Alice-Miranda on Holiday

Alice-Miranda #2

by Jacqueline Harvey

The ever so exciting sequel to Alice Miranda At School.

Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones has survived her first term at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale. And now Jacinta Headlington-Bear, the school’s second best tantrum thrower, is joining Alice-Miranda’s family for term break. Who would have thought it!

The two girls are looking forward to a relaxing holiday at Highton Hall. But a cranky boy is causing mischief on the estate, a movie star has come to visit, and a stranger is snooping about. Add a naughty pony, a hint of romance and a dastardly scheme, and Jacinta and Alice-Miranda might have a more exciting holiday than they were expecting.

Genres: Childrens, Mystery, Friendship, Young Adult, Contemporary, Adventure

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Jacqueline Harvey has combined a successful career in education with her love of a good story. She is the author of many novels for younger readers and a picture book, THE SOUND OF THE SEA, which was awarded Honour Book in the 2006 Australian Children’s Book Council Awards.

Jacqueline taught in Infants and Primary schools and was Deputy Head of Abbotsleigh Junior School (an independent day and boarding school for girls) in Sydney Australia for seven and a half years before taking up the position of Director of Development at Abbotsleigh in 2010. In October 2012 she resigned to become a full time writer and speaker.

Jacqueline’s bestselling Alice-Miranda and Clementine Rose series’ centre on the adventures of two young girls.

Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones is a perpetually positive and determined seven year old who takes herself off to boarding school because it appeals to her sense of adventure.

Clementine Rose is a sweet little girl, who brings much joy to her family and the friends she makes along the way in her journeys through the first five books of the series. A star of the show is Clementine Rose’s pet, an adorable teacup pig called Lavender.

Her newest series is called Kensy and Max about twins who learn that their grandmother is head of the world's most important spy organisation, Pharos.

Current Books in the Series’
Clementine Rose and the Seaside Escape April 1, 2014 Shortlisted Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) 2015

Alice-Miranda In Japan March 1, 2014 Shortlisted Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) 2015

Alice-Miranda Shines Bright September 1, 2013
Selected for the 2013 Get Reading Program (50 Books You Can’t Put down)

Clementine Rose and the Perfect Present May 1, 2013

Clementine Rose and the Farm Fiasco August 1, 2013

Alice-Miranda In Paris March 1, 2013
Shortlisted 2014 Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year 8-14 years category
Shortlisted 2014 REAL awards which are the Children’s’ Choice awards KOALA’s in NSW, YABBA’s in Victoria and COOL in the ACT.

Clementine Rose and the Pet Day Disaster January 1, 2012

Alice-Miranda in New York February 1, 2012
Winner Random House Australia Children’s Book of the Year

Clementine Rose and the Surprise Visitor September 1, 2012
Selected for the 2012 Get Reading Program (50 Books You Can't Put Down)
Voted #50 Dymocks Top 51 Kid’s Books 2013

Alice-Miranda Shows the Way August 1, 2012
Shortlisted for 2013 REAL awards which are the Children’s’ Choice awards KOALA’s in NSW, YABBA’s in Victoria and COOL in the ACT
Awarded Honour Book KOALA awards

Alice-Miranda At Sea August 1, 2012
Longlisted for DAVITT awards (Crime fiction in Junior Category) 2012

Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead February 1, 2011
Named Australian Children's Book of the Year 2011 as voted by the members of the NSW Independent Booksellers Group.


Alice-Miranda On Holiday August 1, 2010

Alice-Miranda at School February 1, 2010
Voted #9 Dymocks Top 51 Books for Kids 2013
Winner 2012 YABBA (Young Australian's Best Book Award in Victoria)
Awarded Honour Book KOALAs
Shortlisted for 2012 REAL awards which are the Children’s Choice Awards – KOALA’s in NSW, YABBA’s in Victoria, WAYRBA in Western Australia and COOL in the ACT
Shortlisted for the 2011 Australian Peace Award.

Kensy and Max: Breaking News March 2018 Shortlisted for Red Dot Book Awards Singapore 2020, YABBA, KOALA and KROC Children's Choice Awards Victoria, NSW and NT 202, Shortlisted West Australian Young Readers' Book Awards 2020

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice-Miranda on Vacation is a delightful book for young girls. It has tea parties, secret clubhouses, horses, and the Queen even comes to visit. I absolutely love Alice-Miranda and am still trying to decide if she is more like Pollyanna Laura Inglles or Eloise, but I think she is a mix of all of them. She assumes that everyone wants to be friends, and tends to bring out the best in all of the people she meets (minus the occasional criminal who is just plain rude)
This is the second book in the Alice-Miranda series, and I will have to go back and read the first one. I was able to follow the story line just fine, but I did feel like there was a lot of adventure I missed out on. In this book, she goes home for break (from boarding school) with her friend Jacinta. Things have changed around her house, there is an angry boy who has come to live on the property, a movie star is dating her aunt, and not to mention a few mysterious conversations she overhears and needs to get to the bottom of.
The action is slower than in some books, but you love the people in the story so much that it hardly matters. I think I liked Alice-Miranda so much because she is confident but not snobby at all. She stumbles on a mystery that she is intent on solving, but she also still respects privacy and is actually quite honest and direct with people she has questions for. This seems like a great series for younger girls and I will be reading more of them.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I become addicted to this writer. Her books is very light and makes us smile.

[Remy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Now, Miss Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones, as your headmistress I am commanding that during this term break you will under no circumstances spend time studying for ridiculous academic tests, nor will you set off on any wilderness walks on your own and you most definitely will not train for onerous physical challenges. After what I put you through at the beginning of term, I expect nothing less than two weeks of purely childish pursuits befitting that of a girl aged seven and one-quarter."

Oh Alice-Miranda, we're really in it now. After the unbelievable showdown during her first term at school, Alice-Miranda returns to her home of Highton Hall with Jacinta in tow, ready for a fortnight of just plain relaxation and holidays where they're about to hold a grand party in celebration of Aunt Charlotte's birthday, complete with an appearance by Charlotte's movie-star boyfriend. I liked that it was mostly peaceful and the kids gradually befriended Lucas through sheer persistent goodwill, which is a true testament to the power of Alice-Miranda being able to see the good in everyone.

And then. The whole third act. You know that feeling where there's 200 things left unsolved but there's only 20 pages left in the book? That's what happened in the third act. It happens really quickly but we also get slid into it slowly and steadily, albeit a little clunkily (since we see nearly everything through the children of this story). At least there's always the "in case you were wondering" epilogue.

This is definitely way more in line with how I remember Alice-Miranda to be. A bunch of rich kids with insane connections have an absolutely wild time. I'm still shocked that J. Harvey actually made one of these villains pull a whole ass GUN on Alice-Miranda and Jacinta, ACTUALLY MADE THE GUN GO OFF, AND had them subdue him in their bathroom with a Hermes scarf. Real shit only. I'd also like to point out that Alice-Miranda is also, aptly, referred to at one point as Pollyanna and I could not agree more but ALICE-MIRANDA THERE'S A GUN IN FRONT OF YOU.

Anyway, I expect nothing less from this very small but big-eyed girl with the chocolate curls. I read the third book of this series in secondary school and I'm super excited to revisit it.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A favorite of mine as a little girl:)

[jenny !! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than the first one. LOVED IT SO MUCH WHEN I WAS YOUNG. Lucas on top fr

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice-Miranda is a tiny girl who manages to find big adventures wherever she goes. This time she has a number of mysteries to solve, a match to be made, identities to uncover, and a kidnapping to foil! She does it all with her trademark energy, kindness, and cleverness. Now just waiting on the library to get book 3!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is the best book if you really need cheering up, or if you feel lonely. I really like Alice Miranda, because I feel that she is amazingly Funny, Cheerfull and Happy. I love being in her adventureous Adventures!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was also one of my favourite books! I love it!

[Asmita Saha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is really interesting at the end.

[Linggar Octaviani · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones!

[Jessie Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love theAliceMiranda books
They carry me away to another world
And when I wake up,I feel light and happy

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tess Paton has a great collection of Alice Miranda and lends them to me. How lucky am I?

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Alice-Miranda on Holiday
Author: Jacqueline Harvey

In Alice-Miranda on Holiday, the second installment in the beloved series by Australian author Jacqueline Harvey, readers are once again invited into the whimsical world of Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones. This enchanting narrative follows Alice-Miranda and her friends as they embark on a summer adventure filled with excitement, friendship, and personal growth.

Overview
Set against the backdrop of a picturesque holiday destination, Alice-Miranda on Holiday captures the essence of youthful exploration and the joys of friendship. Alice-Miranda, now a seasoned boarding school student, is ready to enjoy her holiday but quickly finds herself embroiled in a series of unexpected events. As she navigates the challenges of vacation life, Alice-Miranda’s good-hearted nature and unwavering determination shine through, making her an inspiring role model for young readers.

Key Themes
Friendship and Loyalty: A central theme of the book is the importance of friendship. Alice-Miranda and her friends, including the quirky and lovable outfits of their boarding school days, demonstrate how loyalty and support can help overcome obstacles. Their bond is tested and strengthened through shared experiences, showcasing the value of camaraderie.

Adventure and Curiosity: Harvey masterfully infuses the narrative with a sense of adventure, encouraging young readers to embrace curiosity. Alice-Miranda’s enthusiasm for exploring new places and meeting new people serves as a reminder that stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to thrilling discoveries.

Problem-Solving and Resilience: Throughout the story, Alice-Miranda encounters various challenges, from misunderstandings to unexpected mishaps. Her resourcefulness and resilience not only help her navigate these situations but also impart valuable lessons about facing difficulties with grace and creativity.

Empowerment and Growth: The book highlights Alice-Miranda’s growth as a character. As she interacts with diverse personalities and confronts different scenarios, she learns important lessons about herself and the world around her. This theme of self-discovery resonates deeply with young readers who are also on their own journeys of understanding.

Strengths
Jacqueline Harvey’s writing is characterized by its warmth and humor, making the narrative engaging and relatable for children. The vivid descriptions of settings transport readers to the holiday locale, enriching the overall reading experience. Furthermore, the dialogue is lively and authentic, capturing the essence of young friendships while addressing real-life issues in a sensitive manner.

The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book also complement the text beautifully, enhancing the visual appeal and helping convey the emotions and actions of the characters. This combination of intriguing storytelling and engaging visuals ensures that Alice-Miranda on Holiday will hold the attention of its target audience.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Alice-Miranda on Holiday is a delightful continuation of Jacqueline Harvey’s charming series that captivates young readers with its themes of friendship, adventure, and personal growth. Through Alice-Miranda’s journey, children are encouraged to embrace curiosity, face challenges with resilience, and cherish the bonds of friendship. This book is highly recommended for middle-grade readers looking for an engaging and heartwarming tale that celebrates the joys of childhood and the spirit of adventure.

[Jas K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this charming little book shortly before I was hit by my contractually obligated mid-year reading slump, and as such it took me several times as long to read it as I normally would have. Still, I found this one - especially the latter half - quite a bit more enjoyable and better written than the first one. Alice-Miranda, for one, felt much less like an improbably precocious child here than in the first book, and much more like a character just as precocious as is the norm for a children's/ middle grade book protagonist. I liked her quite a bit more than I did last time, that's for certain.
There are, of course, some elements that seem just as wild as I found the majority of the first book's plot to be - for instance, the fact that the queen herself is on an 'aunty' basis with Alice-Miranda's family , but I am willing to suspend my disbelief there in favour of the very enjoyable plot of the book.
A favourite of mine was the character of Lucas - he takes some warming up to, but after a few chapters it's impossible not to love him. Also worth noting is that I figured out his father's identity pretty early on, but then again, I am about a decade older than the upper end of the intended target audience.
Overall, this was a really charming read that might just have helped me out of my aforementioned reading slump, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series - even if that is likely to take a while with how packed my priority-TBR is right now. 5/5* for this one.

[Yana Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert!

Great Job Jaqueline, you have completed another great work!
I think like Jacinta when I thought the bad guy was Lucas's Father!
(I forgot his name)

Funny how they mistook the Queen for Dolly and ended up kidnapping the Queen rather than Dolly and her 'Scientist fdf (Freeze Dried Foods)'

But it would be cooler to experience Miss Grimm (Even in ones that don't involve the school)

Also can you make a series about when Alice- Miranda is a teenager or adult (One for YA) I am a YA, so It would be cooler than stories of five year olds changing a whole school!

One with her mind grown up and all her friends (Millie and Jacinta and Poppy and so on) All her friends growing apart, and Alice- Miranda trying to get them loser together. Something like that?

Good job at being a good author, Even if some small parts (Like the boat racing in book#1) are a tiny bit sloppy!
Keep up the good work!

[xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeah watch me go and read this whole series? light entertainment ig lol
all i can say is miss alice-miranda should be thanking her lucky stars everyday that she’s surrounded by dilfs
also i want what her parents have when i’m married, like they’re just obsessed with each other, that’s cute ig
daisy=dumb, like if u aren’t going to do anything to help the situation yourself that involves KIDNAPPING and possible MURDER, at least have the brain to tell someone? you’re friends with all these powerful people and didn’t think that it could have been prevented? dummy
also lucas!! forgot he was my first morally grey dark haired crush. that’s so cute

[Theo]

I don't rate books I read to my daughter

If anything, this was worse than the first one. Harvey is an Australian writer but this book's world, despite talking about real places, seems to be set in a sort of strange hybrid of an idyllic England where everyone is freeze dried in a 1920s class system but still based around Australian seasons. Probably this is a unique take to someone who's lived in both places. There are even more characters in this book than the previous one and a plot that is so tortuous and wild that it really leaves you wondering what on earth she was thinking.

[Iria Cardoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acho que este segundo livro é engraçado, talvez bastante mais que o primeiro, com um toque de drama e acção q.b. Não é uma leitura muito fluída, mas lê-se relativamente bem, tendo em conta que já se conhecem a maior parte das personagens. Mais uma vez, Alice Miranda é a heroína e uma menina de 7 anos bastante pró-activa e curiosa.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Alice Miranda has a nice enough heart to take her friend Jacinta on holiday with her. And even though she was 7 and having a was 9 they were friends. I also loved how they try to find out the mystery of there house guest with the help of millie.

[Brielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the second book I have read by this author. I love how the author can make the reader realate to Alice Miranda. The author brings out a good solution to every problem. Even though the charecters are sometimes hard to realat to I find that the author makes them very easy to visualize.

[aura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diriku zaman SD-SMP pasti seneng kalo misal aku ngikutin series ini. Tapi sayangnya baru kenal buku ini di akhir SMP dan waktu SMA udah beda lagi feel-nya baca buku tema begini :") mana cuma punya satu ini haha.

Tapi tetep jadi bacaan yang menyenangkan buat sejenak kabur ke dunia anak".

[Themercyw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku anak-anak yang sangat nikmat dibaca bahkan saat saya udah nggak anak-anak banget! :p

[Sophia Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

First cutesy book in the whole series! 💕

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to read after the first one, and really hooked me to the series.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little mystery but a little slow

[Mia Biviano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book, interesting with a bit of mystery. Definitely recommend, but make sure to read “Alice Miranda at School” first or it wont make sense.

[Scarlett Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is soooooooooo good! I love it!😄🥰

[Irene Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is really good, I love how the people eventually found out about what happen, and how they solved it, and a really big twist at end to! You should try it.

[Kaylee Cole]

I’m mad at my younger self for not reading these books and guilt tripping current me into reading them so I don’t have to feel bad about giving them to my little sister or giving them away elsewhere

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an adorable series - definitely meant for elementary aged children, but I don't care! I always love reading about Alice-Miranda's adventures.