Beanpole

by Barbara Park

Thirteen-year-old Lillian, miserable about being a "beanpole" and a loser, stops feeling sorry for herself when she learns the difference between a loser and a winner.

Genres: Young Adult, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Barbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books.

Reviews

[Frauchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was about the same age as the main character, Lillian. I was also a Beanpole, though kids in my school called me Giraffe.

I remember loving this book and feeling so connected with Lily. She and I just wanted to fit in and do all the things the other girls our age were doing, which was cheerleading, dancing with boys, and getting first bras. It's a devastating thing for teenagers to be the only girl not dancing with a boy during the last slow song. Oh, school dances, I do not miss you!

Too bad the author didn't include an epilouge of Lily's life when she was 30, filled out, and married. All the tall girls reading the book might have been able to put a little more belief in people telling them it gets better.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a girl named Lillian who doesn't fit in because she is tall and skinny. She is teased and called a beanpole. It is a pretty good story, but I became confused when it is mentioned what her height is. On the cover of the book it shows her in a group of other girls, towering over them. I assumed she was very tall. But no, 5'6. I consider this to be a normal height of someone that age. My final height being 5'6, I was around that height by that age. I didn't feel tall. It just seemed like a normal height. As an adult I have even felt a bit short.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book maybe good for a girl that likes
cheer leading/ pom's.

I thought this book was going to be really good and really funny but it failed on both levels. Personally I don't like cheerleading and all she cared about was getting on the squad it was kinda stupid and boring but everyone to their own opinion.

[Ali'shae Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book about a girl, Lillian Pikerton, who is turning 13 and on her birthday has 3 wishes, to get a bra, dance with a boy, & to make the Pom Squad. People like her Granddad, her two friends, Belinda & Drew, help her through her journey. Barbara Park really outdid herself.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Lily, Park has created a character with real appeal. Her sharp wit and dry delivery add humor to the anguish of early adolescence.

[Jen]

Funny and affecting look at some of the issues of growing up and having a changing body. (Author)

[Lucy Zheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a bout a girl that is really tall,every body called her beanpole. One time she stand up. Every thing goes right.

[Kendra Mccaskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in elementary school, and loved it!

[Suzane Ringoringo]

I will never forget the thing that my teacher said about this book,
"It's funny. Yeah . . . If you're humorous!" :D