinkled throughout the book, making it more appropriate for a younger reader. It is clear that Milano is the latest actor-activist pushing her agendas through to children through books.
  
  Nothing harmful, but nothing special. Optional Purchase for grades 3-5
  
• 
  Danielle

  "There are more ways to use your voice than just speaking."
  
  I saw this book on order at my library, and the cover looked cute so I thought I'd pick it up. I honestly thought it was a graphic novel, but I wasn't upset that this wasn't a graphic novel. The pictures were darling and helped me visualize the various characters in the book. Although, why did all the characters wear the same outfit throughout the story? That was a little odd, not going to lie. I think this book would be great for kids about to transition to middle school. The changing friendships and dynamics once students reach middle school is so difficult to navigate and I felt that Hope's journey in this book was fairly realistic. I would definitely feel comfortable putting this book in my classroom library for my middle schoolers to read. The chapters were short and the added pictures would make this a comfortable read for some of my students who are reluctant to pick up thick middle grade or YA books.
  
  I'm looking forward to reading more of Hope's journey in the further installments of this series.
• 
  Yaritza

  Hope is a smart kid who wants to become a scientist. This is Hope's and her best friends Sam first day of Middle School. Hope was accepted to advanced classes, but Sam wasn't accepted and they were in separate classes. Hope joins the Science club where she and a group of kids are to complete a project. They work as a team at the beginning but when issues start happening with programming, she takes over that part of the project. The project unfortunately doesn't play out like they planned. What is great about this book is that children will learn that mistakes happens and you just need to not give up. Try to fix the problem and never give up. It also teaches kids that you can make new friends. I loved the illustrations. It was a fun book that children will enjoy.
• 
  Anneliese

  I liked this story. I thought it was an average, cute story. Hope is a great character because she is not perfect. She understands the microaggressions of society but because she is young she still commits them. I like that she learns from her mistakes and owns up to them. I gave this 4 stars as opposed to 3 because I love all of the STEM themes of the story. Science was my favorite subject in school but I didn’t have many opportunities to do STEM activities in school. I loved reading the science club scenes and though their presentation at the competition was very clever. I also really loved the illustrations. I read an ARC copy that I got from BookCon so not all of the illustrations we finished or included, but I loved the ones that were there. Overall this was an enjoyable read.
• 
  Sarah

  I received an eARC of this from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
  Hope is starting middle school and that creates a whole new world of problems. While she is a budding STEM girl, her best friend has made new friends over the summer and replaced(?) her. Hope joins the science club and knows that she could show off her stuff, but the boys won’t let her. Hope is determined to get more girls involved and stop the boys from taking over.
  
  This book read younger than it was intended. This would work better as an episodic cartoon.
• 
  Lauren Davis

  My grandkids (ages 8 and 12) and I listened to Project Middle School on audiobook. The kids really enjoyed the book, and it certainly offers up a variety of subjects - the awkwardness of entering middle school, going in different directions than your best friend, science, animal activism. But I felt that the book fell short on 2 counts:
  1) The "lessons" were so blatant and forced.
  2) Alyssa Milano was surprisingly not a terrific reader of her own work. With all her acting experience, I had high expectations for the narration.
• 
  Kathryn

  Middle school can be tough...new school, new friends, lots of changes! While this book had some great messages, the characters were flat, cartoony like in fact and the dialogue just didn’t reflect the age or mentality. Part graphic novel, part chapter book - I’m certain my students will give it a whirl when it lands in my classroom library! Had HOPED for far better!
• 
  Veronica

  So, it’s an okay read. I like that Hope is a scientist. I don’t like that the usual middle school trope of your current best friend is now making other friends... it’s in almost every middle school story... I also think they tried to cram too many themes in one short story. But I will probably read them all anyways
• 
  Renee MA

  4.5 - I liked this a lot more than I planned to! I picked up a book club set for my students because they were a buck each, and I don't think I would have bought them any other way by just looking at the cover. With Milano's narration, it was a cute, quirky book with a slant toward a female audience.
• 
  Bernadette Kearns

  I’m not a fan of “celebrity” books. While this book has a cute set of characters and a nice message, it feels like it was written by committee with a checklist of items to include. This would be an okay read for younger or inexperienced middle grade readers, but for kids who want authentic storytelling, this wouldn’t be a good fit.
• 
  Katie

  Hope Middle School Project is good for pre-teen children because it focuses on anxieties that can come with new schools, self-esteem, and changing friendships. I feel that children will find it relatable. From my adult perspective, I feel like some themes in this book felt too forced. For example, I’m all for helping out animal rescues (both of my dogs are rescues), but it was brought up in random moments throughout the book. This theme, and some others, could have been better incorporated into the story.
• 
  Kim

  This book was fine. It was fluffy. It kind of felt like the author was going do a checklist of “today’s topics” and throwing them into the story. The dialogue often felt like an adult trying to sound like a middle schooler.
• 
  Danae Mckain

  Great middle school story with a positive role model as the main character. She learns to stand up for herself and find her voice, but also to rely on others and allow them to help. Such great messages and good characters/friends. I loved it.