Bim Blake's Hot Takes: My Pencil Case Doesn't Define Me

About this book

Bimbola Blake (Bim) is 11 and just starting secondary school. This book is her personal journal on the fictional Inner Thoughts app (one of three apps she’s allowed on her old phone), plus text messages to her best friends. 

She also has a blog called Bim Blake’s Hot Takes - we get glimmers of it in her journal - and shares her Affirmations too. It all adds up to a wonderful and really easy-to-read storytelling method.  

The story includes themes of loss, as Bim’s mum died of cancer a couple of years ago. She's raised by her lovely solicitor dad with her older twin brothers, her chihuahua Jerry, and another bigger brother who is at university. There are some other very nice adults who step up to help too, especially her twin aunts Peju and Petumi.  

It’s very funny and Mum’s death is not a central theme, although it isn’t ignored at all. The author is fantastic at building up dramatic tension, particularly regarding mortifying embarrassment. Expect love, lies, farcical mix-ups, and secrets from all sides. You get the feeling the author remembers exactly how it feels to be 11. 

There are some lovely discussions of events such as Black History Month, and the book is great at exploring first love, deep friendships, and the frustrations and thrills of being this age.

The story is immensely readable and highly illustrated by Ariyana Taylor. Bim is funny and charming and feels so real - she's a great new character. 

About the author