Bím Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me

Bím Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me by Tolá Okogwu, illustrated by Ariyana Taylor, is the first book in a funny and highly illustrated tween series about starting secondary school, friendship, family and growing up. Eleven-year-old Bím Blake is beginning Year Seven and quickly discovers that secondary school comes with new challenges, embarrassing moments, friendship drama and plenty of unexpected surprises.

Told through Bím’s journal, messages and hot takes, the story follows her attempts to navigate school, family life, friendships, crushes and all the awkwardness that comes with growing up. With humour, warmth and a relatable young voice, it is especially suited to readers making the transition to secondary school.

Recommended age: 9–14 years

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Diary Fiction, Humour, School Stories, Friendship, Coming-of-Age, Family

Why young readers will enjoy it:

• Funny and relatable school-life situations
• A diary-style format that is easy and engaging to read
• Explores friendship, family, feelings and growing up
• Highly illustrated with a lively visual style
• Appeals to fans of Dork Diaries and Lottie Brooks
• Especially relatable for readers moving into secondary school

Read-alikes: Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks, Nina Peanut, The Accidental Diary of B.U.G., and My Life as a Chameleon.

BookJoy Library: Borrow Bím Blake’s Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn’t Define Me from BookJoy Library in Kanakapura Main Road, Bangalore. BookJoy offers a curated collection of books for different ages and reading levels, with membership plans and delivery available across Bangalore.