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Gumazing Gum Girl #1
Chews Your Destiny
Gabby Gomez loves to chew gum everywhere, even though Mami has warned her against it: There was the time at the art gallery. And don’t forget what happened with her tía Carmen’s parrot! But when Gabby gets gum stuck in her hair, that’s the last straw. Chewing gum is now BANNED.
But one last teeny-tiny gumball couldn’t hurt, right? It's not like Gabby will turn into gum...except, that's exactly what happens! With her new, stretch-tastic powers Gabby can help save the day, but she will have to keep her gummy alter-ego a secret from Mami or else she'll find herself in a really sticky situation.
But one last teeny-tiny gumball couldn’t hurt, right? It's not like Gabby will turn into gum...except, that's exactly what happens! With her new, stretch-tastic powers Gabby can help save the day, but she will have to keep her gummy alter-ego a secret from Mami or else she'll find herself in a really sticky situation.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published August 20, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 7, 2013
Yurgh.
The premise of this was pretty ok -- little girl gets gum stuck in her hair, becomes gum girl, saves the day. The build-up and crime-stopping was really sloppily/dully done, the weirdly scolding but not really actually moralizing tone of the narration, and the overabundance of slightly-too-complicated-for-the-story text was frustrating. The illustrations were pretty adorable in the Powerpuff Girl school of things, and I wouldn't complain a smidge about them if they had been used to tell a halfway well-developed story. This did really feel like little more than a cash-grab. I realize that this a fairly common phenomenon in the world of children's books, but I am lucky to not come across them too often. Alas, Gum Girl, I like your name, and that is about it.
The premise of this was pretty ok -- little girl gets gum stuck in her hair, becomes gum girl, saves the day. The build-up and crime-stopping was really sloppily/dully done, the weirdly scolding but not really actually moralizing tone of the narration, and the overabundance of slightly-too-complicated-for-the-story text was frustrating. The illustrations were pretty adorable in the Powerpuff Girl school of things, and I wouldn't complain a smidge about them if they had been used to tell a halfway well-developed story. This did really feel like little more than a cash-grab. I realize that this a fairly common phenomenon in the world of children's books, but I am lucky to not come across them too often. Alas, Gum Girl, I like your name, and that is about it.
November 30, 2017
"If you start trouble, I'll bust your bubble, 'cause I'm a gum girl, Yes, I am a Gum Girl!"
Say hello to Gum Girl, or Gabby Gomez! This girl loves, no wait LOVEEEEESSSS bubblegum. In fact she loves it so much she can't go a day without them. Yes, this does sound a lot like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's Violet Beauregade. However, Gabby is a sweet (albeit promise-breaking), polite, kind girl with a great sense of justice. I don't even want to think of Violet getting gum-powers. No siree, I am sure that girl would use it for evil, instead of Gabby's using it for good deeds.
I loved Gabby from the start, though I wasn't too happy that she broke her promise to her mom that easily. I am a girl who takes promises serious, so I would have loved it for Gabby to keep the promise. Oh well, I guess if she had done that we wouldn't have the amazing Gum Girl, so I can forgive her for once. :P
It was quite fun to see how she got her powers (that girl got some bubbleblowing powers!).
The peanut butter just disgusted me. But that is because of my allergies for peanuts. I can't even imagine rubbing it all over your body. Urgh, instant death for me. But hey, it works for Gum Girl/Gabby. Though she will have to think of another way, as I am not too sure if her mom approves of her going to jars of the stuff.
The illustrations are a delight. I loved how Gum Girl is drawn. She is indeed a gum girl, and not just girl with some gum. It was fun to see her POP out of a bubblegum bubble and thus transform into Gum Girl!
The ending was a bit sudden, I certainly didn't expect the book to end that way + with a cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. Hopefully I can wait until next year March when the paperback comes out (why do paperbacks take so long to come out *shakes her fist*).
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Say hello to Gum Girl, or Gabby Gomez! This girl loves, no wait LOVEEEEESSSS bubblegum. In fact she loves it so much she can't go a day without them. Yes, this does sound a lot like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's Violet Beauregade. However, Gabby is a sweet (albeit promise-breaking), polite, kind girl with a great sense of justice. I don't even want to think of Violet getting gum-powers. No siree, I am sure that girl would use it for evil, instead of Gabby's using it for good deeds.
I loved Gabby from the start, though I wasn't too happy that she broke her promise to her mom that easily. I am a girl who takes promises serious, so I would have loved it for Gabby to keep the promise. Oh well, I guess if she had done that we wouldn't have the amazing Gum Girl, so I can forgive her for once. :P
It was quite fun to see how she got her powers (that girl got some bubbleblowing powers!).
The peanut butter just disgusted me. But that is because of my allergies for peanuts. I can't even imagine rubbing it all over your body. Urgh, instant death for me. But hey, it works for Gum Girl/Gabby. Though she will have to think of another way, as I am not too sure if her mom approves of her going to jars of the stuff.
The illustrations are a delight. I loved how Gum Girl is drawn. She is indeed a gum girl, and not just girl with some gum. It was fun to see her POP out of a bubblegum bubble and thus transform into Gum Girl!
The ending was a bit sudden, I certainly didn't expect the book to end that way + with a cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. Hopefully I can wait until next year March when the paperback comes out (why do paperbacks take so long to come out *shakes her fist*).
All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 10, 2019
4.5 stars
I'll admit that as soon as I saw this book at the library today, I wanted to get it. However, I was unsure my boys would be interested in it, but I was thrilled when my oldest son encouraged me to get it because he thought it also looked "cool."
And it very much was!
As a parent, I appreciated Gabby's struggle of wanting to help others, but also know that she was disobeying her Mom by chewing gum. She wanted to come "clean" with her even though she knew her parents would be proud of her for saving people's lives. It had a good message and loved the illustrations with the pink. It made the book feel exciting and fun.
Once we finished reading it (in one sitting), both my sons already wanted to read the second one (and so do I). They both affirmed it was "good."
Going to see if the library has the rest of the series!
I'll admit that as soon as I saw this book at the library today, I wanted to get it. However, I was unsure my boys would be interested in it, but I was thrilled when my oldest son encouraged me to get it because he thought it also looked "cool."
And it very much was!
As a parent, I appreciated Gabby's struggle of wanting to help others, but also know that she was disobeying her Mom by chewing gum. She wanted to come "clean" with her even though she knew her parents would be proud of her for saving people's lives. It had a good message and loved the illustrations with the pink. It made the book feel exciting and fun.
Once we finished reading it (in one sitting), both my sons already wanted to read the second one (and so do I). They both affirmed it was "good."
Going to see if the library has the rest of the series!
March 11, 2018
Solid reluctant and early reader book. Fans of bubble gum, superheroes, and humor will enjoy this very quick read. Be forewarned that the book cover smells like bubblegum. May cause a sudden need to pick up a pack of Bubble Yum Original. Rated four stars for reluctant and early readers. Spanish terms are sprinkled throughout the book.
January 16, 2024
Found this book at my friends house and read it to his son after dinner...great book for young kids! GGG would make a fantastic animation feature; someone should look into pitching this project. A fun book that has great 'retroish' art. Really a interesting character that I hope to see more of in the future.
December 2, 2013
Girl who likes to chew gum gets shocked when her bubble blows up on a powerline and realizes that she has super powers. Ends with a cliff hanger so there will be more in the series. Features a Hispanic family and a few basic Spanish words thrown in, which is a cool twist.
January 17, 2014
When Gabby Gomez blows a bubble gum bubble which pops all over her, she becomes gum girl. She has super powers and is able to save the day. The problem is that Gabby's mother has issued a no gum rule for her daughter. Eventually, she knows she should tell her mother the truth.
April 6, 2014
My kids loved this book. We enjoyed that this was a story featuring a little girl super hero. As a mother, I appreciated that the main character recognized that her many good deeds did not make lying to her parents okay.
August 17, 2017
Cute fun illustra-hybrid for younger kids. SUPER like that he integrates Spanish vocab into the story (yay for nonwhite protagonists!).
Story itself is not particularly inventive, but it's a fun little romp. And the cover is super strong, so random people keep picking it up off my desk. And a book that begs to be picked up that bad gets my vote, even though, personally, I ultimately found it fairly forgettable.
Update Summer 2015:
Promoted this book as part of my school outreach visits this May/June, and the kids went nuts. That may have had to do with the fact that I started my visits by asking if they liked bubblegum. ;) Anyway, we haven't been able to keep it on the shelf, even though my system has seven copies. Can't wait for the second one!
Pro Review:
What could you do with a bubble-gum-related superpower? Gabby Gomez is walking down the street, minding her own business, blowing the biggest bubble-gum-bubble ever, when she finds out. This early chapter book will appeal to the hybrid readers and bridge book lovers alike. Montijo uses black, white, and pink to illustrate, and writes a superhero story relatable to everybody. He incorporates Gabby’s culture, sprinkling Spanish words and phrases into the dialog. A sure-fire winner, the main drawback to this title is is that there are only a couple of books in the series. Highly recommended for libraries serving elementary audiences.
Story itself is not particularly inventive, but it's a fun little romp. And the cover is super strong, so random people keep picking it up off my desk. And a book that begs to be picked up that bad gets my vote, even though, personally, I ultimately found it fairly forgettable.
Update Summer 2015:
Promoted this book as part of my school outreach visits this May/June, and the kids went nuts. That may have had to do with the fact that I started my visits by asking if they liked bubblegum. ;) Anyway, we haven't been able to keep it on the shelf, even though my system has seven copies. Can't wait for the second one!
Pro Review:
What could you do with a bubble-gum-related superpower? Gabby Gomez is walking down the street, minding her own business, blowing the biggest bubble-gum-bubble ever, when she finds out. This early chapter book will appeal to the hybrid readers and bridge book lovers alike. Montijo uses black, white, and pink to illustrate, and writes a superhero story relatable to everybody. He incorporates Gabby’s culture, sprinkling Spanish words and phrases into the dialog. A sure-fire winner, the main drawback to this title is is that there are only a couple of books in the series. Highly recommended for libraries serving elementary audiences.
April 14, 2014
Gum Girl is incredible! This girl superhero is obsessed with bubblegum so much so that she chews it night and day. Chewing it at night is precisely what gets her into trouble when she wakes up with a huge wad of gum stuck in her hair that requires peanut butter to remedy. From that moment on gum is off limits (Mom's rule), but the sugary, gummy sweetness proves too good to ignore.
After attempting to blow a giant bubble and it stretching up to be popped by the electrical wire on the street, Gum Girl is created. Peanut butter returns her to a normal little girl state, but the superhero secret identity must stay hidden at all costs. When Gum Girl saves an airplane with a broken wing she gains media attention, which leaves room for a sequel when readers learn that a villain has taken notice of Gum Girl and is plotting to destroy her!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! A girl superhero story with a Latina character as our leading lady with Spanish words woven into text with funny pictures (I cracked up when she saved a cat from a tree but waxed a patch of fur off its back with her gum hand) with real problems (strict teacher and a bully), what's not to love?!
Highly recommend this book for grades 3-5.
After attempting to blow a giant bubble and it stretching up to be popped by the electrical wire on the street, Gum Girl is created. Peanut butter returns her to a normal little girl state, but the superhero secret identity must stay hidden at all costs. When Gum Girl saves an airplane with a broken wing she gains media attention, which leaves room for a sequel when readers learn that a villain has taken notice of Gum Girl and is plotting to destroy her!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! A girl superhero story with a Latina character as our leading lady with Spanish words woven into text with funny pictures (I cracked up when she saved a cat from a tree but waxed a patch of fur off its back with her gum hand) with real problems (strict teacher and a bully), what's not to love?!
Highly recommend this book for grades 3-5.
August 4, 2014
Chews Your Destiny by Rhode Montijo is about Gabby Gomez a young girl in love with chewing bubble gum. While Gabby loves gum, her parents do not. So, one day her mom forbids Gabby to chew anymore bubblegum, but Gabby cannot resist. In her pocket she has a gumball and on the way to school, she chews it. But this gum wasn’t ordinary gum, it was the gum that turned Gabby into a superhero, it turned her into Gum Girl! Gabby then begins her adventures helping people as Gum Girl; however, she has to keep her identity a secret from her parents, which makes the situations she gets into a whole lot stickier than any piece of gum she’s chewed before. Along with hiding her identity from her parents, Gabby has to deal with her nemesis from school, Natalie. Natalie, who looked like Harold from Hey Arnold, was gross, especially in a scene involving a booger. Despite the unhygienic Natalie, this book reminded me of a type of Captain Underpants style of book for young girls. I liked this book, loved the illustrations and I look forward to reading more about Gaby’s adventures.
http://toriasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2...
http://toriasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2...
December 4, 2013
A superhero is born! Gabby Gomez is thrilled to learn she has superpowers, and even more thrilled by the way helping others makes her feel. If only that were the whole story. Gabby can't fully enjoy helping others or even tell anyone about her powers since she has to keep it hidden--her powers come from gum and her mother has forbidden Gabby from chewing any more, so she is a superhero based on disobedience and lies. What's a Gum Girl to do?
This is a visually vibrant book full of pictures and limited, accessible text, bursting with appeal for young readers. It's clear that Gabby is Latina since she and her Mami speak a bit of Spanish to each other, but it's a natural, unstated part of her identity that doesn't come up otherwise. Other than brief appearances by a teacher and classmate bully, the book stays very focused on Gabby, her gum, and her quandary. The book ends with a bit of a double cliffhanger and it's clear there will be much more to Gabby's story in future books. A strong start to a new series.
This is a visually vibrant book full of pictures and limited, accessible text, bursting with appeal for young readers. It's clear that Gabby is Latina since she and her Mami speak a bit of Spanish to each other, but it's a natural, unstated part of her identity that doesn't come up otherwise. Other than brief appearances by a teacher and classmate bully, the book stays very focused on Gabby, her gum, and her quandary. The book ends with a bit of a double cliffhanger and it's clear there will be much more to Gabby's story in future books. A strong start to a new series.
Read
December 30, 2019This is a cute series for early grade schoolers that a friend/coworker helped me introduce to my kid, and he's loved it so much I can barely get him the others in the series fast enough, which he then takes everywhere he goes. These are part of the growing trend of transitional chapter books - part chapter book of regular text and part graphic novel - that I feel are so helpful in engaging young readers, especially more reluctant ones.
The first book introduces Gum Girl, a Latinx kid who is addicted to gum and one day blows a bubble so big she morphs into a superhero. She is happy to fight crime and help her community, but it isn't without conflict from her mother and her school. The illustrations and color scheme are fun, the cover is a scratch-and-sniff (obviously, how could you not), there's Spanish peppered throughout the text, and it ends on a cliffhanger. I can see this series having a wide appeal to young readers with all different tastes.
The first book introduces Gum Girl, a Latinx kid who is addicted to gum and one day blows a bubble so big she morphs into a superhero. She is happy to fight crime and help her community, but it isn't without conflict from her mother and her school. The illustrations and color scheme are fun, the cover is a scratch-and-sniff (obviously, how could you not), there's Spanish peppered throughout the text, and it ends on a cliffhanger. I can see this series having a wide appeal to young readers with all different tastes.
March 14, 2014
Totes adorbs.
December 11, 2018
I just felt like reading a fun short comic. And if you are too i definetly recommend this comic series
January 14, 2022
Ever on the hunt for books for bridging chapter books third graders would like, I saw a recommendation for this one. I definitely think kids will like it--a girl who cannot stop chewing gum one day pops a bubble and becomes Gum Girl, a superhero with sticky powers. The only problem is her parents forbade her from chewing gum, so she is finding ways to lie and avoid her parents. Great cliffhanger ending.
October 9, 2021
Liked it i don't really know when i finished it but is was in September and i liked the Dun Dun Dun! part.
June 11, 2021
A cool mix of novel and comic with an old-school feel created by the pink graphics.
January 12, 2014
Gabby Gomez is addicted to chewing gum. After she gets a wad stuck in her hair, her mother uses peanut butter to get the sticky mess out, then forbids Gabby from chewing any more gum. On her way to school the very same morning, Gabby chews one more piece of gum she has with her. She blows a huge bubble that makes contact with a power line, and Gabby becomes Gum Girl! She is solid pink, ultra-sticky and uber-stretchy! As she's trying to understand what's happened, a purse snatcher runs by her. Gabby reaches out with her super-stickiness, grabs the purse, and returns it to her rightful owner. Wow! That felt great! She's a superhero!
But Gabby can't tell anyone she's a hero, not even her Mami, because she was breaking her mother's rule when she chewed that gum. Gabby is torn; she is excited about her superpower but plagued by guilt over her own disobedience.
I was disappointed in this book. The graphics are very appealing, all bubblegum pink, black, and white, a la Babymouse, and the cover is loaded with kid-appeal. Young readers will probably like the story, as well, but I found it lacking in several areas. (Yes, it's possible I have read so much high-quality children's literature that I want it all to live up to the standard.)
Gabby discovers a little too quickly and easily that rubbing peanut butter on her skin will turn her back into ordinary Gabby, and even though she pours it all over herself it apparently disappears and requires no clean-up. Okay, that's very tv-cartoony (after all, Wile E. Coyote could blow himself up and still look fabulous next scene), so I'll try to let that one walk. Gabby's teacher is kind of awful, publicly and harshly scolding her for her tardiness. And yes, that's pretty conventional for cartoons, so maybe I should let that pass, too.
But the story is just too slight. It feels like someone came up with a cool premise, threw something on paper slapdash, then tried to turn it into a full-length chapter book without any extra material. Gabby disobeys her Mami and chews gum. BAM! She's Gum Girl! BAM! She foils a purse snatcher! BAM! She discovers how to turn herself back into ordinary Gabby. BAM! She chews more gum, and rescues a doomed jetliner! BAM! She feels guilty for disobeying her Mami. BAM! End of story, with no resolution.
Which brings me to another thing I really dislike: there is no end to the story and we have to buy another book in the series if we care to know what happens to Gabby. Luckily for me, I don't. However, as a school librarian, I may need to buy more to satisfy the young readers. We shall see. Regardless, for me, the best part of Gum Girl is the cover. Too bad.
But Gabby can't tell anyone she's a hero, not even her Mami, because she was breaking her mother's rule when she chewed that gum. Gabby is torn; she is excited about her superpower but plagued by guilt over her own disobedience.
I was disappointed in this book. The graphics are very appealing, all bubblegum pink, black, and white, a la Babymouse, and the cover is loaded with kid-appeal. Young readers will probably like the story, as well, but I found it lacking in several areas. (Yes, it's possible I have read so much high-quality children's literature that I want it all to live up to the standard.)
Gabby discovers a little too quickly and easily that rubbing peanut butter on her skin will turn her back into ordinary Gabby, and even though she pours it all over herself it apparently disappears and requires no clean-up. Okay, that's very tv-cartoony (after all, Wile E. Coyote could blow himself up and still look fabulous next scene), so I'll try to let that one walk. Gabby's teacher is kind of awful, publicly and harshly scolding her for her tardiness. And yes, that's pretty conventional for cartoons, so maybe I should let that pass, too.
But the story is just too slight. It feels like someone came up with a cool premise, threw something on paper slapdash, then tried to turn it into a full-length chapter book without any extra material. Gabby disobeys her Mami and chews gum. BAM! She's Gum Girl! BAM! She foils a purse snatcher! BAM! She discovers how to turn herself back into ordinary Gabby. BAM! She chews more gum, and rescues a doomed jetliner! BAM! She feels guilty for disobeying her Mami. BAM! End of story, with no resolution.
Which brings me to another thing I really dislike: there is no end to the story and we have to buy another book in the series if we care to know what happens to Gabby. Luckily for me, I don't. However, as a school librarian, I may need to buy more to satisfy the young readers. We shall see. Regardless, for me, the best part of Gum Girl is the cover. Too bad.
August 26, 2017
Sweet and sticky little book about a girl who draws magical powers from her bubble gum (and returns to her alter ego with the help of stick-destroying peanut butter!). Great for early and reluctant readers.
February 26, 2017
abby Gomez LOVES bubble gum. She will chew it any time, anywhere, much to her mother (and dentist father!)’s chagrin. Gabby also gets her gum all over everything, which makes a huge mess! Gabby’s mom lays down the law and tells her NO MORE GUM, which really doesn’t work for Gabby, who sneaks a little piece on the way to school one day. What’s one little piece, right? She blows a bubble – the biggest bubble EVER – and it pops all over her! How is she supposed to go to school, looking like this? But wait! Someone needs help! Gabby answers the call, and discovers that she’s been transformed into The Gumazing Gum Girl, a superheroine with super sticky, super stretchy, bubble gum powers! Now, she just needs to keep enough peanut butter on hand to help her get all the gum off and transform back into Gabby, before her family finds out!
The Gumazing Gum Girl is too much fun! She’s a superhero for intermediate and middle grade readers, adorably written and drawn by Rhode Montijo, who creates a graphic novel/chapter book hybrid that kids love. Kids will love her Latinx family, who lovingly speak Spanglish to one another, and they’ll love how the seemingly ordinary power of bubble gum transforms a girl into a superheroine. Plus, they’ll see that Gabby is a good kid, who struggles with keeping a secret from her parents: her superpowers come from her breaking the rules and chewing gum. There are fun villains and the art is super kid-friendly; combinations of pink, black and white, with bold lines and expressive fonts will catch and hold any reader’s attention.
When I was at ALA Midwinter last month, I found myself lucky enough to get hold of the NEXT Gum Girl Adventure: Gum Luck! A colleague shrieked when she saw me with it (and she does collection development for my library system, so, whoo hoo!), and another colleague read it the day I got back to the library after Midwinter. To say this is an anticipated sequel is putting it mildly.
The Gumazing Gum Girl is too much fun! She’s a superhero for intermediate and middle grade readers, adorably written and drawn by Rhode Montijo, who creates a graphic novel/chapter book hybrid that kids love. Kids will love her Latinx family, who lovingly speak Spanglish to one another, and they’ll love how the seemingly ordinary power of bubble gum transforms a girl into a superheroine. Plus, they’ll see that Gabby is a good kid, who struggles with keeping a secret from her parents: her superpowers come from her breaking the rules and chewing gum. There are fun villains and the art is super kid-friendly; combinations of pink, black and white, with bold lines and expressive fonts will catch and hold any reader’s attention.
When I was at ALA Midwinter last month, I found myself lucky enough to get hold of the NEXT Gum Girl Adventure: Gum Luck! A colleague shrieked when she saw me with it (and she does collection development for my library system, so, whoo hoo!), and another colleague read it the day I got back to the library after Midwinter. To say this is an anticipated sequel is putting it mildly.
August 4, 2016
Title: Gum Girl! Chews Your Destiny #1
Author: Rhode Montijo
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Copy: Netgalley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Review: Gum Girl! is a light-hearted and fun middle grade comic. I am happy to find books like this that are simple enough for beginning chapter book readers, but are more interesting than a controlled vocabulary reading practice book. The format of the book is a combination of narrative paragraphs mixed with comics. It reminds me of the Frankie Pickle series in that way. The first page technically has three paragraphs, but then the next eight pages only have four sentences all together. For the student just venturing in to the chapter book section, it is a little less intimidating because it has 130 pages, but the comic type illustrations break up the text.
The premise of the story is interesting, but not developed very much. Gabby's super-powers are used, but the situations where they are required are all very short episodes. This book seems to be laying the groundwork for more in-depth capers in the future.
Some of the pictures are pretty hilarious like the scene in the barbershop where Gabby continues to blow her bubblegum in spite of the flurry of hair. These types of illustrations make the book a lot of fun. I also appreciated the inclusion of some Spanish. It is done in a very natural way and there are plenty of context clues so readers won't miss out on what is being said. The book was unique, but not overwhelmingly so. I think students will enjoy it, but the future stories will need to be more developed with specific "bad guys" or crimes to solve, or the series won't last.
Original review at http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2013/06...
Author: Rhode Montijo
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Copy: Netgalley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Review: Gum Girl! is a light-hearted and fun middle grade comic. I am happy to find books like this that are simple enough for beginning chapter book readers, but are more interesting than a controlled vocabulary reading practice book. The format of the book is a combination of narrative paragraphs mixed with comics. It reminds me of the Frankie Pickle series in that way. The first page technically has three paragraphs, but then the next eight pages only have four sentences all together. For the student just venturing in to the chapter book section, it is a little less intimidating because it has 130 pages, but the comic type illustrations break up the text.
The premise of the story is interesting, but not developed very much. Gabby's super-powers are used, but the situations where they are required are all very short episodes. This book seems to be laying the groundwork for more in-depth capers in the future.
Some of the pictures are pretty hilarious like the scene in the barbershop where Gabby continues to blow her bubblegum in spite of the flurry of hair. These types of illustrations make the book a lot of fun. I also appreciated the inclusion of some Spanish. It is done in a very natural way and there are plenty of context clues so readers won't miss out on what is being said. The book was unique, but not overwhelmingly so. I think students will enjoy it, but the future stories will need to be more developed with specific "bad guys" or crimes to solve, or the series won't last.
Original review at http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2013/06...
October 8, 2014
Have you ever had gum stuck in your hair? How did you get it out? Gabby's mother uses peanut butter to do the trick, but she warns Gabby to stop her constant chewing. But Gabby just can't resist and after all, how would her mother ever find out? Then she blows a giant bubble that touches the telephone wires and electrocutes her. This turns her into the gumazing gum girl! At first Gabby just wants to get out of the sticky situation, but she soon realizes that being the gum girl has its advantages. Will Gabby save the day--or will she just get busted?
This quick read is packed full of laughs and classic super hero tropes. There are ample illustrations in black, white, and bubblegum-pink that show off gum girl's special powers and crime-fighting action scenes. The occasional Spanish word is used and introduced in ways that are easy to understand. There aren't many early chapter books starring Latina characters, so I was excited to find this one.
The plot and characters are a bit cliche, but it makes the story easy to follow which makes sense for an early chapter book. Especially considering that this is at the easier end of the early chapter spectrum with many pages only containing a few words in dialogue bubbles.
This is an excellent early chapter books for fans of superheroes and humor. A fast, engaging read for those just diving into chapter books.
Read more of my reviews at http://auldschoollibrarian.blogspot.com/
This quick read is packed full of laughs and classic super hero tropes. There are ample illustrations in black, white, and bubblegum-pink that show off gum girl's special powers and crime-fighting action scenes. The occasional Spanish word is used and introduced in ways that are easy to understand. There aren't many early chapter books starring Latina characters, so I was excited to find this one.
The plot and characters are a bit cliche, but it makes the story easy to follow which makes sense for an early chapter book. Especially considering that this is at the easier end of the early chapter spectrum with many pages only containing a few words in dialogue bubbles.
This is an excellent early chapter books for fans of superheroes and humor. A fast, engaging read for those just diving into chapter books.
Read more of my reviews at http://auldschoollibrarian.blogspot.com/
June 6, 2014
Gabby Gomez LOVES bubble gum. She chews it in the swimming pool, at the hairdressers, and even in bed at night. One morning, she wakes up with gum in her hair, which prompts her mother to make a new rule banning her from chewing gum. Gabby tries to follow the rule, but when she sneaks one last piece, an accident occurs that turns her into a superhero named Gum Girl with sticky, stretchy powers. Gabby loves turning into Gum Girl every day, but her secret rule breaking begins to make her feel guilty. Gabby must decide - does being a true hero mean telling the truth?
I enjoyed this for what it was. The bright, pink pictures are attractive, and story is light and fun. For kids like Gabby who love chewing gum, Gum Girl has some pretty cool superhero powers. I also love that this story features a Latina main character, who speaks a few Spanish words at home, but the plot is just a fun superhero adventure. I hope there are more in the series coming out because I would love to recommend this one, and the ending leaves you wanting more!
I would recommend this book to grades 2-5, and even first graders who are reading above the easy reader level. It would be great for fans of adventure, superheroes, and funny books, and Hispanic/Latina girls might love to read about someone like them. Readalikes might include the Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, The Misadventures of Salem Hyde series by Frank Cammuso, and the Kung Pow Chicken series by Cyndi Marko.
I enjoyed this for what it was. The bright, pink pictures are attractive, and story is light and fun. For kids like Gabby who love chewing gum, Gum Girl has some pretty cool superhero powers. I also love that this story features a Latina main character, who speaks a few Spanish words at home, but the plot is just a fun superhero adventure. I hope there are more in the series coming out because I would love to recommend this one, and the ending leaves you wanting more!
I would recommend this book to grades 2-5, and even first graders who are reading above the easy reader level. It would be great for fans of adventure, superheroes, and funny books, and Hispanic/Latina girls might love to read about someone like them. Readalikes might include the Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, The Misadventures of Salem Hyde series by Frank Cammuso, and the Kung Pow Chicken series by Cyndi Marko.
June 11, 2015
While this book is cute and appealed in a big way to my 4-year-old daughter, I think that it has a terrible message. Gabby, a gum lover, is forbidden to chew any more bubblegum after blowing a bubble that gets in her hair. But she can't resist the gum ball in her pocket on the way to school and ends up blowing a bubble so big that it covers her and knocks into a power line. As a result, she turns into a bubble-gum-covered super hero, Gum Girl. So the take away here is that it's okay to disobey your parents as long as the disobedience turns you into a super hero? There aren't any bad consequences here except that she ends up getting detention and the only way she can tell her parents she's Gum Girl is to tell them that she's disobeyed them. I can see that the author was trying to put in a good moral story about the dangers of disobedience, but I don't think that it was done effectively. This one certainly won't get my vote for the Sequoyah Award although I'm betting it will still be my daughter's favorite after we read 2 more nominees (not that either of us meet the age requirement to vote).
March 16, 2013
Gum girl!, Book 1: Chews Your Destiny.
I am always in the business to look for new books that my kids will enjoy. My daughter really seemed to like this story even though the digital copy I have is in black and white that still didn't seem to faze her.
Chews your destiny is about a little girl named Gabby Gomez who loves to chew bubblegum. Without revealing too much of the story Gabby eventually gains superpowers due to her gum chewing addiction. Book one let's us see if she will embrace her newfound powers or if she will find a way to get rid of them.
Overall I give this story a three out of five stars. The plot did teach some lessons about obeying your parents and was written in a fun and light manner. Although, I now have a child that is gum shy she is still interested in book 2 and what happens to Gabby Gomez and her sticky predicament.
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for my un-biased review.
I am always in the business to look for new books that my kids will enjoy. My daughter really seemed to like this story even though the digital copy I have is in black and white that still didn't seem to faze her.
Chews your destiny is about a little girl named Gabby Gomez who loves to chew bubblegum. Without revealing too much of the story Gabby eventually gains superpowers due to her gum chewing addiction. Book one let's us see if she will embrace her newfound powers or if she will find a way to get rid of them.
Overall I give this story a three out of five stars. The plot did teach some lessons about obeying your parents and was written in a fun and light manner. Although, I now have a child that is gum shy she is still interested in book 2 and what happens to Gabby Gomez and her sticky predicament.
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for my un-biased review.
January 11, 2014
Gabby Gomez has a real problem. She chews gum constantly, much to the distress of everyone around her. Her mother finally puts her foot down when Gabby's night time piece ends up in her hair. Of course, Gabby has a hidden piece of gum she chews defiantly on her way to school. But when her ginormous bubble meets a power-line Gabby instantly becomes that which she loves most, chewy, sticky, stretchy, and pink - bubble gum! She doesn't like it much at first because everything sticks to her. But when she is able to help someone in need she realizes she can be a superhero and Gum Girl is born. As Gabby gets control over her new powers she has a hard time keeping it secret from those who know her. This hybrid beginning chapter book and graphic novel is fabulous fun! Boys and girls alike will laugh at Gabby's escapades. After all, the pink is not girly pink, it is bubble gum pink!
July 20, 2016
Gabby Gomez has a problem--she loves chewing gum. When we were little, I know a lot of us did the same thing! And like Gabby, we might have woken up with the gum stuck in our hair--which mom or dad had to try to get out with Peanut Butter.
Only, that isn't Gabby's only problem. While she is chewing on her way to school, her bubble gets SO big, it pops--on an electrical wire! She becomes "Gum Girl!" the stretchy superhero that stops thieves, saves cats, and makes her late for school every day!
Gabby is a funny girl, who we can all relate to. She gets in trouble, she's late for school, and she loves bubblegum! I love her character, and how she immediately starts helping everyone she can as soon as she gets her gummy powers!
Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day meets superheroes in this incredible stretchy story!
Only, that isn't Gabby's only problem. While she is chewing on her way to school, her bubble gets SO big, it pops--on an electrical wire! She becomes "Gum Girl!" the stretchy superhero that stops thieves, saves cats, and makes her late for school every day!
Gabby is a funny girl, who we can all relate to. She gets in trouble, she's late for school, and she loves bubblegum! I love her character, and how she immediately starts helping everyone she can as soon as she gets her gummy powers!
Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day meets superheroes in this incredible stretchy story!
September 3, 2013
Wow I loved this book. Gabby is too addicted to chewing gum and when she blows a giant bubble and has a run-in with power lines, well, we all know what happens---SUPER POWERS! She's not supposed to chew gum anymore so she keeps this power from her family, but she slowly starts to use it to help people. It was hilarious that she had to keep using peanut butter to turn back into Gabby. She faces the same problems and pressures that the more traditional superheroes struggle with, namely maintaining a normal life while having an alter ego.
Super fun, super quick, and super easy to recommend, especially for those in Captain Underpants/Big Nate/Just Grace books where they read graphically heavy books. Recommended for 7+.
Super fun, super quick, and super easy to recommend, especially for those in Captain Underpants/Big Nate/Just Grace books where they read graphically heavy books. Recommended for 7+.
March 22, 2013
Gum Girl maybe one of the greatest kid super hero that I've ever heard of. The story is about a little girl that accidentally turns herself into a girl covered in gum, just after her mother told her to not chew anymore of that bothersome substance. This was a cute story for little girls to read, maybe bring in a new group of fans into the comic book world.
The only reason that I would not give this book a 5 out of 5 is because of the page layouts, I felt like it was to reminiscent of a beginners chapter book.
The only reason that I would not give this book a 5 out of 5 is because of the page layouts, I felt like it was to reminiscent of a beginners chapter book.
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