Reviews (3)

Dracula doesn`t drink lemonade
If you want a book abuot mystery this is the book for you. It is very funny and interesting. There are some very funny characters and scary ones too. There is a new counselor in town. The kids think he is very scary. I find this book very interesting.
There was a kid so scared of the counseoer he wore a scarf all up arond his neck. Two days later they found the counsler go into Mrs.Jeepers basment.Then the next day at school the principal told the kids the counsler had to leave. Then he said he had to fly. So they know it must mean something. They also remembered that his hands were cold.

He's got a thirst...
Strange occurrences and weird adults are nothing new (really) to the 3rd grade of Bailey Elementary School. However, when the thirsty new school counselor shows up with pale skin, pointed teeth and a CAPE, the gang gets nervous. Could this be the famous Dracula come to their school?? He DOES like to sit in the dark in his office and most of the gang thinks their own teacher is a vampire!!

But, would a vampire-especially one as famous and ancient as Dracula himself-drink pink lemonade?? The gang is about to find out!!

This marks the 16th installment in the Bailey School Kids series, and is definitely one of the more creepy books in the series. Having a vampire for a teacher is bad enough, but having TWO in your school is asking for trouble! Especially if one is the most famous vampire in the world with an unquenchable thirst!

Of course, the books are all written with the possibility that the supernatural creatures (vampires, genies, ghosts and even a few aliens and a pirate) could be nothing more than eccentric people. Of course, it's hard to believe it, and that's where the series' appeal comes from.

Like other Bailey Kids books, "Dracula Doesn't..." is a quick read for advanced readers and adults. It is also a very good choice for beginning/intermediate readers who are looking for something silly and fun. A number of reluctant readers have decided that reading actually CAN be fun after picking up one of the books in this series (there's currently over 40 of them, at last count). It isn't necessary to begin with #1 and progress to the end, for each stand easily by themselves, though there are characters that appear in more than one book.

All in all, it's a fun series and as a reading teacher I've found myself hooked on these things and will likely wind up reading (and reviewing) the whole series. Get one yourself and see if you don't enjoy following along with the gang!

Dracula Doesn`t Drink Lemonde By Nicholle
Do you like mysteries because you will like this one! The name of the book is Dracula Doesn`t Drink Lemonade. The author is Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones. The characters are Liza, Melody, Eddie, Ben, Huey, Howie, Mr.Drake, and Principal Davis. The mystery takes place at Bailey School. Liza and Melody really told Ben to stop fighting with Huey. What partly happens is their principal tells them to go to the nurse's office. Liza and Melody are in shock because Ben is faking he is sick! Do you think Mr.Drake is really a Dracula? Do you think Mr. Drake really pushed Ben? Read the book to find out. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I like Sea Monsters don't ride motorcycles
I liked when they found out about when Eddies mom joined the motorcycle race. THe book was funny and adventurous. Jeanna age 10

Motorcycles and the Beach
I like Sea Monsters Don`t Ride Motorcycles because it takes place at the beach. And I like it at the beach. And I like motorcycles too. by Will (age 7)

GREAT BOOK
It was very entertaining. I always like it when they are going to solve the mystery when the weird adult leaves and they can't finish the mystery. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book has more 'ups' than 'downs'
Since children love 'The Magic School Bus' television show, this book about sinking and floating will be sure to grab the attention of those inquisitive young minds! It serves as a great asset to a science classroom, or your own home library. Although it is kind of lengthy, I highly recommend it for insurance of complete understanding of the sinking and floating process. Happy reading! ... Read more

Book Description

When Abby is home sick with the flu, Ms. Kantor announces that the fifth grade will be participating in a science fair. It¹s bad enough that Abby comes back to school with an unfortunate haircut, but it¹s even worse that her science fair partner isŠ a boy! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

TWO HEADS ARE MUCH BETTER THAN ONE!
In this book, which was one of my favorite in the series, Abby is sick with the flu for a while and has to miss school. When she was absent, the two fifth grade classes got partners for the science fair and when Abby comes back, she finds out that she is partners with the most ignorant, annoying, mean, rude, boy she has ever met! And on top of that, she has given herself a bad haircut and she is sure everyone at school will make fun of it. And if things couldn't get worse, once Casey (Abby's partner) and Abby decided on a topic for their project, Abby does something horrible! You'll have to see what she did by reading the book, so go out and get a copy today!

Two Heads are Better Than One
Title: Two Heads are Better Than One
By: Anne Mazer
Reviewed By: (...)
Period: 1

The book, Two Heads are Better than One, is about a 5th grader named Abby Hayes. She got really sick, so she had to miss school for a few days. During those few days, her class started to work and talk about a science fair project. Abby's friend, Jessica, calls Abby that day to tell her all about it. She also explains to Abby that the teacher would be choosing all the science partners. Being so sick, Abby isn't excited about a science project at all, since it just meant even more work to catch up on. To make matters worse, Abby just had a horrible haircut. Not only will she have to face a science project, but she will also have to face her whole class with her embarassing hairdo. On the day Abby is well enough to go back to school, she found out who her science partner was- a new boy. Abby felt even more horrible than ever. Her partner is Casey Hoffman. Abby and Casey disagree on everything. First, they have an argument on what their science fair topic should be. Then, they have a quarrel on what to do and how to conduct the experiment. Finally, they got along together, until one day...It was bright afternoon, and Abby was resbonsible for taking care of their experiment. However, making a silly decision, Abby decides to leave it under a tree while she played soccer Jessica. When Abby left, she had forgotten all about the experiment. No matter how hard she looked, it seemed impossible to find. The next school day, Abby explained the whole story to Casey. To her surprise, Casey wasn't that mad. Because there was nothing Abby or Casey could do about the lost experiment, they soon agreed on a new topic- to show how igneous rocks are made. For one of the first times ever, Abby and Casey agreed! Pretty soon, Abby learns to like Casey as a good friend, and that was when she found out that two heads are better than one.

This book was pretty interesting. In some parts of the book, I thought what Abby's opinion of what she thought about Casey was hilarious. "An overdose! I have a bad case of too much Casey!" This is what Abby qouted in the book. Abby's parents met Casey, and thought he would make good company. Therefore, Abby had to spend her time with Casey too. They faced each other for almost the whole day, and Abby claimed that she had too much 'Casey'!

Abby was very creative in making excuses to how she should explain why she lost the experiment. Here are some below:
"The rocks[experiment] went on strike."
"A UFO took them to their leader."
"The Rocks entered a time warp and are now in the Jurassic Era."
"A wizard neede them for his experiments and I couldn't say no."
When I read it, I thought Abby was cunning, creative, and unreasonable. My favorite excuse was the first one- "The rocks went on strike". Even though it didn't make much sense, it was one of the most reasonable excuses. I would be extremely surprised if Abby told Casey that a UFO took it, and he actually believed her. The rest of Abbey's excuses were plain unreasonable and silly.

My favorite part of the book was when Abby brainstormed funny ideas about what she would do to avoid telling Casey about what happened to their experiment. As written above, those are some of Abby's excuses. Three other ways Abby thought of for avoiding to tell Casey what happened was to leave town for a couple years, blame a dog for the lost experiment, or to prtened an experiment never exsisted. Even though Abby's ideas were almost impossible to carry out, they were hilarious.

a two headed review
Two Heads Are Better Than One is my favorite Abby Hayes book yet. It is about when Abby is sick and gets a bad haircut. To make things worse, when she comes back to school, her science fair partner is a......... boy!! Could this day get any worse? If you want to find out, go to the library or bookstore and read this book!!

The Amazing Days Of Abby Hayes #8
If you are looking for a series about girls than I would recommend the series of 'The Amazing Days Of Abby Hayes'. One particular book that I think stands out is #8. In this book Abby is ecxited that it is the last week of school bt once she plans a 'Horray Its Summer' party she thiks that her friends will think that her room is boring and dull. What do you think Abby will do to change her room?
I think that the theme of the book is purple. I think that because that is Abby's favorite color and that also has to do with what Abby does to her room.
I would recommend this book to you because it makes me laugh and feel happy. I would mainly recommmend this to 9-11 year old girls or fifth grade girls.

HAPPY READING!!!!!!

this is a funny book!! so read it.
this is a really funny book first abby gets sick,next,she cuts her hair into this really ugly hair cut,then she gets better and goes back to school with the funny hair cut,and the person who is her science fair partner is a BOY,and all they do is argue,argue.argue.but they finally get things slinding across the ice a little more smoothly everything turns out all right and her hair is even growing back in the end!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Tia, Liz, and Maria face the ultimate test of friendship.

They say that falling for the same guy is the ultimate test of friendship.

Maria, Elizabeth, and Tia did -- and they got through it.

But Tia's scared there's a much harder test. . . .

And the three friends are headed right for it.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

Straight Up
I love the SVSY books! At first this book didn't interest me, but then I really got into it. Here it goes.. It's time for the Lydia G. Senate Scholarship competition! Maria Slater, Melissa Fox, Tia Ramirez, and 2 others all got nominated. Both Ken Matthews & Elizabeth Wakefield got nominated to be the Student Judges. Ever since Ken started dating Melissa, there's been a lot of tension between them and Maria, but who will Ken choose? Elizabeth also has a problem; she's been wanting the scholarship for over 2 years! But she's got to make a decision.. who is Elizabeth going to vote for? And even though Tia & Maria have become good friends this year, the competition gets intense when they fight for the scholarship that could change their future. And possibly even their friendship.

I think this is a pretty good book!
I think this book is really good! I thought some parts were boring me but not to death. It's about the Lydia G. Senate Scholarship. Tia, Melissa, Maria and 2 other girls are nominated. Liz is stuck and so is Ken. Liz can't choose either Tia and Maria while Ken is trying to vote for Melissa and Maria. I think Tia had a point in the back of the book about the test of friendship. It sort of reminded me about my freinds. I wouldn't spoil who won the scholarship but read it! :)

It's Okay, not as good as the rest
This book was okay, it was a good change of pace, some of the stuff in this series was getting old, like the whole Conner-Liz thing. But I do miss reading about Conner, I hope he comes back to the books, things just aren't the same without him, maybe that is why I didn't find the book that good. There was some good parts in the book like Jade and her dad, the next book is gonna be good.

it's okay
i have a feeling that the series is going to be something like dawson's creek...but this one is okay..but has no point..there's a scholarship and tia, maria and melissa are nominated..Ken and Elizabeth are two of the judges..ken has to choose between melissa and maria..tough choice huh? yeah right..jade and evan is on their way to hook up..and elizabeth has to defeat her own jealousy to choose tia or maria for the scholarship..and jade's dad is coming to town.. basically, this book's about choosing what's important for each character..

not bad
This book wasn't as good as the others. Maria, Tia and Liz are up for an award. Guess who wins and it's not Liz. But at least the Will storyline is interesting. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Leprechauns Don't Play Basketball
This book is about a strage new Irish gym teacher for the Baily School kids. The problem is that he is a leprechaun who wants to steal something from Miss Jeeper. Can he get it? Other kids my age would like this book because it is fun and exciting. My favorite part was when the kids found out that the gym teacher was a leprechaun.

What's Going On?
When Mr. O'Grady, the new gym teacher takes over, he teaches everyone some Irish Jigs. But, Eddie's not happy. When Mr. O'Grady surprises everyone by shooting some baskets. Everyone is starting to think he's a leperchaun. But Eddie is going to prove that Mr. O'Grady is not a leperchaun. Find out what Mr. O'Grady is in this book!

Faith n' begorah!!
Something very weird is going on at Bailey Elementary School. It's plenty weird enough when you think your teacher is a vampire from the Transylvanian mountains, but what are you supposed to do when your substitute gym teacher seems to be a leprechaun??

Eddie, Melody and the gang are back in this, the 4th installment of the Bailey School Kids series, and as per usual, they're up to their old tricks... Especially Eddie.

Mr. O'Grady is from Ireland, and is perhaps the shortest, most wrinkled man in the world. But boy, can he dance a jig and play basketball!! Why, it's almost magical the way he moves so fast and gets that ball through that hoop so easily! And what's with that bag of jewels he's always carrying with him?? Strange things seem to happen when he touches them...

The Bailey School Kids series has by now established itself as fun, fast-paced series where unusual things happen to the third grade gang. The most fun for young readers will be that nothing is explicitly spelled out for the reader: Mr. O'Grady COULD be a real live leprechaun (and their teacher COULD be a real vampire), or he could not be. A good deal of the evidence points to "yes!" but not enough to be100% sure (although, by the 4th book, if you've read them in order, you're starting to get a sinking feeling that there ARE mythical/supernatural creatures visiting the school).

This book is less creepy or scary than the first two have been, and is much more light-hearted and fun. Therefore, it's a good choice for beginning readers who are easily spooked. It's a fast-paced read as well, which will snag the interest of even reluctant readers.

a satisfying childrens book!
How often do you get a leprecaun basketball teacher, well the kids at bailey school think they do, Their basketball teacher, Magic "o" Grandy is so much like a leprechaun, that theystart investigating, how will they solve THIS mystery? I would really reccomend this book especially for small children since it is the type of book that will increase imagination. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Karen's Goldfish
Karen and Andrew get new pets - goldfish. Karen names her goldfish Crystal Light. But then her goldfish dies and she has a funreal. Mrs. Porter gives her a new goldfish and Karen names it Crystal Light like her old fish. Some people wrote that they think it's weird that Karen is sad about her goldfish and has a funreal. I don't think it's strange. Real kids would have funreals for their pets, too. I buried my pet robin Rob after he died. And of course I would be sad if Little Meow or Smokey died. I think these books are about things that could really happen. I felt really sad when Shadow died. I think Crystal Light died when Karen wasn't at the big house, but I can't remember, because I got this from the library.

A really good book!
I read a book called Karen's goldfish. It is a very good book. Karen has a pet rat named Emily. Her parents are divorced so she lives at two houses. She has a pet at
Her mom's house and not a pet at her dad' house and
She wants a pet at her dad's house. She also has brothers and sisters at both houses. One day she gets a goldfish, and
named her Crystal Light. One Time her brother was watching her. And he killed her Karen was sad when she found out. They had a funeral. Then she got a new fish named Crystal Light the second.

A Goldfish bothers Karen!
This book was good. The witch was so kind to Karen.I recommend this book.I felt so sad for Karen and Crystal Light but I am glad that in the next book she got a new goldfish named Crystal Light the second.At first I was so happy when Karen got a new Goldfish, then I became so sad when it died.I have given this book 4 stars.I recommend this book for Animal lovers.

kind of stupid
I think that this book was boring, and a bit stupid. Who would be so upset about a goldfish? I wasn't that obsessed about my goldfish when i was in second grade, and who would have a whole funeral for a fish?

It Bothers Me!
When Karen's goldfish dies, she goes into mourning and will not eat. It bothers me that a second grader would go to such extreme mesures over a dead goldfish. It doesn't set a good example for kids. The book is kind of saying that it is normal to go into mourning over a goldfish, and parhaps a real second grader would do so. It's not right. The book however does illustrate that it is alright to feel sad, but it is not normal to arrange a school-wide funneral. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Trolls Don't Ride Roller Coasters
Are you looking for a book to read? Trolls Don't Ride Roller Coasters by Debbie Dadey is a good fantasy book. J.J is a troll who does not like noise. She has a booth in the carnival. When the friends went to the carnival to ride, most of the rides were broken. So later they found out the reason the rides were getting broken. They then got together and made a plan. If you want to know if the plan worked read the book and find out.

(...)`

What's Going On?
Do trolls ride roller coasters? Find out in this book.

Eddie loves the fair and wants to go on The Monster, a roller coaster. There is someone who hates the noise of The Monster. What is bothering this person?

Everythings noise is going out. The person is selling t-shirts with trolls on them. They look like her. But if J.J (the troll) doesn't have a jewel, then she's bad! The Bailey School Kids have to stop J.J. before the whole world is out of sound!

Trolls Don't ride Rollar caosters
My name is JonPaul Szybnski . I read the book Trolls Don't Ride Rollar Caosters by Debbie Dadey,and Marcia Jones. This was a great kids book. The main characters n the story are Eddie,Howie,Liza,and Melody. They all go to the carnival and want to ride the new ride called the Monster.It is the biggest and scariest rollar caoster there. The four kids are only elevan or twelve , so there scared. Eddie is the brave kid so hes not as scared ,and liza is very scared she just wants to ride the merry go round.So all four kids ride the rollar coaster ,but then all of a sudden it comes to a complete stop.Liza and Melody are so scared they have to climb down a three story ladder.While they were climbing down they heard these strange luaghs.When they got down they rode the merry go round.Eddie was so boared . When they were done they saw a lady that was on the roller caoster with them.As they wre walking over to the lady Eddie saw a sign that said strongest kid contest.So before hey went to the strange lady Eddie signed up. They walked up to th lady. Liza whispeed to Melody she looks like a toll.How asked the ladies name,she said J.J. A few weeks later they went to the strongest kid contest.They saw J.J. again.she was tying to take down the tent to ruin the contest. Liza stopped her.It was allmost the end of the contest . just Eddie and the kid they called the bully.The Bully swung ,ding .He had the highest score yet.Eddie swung,Ding,Ding . Eddie won the contest.The four kids just figured out what happend to the Monster.

Best of the Bailey School Kids
If you like the Bailey School Kids series our you are just looking for a short and adventerous book, this book definetely is the best. Now, trust me, I have read every single one in this whole series and this one is my favorite. I like other ones as well, and I think that they are all good, but I like this one a little bit more.

FUNNY!
Eddie,Melody,Howie,and Liza are having a good time at the carnival.But when rides start to brake down they know somethings wrong.J.J.Trowlbrige laughs a wiked laugh,her hair sticks strate up,and she talks in a high pitched voice.She hates loud noises and doesn't like the sun-just like a evil troll. ... Read more

Book Description

Jade's father is back in her life -- and she's not so happy about it.

Who does Jade's father think he is?

As if he can walk back into Jade's life after how many years and tell her what to do?

As if he has a clue who she is.

As if she even wants him to.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

This book was great!!
Ok Francine Pascal has done it once more. I love most of the books she has written. I think this book was really really good and i liked the parts where Jessica and Jermey were getting in to arguements and then finally in the end they made up and where they made up at and how they met each other there was so cute i thought. Mostly it was about Jade/Father/Mother deal and i think how jade and her mother still get to be together is a big plus! I really hope Jade and Evan think about being a couple.... i think they would be so cute together.I want you to read this book if you havn't yet but there is another series that is also very good and Francine Pascal writes them too. The series is called Fearless and its about a girl born with out a fear gene. If you havn't already started reading that series too because its awesome as well.

Jades Dad
Jades dad came back in the last book and decided to sue for custody of Jade. He does so but Jades mother and Jade win. Jessica is beging to wonder wether herself and Jeremy are really meant to be. They get into a lot of fights. Like, for istance, Jessica freaks out at Ken for being such a jerk to Maria, one of her good friends. Then Jeremy asks whats wrong and Jessica tells him and he thinks its wrong that she gets into others busniess even if it is one of her very bst friends. Elizabeth isn't really in this book a lot. Will sees Ken and Melissa kissing in the hall and it gives him more determantion to get back to his spot on the football team and make Melissa realize what shes missing.

Could have been better
Well this book was o.k. The Jade storyline was interesting, and I really felt bad for her, but I think that the Evan and Jade storyline is a lot more interesting. I can't wait to read more about these two characters. The Jessica and Jermey storyline was frustrating, and in my opinion kind of pointless. In some parts of this book I couldn't help but shake my head as I read about some of the things that Jessica did, I agree with Jeremy, she needs to mind her own business, and I can't believe what she said to Will, especially all he did to her. I seriously hope that the author isn't going towards another Will/Jessica/Jermey storyline again. Ken and Melissa need to wake up, I hope Ken will finally realize what kind of person she is and dump her. Will and Melissa deserve each other, especially after what Will is planning on doing. Not a whole about Elizabeth in this book. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

What's Going On?
Do phantoms drive sports cars? Find out!

Mrs. Jeepers is taking her class to the opera. They see a sport car that is really cool. In the opera, they meet a violin player who doesn't like Eddie very much. But this guy is driving the sport car!

They try to get a ride in it, but this guy won't. Is this guy a phantom? They have to find out. How about having the opera singer who really likes Erik (the violin player) have a person who adores her. But can they do this before the intermission is over?

Fun Read
This book is really great. Its kind of like the phantom of the opera but with a more exiting twist

It is great.
I have read almost all the Bailey School Kids books and this is one of the best. The book relly discribes what is going on. ... Read more

Book Description

Alice and Patrick are getting married! They have to plan a wedding and honeymoon and set up a home, all for five thousand dollars -- as an assignment for a Critical Choices unit in health class. And some of their classmates are facing even tougher make-believe situations.

But sometimes Alice feels as if her real life is just as complicated. Critical Choices is supposed to teach Alice and her friends how to make decisions -- but how can you plan for anything when life seems like an obstacle course? ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Alice in Lace book review
Alice in Lace Athenium books, 1996, 139 pages, $15.00 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor ISBN # : 0-698-80358-3

' "I am getting married," she said.' Alice McKinley is faced with a hypothetical situation. It is an assignment Mr. Everrett assigned to help them learn to make good decisions. Alice and her fellow classmates were faced with marriage, shoplifting, teenage pregnancy, totaling a car, and organizing a funeral. Alice and her friend Patrick have to plan a honeymoon, wedding, and furniture with a low budget to spend. It seems to be easy but it is harder than it looks. Then, Alice spots the vice principal in Sylvia Summers classroom begging for another chance. It wouldn't be so bad, but Sylvia is dating Alice's father. What should she do? There is also a new addition to the family of Elizabeth, Alice's best friend.
This is a great book for young teens. It tells about the some teen problems and how they solve them. There is a lot of humor and will make you want to keep reading. I love this series and always makes me laugh one time or another. Other books in the Alice series are "The Agony of Alice", "Alice in April", and "All but Alice".

Alice never knew life was this complicated...
"Alice in Lace" was another great novel on Alice McKinley, an ordinary 13 year-old girl.

In this novel, Alice and Patrick are getting married, Pamela is pregnant, and Elizabeth is buying a car. Not to mention Karen shoplifting and Jill burying her grandmother! What? Well, it's all part of the Critical Choices unit in Alice's 8th grade class: everyone receives a hypothetical situation and solves it.

This book was filled with humor, especially when Alice and her friends try to solve their situations! Teenages can really relate to this book. :) Be sure to read all of the other "Alice" books!

PAUL ROSA'S RIVIEW
I'm a boy and I still love the Alice Books, my reading teacher got e into them. I liked this book the most because I've always wanted to do a critical thinking in health class but I've never had the chance. This is a great book I recomend it

Alice in Lace
Alice in Lace Athenium books, 1996, 139pages, $15.00 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor ISBN # : 0-698-80358-3-

' 'I am getting married,' she said.' Alice McKinley is faced with a hypothetical situation. It is an assignment Mr. Everrett assigned to help them learn to make good decisions. Alice and her fellow classmates were faced with marriage, shoplifting, teenage pregnancy, totaling a car, and organizing a funeral. Alice and her friend Patrick have to plan a honeymoon, wedding, and furniture with a low budget to spend. It seems to be easy but it is harder than it looks. Then, Alice spots the vice principal in Sylvia Summers classroom begging for another chance. It wouldn't be so bad, but Sylvia is dating Alice's father. What should she do? There is also a new addition to the family of Elizabeth, Alice's best friend.
This is a great book for young teens. It tells about the some teen problems and how they solve them. There is a lot of humor and will make you want to keep reading. I love this series and always makes me laugh one time or another. Other books in the Alice series are 'The Agony of Alice', 'Alice in April', and 'All but Alice'.

This book rocks!!
Go Naylor!!! Okay, first of all, I would like to reccomend all the Alice series, not just this one. I love this book and loved also all the other 7 Alice books that I read. My friend reccomended it to me back in 7th grade, and once you read few pages you can't stop, you would want to finish it!!!

As I said earlier.... Go Phyllis!! Your books rocks!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Finally, Alice is thirteen. But being a teenager isn't always as fantastic as Alice dreamed it would be. A sophisticated night on the town with her brother, Lester, and an overnight train trip to Chicago with Elizabeth and Pamela are exciting, but they also give her a first-hand look at some of the perils of grown-up life.

The problem is, Alice doesn't really feel like a grown-up. But she doesn't feel like a kid anymore, either. She feels in-between -- and that's a pretty confusing place to be! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

So realistic!
Alice in Between is my favorite book in the Alice series, of 12 books. It tells about Alice McKinley, who has just turned 13 at the end of seventh grade, and expects it to be wonderful. However, being a teenager and at an "in between" age is harder than she thinks, though she and her friends still have some great, often hilarious times together. A fancy date, taking the "pencil test", and going on a train trip to Chicago are a few of the things that happen. This is a book that all girls 11 and up can relate to, I'm sure! I've never read a book that is so true to life - Phyllis Naylor is amazing! If you liked this book, be sure to read the others in the series.

HDGAWVBVNGHFGHFGXXX-NARF-DAF NBBSSGFDSC!!!!
Sorry, that was me freaking out at how good this book was! I found it even more realistic and even more popping! I now feel I am one of the characters in this book. I also think that the part of the story where Pamela dressed up to be nineteen, got a date with a guy, flirted with him all night, kissed him, went into her compartment, the guy followed her in and if it hadn't been for Alice and Elizabeth throwing themselves at the door and screaming, she would've been raped very cautionary! Take this story to heart, no grain of salt needed and you may be surprised at how feel when this story is over.

Blessed be!!

It is about growing up....
this book is really great. it's about alice turning 13 and she, Pamela, and Elizabeth going to Chicago over the summer for a week. To visit Aunt Sally because that was her b-day present to Alice.
At the end of the year, a teacher retires and Miss Summers gives everyone an assignment about poetry that is true. I like this book because the author indicates about friendships, going through changes when you're 13, and learning about sad things that had happened back in the past.
Like the fact Alice had accidentally memorized her wrong poem in class. The poem she had said was about her mother. It was sentimental and really sad.
So on the train to Chicago, Pamela meets a guy who is disrepectful. So read it for yourself. It explains about REAL teenage life and friendships. And Pamela gets gum in her hair and getting it cut really short.
Elizabeth tells Alice and Pamela about God. Like refusing to forgive someone is an unforgiveable sin and what God looks like in her opinion.
Alice's dad and Miss Summers go at a music conference together in Michigan when Alice gets back. So for the second time, read this if you're curious with REAL teenage life as 13.

A Fun Mistake
I must say this is the best mistake I ever read....I mean that as a compliment because this story rox! This is a very funny and fun crazy unique story that will make you laugh when you turn to the first page..IM TELLING YOU, READ THIS, WHETHER YOU BUY IT, BORROW IT FROM THE LIBRARY, STEAL IT, i dont care, this is the best book ever and its about three friends on a 'road trip' on a train. P.S. Something very shocking happens to pamela on the train!

This is a great book
I picked this book because it is a great book for kids to read when they are getting older. It talks about three friends who couldnt wait to be 13. But when they were finally 13 Alice thought she was in between. She didnt think she was like her friends not acting too old like Pamela or not acting like a little kid like Elizabeth. I would recommend this book to kids. It is a great book because this book talks about getting older and getting more mature. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A must have BSC book for: all the BSC fans!
This is the Coolest-of-the Coolest,of all the BSC books.
I REALLY recommended for all the BSC fans all around the world!
I've been a BSC fan myself since 1997.Even though the series is
over since 2000.I am and will always be a BSC fan forever,in
my heart and soul.I have 75 books in my collection.I also read
"The Baby-Sitters club" series in French languache.I'm 16 yrs.
old noww(Still a BSC fan).Neway,"Friends BSC Forever:Graduation
Day" book is still(and will always be)my most fave BSC book.
And it makes a GREAT gift for someone who is about to be
Graduates.I am also a big fan of Ann M. Martin.
Long live the Baby-Sitters club!!!(178 stars for that book)

Graduation, an end of an era
I think that this is the best BSC book ever. I have been reading these books since I was a little girl. I am now in college, but I often check out the new BSC books to keep up on what is happening. I was so sad to read that the series was finally ending. The book was a very lovely good-bye for all of us BSC fans. It is definitely the end of an era, as I read the book I realized I was saying good-bye to my childhood. I had always wondered if Ann M. Martin would ever let them move on to High School. I was kind of hoping she would write about them in High School. I do, however, think it best that she has not, it makes Graduation that much more special.

This is the end...
This is the last book in the Baby-sitters club series, and also one of the best. The baby-sitters are moving onto high school, after fifteen years in the seventh and eighth grades. So much has happened (they talk about a little of it in the book) and they also talk about how they feel about moving on to the new step... and, unfortunately, we won't be there to witness them.

But (and at the end it says this) they won't be best friends forever... they'll just be friends. And I personally don't want to see the end of the friendship...

The book is emotional, touching, and funny, and I'm not going to say anything else because you just have to read it for yourself. So much is mentioned, and a lot of stuff you have to find out as you read... this is probably in my top ten books of all time.

A must have for any BSC fan
I'm nearly 21 years old,but I just had to have this book. The Baby-Sitters Club series were the first books I ever read, and if you are a true BSC fan, this book is a necessity. It can be a little confusing if you haven't kept up- why are Claudia and Stacey uncomfortable and distrustful of each other? - but it is an otherwise lovely conclusion to the beloved series.

Childhood Memories: Ending Gracefully
Wow, I can't believe even though I stopped reading the series in the start of highschool (I myself am almost finished with college). I have read a good handful of the series that I love. However, as I'm trying to get all the copies for my collection, this is a sad book to me it seems but a good one.
I think AMM did a wonderful thing ending the series where it had. I don't know if I could see them moving onto highschool with more changes even though it would have been interesting to see the characters grow.
It's interesting, sad, and nice to see the club change so much but going back to the original four members. You share a lot of memories and remember them along with all the club members. You see how everything has changed with the characters through out the series and matured and grew up. And it's nice that it happened with these girls and the series in general since a lot of the times the characters seem to always stay young and not end.
But you get a lot of memories from all of the old and new members, and even the kids they sit for. And it ends gracefully with Kristy who was the one who started the club that we all know and love.
In the end of the book you see a wonderful note and thank you put together by AMM and what the series went through the many years and how it expanded.
I think everyone will love this book. But if your a long time fan you might need a kleenex. But also have fun in reliving all their memories. I wish there was more that they could have covered but it was a nice way to end the series. With all of them returning in the end.
I will always treasure the series and even share them with one day if and when I have my own kids. But enjoy this book. I most certainly have and the series. It will be missed. It will be interesting to see maybe if AMM does a reunion of the series. I would love it if she did. :) ... Read more

Book Description

Alice McKinley is about to become a teenager, but she doesn't know how. Her mother has been dead for years, and what do her father and her nineteen-year-old brother, Lester, know about being a teenage girl?

If only she had a role model, like the beautiful sixth-grade teacher Miss Cole. But instead Alice gets assigned to plain, pear-shaped Mrs. Plotkin's class. Is Alice doomed to a life of one embarrassment after another? ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Great Series!!
This is my favorite Alice book so far! I am so hooked on this series that I can't put the book down, I can relate to it so much,especially this book because I(unlike Alice) was homeschooled and am going to school for the very first time this year, what is like Alice is that I am going into the 6th grade and share the same problems with her. I can REALLY relate to this book, even the librarian at the elementary school(who is probably about late 30's early 40's,maybe even 50's!!)likes this series. I think that even though she talks about sex in the other books it is still OK for preteens. I mean come on, i already know what sex is!(and hope other 6th graders do by NOW!!!). I can relate to it so much I am starting to think that Phyllis Reynolds Naylor wrote the book about me!! I recommend this book to girls 10 to 13 because she is only in 6th grade and this book is better if you're around the same age as her.

This Book is Wonderful
For any girl who would like to jump into a good series, start with the Agony of Alice. It is so funny and I laughed through the whole book. Alice is trying to learn how to be a teenager, but since she doesn't have a mother, she's doing it all wrong-she pulls somebody's hair onstage, kicks a teacher's arm in the Halloween parade, and still can't buy a bra, to name a few embarrassing incidents.

Also, I have been reading the other reviews of the Alice books and notice that quite a bit of them have been complaining about the sexual content. So, if you're wondering what age is appropriate and which isn't, I have a guideline: most girls that have done the Family Life course at school are mature enough for the Alice books, because the books don't really cover any more than what you learn in Family Life (in fact, sometimes Family Life is a lot worse).

I loved this book and would recommend it to any preteen or teen girl.

Not the best, but it was still great!
As the first Alice book in the series, I'm not sure how it continued, but I'm glad. It defenitly was not the best Alice book, but it was still great. I wasn't found of it, but I still read it in2 days. The Grooming of Alice was the first Alice book I read, (I hadn't discovered the whole series), and this was the fourth. Some of the funny parts in the book was when she wanted to get Miss Cole and went to the principal's office just so he'd swicth her! I'll say that toward the end I really enjoyed it, so if it seems a little dull in the beginning, I'll tell you it gets a WHOLE lot better. I still really liked this one!
-Scooby

The 1st Book
Alice's mother died when she was young, leaving her alone with her 19 year old brother Lester, and her Dad. This book, and the whole series, is how she struggles through growing up without a female role model.

When Alice first starts 6th grade, she is certain she will be in the class with the most beautiful teacher, who will be her perfect role model. Instead, she is chosen for plain, old Mrs. Plotkin. She tries to get kicked out of her class, but with hilarious results. Alice learns that you need to pay more attention to the inside, than the outside.

I enjoyed this book. I think a lot of kids can relate to this book. Who here hasn't wanted the most beautiful teacher? I recommend you also read the rest of the series too.

A good read for adolescent girls
I love the Alice series, I am one of Phylis Reynold Naylor's great big stampeding fans, but--to be truthful to you, buddy boy--I didn't find this one nearly as riveting as the others. It is interesting and a good start for the other books, just a little slow. I really did love the whole Alice/Patrick saga and Alice's emotions are just like any girl's. If you want to feel all sorts of things--happy, sad, EMBARRASSED, angry, angst, disapointed, hysterically tickled, numb, and just plain content--follow along with Alice in her first adventure. Read the other books in order, as well, as Alice grows physically and mentally.

A GREAT READ!

If you want some more emotions read the rest of the Alice series, The Princess Diaries Series by Meg Cabot, the Georgia Nicholson Series by LOuise Rennison and the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

BLESSED BE!!! ... Read more

Book Description

She loves him, she loves him not

Alice has decided she needs priorities in her life -- and the first is to get her favorite teacher, Miss Summers, to marry Alice's father. The only problem is the principal, Mr. Sorringer, wants to marry Miss Summers, too, and Miss Summers seems to be having trouble making up her mind.

How can someone be in love with two people at the same time? It doesn't make sense to Alice -- until Sam, her friend in Camera Club, starts to pay attention to her. Sam is quiet and gentle, and a terrific dancer -- Alice likes being with him. But Alice has been Patrick's girlfriend for almost two years -- so why is she interested in another guy? ... Read more

Reviews (16)

This a GREAT book!!!!
This was the best Alice book ever! It was very funny. I like how it's so realistic. It shows the good and bad things about growing up.

GREAT!!
If you love the Alice series then this books for you. If you've never read the Alice series pick this book up. It's funny, has teen romance(which I love!), and it's all around great. It's only about 120 pages but length doesn't matter when a books of really gret quality.

Enchanting!
I probably related the most to Alice in this book because of her sexual discovery and I think most girls will, too. Alice comes right out and says the stuff young girls are thinking and curious about and a lot of them are answered. If you are up tight and scared about bodily things, read this! If you're questioning where to draw the line with boys, read this! If you're wondering if you really are a womanly creature, read this! It made me feel a lot better and it probably will for you, too!

Blessed be!

Anna Loves This Book It is So Real!!
Phylis never stop making these books!!! This book was amazing... i was soo entranced and interested that i couldnt top reading this wonderful book i love all the surprises in each chapter A must read for any true fan of Alice and her friends. This book makes many teen girls feel like they are not alone and i can relate to some of alice and her friends personal problems that i wouldnt like to share with others!!! This is a great book you definetaly should read it

Yo Publishers!
Can I just say that if the Alice novels do indeed have very raw sexual talk,and I know they do,there should be a warning on the cover and should not be aimed at such young ages.Television has warnings,so should books like this. ... Read more

Book Description

The Most Exciting Summer of Their Lives

That's what Pamela says about the summer before ninth grade, and she, Alice, and Elizabeth are determined to make the most of it. All three girls are getting into shape for the new school year by jogging three miles a day and cutting down on junk food, and Alice is enjoying her volunteer job at the local hospital.

But things keep happening that Alice hadn't counted on. Her satisfaction with her job is marred by an unexpected sorrow. Her attempt to be a loyal friend to Pamela gets her in trouble with her father and brother, big time. And both she and Pamela are afraid that Elizabeth may be taking her efforts to lose weight too seriously. Could the most exciting summer of their lives be a little too exciting? ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Possibly the best Alice book ever!
I have read every Alice book and this has to be one of the most important and well written ones. Changes are everywhere for Alice and her family and friends- some bad, some good, and one incredible surprise! Once again it is filled with humor and touching moments. I couldn't put it down until I reached the end. I can't wait for the next installment. Things are really getting exciting in this series and I don't want to miss a beat!

The Grooming of Alice
I am a big fan of the Alice series and have read each book a number of times each. Before this book the books seemed kinda unrealistic. Like some of the stuff they did I never would do. But in this one it talks about the disese anorexia. I think it is good to educate kids about that cause I know someone that has that and it has TOTALLY ruined their life. So I really recomend this book to everybody.

Kathryn ...
The story was mostly about three girls names Alice, Pamela, and Elizabeth. The girls have known each other about three years. They have just come out of middle school and will be starting high school and decides they don't want to go into high school the same way they came out of middle school. They find so much wrong with themselves
( not so much Alice) that thye go on this diet or this excercis program together where they cut out sweets, pizza, and etc. and start jogging every morning. For Elizabeth this gets out of control and looses six pounds too much weight. While this is going on Alice and Pamela have other problems. Like, for instance Alice's summer job with her other friend named Gwen at the local hospital doing volunteer work. While at work Alice finds out that one of her sixth grade teachers is there and soon passes on. Now Pamela's mother ran off with her boyfriend to Colorado and she is also fighting with her dad. So this book is fiiled with drama. This ends when her dad decides to remarry and they are ready to go to the ninth grade.
I really enjoyed this book because it deals with some of the basic problems some of us teenagers are faced with day to day. I also enjoyes this book because of the ending and the way they dealed with their problems.

Love at first sight with this book!!!
This great story and makes the reader feel confident. It also makes the reader blush redder, as I have said in my other reviews of the Alice books. Some may feel it is inapropriate, but I disagree without hesitation. It's not gross, it's realistic. A lot of girls are kissing their boyfriends on eyelids--not all of them, but a lot--and the descriptions of certain body parts at the YMCA are--again--realistic, that is what is going to happen if you go to those kinds of classes and are in a pretty serious relationship. If anything, this book and all the others in the series are PREPARING girls for what is going to take place as they mature. That's my opinon.

5 Stars!!!

BlEsSeD bE!!!

It's great for what it is, but the age group is off
People who only rate "Classics" at 5 stars are missing a point. You should take a book for what it's supposed to be and decide how well it measured up to its own goal, otherwise all children's books would be two stars or less, when for children's books they are wonderful.

With that in mind, I give THE GROOMING OF ALICE four stars. It aimed to be informative, simple, cute, light and sweet, with a few morals slipped in too. It measured up to all those things quite nicely, but it lacked the creative, polished spark of Harry Potter or the beautiful writing of "Classics" such as THE GOLDEN COMPASS.

The sitcom-type story is played out well and deftly in a simple, sweet prose in Alice's first person--so far, so good. But the problem (and the reason I took off a star) is that the intended reader age is not clear. SOME people think that references to sex, explicit descriptions of body parts at a YMCA class Alice and her friends attend, anorexia and kissing 14-year-old boyfriends on eyelids at neighborhood pools make this book unsuitable for the under-13 crowd. And this must be hard for Miss Naylor, to write truthfully about what goes on with teenagers without being vulgar. However, the simple writing and continuation of a younger girls' series makes this book more appealing to girls age 10 and 11. Most people think that girls that age are too young to be hearing about the above issues so candidly explained. So, read the story and decide for yourself. You'll find it passes time most enjoyably. ... Read more

Book Description

Jeremy's never been one for drama.

But that's all his life has been about lately.

Jessica, Jade, Jade, Jessica, neither, both, neither. . . . It's time for him to make a choice.

Unfortunately, when he does, the REAL drama is going to start. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

I Love This Book!!!!!!!
This book is [so] sweet. Jessica & Jeremy are PERFECT for each other. At first I thought wow. they aren't meant for each other poor jessica... After the bananas slipping through jess' hand and jeremy had to carry her down from the stool cuz' he's wearing hiking boots or somethin' the way he felt when he touch her skin. then to the last it was all... [aww]! then I thought wow they ARE meant for each other poor jade. I think she'll find someone soon. Hope it's evan cuz' they look cute together. hey that's not a bad theory.

never let go
This book rocked!! i was so happy that jeremy and jess got back together. they really belong together and i was very surprised that someon finally realized that and helped them out... u will have to read the book to find out who!

I LOVE THIS BOOK
The book is so good! I remember the last part - when jessica and jeremy get back together. I won't say how they get back together...you MUST read it!!!

Never Let go Rox!
I love this book! It is the best. I love it how Jermey feals like going back with Jessica and how much he want's to dump brat Jade. I seriously recommend this fantastic book. (I'm not good at writing reviews) :|

Jess and Jeremy....A perfect match
When they first broke up I thought that he could do better then her but as I read on and relized that she still liked him and he still liked her I knew that they where meant to be together and I hoped that they'd get back together. I think they are so cute together and when I found out that this book was about them and they where gonna get back together I couldn't wait to read it. Jade suprised me. I haven't liked her cause of what she did to Jeremy but no I don't hate her and don't dislike her. She helped him and Jess get back together instead of being selfish about it and keeping him even though she wasn't the girl he wanted to be with she saw that and helped get them together and I'm glad she did. Didn't think she'd do it though. I'm so happy now that my favorite couple is back together. They are so cute together and you can tell how much they like each other. This is my favorite book so far. Now I'm gonna enjoy reading the future ones cause they are a couple again. Thats all I have to say. I'm so glad that they are back together. Thank you, Jesy ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (7)

Some Things Never Change
Some things do never change and that is that this book is awesome, like all the Abby Hayes books! Abby's past best friend, Jessica is totally different. The old Jessica loved drawing, overalls, and astronomy. Now "Jessy" talks about boys, parties, manicures, and miniskirts. And Abby's two new best buds, Casey and Hannah, are ignoring her and they're telling secrets. Is Abby's world falling apart? How does she handle it? Read this awesome book and you'll find out! :-)

A fun read
In this book, Abby's friend Jessica, who recently moved to Oregon, comes back for a visit. And, boy, has Jessica changed. She now wears miniskirts and tank tops, chats with her boyfriend on her cell phone, has curly, auburn hair (it used to be straight and brown), and now goes by the name Jessy. Although Jessy is different from the Jessica that Abby was best friends with, Abby learns that, although she is often frustrated with Jessy, Jessy is still a loyal, fun friend. I think that Jessy's changes were pretty realistic. Moving away can definitely change people. This was a fun book to read, and I recommend it to anyone who likes the Abby Hayes series.

Read this review first!
I don't know what the other reviewers are talking about! The same thing happened to me. My best friend moved away, and when I saw her again she was SOOOO different. Plus, who wants to read about characters who never change? BUY THIS BOOK! IT'S THE BEST ONE IN THE SERIES! Trust me, you'll love it.

The best book yet!!! Anne Mazer, I love you!!!!!!!!!
This book is so much better than all the rest!!! Now, don't get me wrong, the other books are fantastic also, but this one is one hundred times better!!! I love Abby Hayes and Anne Mazer!!! When Jessica comes back as Jessy, I got a little scared. What happened to Jessica??? But it's really not so bad after all, when Jessica proves to still be a great and kind friend for Abby. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a WONDERFUL book!!!!

Kerspletchy.
In case you were wondering, that was the sound of me throwing up when I read this book. You may call this review opinionated, but I must get out what I truly thought about Unlucky #13.
Abby's friend Jessica finally comes home- but now she is 'Jessie.' 'Jessie' had changed- now she is obsessed with boys and makeup, etc. If you LIKE Abby Hayes, you will HATE this book.
It is disgusting just how far Anne Mazer will go to draw attention to these books and keep them interesting. Because it is quite obvious that that is why she changed Jessica. The transformation did not flow at all with the entire story (it didn't from the second Jessica left to this point). When reading series like this, it is quite obvious that the author has no idea where he or she is going, and she/he will just keep going, throwing out everything and anything that will attract readers. And that is what is just so infuriating about this book.
Another point is how, despite the fact that Jessica has changed, she is still kind to Abby and makes an attempt to connect and stay friends. However, all Abby does is gripe. She doesn't make a single try to preserve their friendship. These emotions may be 'realistic' ... but they are nauseating all the same. I knew that I like Abby Hayes only when Abby, Natalie, and Jessica were friends. The moment Anne Mazer attempted to add interest (by making Bethany 'good,' introducing Casey and Hannah, and having Jessica go away) my sister and I both began to be utterly irritated by the books. Today, we buy them only to chastise them.

(...) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Book Review
I liked reading this book, because it was easy to read and understand. I thought that the book was funny and interesti