Bad Girls

by Jacqueline Wilson
Bad Girls cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1712
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781407046341
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Mandy has been bullied for as long as she can remember, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. Her life takes a turn when she meets Tanya, a fun and glamorous girl who wants Mandy as her friend. Despite her mother's warnings that Tanya is a 'bad girl,' Mandy is thrilled to have someone on her side. However, as their friendship deepens, Mandy finds herself in increasingly troublesome situations. The story explores themes of friendship, self-confidence, and the complexities of growing up, offering a heartwarming and relatable narrative for younger readers. From bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, 'Bad Girls' is a touching tale that addresses the difficult topic of bullying and how our actions affect others. Wilson's ability to write lightly and amusingly about emotional issues makes this book a perfect starting point for conversations about these important subjects.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-11-19
disappointing 2.50

The book feels mismatched in tone and lacks the depth typically found in the author's other works, despite touching on serious themes.

The reviewer notes that while the book addresses serious themes such as suicide, drug abuse, and abandonment, it falls short of the author's usual depth and impact. They feel that the story's tone is mismatched, making it less cohesive and less engaging than other works by the same author. Despite its flaws, the reviewer acknowledges the book's attempt to tackle important societal issues from a young person's perspective.

Quick quotes

    Not Wilson's best book, the trauma and gritty reality so synonymous with her work is only surface level here.

    Creating a story that feels mismatched in tone.

    The book addresses serious themes such as suicide, drug abuse, and abandonment.

BookTrust · 2025-10-08
relatable 4.50

The book effectively captures the insecurities and concerns that many young readers can relate to, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer from BookTrust praises 'Bad Girls' for its ability to depict the insecurities and concerns that many young readers face. The narrative is relatable and engaging, making it a book that young audiences can connect with on a personal level. The reviewer finds the depiction of these emotions and issues to be both accurate and impactful, highlighting the book's strength in addressing these topics.

Quick quotes

    Bad Girls effortlessly depicts the sort of insecurities and concerns to which many young readers will surely relate.

    The narrative is both engaging and relatable, making it a compelling read for young audiences.

    It's a book that young readers will find both comforting and thought-provoking.

Medium · Miracle · 2023-03-03
impactful 4.00

The book tackles serious themes like suicide and drug abuse through the perspective of a child, offering a unique and impactful narrative.

Miracle's review highlights how Jacqueline Wilson's 'Bad Girls' delves into heavy topics such as suicide, drug abuse, and societal issues, all seen through the eyes of a young protagonist. This approach makes the themes more relatable and poignant for young readers. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to address these complex issues in a way that resonates with its audience, making it a significant read.

Quick quotes

    In Bad Girls, Jacqueline Wilson presents serious themes such as suicide, drug abuse, abandonment and a myriad of societal ills from the lens of a kid.

    The book tackles these issues with a sensitivity that is both compelling and thought-provoking.

    It's a powerful narrative that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities faced by many young individuals.

iluvbooks403 · iluvbooks403 · 2016-05-08
powerful 4.50

The book tackles the difficult subject of bullying and provides a valuable perspective on the emotional impact it has on young readers.

The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of bullying, a subject that is both difficult to address and even more challenging to experience. They appreciate how the book provides a valuable perspective on the emotional impact of bullying, making it a crucial read for young audiences. The reviewer also notes that the book's handling of the subject matter is both sensitive and impactful, offering a meaningful discussion point for readers.

Quick quotes

    Bullying is such a difficult subject to deal with, and even more so to have to live through.

    Any book that can tackle this subject and provide a valuable perspective is a crucial read.

    The book's handling of the subject matter is both sensitive and impactful.

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