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Truly Tan #1
Truly Tan
The funniest series for girls since CLARICE BEAN!
Meet Tan. She′s funny. She′s lively. She has the mind of a Great Detective ...
Dear Diary
It′s official. Our whole family has moved to the country. The pets are disturbed and restless. My sisters are disturbed and restless -- although that′s normal. What is not normal is a cursed fox and a haunted clubhouse. That is definitely unnormal.
At least the country people now have an expert in their midst. Someone with a cool head and a sharp eye. Someone who can solve intriguing mysteries and knows how to keep detailed Secret Spy Files.
Really, it′s lucky I came along when I did.
Truly
Tan
Ages:8--12
Meet Tan. She′s funny. She′s lively. She has the mind of a Great Detective ...
Dear Diary
It′s official. Our whole family has moved to the country. The pets are disturbed and restless. My sisters are disturbed and restless -- although that′s normal. What is not normal is a cursed fox and a haunted clubhouse. That is definitely unnormal.
At least the country people now have an expert in their midst. Someone with a cool head and a sharp eye. Someone who can solve intriguing mysteries and knows how to keep detailed Secret Spy Files.
Really, it′s lucky I came along when I did.
Truly
Tan
Ages:8--12
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2008
3 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Jen Storer
40 books51 followersJen Storer grew up in a small country town in the Wimmera. She began her working life as a nurse. In the 1990s she returned to study, graduating from Monash University with first class honours in Literature. She has written many books for children including the best-selling Truly Tan series and the acclaimed gothic fantasy, Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children. She lives in Melbourne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 22, 2018
Three and a half stars (the extra half is because it was so cute!).
So, I found this book in my classroom library, got curious because I saw my name, and decided to read it.
Even though it was a children’s story, I really enjoyed it. While Tan had the very hard struggle of moving to a new school and dealing with new friends (and non friends), her character truly developed as the story progressed. She had a great relationship with her three other sisters (though I still wish there was more!), and she had the skills and resilience to deal with a variety of situations. It was very nice to read a children’s story with a strong female lead too.
Additionally, it lowkey reminded me of Lauren Child’s writing, what with the different fonts and sizes, depending on what was going on. I also liked the little diary entries that Tan did at the end of each chapter, and the fact that every entry was written in the light of a different light source. Quite clever!
So, I found this book in my classroom library, got curious because I saw my name, and decided to read it.
Even though it was a children’s story, I really enjoyed it. While Tan had the very hard struggle of moving to a new school and dealing with new friends (and non friends), her character truly developed as the story progressed. She had a great relationship with her three other sisters (though I still wish there was more!), and she had the skills and resilience to deal with a variety of situations. It was very nice to read a children’s story with a strong female lead too.
Additionally, it lowkey reminded me of Lauren Child’s writing, what with the different fonts and sizes, depending on what was going on. I also liked the little diary entries that Tan did at the end of each chapter, and the fact that every entry was written in the light of a different light source. Quite clever!
September 5, 2020
Delightful series that I can't wait to share with elementary students. Tan and her family move from the city to the country and Tan is always on the lookout for any sort of suspicious activity as she is a lover of mysteries. She and her sisters meet up with a brother and sister and they form a special, secret club that investigates a potential haunting. Very engaging book that felt magical with the ways kids can be so imaginative. Reminded me a lot of being a kid.
July 29, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Truly Tan. Jen Storer gets you right into the mind of Tan and how she sees the world. I loved the use of language, including 'big' words that were explained in note form, as if Tan had typed and printed it out, then stuck it in her notebook.
All the characters were interesting, as was the interplay between them. And I loved the illustrations interspersed throughout the text. I can't wait to read the next one to see what mystery Tan will solve next.
All the characters were interesting, as was the interplay between them. And I loved the illustrations interspersed throughout the text. I can't wait to read the next one to see what mystery Tan will solve next.
January 6, 2023
I know I should probably read books suited towards my age but Truly Tan by Jen Storer is a childhood favourite that I praise for shaping my personality when I was a nine-year-old kid. I read through it the other day and still laughed at the silly jokes, sarcasm and wit, even if I'm not really the target demographic. It's the perfect book to get young kids into reading and I think it's a fun introduction to Australian culture as it makes specific references that are fun to spot.
Tan is a funny, intelligent great protagonist that I feel a lot of kids can relate to, especially with her struggles with moving to a new home and school, struggling to fit in because of her interests. Reading through her perspective is never boring and it's always amusing to read Tan being a clever and observant detective and yet you are quickly reminded that at her core she's a lonely kid trying her best to fit in. I think that's pretty great. She'll be a great role model for little girls.
I also really enjoyed the accurate depiction of sibling relationships with Tan and her sisters who were also mostly likeable characters themselves, even if we don't see a whole lot of them. Emerald especially is a fun depiction of a Year 8 girl who thinks she's all grown up but also an extremely protective older sister. When she implied that she wanted to threaten Tan's bully on the bus I cackled.
Overall, a fun read for kids and a nostalgia blast for me but honestly, I think this book is severely underrated in children's fiction. You hear everyone rave about literally any other book except for Truly Tan. Society needs to get on that.
Tan is a funny, intelligent great protagonist that I feel a lot of kids can relate to, especially with her struggles with moving to a new home and school, struggling to fit in because of her interests. Reading through her perspective is never boring and it's always amusing to read Tan being a clever and observant detective and yet you are quickly reminded that at her core she's a lonely kid trying her best to fit in. I think that's pretty great. She'll be a great role model for little girls.
I also really enjoyed the accurate depiction of sibling relationships with Tan and her sisters who were also mostly likeable characters themselves, even if we don't see a whole lot of them. Emerald especially is a fun depiction of a Year 8 girl who thinks she's all grown up but also an extremely protective older sister. When she implied that she wanted to threaten Tan's bully on the bus I cackled.
Overall, a fun read for kids and a nostalgia blast for me but honestly, I think this book is severely underrated in children's fiction. You hear everyone rave about literally any other book except for Truly Tan. Society needs to get on that.
March 9, 2016
Truly Tan is a fictional book written by Claire Robertson in 2008. There are also some very mysterious illustrations by Claire Robertson. Truly Tan is a book about a girl named Tan. Tan and her family are moving from the city to the country. A boy called Ted asks Tan and her sisters to come to his secret hide out, Purple Haunt. Together Ted, Tan and Tan’s sisters uncover a mystery about Purple Haunt.
The one thing I really love about Truly Tan is when they are all going into a haunted shack. Tans sister Amber thinks she is a princess and goes all hysterical because there are spiders everywhere and she thinks that there are zombies in the cupboards.
The only thing I disliked is that it is a little bit repetitive in some particular places during the book. Amber keeps on going on about being the best ballet dancer in the history of her whole entire family.
In conclusion Truly Tan is an amazing, spectacular book. I would rate it four and three quarters of a star. I would recommend it for grade 2+. I really hope you have enjoyed reading my book review and decide to read it too.
Lillian
The one thing I really love about Truly Tan is when they are all going into a haunted shack. Tans sister Amber thinks she is a princess and goes all hysterical because there are spiders everywhere and she thinks that there are zombies in the cupboards.
The only thing I disliked is that it is a little bit repetitive in some particular places during the book. Amber keeps on going on about being the best ballet dancer in the history of her whole entire family.
In conclusion Truly Tan is an amazing, spectacular book. I would rate it four and three quarters of a star. I would recommend it for grade 2+. I really hope you have enjoyed reading my book review and decide to read it too.
Lillian
May 5, 2014
This is a great, Aussie series for girls, with strong female characters.
Tan Callahan is the youngest of four sisters; Emerald, who is in year eight and likes magazines and no messing around; Amber, the prissy drama queen; Rose, the dark, unpredictable stirrer and Tan the CEO of "world headquarters" and paranormal investigator.
Tan and her sisters have recently moved to the country from the big city. Things are different and starting a new school is challenging, but each find their way.
Soon after their arrival, the Callahan girls meet Ted and Jem, the kids from the neighbouring property, who share a secret with the girls and invite them to join "The chosen Few".
Disturbing things begin to surface at Purple Haunt (Chosen Few HQ)and soon the group has a real mystery to solve.
The characters of this book are very likeable. The interactions between Tan and her quirky sisters are funny and realistic.
A great series for girls 8-11 years.
Tan Callahan is the youngest of four sisters; Emerald, who is in year eight and likes magazines and no messing around; Amber, the prissy drama queen; Rose, the dark, unpredictable stirrer and Tan the CEO of "world headquarters" and paranormal investigator.
Tan and her sisters have recently moved to the country from the big city. Things are different and starting a new school is challenging, but each find their way.
Soon after their arrival, the Callahan girls meet Ted and Jem, the kids from the neighbouring property, who share a secret with the girls and invite them to join "The chosen Few".
Disturbing things begin to surface at Purple Haunt (Chosen Few HQ)and soon the group has a real mystery to solve.
The characters of this book are very likeable. The interactions between Tan and her quirky sisters are funny and realistic.
A great series for girls 8-11 years.
April 1, 2018
Graciela (9yrs old) has read this whole series and has decided (because of them) that mysteries are her favorite type of books! These are Australian, very appropriate as she read them while travelling Oz.
January 22, 2024
This was just hilarious ... a girl, Tan, moving to the countryside with her 3 very different sisters, and a ridiculous dog named Doodad! Adventures (with ghosts) ensue, and I'll be buying the full series (8 books) for our library.
July 1, 2017
I love this book it is fhe funniest story ever you cannot put down the book and I could connect with the characters and it is a very funny book thats why I loved it
November 28, 2018
A very good series for a young middle grader. The sisters are all fun characters and Tan is relatable.
July 31, 2019
A super fun mystery story with some lovely messages about friendship and a small dose of spookiness.
December 19, 2023
Pleasant enough, but if there really is a spy story here, I gave up before I found it.
August 20, 2024
Tan is funny and smart. But my favourite character is Rose 🌹
September 21, 2024
A book I read a lot when I was younger. I will always enjoy it.
October 24, 2025
One of my favourite books as a little kid. A very cool mystery plot, exciting for any young girl
February 6, 2026
Tan is funny and feisty
I love how it is set in Australia and how all the characters have different personalities.
My favourite characters are Rose, E, Gloria and Tan
I love how it is set in Australia and how all the characters have different personalities.
My favourite characters are Rose, E, Gloria and Tan
July 21, 2020
02.01.2013
M-Tear found this book very entertaining, and she absolutely must agree with the prasie it is given. It was interestly different, with the 'lollipop sisters' Emerald, Amber and Rose, Purple Haunt which M-Tear so wishes she could visit, minus the 'dark, dark, dunny' of course! Not to mention the awesome necklace Gloria made Tan.
Also, the mini quiz at the end of the book was a nice little suprise at the end, and for the record, M-Tear got 5/7.
Can't wait until May when the next book comes out!
M-Tear found this book very entertaining, and she absolutely must agree with the prasie it is given. It was interestly different, with the 'lollipop sisters' Emerald, Amber and Rose, Purple Haunt which M-Tear so wishes she could visit, minus the 'dark, dark, dunny' of course! Not to mention the awesome necklace Gloria made Tan.
Also, the mini quiz at the end of the book was a nice little suprise at the end, and for the record, M-Tear got 5/7.
Can't wait until May when the next book comes out!
March 8, 2015
I loved this book SO much. It's suspenseful, and though it's aimed for "Younger" Kids, literally any age can read this and laugh, enjoy and obsess over this book. It's inspired me into a different way of writing, and inspires me to right in new forms and ways. I really loved the sleep over, the ghost etc etc. I would recommend this book to ANYONE that likes this stuff. Any one that despises this book should be a little more open minded about kids books.
June 9, 2014
A fantastic book from an Australian author. It is aimed at 8-11 yo girls, but is funny and interesting enough for both sexes and many ages. Tan is a very identifiable character, the description of family and school life are excellent and I love the importance that Tan attributes to everything she does. An excellent book.
May 4, 2014
I liked truly ran although I thought it was the best. I think it aims for 8-10. Tan is a courageous character she has her differences. Is there a ghost? Why is it there?
You will have to read the book to find out!
You will have to read the book to find out!
March 3, 2015
My sister forced me to read this, and surprisingly, it wasn't that bad, for a children's book.
I really hate ghost books. I'm never reading a ghost book again.
I really hate ghost books. I'm never reading a ghost book again.
April 28, 2013
Can i read this book on this app?
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February 20, 2014One my year 5's favourite books ever- she pressed it on to me, wanting me to read and love it like she does. It's a wonderful tween read, and I can she why she loves it.
August 10, 2015
i read this with my mum hand we really enjoyed it.
March 10, 2016
4 1/2 stars. Fantastic Aussie middle grade book. Tan is a unique, quirky character with a strong voice. Love the books layout.
April 16, 2016
Fun getting to know the characters...
October 6, 2020
AMazing even after the millionth time!
:):):):):)
:):):):):)
December 18, 2012
This book is gorgeous and funny. I wish it had been around when I was a kid.
August 5, 2016
Lovely lovely story for young people.
Fun to read as a grandmother too.
Fun to read as a grandmother too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews