Friendship Day Books

The beginning is VERY funny, but then it starts swearing and talking about kissing, and worse. I stopped reading at chapter 3. I do NOT recommend this for middle-schoolers maybe for adults, but by then you will be to old for,"The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life."

I haven't been in seventh grade for a while, but are you sure this is what the majority of seventh graders are up to these days? My personal experience with kids tells me twelve-year-olds are more innocent and less malicious than the characters in the books are. I didn't really pay attention to any sexual references or bad words, but it did surprise me that a book for middle school kids would actually contain phrases like "Oh my God" and "for God's sake." I am by no means religious or offended, but I know authors for middle school kids had to stick with "Oh my gosh" and "for Pete's sake" when I was in seventh grade. The time it's a-changin'.

The writing itself is not bad. In fact, I picked up this book because I thought Lauren Myracle knew how to write for young readers (for disappointed parents, I would recommend her other book Eleven, which I thought was cute and more age-appropriate than this one). I had to skip all the IM conversations, though. I thought I could escape chatspeak when I'm not using the Internet, but apparently I was wrong. My main complaint is that the ending is a cliffhanger. See, that might work if you were writing the eighth book in the whole dear-diary series and you already have your loyal fans eagerly waiting for the next book, but it would probably be a wiser move to make the story more conclusive if you're only writing the first book.

All-in-all, something I would read for fun that I definitely wouldn't recommend to actual seventh-graders. I agree with the reviewer who said that kids may get mixed messages if they read this book. There should be more real consequences to every action that we know is bad and shouldn't do that we all do anyway.

This book is pretty good. Not the best, but has a unique plot line, well-written story, and interesting characters with unique personalities. It's about a girl entering seventh grade with her mom's panties on her pants. The most popular girl (Rachel) in the grade defends her to everyone's surprise, and although the main character, Alli, realizes how unkind Rachel is in the end, Alli forgives all of the mistakes that Rachel makes throughout the book. The unique twist is that Alli's unpopular friend who has stuck with her thick and thin is exactly like Rachel, except she is unpopular. A fun read.

The Fashion Disaster that Changed My Life

Are you looking for a book that has lots of realistic action? Stop right here! The book The Fashion Disaster That Changed my Life by, Lauren Myracle just might be the book for you! The main character, Alli has a fashion disaster on the first day of seventh grade. From that disaster comes people that claim to be her friends, but can she hold on to her old friends?! Well, I hope that you have the chance to find out by reading the book The Fashion Disaster that Changed My Life!

I am in 7th grade and I can relate to everything that is going on in this book. To the parents that are complaining of the contents: Apparently you don't know what goes on during school. There is not one 7th grader that i know who hasn't said at least one of these 'bad words' or 'explicit things'. Get over it because your teenager is exposed to it everyday! Anyways, this book is worth more than 5 stars and kudos to Lauren Myracle!

i thought that this book was ok, but not really all that. it had a kind of bittersweet edge to it... u can feel that they are wrapping up their senior year and things are going to change soon. i was really disappointed that conner and liz didn't end up together, after all that they been through. jade annoyed me through this whole thing because she was so whiny.

I bought this book along with Sweet 18, thinking I should read Senior Cut Day first, let me tell you, I didn't have to. It is all focused around the twins, their friends and their senior cut day where they decide to go to Universal Studios. Jessica and Trent get cast as extras in a movie leaving Jeremy and Jade to commiserate together. Elizabeth and Conner talk about their relationship, or lack of. And Tia and Andy's boyfriends realize they shouldn't be on the road trip with them and Conner. All in all, an ok book.

I bought this book along with Sweet 18, thinking I should read Senior Cut Day first, let me tell you, I didn't have to. It is all focused around the twins, their friends and their senior cut day where they decide to go to Universal Studios. Jessica and Trent get cast as extras in a movie leaving Jeremy and Jade to commiserate together. Elizabeth and Conner talk about their relationship, or lack of. And Tia and Andy's boyfriends realize they shouldn't be on the road trip with them and Conner. All in all, an ok book.

Okay, big fan of the whole liz conner thing...i just hated it when it ended. And i was totally happy when the whole alaina thing ended. Though i have to say, as a whole, we readers are being toyed with. Yes/no, no/yes. Though i have to admit thats what has kept me interested. Conner and liz, there will never be another couple like them. This book has some seriously good parts, for all us Liz and Conner fans. Overall, it was good, though slightly disapointing. Im still holding out for them.

i cna't believe connor and liz don't get 2gether. they were great 2gether. i reread all of the scenes of them 2 2gether. i was hopin they wud kiss in senior cut day. they were the best relationship ever. i hope pascal brings him bak and sweet vally BETTA have not ended. i live 2 read these books. i am so depressed i want dem 2 b 2gether(god im sad)

I discovered this series in my classroom two years ago and after reading Pickle Puss aloud I've decided to invest in the series. I've started from the first book reading it aloud to my third graders during breakfast and they LOVE it!! It's humorous, VERY relatable and great for teaching reading skills as you move through the story. I truly love these stories and all the characters within. I can't wait until we get to the next book...

Publisher and Amazon, ect., should list the cover artist as well, if it is different from interiors. Many reasons for this... Public can find the specific book they are looking for, and equal time is given to each artist. (instead of leaving the cover artist out altogether-which, unfortunately has been done since paperbacks were invented. I know, because I am a children's book cover artist. We get neither money or fame, but our work helps sell the book....It is criminal if someone else gets all the credit.

I read this book when I was in the third grade and I loved it!!! I probably read the book 20 times during my childhood. I am now 24, and still remember the yummy candy corn contest described in this book. :)

My third grade teacher read us this book during the fall holidays. At the age of 23, I still remember the title and how it made me like candy corn. I think it's a great story. I'm going to buy this book for my nephew.

I've read this book with my third graders for the past several years. They love it. They enjoy having a candy corn contest of their own while reading the book.

We selected this book for our annual Girl's Retreat selection. Each lady read the book prior to our retreat in San Antonio. Everyone loved it! It is a great selection for a "girls night out" or "ladies only" themed event. Our theme this year was "No Men, Amen", and we really enjoyed the lively discussion generated by this book.

Meet best friends Mai, Marie and Kennedy. They share many things, particularly tidbits about their individual lives as they meet on Girls' Night. They do, however, have very differing views on what is needed in a man. Mai is the stay-at-home mom who cooks, cleans, tends to the kids, pays the bills, participates in charity functions and performs like a sex kitten in the bedroom when daddy's home. She is the ultimate super mom who handles all the problems as they arise. In fact, her husband is an outsider to the household with very little to do. How does Mai manage it all? With Mai holding it down at home, they appear to be living the perfect American life. A closer inspection reveals a few chinks in the armor that get exposed with a phone call from prison.

Marie has a wonderful job. She works long hours and travels several times a month. She has no worries about her husband and children at home for he takes care of them while she brings in the bacon. This is such a great setup for Marie that she feels she can do a little eye-candy looking and participate in what she feels is harmless flirting. Her husband, on the other hand, feels a little neglected and unappreciated until a tenant crosses the line. What happens when he thinks about a little harmless flirting?

Kennedy is the single one in the group. She has been burnt in a relationship before and has no desire to have one that lasts longer than a night. She thinks a man is only good for one thing anyway, if he knows his way around the bedroom. If you have this on lock, then what do you need a husband for? Then she meets Troy, who's determined to be more than a one-night stand.

In NO GIRL NEEDS A HUSBAND SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, Nina Foxx takes readers on a whirlwind ride of discovery to teach a relationship needs two people working together to sustain it. Foxx's wit and candor makes this a very enjoyable and, at times, painful read on how we sometimes box ourselves and our mates into certain modes that serve only to chip away at the foundation of our relationships. Men have relationship needs just like women do. I enjoyed Foxx's characters and thought she did a great job of showing there is more to a relationship than meets the eye.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

This book was a very slow read. It is one of the slowest reads I have read in a long time. I don't usually write reviews but this one was bothering me. She left open ended chapters and left the reader to speculate what happened. The plot was ok but the ending sucked. I was just dissappointed all around.

The title, No Girl Needs a Husband Seven Days a Week by Nina Foxx was enough to draw this reader in. However, the interesting and connected storylines kept me reading. Maria, Mai and Kennedy are best friends and have been for years. They think they share everything but they are all going to find out they do not know as much about the others lives as they may think.

Maria is in pharmaceutical sales: she is married to her stay-at home husband, Louis, and together they have two children. While away from home, she feels a little `flirting' is harmless. Her girlfriends disagree with her actions, but she turns a deaf ear to them. The question is how would she feel if good, old, reliable Louis did a little flirting of his own?
Mai is married to Calvin, who provides well for his wife and three children, while Mai runs things at home like superwoman. No one, not even her friends know what is really going and what it takes for Mai to get through the day, keeping up a perfect family façade. What she and Calvin have together is not always what it seems. Kennedy was once hurt by man she loved and is convinced men are only good for one thing. Besides, she is focused on her successful marketing career and the care of her ailing father. Is it possible that she can be open to love when she meets Troy , or will he turn out to be even worse than the others?

Nina Foxx has written a well-paced novel about friendship, relationships and family connections. She allows the reader to peek into her characters lives, seeing that rarely are things exactly what they seem. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy contemporary novels about relationship drama.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

Although their outlooks on life especially relationships with men are radically different, Marie, Mai and Kennedy remain close friends. The trio agrees a husband can be a good companion, but not half as good as each other. They also agree that a spouse can be good at home repairs, but you can always hire someone to do it right the first time. Finally a husband can be a good lover (hopefully that is), but so can a boyfriend and you do not need either seven days a week trysting.

However they each have specific differing requirements for what they expect of a mate. Marie prefers a househusband to clean the house, make the meals, and take care of their children while she brings in the money. Mai prefers being a trophy wife of an affluent corporate executive. Kennedy the executive believes no husband makes the best spouse; her itch will be handled by her hunk of the moment. That is fine but what will the prospective husband have to say to each of these females.

This African American chick lit tale is a delightful look at relationships from the perspective of the three fully developed protagonists. The story line combines humor especially the discussions between the ladies re the life in the men in their lives; yet also provides a deep look at modern issues that cripple marriages like cheating and taking for granted you partner. Nina Foxx writes a profound contemporary tale that makes the case a girl needs a caring, faithful and dependable mate 24/7 or either get a dog or not at all.

Harriet Klausner

I think it was really awful that Abby got her ears pierced without her parent's permission,and didn't even feel sorry about it. And she should've told her parents about Victoria. But it was an okay book. I do not recommend it,though. Sorry.

This book sucked. S-U-C-K-E-D. Abby tries to change herself to fit in. She won't tell her parents that she's getting teased. She refuses. If something bad is going on, TELL someone! Victoria is teasing her and abby thinks pierced ears will really help. Her parents punished Abby WAAAAAAAAAAAAY to lightly. She has to do comunity service and she will probaly have Hannah help.

Does hannah bug anybody else? she's too cheery. Nobody can be THAT happy...

This was such a good book that I read it seven times (whether you like it or not, last reviewer!) and now my little sister is reading it. I don't think that Abby getting her ears pierced was a portrayal of bad messages- I just think that that's life- sometimes you give in to the teaser's teasing. And in the end, Abby finds the way to stop the teasing, so it was good after all. I do wish Mazer had added more details though- does Abby ride the bus? Is she incredibly nervous that morning? But all in all, this was a great read.

This is such anamazing book. Before abby goes into grade 6 she and Hannah find a book in an old storage box called 6th grade revealed. It says that evryone is so snooty and mean in this grade. Abby and Hannah wonder who wrote the article? and is 6th grade really like what 6th grade revealed says? Find out inthis amazing book!

7 DAYS AT THE HOT CORNER
by Terry Trueman
(Harper Tempest, February 2007, $15.99 Hardcover)

Scott Latimer lives for baseball. The high school senior plays third base (known in baseball jargon as the "hot corner") for his undefeated school team, and has dreams of playing professionally after he graduates. His best friend, since age seven, is Travis Adams, who helped comfort him when his parents got a divorce.

Scott's life seems to be placed on hold, when Travis moves in with Scott and his dad, following his being thrown out of his home because he is gay. It's rather unsettling news to Scott as well, since he always assumed Travis was straight and had never been told otherwise. He also remembers an incident in which Travis bled badly after a batting-cage accident, and Scott now wonders if Travis may have had unsafe sex and passed HIV on to him. He withdraws emotionally and physically from his friend, and decides to get tested, then goes through an agonizing seven days waiting for the test results. Travis decides to "come out" in an anonymous interview in the school paper, and Scott is also worried that his friends will figure out it is Travis, and perhaps assume that Scott is gay as well (which even Travis' mom assumed, since they were so close.)

An excellent, non-stereotypical and realistic story, especially recommended for teen readers. A bit short (runs 160 pages, but printed in relatively big type on small pages, which likely stretched it by 50% over what it would be in "normal" formats), but well-written and covers all of the bases (pun intended). Excellent selection for a gay teen to give as a gift to a straight buddy who may have problems dealing with his coming-out, and also debunks some common (even this long into the epidemic) myths about how the AIDS virus is transmitted. A definite "home run" (Last one, I promise! :) and I give it five stars out of five.

While this may be a great book, I have not read it in it's entirety, please beware of purchasing this book for anyone younger than high school.
It says, 6th grade and up, or age 12 and up but the material may be more suitable for a high school student rather than elementary!
My son, who is in 4th grade, is an active reader and can read beyond his grade level. My mother bought him this book along with many other books and did not realize how mature this book was. Personally, I don't think 4th graders, or anyone under a high school grade, should be reading a book that deals with homosexuality, AIDS, safe sex and so on. My son is 9.

I believe in fredom of speech and I'm glad that there are novels that deal with those issues. My only wish would be that the author would have geared it toward a more mature audience.

Obviously, I need to CLOSELY examine the books my son is given to read before I allow him to do so.

"The hot corner." In baseball, it's third base. So named because of the fact that you always have to be ready for anything, and no one knows it better than eighteen-year-old Scott Latimer.

Scott is the starting third baseman on Thompson High School's varsity baseball team. The Spokane All-City High School Tournament is coming up in a matter of days, so of course Scott is worried about how he'll handle himself on "the hot corner."

The only problem is that, as life has a way of doing, things in his personal life are a little messed up at the moment. His best friend, Travis, was recently kicked out of his house by his parents and has been staying with Scott and his dad. And that was fine, until Travis handed him a copy of the school newspaper, which contained an article entitled "Coming Out."

Now "the hot corner" isn't just on the baseball field, but everywhere Scott looks. He doesn't know what to do about his friendship with Travis. He especially doesn't know how to handle some of the things Travis has said to him, such as the fact that Scott has issues with being the son of divorced parents. During these next seven days, it's up to Scott to figure out how to make things right again -- both on the field and off of it.

Again, author Terry Trueman has taken a well-drawn character and put him into a realistic situation. This is another great read from one of my favorite authors, and I can guarantee you won't go wrong by picking up a copy.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

I gave this book to my boyfriend as a Valentines Day present ;) We're both 19, but it was still a very cute gift. I added little comments and when we're stressed out with school, sometimes we'll pull it out and read it to each other. So I'm sure it's a great book for children, but when approached with the right attitude, it's also a cute book for grown-ups! :)

This book was beyond my expectations. I found it to be a simple way of teaching young children about the different types of kisses there are. My 5 year old was totally thrilled on reading about all these different kisses.

This is a really cute book, and my kids enjoyed the pictures as much as they did having me demonstrate many of the kisses on them. Around our house, we share many kisses, and we especially enjoy the "tummy kisses," which, like author Dave Ross, we also call "raspberry kisses." These are normally dispensed with PERMISSION here, however, since both my husband and I remember being tickled and kissed mercilessly by our uncles when we were children. (I was fairly traumatized by a couple of uncles who liked to "whisker" my face, which is a barbaric custom in which an older male relative rubs his three-day-old growth of facial hair on a child's face and neck until the child bleeds--or until she screams loudly enough that another older relative comes to her rescue! Girls treated in this fashion often grow up to be afraid of men with beards and/or mustaches.)

I liked the charming pastel drawings, the variety of animals depicted, and the unusual type-style in which the book is set. The lettering is still a version of print (but not cursive), and gives older readers a chance to practice reading a different style of type-set than they're used to seeing in their school textbooks. I think this is an important consideration, since kids are expected to read and write in print and cursive styles--and to decipher their teacher's often difficult-to-read printing and handwriting!

I did not care for the book at all. I rated it a 1 because it wouuld not accept the number 0. I was offended by the book because it gave reference to an African American child as a monkey, by another African American child. I failed to find the humor when one child played a trip on the other by giving the mean valentine to the teacher. Overall, the book did not deliver a positive message or resolution to the problems.

A realistic school story centered around Vaneltine's Day. Sam doesn't want Amy Lou's constant help and decides to send a mean Valentine card. There is a mix-up and the teacher ends up with it. Shows some true emotions. Doesn't resolve it at the end in a sitcom ending. This is a humorous book with good color illustrations. Recommended for K through the 4th grade, as well as the teachers and parents. p.s. don't ask us why we spelled it "vaneltine's".....

I remember Valentine's Day well in second grade. I wanted everyone to give me a great valentine, and I didn't want to have to give anyone else one. If I had to give everyone else one, I didn't see the point.

Each year my ideas changed about this day, and I came to cherish the hand-made valentines that classmates made because they could not afford the store-bought kind. I also grew to appreciate a sincere wish more than a valentine, and still do. This book reminded me of all those lessons I have learned since second grade.

A lot of children (especially boys) become grumpy about Valentine's Day. The teacher and parents feel strongly about the occasion, and set up the rules. I remember how hard it was for me to make hand-made valentines when that was the art assignment in fifth grade. What frustration!

Albert in this story feels the same frustration. He cannot follow the instructions to make the valentines. He cannot remember to take a note home to his parents.

Amy Lou wants to help him. He doesn't want help. He wants to be left alone (unless it is his idea to ask for help). When Amy Lou tries to help him, that distracts him and makes it harder to succeed. He also doesn't like people to notice he's having trouble.

Albert insults Amy Lou hoping to get some psychological space, and tells her he won't give her a valentine. He is annoyed about everything. Because the teacher makes him put a valentine in for Amy Lou, he makes a valentine saying "Don't be my valentine" with an insulting picture of a moose.

When the valentines are distributed though, Amy Lou gets a nice one from him and the teacher gets the unpleasant one. What happened?

The story resolves the mystery and develops the basis for a more cooperative relationship among the children.

There are many lessons in here about male-female stereotypes, different attitudes towards helping and receiving help, and good ideas for how to work with others. As such, the wise parent will build on this book like a moral fable. The mystery itself will intrigue your youngster to make the other messages more interesting.

Although aimed for grades 1-3, I think most children will find that this is about a second grade book.

I graded the book down because of some potential for the book to subtly encourage racial stereotypes. The two key figures are both black, and they seem to be the most disruptive children in the classroom. It would have been better for avoiding unspoken messages about black people if both had not been black in a mostly white-faced classroom. Also, there is a reference to Albert by a white classmate that could be viewed as racially derogative in nature. I don't like to see books exhibiting that kind of behavior. Maybe I'm too sensitive to these issues, but I think the story didn't need these complications in order to work in exploring effective cooperation.

I suggest that you use this book as an opportunity to ask your child to think about when she or he likes to have help, and when it is appropriate to offer help to another. With a little background at home, these conflicts can be avoided at school and later on in life.

Take the time and thought to help people in ways that they would like to have your assistance . . . and help your children learn to do that, as well!

This book was great me and my friends loved it.

This book was very bad all it was boring. It was like hey I found a mole wow lets start a zoo. It was not Jerry Spinelli's better book.

This book is a great companion to "Maniac Magee".
VERY GOOD BOOK!

I bought this book for my niece aged 8 who is also a bookworm in her own domain. She enjoyed it thoroughly and goes back for a chapter or 2 from time to time "just to live in that world for a while" in her own words.

The book was in great condition. It was a gift for my grand daughter.

i thought i'd found a pippi we hadn't read before, but this is merely a (more heavily illustrated) excerpt from the original "pippi"--which can be had in its entirety for the same price!