I gave the second book in the PAWS series a higher than I might have score for potential. But after reading book one, I think I need to bump that down. As book one, Paws V01 Gabby Gets It Together, was a real pooper. Book two was probably given a three (I do not remember, but I do remember it did not “grab me” but I figured that was because I hadn’t read book one). This time it is a one, or a 1.5 at best for the fun illustrations (typically bright, glossy graphic novel images) of Michele Assarasakorn. The score of 1 was given after only having read half of book one (the half point was added after finishing this book by Nathan Fairbairn). During reading, I was bored, and disliking everything and everyone. Representation is important, and we have that (each girl comes from a different Asian background), but the story was flat.
In case you or your aged eight and up reader (probably up to a low 12), are interested, the story is about three girls, two around ages 12-13 and one who around ages 11-12. The story has a few layers, but the main theme is about listening to people, because nobody is listening. The three friends are too busy with “their own thing” or poo-pooing/ganging up on the younger one because she is “spoiled, rich a baby” though only a year younger. The girl with the mom with allergies to pets will not listen to the mom when she says is alright and does not need her EpiPen. Yet the daughter is going to stab her anyway (fill in other situations). Of course, in the end it all works out, and the girl’s business, of PAWS (Pretty Awesome Walkers of dogs) is off and running.
While book one has me thinking I am not going to be finding book three, it might be interesting to see how they deal with the third girl, as two girls have had their story already. And from what I remember of book two, there is a set up for a fourth book already, so if you like the series, you have a few more chances to read about the girls of PAWS.
