A Rose by Any Other Name

The English Roses #4

by Madonna

This year's school play is Romeo and Juliet, and the English Roses can't wait to get involved! Every girl knows what part she wants to play, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes. But the Roses are thrown for a loop when Grace is cast in the lead, and Charlotte is her understudy. Will the big green monster get in the way of their friendship?

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2007

About the author

Madonna Louise Ciccone is an American pop singer-songwriter. Through her music career, she has also gained some notability as a dancer, record producer, film producer, actress, author and a fashion icon. She is a multiple Grammy- and Golden Globe-award winner, known for her ambitious music videos, stage performances and use of sexual and religious themes in her work.

Reviews

[Heather Shembarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #4 in The English Roses series by Madonna. This book was a quick, enjoyable read that had good messages throughout involving true friendship. The 5 girls who are best friends, although very different, are in 6th grade. I think the content would be enjoyed by most 6th grade girls in particular. In this book, the 6th grade class is preparing for the play, "Romeo and Juliet." Each girl talks about how they would either like to help with the play or actually have a part in the play. Grace is the only one who shows no interest at all as she is more worried about playing football (soccer). There are a few twists throughout - one of which finds Grace auditioning for a play she doesn't even want to be part of and others discovering her hidden talent for singing. As this happens, jealousy starts to creep into the picture as the play means everything to Charolette who has practiced for years to have a big role in a play someday. Who will get the part of Juliet? Will this affect "The English Roses" and their friendships or will true acts of friendship win out in the end? You will have to read to find out!

[Eryn Sitar · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so cute! All the stories so far have been very relatable to events that happen in middle school. I hope I appreciated and enjoyed these books at that time as much as I do rereading them now.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3) had a cute feuding story plot. Still very predictable and definitely meant for younger readers!
None the less, I still genuinely enjoyed it

[Daniella Araujo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too obvious of a plot, even for a fourth grader such as my daughter. Sort of a US tween movie turned into book. A lackluster translation from English to Portuguese doesn't help, either.

[Rosemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not realize that this was a chapter book for older kids (8 and up) when I ordered it. I have read all of Madonna's children's picture books and liked them. I thought this was a continuation of that, but the book is smaller in size and 125 pages. There is still the same great artwork found in the original English Roses - some in black & white and even a few in color. I love the illustration style of artist Jeffrey Fulvimari. I also love the idea of a series of stories for older kids based on The English Roses. I can't wait to read all of them.

I think Madonna has done a good job with this one. It seems to be #4 in the series, "A Rose by Any Other Name." The story is cute and teaches about jealousy when one of the Roses gets the part in the school play that another one wanted and expected. I love Madonna's witty and straightforward way of telling the story. I can often hear her speaking as I read. Another cute thing is that there is a song in the story - a song in the play - evidently this is a modern, musical version of Romeo and Juliet the Roses are doing - and Madonna uses lyrics from her song "True Blue"!! Kids may not get that - but obviously her older fans will - love that little nod to us. : )

[Yeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book for the nice cover and how there is so many flowers on it. This book is about five best friends who are called the English roses and they have a play and Charlotte and Grace both want to be Juliet. Then at the end Grace was Juliet but she breaks her leg and Charlotte has to fill in. My favorite quote from the book was "and so is Charlotte, for that is exactly what she felt when she woke up one fine, sunny, unseasonably warm autumn morning". I like that quote because it sounds nice and like a sweet morning and it also tells me that it is going to be a great day. I think the authors style was unique because one friend id rich and one fiend is normal and how the five friends show compassion for each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who like friendship story's.

[Slow Man · Rating 3 out of 5]

People who grew up listening to True Blue album knows that song Grace sang during the audition. Yes it has caught me by surprise. I remember reading the sleeve cover that she dedicated the album to her then husband Mr Sean Penn. I digress.

So in book 4, the girls are excited about their year eight play especially Charlotte but she was super jealous when her best friend Grace got the part of playing Juliet instead. So we have the jealousy theme here. Sadly, it is not as funny. I was waiting for a joke to pop up somewhere but it didn't happen. Break a leg is not just a saying. Ok maybe there is one.

[Regan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was all about drama, friends and other typical girl problems. If you are having these problems, I really recommend this book, because will give you the awnsers to your situations. Its like having a friend that understands all the way.

[krystal]

i havent read this book yet but i have read the first one and i cant wait to read this one

[Peas · Rating 5 out of 5]

well i have lots of books to read right now so i`m gonna wait!

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET!

[Maddie hillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was OK , not my favorite. OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK.

[Ashley Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute.I liked it.

[Ciara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this a somewhat enjoyable story?
Yes.
Is it a somewhat clíchéd story?
Yes.

If you like stories of friendship, jealousy and theatre shows, this story might just be for you.

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was skeptical when these books began to arrive for review. I have to admit that she actually writes quite well.Madonna seems to make a success of everything she does.

[Koqua · Rating 2 out of 5]

i liked it. Grace was really nice to pretend her knee was hurt so Charlette can play Juilet.

[Tessa Serfillippi · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love the series to these books and i hope you all do to

[Julianni Mendez]

i just got this book today i really love it im planning to complete my collection to read all the books

[Awais Vaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is awasome

[Erica Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I keep reading this series in school holidays, I miss all my friends ;( I always love stories about best friends!!!! I love this series!!

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another lesson in defeating that old green-eyed monster with the indomitable quintet.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was good although some in the series have been better