Gigi Shin is Not a Nerd by Lyla Lee | Book Review

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Disclosure here.

The story follows a young Korean American girl who dreams of becoming an artist but faces resistance from her working-class immigrant parents, who want her to focus on her studies.

Ji-Young Shin, also known as Gigi, is an aspiring artist who dreams of attending an art program called Starscape. Her art teacher, Mrs. William, informs Gigi and her friends Carolina and Zeina about a college hosting the program. However, Gigi cannot afford the program, so she starts a tutoring group to help kids with homework and raise money. The club is doing well until a boy named Paul Kim Wiley enters the picture, and the drama begins to unfold.

The book strongly resembles the popular Baby Sitter’s Club series, which is great for fans of that series, and I enjoyed reading it.

As the four friends have to work together to make their business successful, they face challenges and setbacks, but their determination and friendship keep them going. What I loved about this book was the relatable characters and the themes of following your dreams and pursuing your passions, even in the face of adversity. The diverse representation of the characters was also a highlight, with Gigi’s Korean American background and her friends’ different ethnicities adding depth to the story.
The author has done an excellent job crafting well-rounded and distinct characters, each with unique personality traits and quirks. Gigi, in particular, is a cute, determined character who is also great with kids. And her love for her made-up superheroes is endearing.
The other characters in the book are equally likable. Mrs. William is kind and caring, and Carolina is the group’s math and science whiz. Zeina is loyal, and Paul Kim Wiley is a lovely boy who adds an extra layer of sweetness to the story. Emma, one of the friends, is humorous and provides some much-needed comic relief.

Overall, it’s a great book to recommend to fans of the Baby Sitter’s Club series or anyone who enjoys well-crafted characters and a fun, heartwarming read with a strong message of empowerment and friendship.

My rating