Book Description

Alice likes her life, but she senses things are changing. She gets a little bored by her best friends Elizabeth and Pamela's constant chatter about clothes and makeup, and sometimes she feels excluded from their conversations. Her relationship with Patrick is becoming more complicated, too.

From her cousin Carol, Alice learns that there are no easy answers to some of her questions about life. Then a school experiment and a new friend with a painful secret reveal some unsettling truths about the world Alice lives in. Growing up is even trickier than Alice thought -- is she ready for the challenge? ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Great addition to the *Alice Series*!
I really liked this book. I also really like the Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. In the beginning, this book is about Alice's curiousity. As it goes on, her school promotes some type of an activity all week, dealing with hair-color and prejeducey. One of Alice's friends gets sexually abused by a fellow student, and it's up to Alice to help her to her feet. Near the end, you start hearing about a school dance coming up, and Alice is set to go with her boyfriend, Patrick. But things don't turn out as planned...

I highly recomend this book for the older or mature audience because basically, the Alice series is tremendous.The author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor knows what shes doing. This and the books in this series are truly worth reading. This one is one of my favs in the series. G out and read it!

Best Alice book!
Although this book contains some "adult" content, it still is a very good read. Alice learns the value of skin and hair color, when her school sponsers a week of judging people by hair color. A dance is coming up and Alice and her two best friends have fun getting ready for it. Alice's friends also learn some values and one gets sexually abused. This book is really good with a suprising twist! Read it for yourself!

Great book for a teenager or preteen girl
Well, I read a lot of Alice books, and all of them are great. I like this book a lot. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor wrote Alice 's life as a eighth grader, with all the changes come to her, it' s very excited book. It tell the real life of a teenager girl, and it also talk a lot about these question that teenager or preteen girls may have but never being answered. It's like a guild for the teenager or preteen girl of what is like to be 14, and a eighth grader.
Read it and you will love it!!!

Alice on the outside
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor(author) really describes what it is like to be a teenage girl. Naylor puts all of the problems of being a teenager together, your date getting ill for a big dance, your dad humiliating you by interupting the most intense kiss you have ever had, and not having a mother to talk to about stuff you need a girl to talk to about. In this story all of that happens to Alice when her life gets more complicated then ever. This hilarious must-read will spark the interest of any Jr.High girl.

Very cute..
Lets cut to the chase. It was great. Enough said. As somebody once said.. "Nobody is quite like Alice, however, she is like everybody." TRUE. And this one proves it. It shows what goes through a teenagers mind and how you would react to it. The Alice series took a sharp turn when it got to this one. The subjects of the storys are starting to get a little more senstive, because you have to admit, a 13 year old can't go around worrying about dumb things in life anymore. And this proves it.. read it, do yourself a favor, and relive memories of when you were a kid. ... Read more

Book Description

There are some pretty weird grown-ups living in Bailey City. But could the drama teacher really be a robot? Her joints freeze up when it rains, and she spends way too much time in the computer lab. The Bailey School Kids are going to short-circuit any plans she might have to take over the school! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

All Bailey School Kid Books Are GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!
Even though I haven't read all the Bailey School Kids Books thier all VERY GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't waste your time.
I thought that this would be good, but it stunk! The ending is so bland that I almost threw up. Please don't read this book or waste your money and/or time reading this. Please don't! Maybe the next one will be better - I haven't read it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Magic School Bus "Goes Upstream"
The Magic School Bus "Goes Upstream" is one of the better books in the series, because of the science and the knowledge you receive. I am 9 years old, but I read all the books in the series when I was 7( although I read the new ones as they come out). The facts are easy to remember, for example, thier keen sense of smell allows salmon to "smell out" their food.Salmon have a lot of predators like bears and sharks.This book is better for younger kids then older kids,because they give you only simple, quick facts and nothing more.However, THIS BOOK IS GREAT! ... Read more

Book Description

The new baker in town makes a mean pumpkin pie. But could he really be a Ninja plotting to steal some valuable Japanese art? It's up to the Bailey School Kids to find out! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Easy to read!
This was the first Bailey School Kids book that my son and I read together. He is in the 3rd grade and found this pretty easy to read. We both enjoyed it and will be reading more Bailey School Kids books in the future. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Real-Life Question #1: It’s time to choose where you’re going to college. Ending up in the same place as your guy is:

a. Not an issue. You’re more concerned with the quality of the cafeteria food and whether or not the dorms have big
windows.

b. So important that you’re willing to compromise your dreams.

c. A factor in your decision, but not the make-or-break one.

What will Jessica choose? ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Brilliant
I don't know how Francine Pascal can write so many wonderful books. I really got into this one. But it didn't really have Maria and Ken in it at all. I was excited to head about them because they finally got back together, but this book was more about Jessica and Jeremy. But it was still great. I love all the senior year books!

This book was good
In this book, Jess and Jeremy have to make decisions about College. Jessica realizes she wants to stay here in Sweet Valley while Jeremy wants to travel the country. While they are fighting, a character from the past shows up. As in SVJH. To find out who it is just read the book. Conner and Elizabeth have officially broken up after Conner finds out that Evan had a fling with Elizabeth during his absence. So he gets together with Alanna. Two recovering alchoholics should not get together. They are just baaaaaaaaaad for eachother. Actually, Alanna is bad for Conner. That is basically the plot of the book.

uuuuuhhhhhggggg.......
in my opinion this book was rather boring. i mean, conner & alanna just dont seem right together. shes trying so hard not to seem like a fake in front of him, but yet she does it at the beggining with tia, andy ,& evan. she tries not to show her true self, which is her main problem.though i dont really think she lied to conner about her family. i just found this book to be boring in all areas.

Conner and Alanna
Okay...what happened to Conner and Liz?? Alanna is SO totally wrong for Conner, Conner needs to forgive Liz and get back together with her!!! And fast! I hope an upcoming book called BE MINE will be about Conner and Liz, Conner should do something out of character, like romantic..or something NEW anyways... Jessica and Jeremy are perfect!! Like a match made in heaven, though I was secretly hoping she would sort of get to together with Damon (again) and something would take of from there!

Anyways..this was a pretty awsome book, and I cannot wait to get the next one!

Liked it.
I thought this book was really good but there were other books with better storylines. If you like reading about conner and his romance with Alanna this is a good book for you. I personnally think he should get over her and go out with Liz. Liz is so much better. I thought the parts with Jeremy and Jessica were good. I luv em 2. I luv this series and hope their are more books. ... Read more

Book Description

Evan is smart.

He's funny.

He's attractive, intense, and athletic.

He's even a fairly decent dancer.

He's absolutely perfect! And he wants Jessica Wakefield.

So why, why, WHY doesn't she want him? ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Pretty Good
This book was good, but not as good as the others. It was finally nice to read more about Ken and his life, although the book hardly mentioned him with Maria. The Jessica and Evan storyline was kind of lame. One week she likes Evan, then the next she likes Will, and then the next she likes Jeremy. I think that Jessica needs to stay single for a while, instead of trying to decide what guy she wants to be with. The Elizabeth and Conner storyline was ok, not completly exciting. Conner kind of acts like a jerk, but in a way it's understandalbe.

On my own
In this book Jessica is finally dating Evan Plummer.But is it what she wants?She gets really confused when all her boyfriends show up at a sports awards night(Will,Jeremy,Evan)and she is confused over who she really likes.Evan gives her advice and Jessica decides to be single for a while.Personally I think she should've stuck with Jeremy instead of dumping him for slimeball Will.
Ken's dad has got a girlfriend and Ken doesn't like her especially when his father goes out on a date with her instead of coming to the sports award night.Ken's father is such a jerk and I'm suprised Ken hasn't hurt him yet.Also Conner's jealous because Elizabeth is not spending enough time with him.
This series is probably the best of all the Sweet Valley's and all the books are simple easy reads.They also have cool diary-like sections between chapters with letters,e-mail,characters personal thoughts,polls,stories and homework and college applications all done in a specific handwriting font for each character.These books are great if a tad on the melodramatic side and are easy enough to read so there's no excuse not to try one.The first one(being a Jessica fan)put me off but now I love them.
So go out and grab a copy and Happy Reading!!!!

Fifteenth Book in the SVHSY Series
In "On My Own," Jessica Wakefield pursues Evan Plummer in an attempt to break the [mold] her friends have of her--that she only dates "popular, preppy, superficial jocks." However, if she'd read Evan's "10 Things That Make a Girl My Type" list, she'd probably realize they're obviously not a good match. Not only that, but she's still not over Will Simmons, which makes for a few uncomfortable scenes. In my opinion, she should take Evan's advice and stay single for awhile, sort things out, which, by the title, I thought she'd be doing in this book. Next one then?

A plus to "On My Own" is that Ken Matthews is more in the spotlight, though not exactly on good terms. Apparently he's having problems with his dad, who has been avoiding him because of his demanding job and new girlfriend.

Then there's the question that's been lurking in the back of my mind for the past couple of books: Where's Jeremy? He and Ken are the few halfway decent guys in this series and deserve a little more recognition than what they're getting. Well, Angel too, especially since he seems to have fallen off the face of the earth as well. At least Andy Marsden (the comic relief and one of my favorite characters in this series) has considerable time spent on him, mainly dealing with his anxiety and confusion over Six Hansen, the perky sophomore he's asked out on a couple of dates. Good ending between these two, by the way.

Overall, this is a good addition to the SVHSY series. Jessica and Ken fans should like this one especially since there's more character development of each one.

NO WILL?
OK, I know that Will is a total pig. He let Jessica's life become trashed all for his crazy girlfriend who should be put in front of a firing squad. But I think that after all the hard work that Jessica put into getting Will, she should at least have been able to continue seeing him instead of grungy, hug-the-trees Evan. I think she deserves someone better than Evan, and even though Will is a jerk I think he and Jessica compliment each other perfectly as a couple..

IT's good
Well, Ken finds out his dad has a girlfriend. Who seems pretty cool to me. So he's dealing with his dad dating and stuff. Conner and liz are basically agruing the whole book because Liz has to work alot and Everytime they do see each other it's with other people and he wonts to be alone with her. Jess askes Evan out. They have an ok time. Jeremy ask Jess to an award show. She agrees as friends. Evan gets jealous and they agrue. Becasue he was going to ask her to there with him. They end up.... ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A REALLY GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved it,it's funny and scary and I like the drawing of the cover!!! My favorite character is Melody because she is smart and comes up with a lot of great ideas!!!!.I LOVE IT!!!!
My other favorites are "Hercules Does'nt Pull Teeth" and "Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots"!!!

Skeleton's Don't Play Tubas or Do They?
Skeletons Don't Play Tubas Debbie Daddy and Marcia Jones

Wouldn't it be scary to have a skeleton sitting behind you that you thought was alive? You will find out that there are a lot of scary items that will make you scream.

This book is about four kids that try and save their school from an evil skeleton, At least they think it's evil, read this book and find out what happens.

I really like this book because of the action and the musical sounds. My favorite character is Liza. She comes up with a lot of great ideas that Eddie doesn't like.

I think the author wrote this book to teach kids that caring about their school is the right thing to do especialy when there is a toy skeleton involved.

Oom-pah, oom-pah!!
Strange adults and odd happenings are becoming commonplace in and around Bailey Elementary. But could the new band teacher, Mr. Belgrave, REALLY be teaching his skeleton to play the tuba??

The Bailey Kids are back in this 11th installment of their adventures. After first glimpsing a very tall, extremely skinny bald man carrying a long box through the cemetery, the Bailey kids are a bit surprised to find out that he's their new band teacher! More surprised to learn that he's got a skeleton named Claude in his classroom! Is this isn't creepy enough, the low, howling sound of the tuba is heard now and then, but no one-including Mr. Belgrave-knows how to play it! Could it be his skeleton?? Other weird occurances happen as well, Liza is almost certain she saw Claude the skeleton tap his foot in time to the music! Is she seeing things, or is the skeleton ALIVE?

This series goes back and forth between the just plain fun to the downright creepy. While "Leprachauns Don't Play Basketball" was a fun holidayish romp, "Skeletons Don't..." was outright spooky. While it isn't necessary to begin with book #1 and work your way through all of the books, you may find that it's an addictive, fun series and an easy read.

The book is very mysterious.
I like Skeletons Don't Play Tubas because whenever Liza gets really scared her nose bleeds. The kids think that Mr.Belgrave teaches a skeleton how to play the tuba. My favorite character is Eddie because he always gets in trouble.I recommend this book for grades 1, 2, and 3 because it is a fun book to read and it is very funny. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Rachel's Review
"Frankenstein Doesn't Plant Petunias" is a great book.
It is about four chilldren that think this guy named Frank is Frankenstein! I could read it 100 times. My favorite is when a boy named Eddie says all these jokes that make me laugh.
YOU SHOULD GET THE BOOK!

Meet Frank!
Those Bailey School Kids are at it again! This time, they're off on a field trip to a verrrry strange museum! This museum seems to have a mad scientist and a very strange character named Frank! Frank is about 7 feet tall, has quite a few thick scars on him, loves flowers and seems only able to say "unnnnhhhh"... Sound like any horror monsters you know?? Is it possible that the Bailey Kids have found FRANKENSTEIN? Is it possible they've discovered some sort of terrible secret? Will they escape with their lives...??

"Frankenstein Doesn't..." marks the 6th book in this quick-moving series where supernatural creatures and strange characters abound. The third grade's classroom teacher seems to be a vampire. The camp counselor seems to be a werewolf. Santa Claus seemed to be their janitor for a while, and now here's this massively tall guy named Frank in this spooky old museum. What's going to happen next?

All the books in the series are quick-paced and quick-witted. The class clown, Eddie, is also the one character who refuses to believe that their teacher is a vampire (though the evidence is beginning to grow on him by this book!), there are werewolves running amok or aliens have invaded the school (that's in the next book, "Aliens Don't Wear Braces"). Indeed, Eddie functions as the only voice of reason (albeit a very sarcastic voice!). Part of the fun of the series are Eddie's wisecracks but also the way that everything isn't 100% spelled out for the reader. Maybe Frank really IS Frankenstein, maybe he isn't. The evidence points that way, certainly, but who can really tell?

"Frankenstein Doesn't..." is a tad creepier than some of the other books in the series, but not what I would call scary or horrifying. Therefore, it's a good selection for beginning/intermediate readers who are looking for something that will hold their interest but won't scare the daylights out of them like other books in the horror genre. The text reads quickly (as an adult, I can polish off a "...Doesn't..." book in about 20 minutes) and the pencil illustrations augment the story wonderfully. It's really an addictive series! Try it! You'll like it!! ... Read more

Book Description

Jeremy wants to get his family settled in their new town.

Conner wants to get over Alanna.

And Evan? He just wants to get as far away from Sweet Valley as possible.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

good book
Well I bought this book mainly cuz I'm hooked on the Senior Year series. But I did like it alot. 3 guys (very different guys I might add) go on a road trip to visit Jeremy's family in Arizona so he can help them get settled in. Jeremy is really uptight, Evan is really wild and loose, and Conner is just quiet. It's hard for them all to get along (well, for Jeremy to get along with the other two really), with their different personalities. But a quick side trip to Vegas changes that. Some side stories are : Ken and his U. Mich. scholarship, Tia/Trent development, and there is small mention of Liz and Jessica on a "road trip" of their own. Anyway, it's a great book.

Low on Melodrama (A GOOD Thing!)
This was definitely the funniest of all the SVH Senior Year Books. There's usually some overblown drama going on (no date for a dance, I miss my girlfriend, my boyfriend's an alcoholic, etc.) and this one was mainly about fun. If you've read the previous 31 books, you'll recognize the 3 guys on the cover as Jeremy, Conner, and Evan. The 3 of them are on a Road Trip to Arizona, Jeremy to help his family in his new home, and Conner & Evan just for the ride. Jeremy's uptight Mr. Perfect personality is completely opposite from those of Conner & Evan which makes for interesting company on the road. In the other books, Jeremy's been tightly wound, but always described as a nice guy, of course from his girlfriend's perspective. What makes this book interesting and very funny is that we see not only Jeremy, but Evan and Conner and other characters from the perspectives of people they don't know that well. There are also a few surprises, so don't read ahead!

Could have been better....
Well,first of all,this book could have done with a better introduction.It's always very important to have a good and solid,not to mention interesting,introduction;to build up the story.The previous books in this series have been nicely told and leaves almost every reader happy.Unfortunately,this particular book is sadly lacking,both mentally and physically.It's been an effort just to finish this book,and even then,you're left with the feeling that you're somehow cheated;especially when that scheming little witch,Melissa Fox,doesn't get what she deserves.Even the author's attempt to make her more human in the past is totally obliterated here;and the good guys,well,they still remain ultimate fools in the end. Conner is still a jerk and makes a decision that would not be agreed by some readers.Jeremy tries to break loose of his rigid nature with the help of Conner and Evan;and in the process,finds that life isn't so bad when you learn to live and let live.The other main character in the book is Ken,and what he does when he learns of a shameful and painful secret;one that destroys everything that he believes in and leaves him shattered. All in all,the book can only be rated as mediocre;the only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I've always been an avid fan of Sweet Valley;no matter what the shortcomings.I only hope the author will endeavor to at least make sure that Melissa Fox will get what she richly deserves.Or something along those lines... ... Read more

Book Description

Claudia and Stacey aren't speaking to each other. Why should Claudia make up with a 'friend' who steals her boyfriend? It's the biggest feud in BSC history! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

~It's Claud vs.Stace!~
This was a cool book. It showed that not all friendships last forever and the plot was VERY realistic.

Stacey and Claudia are involved in a friendship feud over the new guy in school Jeremy. Claudia was sure they would have been going out by now....if only Stacey hadn't gotten in the way and stolen him! I feel pretty sorry for Claudia. Stacey's been pretty nasty to her these days, and she blew me away when she said a remark to Claudia that made my jaw drop! Ouch! (I won't tell you the remark or that would spoil the book)

I love how these are much more real then...oh say...the Baby-sitters' Club? Great job on the new series Ann M. Martin! I'm counting the days until Friends Forever #5!

GREAT!
These books are just the bomb Ann! You've really hit the mark with this new series! I'm actually kind of glad Claudia and Stacey are in a Friendship Feud. At least it shows that these girls are starting to get real! (as are the others) These books are deafnitly more realsitic then the Baby-sitters' Club. I have Friends Forever #5 too, and Maggie, Diary Three! Just keep coming with the wonderful books you create! This is my favorite book! FRIENDS FOREVER AND CALIFORNIA DIARIES ROCKS!

Friends Forever rocks!
This was the first Friends Forever book I've read, and I liked this really much! This books was more realistic than the BSC series (and definitely more realistic than the Super Special series) and so good!!! I like that Claudia's got a new friend, Erica.I also like the other baby-sitters got new friends outside the club (Claudia and Erica, Stacey and Rachel, ect.) But I didn't like that Claud & Stace are fighting over a boy. I think Jeremy is better for Stacey, but I'm in Claudia's side at the Friendship Feud.

Another Great Book in the Friends Forever Series!
In this book (number 4), you see the huge fight with Claudia and Stacey in Claudia's point of view (just so you know- if you aggreed with Stacey in book #2, you'll probably change your opinion).

Claudia gets a new friend- her name is Erica. (In the last book, Stacey became friends with Claudia's old enemy, Rachel.) Stacey also gets WAY more over-protective with Jeremy when he starts hanging out with Claudia more. Mary Anne is still kind of sad about breaking up with Logan, especially when she sees him noticing other girls.

My thoughts on this book: I thought it was great! I'd read the Stacey version of "the fight" earlier, and it makes you see "the fight" in a totally different perspective. As always, the book was fun to read, well-written, and kept true to Claudia-the-character... though Stacey DID seem to be quite a bit more mean than usual. All in all- a great book!

The friendship feud goes on
All right, this is how it goes. Stacey stole Jeremy and I have to say I despise her for it. Claudia saw and met him first. Also, I can't believe Stacey would want to make an attempt to apologize to Claudia and then say, ''Okay, Claudia, I will not allow you to get anywhere near Jeremy." What right does she have to say that! Claudia can choose her own friends, but obviously Stacey can't see that! The book was good, except now I know I am on Claudia's side in the friendship feud. I'm glad Claudia is friends with Erica now, too. Erica is much, much, MUCH cooler than Stacey. If you want to find out more, read "Claudia and the Friendship Feud." That book is awesome, and I'm sure #5: Kristy Power! will be just as awesome! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Friends BSC Forever:Welcome Home,Mary Anne(#11)
Love it!Mary Anne house just got build.And Sunny, came to Stoneybrook to visit.This is a good buy and a very good book.

Lots of Love,
Fulliem Quach xoxoxoxoxoxo

it was ok thats all
i have to admit the author did a good job of writing it,but ive read better books.mary anne is nice but i wish shed just get over logan.in the other books he ,like , ran her life.i think it was a good idea to bring sunny & MA together in 1 book.

Mary Anne's still the same loveable person!
I liked how Ann brought Sunny & Mary Anne together! And yes, Mary Anne is getting new plots (NOT a new boyfriend, which is good). Her heart has just about healed from Logan;I'm glad Ann didn't latch her onto another boyfriend like so many other series would have done. I liked that she joined the yearbook in a previous book & she's doing more things. It's so heartwarming that her house has been re-built & she & her family move back in. I loved the descriptions; I felt as if I were right there with Mary Anne & my heart just warmed for her. She's been through so much pain & suffering in her life & it's good that she's happier now & at peace. She deserves peace & happiness; she's such a good, courageous person! I liked how she sensed that Sunny was still hurting from losing her mom, even though Sunny was hiding her pain under a facade of cheerfulness & she comforted Sunny, even when Dawn got mad at Sunny. It was funny how when the girls snuck off to New York City, Mary Anne felt so guilty. I was sooo sure that she was going to break down & fess up! I'm surprised that she didn't. The ending was gave such a sense of peace & closure & I'm glad that Mary Anne's feeling peaceful these days.

Great! Buy it now!
I TOTALLY recommend this book for people that like Sunny, Dawn, and the rest of the BSC friends Forever series. in thsi book, Mary Anne has finally moved in to her new house, and Dawn is coming to Stoneybrook with Sunny, the best friend of Dawn's that's mother died from Lung cancer. Again, read this book. It's touching, and finally, u get a picture of Dawn and Sunny! (LoL!)

It was OK, but I've read so much better
OK, this book was ok, i guess. I think it focused on Sunny and Dawn too much. I think that MA needs some new hobbies, etc. to make her books more interesting! My fave books out of this series are the ones on Stacey and Claudia 'cuz they're the only ones that seem real enough to me! I think that Ann Martin needs to make MA seem more interesting; such as getting a new BOYFRIEND cuz Logan is such a bad boyfriend. the most interesting book on Mary Anne is Mary Anne's Revenge. but after that it's this one. Mary Annes big Breakup was a bad book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great book
Karen is so excited when she hears about Bike Safety month at school and the upcoming bike athon. But then Karen discovers that her bike is too small for her so Karen buys a new bike with some of her money and some of daddy's. But Karen's happiness is short lived when her bike is stolen will Karen get her bike back and before the bike athon?

Best Book Ever!
Karen was going to be in the biceothon, with her new two weeler. She picked a really neat Bike and stuff. Then, It got stolen! Oh no! I was really worried untill the ending and I wont ruin the ending for you. Anyway, If you like Karen, you should dffanly read this book! You'll enjoy it, I know I did! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another great Bailey School Kids book
My 8 year old loved this book. He didn't even pick up his game boy until he had read the whole thing! The silly titles in this series lure him in, and the storylines hook him. ... Read more

Book Description

Now that she is setting into eighth grade, the class she used to envy, Alice discovers it isn't as exciting as she thought. She's tired of being the same old Alice, and longs to be a bit outrageous.

Instead, she finds herself in situations that are more embarrassing then they are thrilling. She likes dressing up as a showgirl for Halloween, but hasn't counted on what happens in the broom closet at school. And she's delighted to be a bridesmaid, but feels awkward at the bridal shower. Even Patrick begins to seem childish to her.

Elizabeth and Pamela, however, her two best friends, feel that life is changing too much for them. Elizabeth finds that a new a boy at school is attracted to her, while Pamela faces a serious problem at home. Lester, too, Alice's brother, can't quite believe he's losing his old girlfriend, Crystal. When Alice dials Miss Summers, however, the woman her father loves, there is always the hope that this time she will get the mother she has always wanted. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Be aware of the adult things Alice does
Alice is certainly growing up and is true to the character which Mrs. Naylor has created. However, it is now time for the elementary school to be aware of the contents of the book, as Alice attends a shower, where she is given a fairly expicit questionnaire to answer, and the girls continue their discussion of sex by wondering about positions. Yes, this is a wonderfully funny and realistic book, but be sure you know what you are getting. It is not a book for the 9-year old.

Very funny and lifelike.
I really liked this book because Alice is trying to figure out her life, and all her new looks. And Crystal's wedding was a complete success, except Danny was a little drunk. All the Alice books tell me what to do in real life, and I want to know what other people think about growing up. I rate this book four stars because it is very funny, and emotional. It also seems that somewhere in America, a girl really did spike her hair and make it green. It is very lifelike.

Sorry, NOT for 9-13 year olds
I bought this book for my 11 year old daughter. SHE brought it to me and pointed out different passages that she felt her teacher would not approve of. Examples: After being at a bridal shower where there were games, Alice asks her 21-yr old brother some of the questions from the game such as "have you ever mentally undressed a stranger" and "have you ever made love in a room besides the bedroom". I am no prude by any stretch of the imagination but I AM a firm believer in letting kids be kids. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR AN 11 YEAR OLD or anyone younger. I can't believe other people haven't written about this before. It's a shame we have to censor everything our kids watch on tv and read these days.

PG-13!
I enjoyed this book, but am rather amazed that the recommended age level is 9-13. I haven't read any of the earlier ones, so I don't know if they all have so many sexual references, but this one has a pretty steady diet of talk about breasts, lingerie, French kissing, missionary position, etc. Is this really aimed at 9 year olds? The thoughtful and humorous treatment of confusing issues is good, but I think the book should be in Young Adult sections or Middle School Libraries.

Outrageosly Alice
I think that this a a very good book. This book is about a girl named Alice who decides to cange her look. If you like Phyllis Reynolds-Naylor books or if you just like comedies than check it out. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I think all baily school Kids books are great so is this one
I review this book Giants Don't Go Snowboarding would seem like a good book since i've read alot of these kinds of books from Baily School Kids collecten. These are really injoyable books to read. I would reccomend this book to people who like adventures.

GOOD BOOK!
This book was really cool! I liked it best when Hugh Mongus threw giant snowballs at the kids and when they helped him figure out a way stay out of trouble. It made me want to read all the other Bailey School Kids books by Marcia Thornton Jones.

Cool Review
This is a ok book but I don't think that it is very realistic and it is kind of stupid. Thank You ... Read more

Amazon.com

We're starting to notice a pattern. In Alice Alone, ninth grader Alicegradually becomes too busy to see much of her boyfriend. Now, in PhyllisReynolds Naylor's next installment in the Alice series, Alice and Patrick havebroken up, and our heroine decides to throw herself into new activities to drownher sorrows. And suddenly, best friends Elizabeth and Pamela are starting tofeel the dearth of Alice, too. After all the girls have been through together(The Grooming of Alice,Alice on the Outside,etc.), can they maneuver this latest bump on the road through adolescence?

Starting out with the most embarrassing high-school situation imaginable (no,really!), and wending its way through various family crises and side plots,Simply Alice reveals a newly single, steadily stronger heroineexperiencing all the bittersweet turmoil of high school. But will she be singleforever? Don't count on it. Romance lurks, as Alice fields e-mails from a secretadmirer. Friends of Alice, old and new, will be simply delighted. (Ages 12 to15) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Another wonderful book in the series
Being a true, devoted Alice fan, I was both surprised and happy when this book showed up on my door step. I hadn't read an "Alice" book in what seemed like years, but Phyllis Reynolds Naylor swings right back into action like you never even left for a moment.

This semester, Alice is faced with many new situations. Being a "single" for the first time in a long time, Alice finds she doesn't have time for half the things she used to. With Patrick out of the way and Pam and Liz doing their own things, Alice is left feeling confused. With her newspaper job and her interest in stage crew, the audience is taken on wonderful journey that leds Alice to a whole new side of life.

Lester has found new love, Alice a new admirer, her Dad a new hobby and we have front row seats.

Overall, this book was just as good, if not better, than all the other Alice books and I am already counting the days until the next one is released. I recomended this to anyone (and it probablly helps if you have read the other books first!)

Simple to read, simply good!
Coming across the Alice books, I thought at first that it would be a childish series. But looking past the covers of the books, which, some of them may appear to be a bit for the 'younger' kids, I discovered that if I had judged the Alice series by its cover, I would have missed out on a ton of excitement.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor catches the dreading and adventurous instances in a teenager's life (seemingly basing it on her own youth) and describes it in a simple, realistic way. I find that all the events occuring in each of the books I have read of hers so far, she adds nice humor here and there with believable events that are both life-like and original for a book. Plus, Phyllis has a wonderfully concise, to-the-point writing style with unique language and understandable words.

So, to sum up the book: in "Simply Alice", Alice has entered the second semester of high school and is now experiencing very time-consuming, new things and she can't seem to fit her old friends anywhere in the picture. The novel tones down a bit on all the insanity of Alice's life towards the middle of the book, and then surprising twists and turns occur from there. With a lovesick dad, spontaneous brother, and Alice's 15th birthday coming up shortly; anything is bound to happen!

Simply Alice
In Simply Alice, Alice just broke-up with her boyfriend and started joining activities to get her mind off things.She gets so involved she doesn't spend much time with her closest pals and suddenly they start to grow apart.Her brother Lester, is having some problems too. He finally finds the love of his and then she dumps him. Trying to get her back gets him in serious trouble and Alice and her friends have to recue him. Her father is the only one who's life is steady and peaceful.

I recommend this book for kids 12-17. I'm thirteen and I've read all the Alice books. The books are so real you think you bump into her someday.

"SIMPLY" a treat for Alice fans
Alice McKinely's umpteenth installment begins on the utmost embarassing note that I refuse to spoil for you in my review.

However, I will say this much: after the split between Alice and Patrick, after the plethora of tears and loss of confidence, after heavy friendship support, Alice is going to be okay. She's spending time with herself now, doing things for strictly herself. She's becoming immersed in high school extracurriculars and her "me time" is becoming just that, perhaps a bit too much so. Alice's very best friends, Pamela and Elizabeth, have seen Alice at her worst. They've been there for her, through thick and thin, through good times and bad times. Now, they feel like less important parts of her life. Because Alice's "me time" is spoiling their together time, and they aren't all too pleased about it. Alice senses they are all growing apart. Her abundance of activities is opening new doors and she finds herself making new friends. Like Faith, who has a penchant for black and seems unable to leave her arrogant and abusive boyfriend. Like Molly, with deep blue eyes and short, choppy hair. Both backstage crew and the school newspaper are proving to be fun and exciting. But are they worth the loss of Alice's two very best friends? Must she settle for that ultimatum? Let's hope not. The friendship troubles started out with Alice missing trips to the mall but when Alice forgot about their appointment at the pizza parlor, that fueled the fire. Thanks to her, according to Elizabeth, because she didn't show, they didn't get their discount. Alice knows in her heart that their straying from her is normal, yet it's all too sad just the same. Naylor's peek into Alice's life is enjoyable and as real as its predecessors. You'll understand Alice's hurt over her seemingly estranged friends. "All it makes me want to do is cry," Alice laments.

I find that I'm getting a bit too mature for Alice - ALICE ALONE was the last Alice novel I read that scored at the top of my list. Perhaps this is merely because of the more advanced literature I've been exposed to. But Alice and her realistic, if ever-so slightly sugarcoated teen world will always ring true and hold a special place in my heart.

Candy from Richview Middle School
At the beginning of the story it talks about her break up with Patrick. She was finally over the break up with him and starting to join clubs. She joined the drama club. She did props, make-up, costumes, and the curtains. Her friends tried to get her to give up drama club to model with them. She said "no!" She stayed in the club and did the play. The story ended with her getting a new boyfriend.
I liked the book "Simply Alice," because it reminds me about when my friends and I hang out. If one of us drop out of a club we all do. Anyways, back to the book, because there were a lot of funny things in it. Like when Alice and her friends were walking to the restroom. Alice fell down the steps and accidently peed on herself. That was so funny. This is why I liked the book "Simply Alice." ... Read more