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Tell Me
The unofficial town motto is "Nothing bad ever happens in Rosemont" where twelve-year-old Anna has come to stay with her grandmother, Mim, hoping to forget her worries about her parents' troubled marriage. She'll be busy with the town's annual Flower Festival, a celebration with floats and bands that requires weeks of preparations.
But before long, Anna finds herself involved in a very big problem. When she observes a girl her own age who seems to be being held against her will, Anna can't forget the girl's frightened eyes and she is determined to investigate. "When you see something, say something" she's been told—but what good does it do to speak if no one will listen? Luckily, a take-charge girl like Anna is not going to give up.
Told with Joan Bauer's trademark mixture of humor and heart, Tell Me will enthrall her many fans and win her new ones.
But before long, Anna finds herself involved in a very big problem. When she observes a girl her own age who seems to be being held against her will, Anna can't forget the girl's frightened eyes and she is determined to investigate. "When you see something, say something" she's been told—but what good does it do to speak if no one will listen? Luckily, a take-charge girl like Anna is not going to give up.
Told with Joan Bauer's trademark mixture of humor and heart, Tell Me will enthrall her many fans and win her new ones.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2014
74 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Joan Bauer
26 books886 followersFrom: http://www.joanbauer.com/jbbio.html
July 12, 1951 - I was born at eleven A.M., a most reasonable time, my mother often said, and when the nurse put me in my mother's arms for the first time I had both a nasty case of the hiccups and no discernible forehead (it's since grown in). I've always believed in comic entrances.
As I grew up in River Forest, Illinois, in the 1950's, I seem to remember an early fascination with things that were funny. I thought that people who could make other people laugh were terribly fortunate. While my friends made their career plans, declaring they would become doctors, nurses, and lawyers, inwardly I knew that I wanted to be involved somehow in comedy. This, however, was a difficult concept to get across in first grade. But I had a mother with a great comic sense (she was a high school English teacher) and a grandmother who had been a funny professional storyteller, so I figured the right genes were in there somewhere, although I didn't always laugh at what my friends laughed at and they rarely giggled at my jokes. That, and the fact that I was overweight and very tall, all made me feel quite different when I was growing up--a bit like a musk ox at a tea party.
My grandmother, who I called Nana, had the biggest influence on me creatively. She taught me the importance of stories and laughter. She never said, "Now I'm going to tell you a funny story," she'd just tell a story, and the humor would naturally flow from it because of who she was and how she and her characters saw the world. She showed me the difference between derisive laughter that hurts others and laughter that comes from the heart. She showed me, too, that stories help us understand ourselves at a deep level. She was a keen observer of people.
I kept a diary as a child, was always penning stories and poems. I played the flute heartily, taught myself the guitar, and wrote folk songs. For years I wanted to be a comedienne, then a comedy writer. I was a voracious reader, too, and can still remember the dark wood and the green leather chairs of the River Forest Public Library, can hear my shoes tapping on the stairs going down to the children's room, can feel my fingers sliding across rows and rows of books, looking through the card catalogs that seemed to house everything that anyone would ever need to know about in the entire world. My parents divorced when I was eight years old, and I was devastated at the loss of my father. I pull from that memory regularly as a writer. Every book I have written so far has dealt with complex father issues. My dad was an alcoholic and the pain of that was a shadow that followed me for years, but I've learned things from that experience that have made me resilient. I attempted to address those issues in Rules of the Road, and I took them even further in the companion book, Best Foot Forward. The theme that I try to carry into all of my writing is this: adversity, if we let it, will make us stronger.
In my twenties, I worked in sales and advertising for the Chicago Tribune, McGraw-Hill, WLS Radio, and Parade Magazine. I met my husband Evan, a computer engineer, while I was on vacation. Our courtship was simple. He asked me to dance; I said no. We got married five months later in August, 1981. But I was not happy in advertising sales, and I had a few ulcers to prove it. With Evan's loving support, I decided to try my hand at professional writing. I wish I could say that everything started falling into place, but it was a slow, slow build -- writing newspaper and magazine articles for not much money. My daughter Jean was born in July of '82. She had the soul of a writer even as a baby. I can remember sitting at my typewriter (I didn't have a computer back then) writing away with Jean on a blanket on the floor next to me. If my writing was bad that day, I'd tear that page out of the typewriter and hand it to her. "Bad paper," I'd say and Jean would r
July 12, 1951 - I was born at eleven A.M., a most reasonable time, my mother often said, and when the nurse put me in my mother's arms for the first time I had both a nasty case of the hiccups and no discernible forehead (it's since grown in). I've always believed in comic entrances.
As I grew up in River Forest, Illinois, in the 1950's, I seem to remember an early fascination with things that were funny. I thought that people who could make other people laugh were terribly fortunate. While my friends made their career plans, declaring they would become doctors, nurses, and lawyers, inwardly I knew that I wanted to be involved somehow in comedy. This, however, was a difficult concept to get across in first grade. But I had a mother with a great comic sense (she was a high school English teacher) and a grandmother who had been a funny professional storyteller, so I figured the right genes were in there somewhere, although I didn't always laugh at what my friends laughed at and they rarely giggled at my jokes. That, and the fact that I was overweight and very tall, all made me feel quite different when I was growing up--a bit like a musk ox at a tea party.
My grandmother, who I called Nana, had the biggest influence on me creatively. She taught me the importance of stories and laughter. She never said, "Now I'm going to tell you a funny story," she'd just tell a story, and the humor would naturally flow from it because of who she was and how she and her characters saw the world. She showed me the difference between derisive laughter that hurts others and laughter that comes from the heart. She showed me, too, that stories help us understand ourselves at a deep level. She was a keen observer of people.
I kept a diary as a child, was always penning stories and poems. I played the flute heartily, taught myself the guitar, and wrote folk songs. For years I wanted to be a comedienne, then a comedy writer. I was a voracious reader, too, and can still remember the dark wood and the green leather chairs of the River Forest Public Library, can hear my shoes tapping on the stairs going down to the children's room, can feel my fingers sliding across rows and rows of books, looking through the card catalogs that seemed to house everything that anyone would ever need to know about in the entire world. My parents divorced when I was eight years old, and I was devastated at the loss of my father. I pull from that memory regularly as a writer. Every book I have written so far has dealt with complex father issues. My dad was an alcoholic and the pain of that was a shadow that followed me for years, but I've learned things from that experience that have made me resilient. I attempted to address those issues in Rules of the Road, and I took them even further in the companion book, Best Foot Forward. The theme that I try to carry into all of my writing is this: adversity, if we let it, will make us stronger.
In my twenties, I worked in sales and advertising for the Chicago Tribune, McGraw-Hill, WLS Radio, and Parade Magazine. I met my husband Evan, a computer engineer, while I was on vacation. Our courtship was simple. He asked me to dance; I said no. We got married five months later in August, 1981. But I was not happy in advertising sales, and I had a few ulcers to prove it. With Evan's loving support, I decided to try my hand at professional writing. I wish I could say that everything started falling into place, but it was a slow, slow build -- writing newspaper and magazine articles for not much money. My daughter Jean was born in July of '82. She had the soul of a writer even as a baby. I can remember sitting at my typewriter (I didn't have a computer back then) writing away with Jean on a blanket on the floor next to me. If my writing was bad that day, I'd tear that page out of the typewriter and hand it to her. "Bad paper," I'd say and Jean would r
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
September 10, 2014
As an FYI, this is middlegrade. I point that out to say this: while this book deals with human trafficking, it's a really good introduction to it in terms of explaining what it is without scarring young readers for life.
I love the message of this book, which is that anyone can do something to make the world a better place. Anna is a girl who pays attention and so she notices something that maybe not many people would. And even more importantly, she gets involved. She doesn't just shrug and say "Not my business" and go on about her day. When the police don't pay enough attention, she keeps going until she finds someone who will listen and help.
(Yes, I love Anna. We need more Annas.)
Recommended.
I love the message of this book, which is that anyone can do something to make the world a better place. Anna is a girl who pays attention and so she notices something that maybe not many people would. And even more importantly, she gets involved. She doesn't just shrug and say "Not my business" and go on about her day. When the police don't pay enough attention, she keeps going until she finds someone who will listen and help.
(Yes, I love Anna. We need more Annas.)
Recommended.
February 6, 2015
I am a big fan of Joan Bauer and have read and recommended many of her books to middle grade and middle school readers. That being said, I found “Tell Me” disappointing. I think the book did a good job as far as introducing and explaining human trafficking to middle grade students without going into overly graphic and frightening detail, but I found the plot line forced and the main character, Anna, too mature, determined, talented, outspoken and sure of herself for a twelve year old girl having trouble understanding and dealing with a father with serious anger issues and her parents troubled marriage. She is sent to her grandmother as her parents separate and consider divorce. She is anxious, worrisome and biting her fingernails from stress but when she observes a very quick and somewhat unusual situation and sees the frightened eyes of the child involved she is convinced she is responsible for uncovering the truth behind the situation and tracking down the frightened child. She never doubts herself nor do the adults she consults ever question whether she has perceived the situation correctly. It just didn’t seem believable to me. Similarly, I struggled with her father’s sudden change. The troubled and explosive man is suddenly able to control his anger and becomes a supportive, warm and loving person. Not up to the high standard I have come to expect from Joan Bauer’s work.
October 31, 2014
I feel that this is a book for all ages that everyone should read the book has such a strong character and also a amazing story all I can say is OGM if you want to know what that means read the book:')
May 25, 2021
Initially, I expected Tell Me by Joan Bauer to be jejune. It looked like a simple, easy-to-read book. I expected the story to be somewhat similar to children's books. Turns out I was WAY off. Not even a bit close. And for once I’m glad that I was wrong.
To summarize the story, Anna McConnell has a theatrical background making her able to control her emotions and maintain a level head. She keeps others in a great mood due to her bubbly personality. Throughout the book, Anna shows her resilience. She faces many issues, one being the possible separation between her parents. The second, a rather more serious issue concerning the authorities. The circumstances in which Anna meets a young girl makes Anna feel the need to help her. Anna shows us that a contribution is valuable no matter how small.
This book isn’t only enjoyable to read, but it also brings awareness to more serious issues occurring throughout the world, such as human trafficking. I’m genuinely impressed with how the author wrote the story. She wrote about human trafficking, but also included silly, joyful moments. Every so often, I found myself laughing out loud. I’ve always thought that a good book makes the reader envelop themselves in the story. Thanks to the author, I got to experience the story that same way.
To summarize the story, Anna McConnell has a theatrical background making her able to control her emotions and maintain a level head. She keeps others in a great mood due to her bubbly personality. Throughout the book, Anna shows her resilience. She faces many issues, one being the possible separation between her parents. The second, a rather more serious issue concerning the authorities. The circumstances in which Anna meets a young girl makes Anna feel the need to help her. Anna shows us that a contribution is valuable no matter how small.
This book isn’t only enjoyable to read, but it also brings awareness to more serious issues occurring throughout the world, such as human trafficking. I’m genuinely impressed with how the author wrote the story. She wrote about human trafficking, but also included silly, joyful moments. Every so often, I found myself laughing out loud. I’ve always thought that a good book makes the reader envelop themselves in the story. Thanks to the author, I got to experience the story that same way.
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February 15, 2016I have officially read a whole book (novel) in a day! basically in one sitting.! I wasn't sure I would ever get to claim that, but here I am.... reading really is what sick days are for.
this one turned out to be exactly as charming as I had expected, with a heavier dose of do-gooder-ness to top it off. overall, I probably wouldn't have read the whole thing if I hadn't been sick when I started it, then realized how quickly it was ending.
this one turned out to be exactly as charming as I had expected, with a heavier dose of do-gooder-ness to top it off. overall, I probably wouldn't have read the whole thing if I hadn't been sick when I started it, then realized how quickly it was ending.
August 7, 2021
I haven't liked any of the Joan Bauer books I've ever read, and this book wasn't any exception. Did not like it and maybe it was extremely predictable because it's meant for a younger audience but the only audience that would enjoy this is an audience that can't read yet. Girl is a bit out there with the weird, quirky personality of a tomato who thinks she's done big acting gigs because she danced around in a fruit costume at her local library, or something.
Part of my trouble, I think, is that Joan Bauer's writing gets on my nerves.
The book is a very cliche, average book about taking a stand, written from the perspective of a middle schooler. Main character was hard to get behind because she was a lil too weird and a lil too cringe for me.
Part of my trouble, I think, is that Joan Bauer's writing gets on my nerves.
The book is a very cliche, average book about taking a stand, written from the perspective of a middle schooler. Main character was hard to get behind because she was a lil too weird and a lil too cringe for me.
April 27, 2016
I recently read a very interesting and inspiring book called Tell Me by Joan Bauer. The genre of this book is realistic fiction. It is realistic fiction because it is not a true story, but it includes events that could happen in real life. The setting is at Anna's grandmothers house, during the flower festival. It is during present day life. The main characters are Anna, Mim, Taylor, and Anna's parents. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars because this book was really interesting and inspiring to me. I would recommend it to one of my peers. The story is about a girl named Anna. Her parents get into a fight, so the family separates for a while and Anna gets sent to her grandmother Mim's house. While she is with Mim she tries many new things. Along the way, she discovers a girl that seems to be being kidnapped. She does investigation, and saves the girl and her family.
September 19, 2021
I haven’t laughed this much in a non-comedy book in a longtime. The writing was enjoyable on a serious topic - human trafficking aka modern day slavery. This was told for a child’s perspective so it wasn’t graphic, but did tell kids and adults that they can make a difference by observation. This was a very powerful quick read.
How did I find this book? It was in a Free Little Library when I donated a book to it. Once my mom reads it I will put it back in circulation.
How did I find this book? It was in a Free Little Library when I donated a book to it. Once my mom reads it I will put it back in circulation.
July 2, 2024
This was a good book that I read a few years ago. I stayed up all night to read it, and I had trouble going to sleep after. This book deals with a lot of human trafficking that might scar kids that it’s targeted toward. I think this is more for teens than middle grade just because it’s pretty heavy. There’s a tween girl that is either trafficked or kidnapped- like I said, it was a few years ago. Definitely would recommend to teens or kids who wouldn’t get scared reading about human trafficking.
June 18, 2025
A great, if juvenile, look into human trafficking that I blazed through in under an hour. This would be a useful introduction for young children into such a serious topic, and though the plot was predictable and a bit cliche for my taste, it did handle a serious topic with a lot of grace.
August 1, 2025
It was pretty solid. I like the themes of kids having the power to make a difference. It was a little hard to follow at times but I love the anticipation and I was kept on my toes reading it.
October 30, 2018
Joan Bauer tells a great story about a 12-year-old girl Anna. Anna's family is going through some tough times. so, she was sent to live with her Mim for a few weeks . Anna is anxious to go visit her grandmother because she won't know what's happening in her hometown. when she gets to Mim's house she settles herself into The guest bedroom. Mim lives in a small town called Rosemont. The motto here is "nothing bad happens here." After a week of staying with Mim, I don't know just something that didn't seem right. She was sitting outside the library when a white van pulled up. She could see a man in the driver seat, a woman in the passenger seat, and a girl in the backseat looking out the window with a scared look on her face . And I kept watching as the woman dragged the girl out of the van and into the library . The girl was scared, and I could see that in her look. Anna followed them inside as the woman dragged the girl into the bathroom. She knew something just wasn't right so when the van drove away she told the libraryan Winnie what had been going on. She said she saw it too. Anna quickly went back to Mims and told her the whole story. Mim told Anna that is was probably nothing. She ignored what she said and set off to find out what's happening. Anna went to the Sheriff and told the story he said that they would look into it. The Sheriff needed more information so he had Anna come in to talk to a sketch artist. After on I gave the artist the information about the van the man, the woman, and what she knew about the girl she had A better chance of finding them . After a few days of searching a piece of evidence was found, a notebook with a address on it. It read " Star nails salon " Mim took Anna to the salon. She noticed all of the women working there looked miserable. But acted like they loved it. The sheriff came to Anna and told her that they had found the girl. Also that all of the woman working in the nail salon are being forced. Anna meets the girl and sets off back to her home town with a big pot twist.
The author did good with making sure the story didn't get boring. Not one time did i get bored of reading. Instead I was always waiting to read more. Joan Bauer also did good with the characters and their personalities. Every character had their own unique self. No two characters were the same.
I noticed this story has a connection with another book I read "Wish." Connection is both of the girls went to live with family they didn't know that well. Both after having troubles with their family. At the end of both of the stories things end up Ok the girls.and they both feel like they make made a difference in someone else's life.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a inspirational story. This book tells a great story about a girl who just wants to make a difference. Over all this was a fantastic book. I recommend it to anyone.
The author did good with making sure the story didn't get boring. Not one time did i get bored of reading. Instead I was always waiting to read more. Joan Bauer also did good with the characters and their personalities. Every character had their own unique self. No two characters were the same.
I noticed this story has a connection with another book I read "Wish." Connection is both of the girls went to live with family they didn't know that well. Both after having troubles with their family. At the end of both of the stories things end up Ok the girls.and they both feel like they make made a difference in someone else's life.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a inspirational story. This book tells a great story about a girl who just wants to make a difference. Over all this was a fantastic book. I recommend it to anyone.
June 23, 2016
A very dear friend of mine loaned me this book to introduce me to her brand of literature. I didn't have high hopes for this book, but it ended up being a tolerable experience. Having read this as a twelve year old, I didn't put it down, determined to see how Anna would resolve the issues thrown at her: a father willing to snap out due to extreme anger management issues, "trouble in her parents' paradise", and being tossed off to live with her grandmother during the summer in the perkiest town possible. (Note: This setting promptly made me want to slit myself...it offered the clichéd plot line in which "Perfect small town finally gets a big 'ol mystery to crack and it's up to our circumstantial heroine to fix it all up"). Not to mention that the setting we are presented isn't very interesting, the books main content [human trafficking] seems way out of context. How can some twelve year-old be immersed in the midst of a young ethnic girl being trafficked...that's it...she in all blatant probability shouldn't be. The way it was presented is perfect for a pre-teen...but once again personal preference comes into play, and I thought the book was too naïve? Light-hearted? Impossibly childish? It's not a bad piece of writing; I myself spent a considerably continuous span of time trying to finish the book. If you are someone that can pass over a few minor details found in "Tell Me", and enjoy things targeted towards smaller children and/or a younger audience, then this book is for you. I give it a solid 3.5 out of stars. At first I truly liked the book as a little something extra to read, but now that I look at its integrity and factual stance, I realized that it wasn't what I had truly wanted or expected. It felt too infantile, and it's whole premise felt like forced trash. It wasn't bad trash, it was just contemptuous in some aspects. If you feel like human trafficking shouldn't be shown in such a white light, I suggest you deter from this book. If you wish to present such an expansive topic to a little one though, this book is the way to go. "Tell Me" is recommended towards those less harsh and expecting than myself.
May 30, 2014
And now for something completely different! I turned to Joan Bauer, because I can always count on her to be funny and uplifting. She does not disappoint in this latest novel for middle grades about a girl who sees someone in trouble and has to figure out what to do. Bauer delivers with the sweetly humorous voice of Anna, a middle school student who is also an actress. Anna’s parents are working through some difficulties, so she goes to stay with her grandmother, Mim. While at Mim’s, she gets a volunteer gig at the public library as a dancing petunia, don’t ask, just read it, and sees a girl who may have been taken against her will. She calls the authorities, some of whom take her seriously, while trying to determine what she saw. Fortunately, Winnie, the librarian, saw the girl and her captor, too, so they are able to work together. It doesn’t hurt that Winnie’s grandson works for Homeland Security. Despite some obvious sucking up to librarians—libraries are “where things happen!”—and at least one slight anachronism—Winnie goes to the back room to get out a Vietnamese dictionary, rather than doing a language search online, the story is fun while at the same time exploring the responsibilities we all have to help each other and including a very brief primer on human trafficking, suitable for the middle grades. I would not go to this as a sure fire winner, but it will be great for Bauer fans and for other middle schoolers who like a mystery with a happy ending. Proof that an author can tackle sensitive and important subjects without resorting to bad language and graphic violence. Thanks Joan!
Tell Me is slated to be published on September 16, 2014
June Cleaver’s Rating System:
Language—G; Nudity—G; Sexual Content—G; GLBT Content—G; Violence—PG; Substance Abuse—G; Adult Themes—Human trafficking; social responsibility. Both are handled with middle school students in mind.
Tell Me is slated to be published on September 16, 2014
June Cleaver’s Rating System:
Language—G; Nudity—G; Sexual Content—G; GLBT Content—G; Violence—PG; Substance Abuse—G; Adult Themes—Human trafficking; social responsibility. Both are handled with middle school students in mind.
October 13, 2018
Recommended for younger readers (and their adults) to dig in to a tough topic
Anne Bogel recommended this middle-grade book to me on What Should I Read Next, and I think it's a great pick for younger readers (and their adults) to be exposed to the concepts of human trafficking (without being graphic or scary), and broadly, how you can use resources at hand to pursue that not-right feeling. This story is a good gateway for conversations about what to do if you notice something "off," who trusted adults are, and how it's not okay for kids to be in a situation of coercion or abuse. I appreciate that this book touches on how human trafficking is largely invisible, and there are signs that you can look for, but its very nature is covert. I also really like how the heroine here is young, and she's advocating for a young victim. Raising that awareness early is so important! Yes, the plot is very tidy, but that's appropriate for the middle grade audience.
---
She was lucky it was you who saw her, Anna.
You won't let it go. (text from Lorenzo to Anna, 88)
Mim tells me, "When you've done all you can do, rest in that." (100)
[Winnie, the librarian:] "Was the girl being controlled by someone, or did it seem she could go where she wanted?"
[Anna:] "The lady had her by the arm. She even went into the bathroom with her."
"So," Winnie says, "the answer is, someone else seemed to be in control of this girl." She takes a big breath. "Brad says that can be a sign of kidnapping, or human trafficking -- which is a form of modern-day slavery." (111)
I look around. "Why are we at the library?"
Mim slaps the dashboard. "This is where things get done!" (157)
"A little army that really cares can beat a big one." (Dad, 168)
I get paper and write:
KEEP HOPING
THINGS ARE HAPPENING (182)
Anne Bogel recommended this middle-grade book to me on What Should I Read Next, and I think it's a great pick for younger readers (and their adults) to be exposed to the concepts of human trafficking (without being graphic or scary), and broadly, how you can use resources at hand to pursue that not-right feeling. This story is a good gateway for conversations about what to do if you notice something "off," who trusted adults are, and how it's not okay for kids to be in a situation of coercion or abuse. I appreciate that this book touches on how human trafficking is largely invisible, and there are signs that you can look for, but its very nature is covert. I also really like how the heroine here is young, and she's advocating for a young victim. Raising that awareness early is so important! Yes, the plot is very tidy, but that's appropriate for the middle grade audience.
---
She was lucky it was you who saw her, Anna.
You won't let it go. (text from Lorenzo to Anna, 88)
Mim tells me, "When you've done all you can do, rest in that." (100)
[Winnie, the librarian:] "Was the girl being controlled by someone, or did it seem she could go where she wanted?"
[Anna:] "The lady had her by the arm. She even went into the bathroom with her."
"So," Winnie says, "the answer is, someone else seemed to be in control of this girl." She takes a big breath. "Brad says that can be a sign of kidnapping, or human trafficking -- which is a form of modern-day slavery." (111)
I look around. "Why are we at the library?"
Mim slaps the dashboard. "This is where things get done!" (157)
"A little army that really cares can beat a big one." (Dad, 168)
I get paper and write:
KEEP HOPING
THINGS ARE HAPPENING (182)
December 31, 2014
Anna worries and frets when she's not playing the part of a lonely radish or singing cranberry that is. Lately her dad has been acting differently; violently. It's putting a strain on their family and her parents' marriage. Anna doesn't understand why he is angry all the time. Anna's mom decides to separate and sends Anna to stay with her adorably quirky, upbeat, cool grandma for a few weeks so the parents can work things out or resolve to go different ways. Her fantabulous grandma lives in an equally fantabulous little town known for its abundance of flowers, commemorated each summer with a flowery extravaganza and parade. It doesn't take Anna long to find a place to fit in and before she knows it she's caught up in the local political intrigue and may be a witness to a crime. All of which is very preoccupying and worrisome for a twelve-year-old girl.
I'm a big fan of Bauer. Her books are always just right for middle grade readers, sweet and charming. However, this is not my favorite of her books. There's just something that feels too forced or off. Anna has too many worries despite caring family and friends. And she's a contradiction too worried then throwing it off to be fierce and strong then worried again. All of which may be perfectly normal tween behavior but was a bit cloying. Maybe there's too many problems to give it an authentic ring. Anna's parents, Anna's desire to ride horses, Taylor's issue with her father, Anna's issues with her father, a possibly missing girl, mim's heart trouble, the antagonistic wealthy businessman.....too much going on with a lot of flat characters.
I'm a big fan of Bauer. Her books are always just right for middle grade readers, sweet and charming. However, this is not my favorite of her books. There's just something that feels too forced or off. Anna has too many worries despite caring family and friends. And she's a contradiction too worried then throwing it off to be fierce and strong then worried again. All of which may be perfectly normal tween behavior but was a bit cloying. Maybe there's too many problems to give it an authentic ring. Anna's parents, Anna's desire to ride horses, Taylor's issue with her father, Anna's issues with her father, a possibly missing girl, mim's heart trouble, the antagonistic wealthy businessman.....too much going on with a lot of flat characters.
October 4, 2016
In the novel, Tell Me by Joan Bauer, Anna is an ambitious 12 year old girl. She uses her acting role to dress up as a fruit and entertain little kids. She is having family troubles at home, resulting in staying at her grandmother, Mim’s, house. One day, while Anna was in the library, she saw something suspicious- there was a girl- and she looked scared. The lady she was with was gripping her arm aggressively and wouldn’t even let her go to the bathroom alone! Anna couldn’t stop thinking about this girl who was being held against her will and told everyone she knew that had authority the information. Anna won’t let this go… is the girl safe, and will she be saved?
This book was very interesting. I really liked it. The mystery had me wondering what would happen on the next page! The plot was well thought out and unique. Anna’s attitude towards the situation is what makes this interesting. The fact that she won’t give up, even though she doesn’t have too much evidence, is intriguing to me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries. This book is charismatic because of the fact that the mystery isn’t half way solved until the end, which makes you want to keep reading. It leaves me wondering what will happen next. I hope this book will have the same effect on you!
This book was very interesting. I really liked it. The mystery had me wondering what would happen on the next page! The plot was well thought out and unique. Anna’s attitude towards the situation is what makes this interesting. The fact that she won’t give up, even though she doesn’t have too much evidence, is intriguing to me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries. This book is charismatic because of the fact that the mystery isn’t half way solved until the end, which makes you want to keep reading. It leaves me wondering what will happen next. I hope this book will have the same effect on you!
November 10, 2014
Anna's parents are having marriage problems due, in part, to Anna's dad's really hot temper. They send Anna to stay with her grandma for the summer which sounds like a real drag to Anna particularly since her grandma is in charge of the big flower celebration. Anna figures she will be stuck among the roses and petunias while her parents attempt to work things out.
But Anna is surprised at the excitement. First, she learns to ride a horse. Second, decorating floats with lots of flowers and seeds is a lot more fun than she thought. Third, she sings with a band! And fourth. Well, most of the excitement is not fun for Anna. She witnesses an incident with a girl who appears to be kidnapped. Luckily, the town librarian also senses that something was not right with the girl and her son Brad works for homeland security. So she reports the incident to him.
Waiting to hear back from bad tries Anna's patience--she doesn't have much of that--and one of her enemies actually hatches a plan to draw attention to the kidnapped girl.
I won't be able to look at a yellow scrunchie without thinking of this book again.
Anna is a lovable character, the plot with the kidnapped girl kept me turning the pages, and the loose ends are all resolved at the end.
But Anna is surprised at the excitement. First, she learns to ride a horse. Second, decorating floats with lots of flowers and seeds is a lot more fun than she thought. Third, she sings with a band! And fourth. Well, most of the excitement is not fun for Anna. She witnesses an incident with a girl who appears to be kidnapped. Luckily, the town librarian also senses that something was not right with the girl and her son Brad works for homeland security. So she reports the incident to him.
Waiting to hear back from bad tries Anna's patience--she doesn't have much of that--and one of her enemies actually hatches a plan to draw attention to the kidnapped girl.
I won't be able to look at a yellow scrunchie without thinking of this book again.
Anna is a lovable character, the plot with the kidnapped girl kept me turning the pages, and the loose ends are all resolved at the end.
July 5, 2015
This book was a great easy read for me! It only took a couple of days to finish, and it had a great and positive message. In this book, a girl named Anna must leave her home because of family issues and live with her grandmother, Mim, for the rest of the summer. Here she thinks that it will be another boring summer without any of her friends, but in the end she does not want to leave. One day while at the library, she is sitting outside when she sees a peculiar woman dragging a young girl with her into the bathroom. The girl is obviously terrified, and looks at Anna helplessly. She then is dragged back to the car, and while it is pulling out of the library, the girl jumps out of the car and tries to escape, but is then snatched up by a man and pulled into his car. Anna is now determined to find this girl. With the help of some new friends, she soon gets the entire town involved. I'd like to leave it there for you to find out yourself what exactly happened to the girl. This book is recommended for grades 4th and up, because it is an easy read, but I still think many adults would still benefit from reading this novel.
August 9, 2015
I didn't realize Joan Bauer was writing middle-grade books. I love her YA books and so I thought I'd give this one a try.
I think it was an admirable effort, but not a hugely enjoyable story. I did like many of the characters. But the main character seemed really young for 12 (I have a friendly, outgoing 12-year-old and she is more mature than this) and rather annoying at times. Also, it was confusing how there were huge gaps in the sequence of events where they'd be in the middle of doing something and then suddenly, bam...it's the next day...I guess?
Anyway, I do love Joan's writing and I think it's great that she's writing for younger audiences, and with an important subject, too. Good effort.
I think it was an admirable effort, but not a hugely enjoyable story. I did like many of the characters. But the main character seemed really young for 12 (I have a friendly, outgoing 12-year-old and she is more mature than this) and rather annoying at times. Also, it was confusing how there were huge gaps in the sequence of events where they'd be in the middle of doing something and then suddenly, bam...it's the next day...I guess?
Anyway, I do love Joan's writing and I think it's great that she's writing for younger audiences, and with an important subject, too. Good effort.
July 11, 2016
I am generally a fan of Joan Bauer, but for some reason struggled a little with this one. I felt like there was too much going on: Anna is struggling with tensions in her parents marriage mostly caused by her father's issues, and she is going to live with her grandmother for the summer who is in a war for control of the local flower festival, and she spots a girl who seems to be in trouble and needs to get someone to do something about it, and she is trying to develop her acting and singing talent. One or two of these plot-lines would have been sufficient and allowed for better development of characters and story.
October 8, 2016
When the novel first started, I was worried about the age of the MC because she is only 12 years old. She has a huge heart and is very resourceful. She has such a sunny disposition and is not shy to be out in front of crowds, but she tends to have panic attacks. The story, however, is quite intense! Anna witnesses a young girl in need of help and won't stop at anything to try to help her. It was quite an inspiring novel, you can't help but smile at how she sees and takes in the world. Her maturity is definitely inspiring. A surprisingly great read.
March 10, 2015
Anna's parents are taking some time off so she is at her grandma's. Everything seems to be going fine until she see's this girl. Now Anna's not the kind of person who lets thing's go. And she is going to find that kid and help her, no matter what!
I gave this book five stars because I think it was spectacular and really got me "wanting" to help people and do something just that moment. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action and a little bit of mystery.
I gave this book five stars because I think it was spectacular and really got me "wanting" to help people and do something just that moment. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action and a little bit of mystery.
April 16, 2017
This book is an amazing book! I definitely enjoyed it, and I am most likely going to put it on my recommendation list. This book is so interesting and filled with fun and mystery. I can't wait for other people to read this book! It's truly amazing! I recommend this book to anyone who feels like reading, and they want to read something fun! This book is a realistic fiction book, but it also feels a little like a mystery book too...
- mary
- mary
August 12, 2015
I have really enjoyed Joan Bauer's recent novels. And this one lived up to everything I loved in Close to Famous and Almost Home; relatable characters with interesting yet realistic issues. A good summer read - finished it in one day!
February 7, 2017
A cute, short read that's full of important themes written appropriately for younger readers: divorce, anxiety, anger management, human trafficking, patience. Anna is an adorable narrator, and even though she reads a little younger than 12 at times, I still think this will appeal to my middle schoolers.
March 29, 2017
Well I liked the underlying theme of the story: paying attention to what's going on around you and sticking up for what's right. But this book had too many contexts. I felt like throwing in'human trafficking' was out of place in this story and made it less realistic to me. Overall, a cute story for lower level readers.
June 9, 2020
Rating: 3.5
This is the third of Bauer's books that I've read. Like the others, this one has an engaging plot and characters you have to like. But, 12 year-old Anna is a little too perfect, too wise, and too talented. (The same can probably be said about her 75-yo g'ma, Mim.)
Introduces young readers to the reality of human trafficking, and does so without going into too much detail.
This is the third of Bauer's books that I've read. Like the others, this one has an engaging plot and characters you have to like. But, 12 year-old Anna is a little too perfect, too wise, and too talented. (The same can probably be said about her 75-yo g'ma, Mim.)
Introduces young readers to the reality of human trafficking, and does so without going into too much detail.
June 5, 2015
This book was pretty good. At first I didn't care for it but that's like any book that first starts off. About half way through it go better and then it got so good at the end I didn't want to put it down or for it to end.
March 16, 2015
So...this isn't my favorite Joan Bauer, but it's still really good. I just love her books! Read my full review at Gator Book Chomp.
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