Tenney

American Girl: Tenney Grant #1

by Kellen Hertz

Tenney's biggest dream is to share what's in her heart through music. Little does she know, she's about to get the opportunity of a lifetime. In this first book, Tenney gets invited to perform solo at Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe and the pressure is on to write the song that will show what she's made of. But then Tenney's parents decide that she's too young to perform professionally, leaving her future hanging in the balance. What if this is Tenney's only chance to make her dreams come true?

Genres: Middle Grade, Music, Contemporary, Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2017

About the author

Kellen was raised by New Yorkers in Fresno, California, a combination which resulted in an overactive imagination and a yearning for bagels. She decided to become a writer at age 10, after reading L. Frank Baum’s “Wizard of Oz” series, since the job of Princess of Oz was already taken. At 12, her unfinished first novel was tragically lost in a sea of library books on the floor of her room, forcing her to seek other employment. She’s worked as a screenwriter, television producer, bookseller and a congressional staffer, which is exactly as boring as it sounds. She loves vintage maps, strange names, strong coffee, and words and all the flavors they come in. Most of all, she loves her family. She lives with her husband and son in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book and was a little surprised, only because I find stories about contemporary characters in the current era to often be either a little flat or unrealistic or sometimes both. I found that this one didn’t really stretch the realism that much and that Tenney was a relatable and likable character. I thought the author did a good job of progressing the story as well. I liked all the characters that were introduced and I’m definitely interested in the rest of the series.

[RebekahAshleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tenney Grant, a 12 year old who loves music, is one of American Girls newest characters.
This is the first book in her series. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this book, but I ended up enjoying it. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the series is like.

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal!
I love how Tenney works hard to achieve her dreams of being a singer while at the same time showing a lot of respect for her elders. I also love how this book place importance on community service as well. The friendship between Tenney and Portia was fun to read . The lesson that can be learned from reading the story is that when your parents tell you something they are telling you for a reason. At first Tenney has a hard time understanding why her mom won't let her perform until she finally learns that her mother is trying to prevent Tenney from suffering like she did. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Morgen Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. there wasn't really anything i did not like about it, my favorite part is the end when she sings with Portia. this book kept me reading and was very interesting. if you like music and books about a girls life i recomend this book for you.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the American Girl series. I loved how Tenney worked through the challenges she faced in her pursuit to become a singer-songwriter. I also liked the focus on family and friendship and the importance of being involved in your community.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with how emotionally drawn in I became to the story. As Tenney works to find herself, she deals with disappointment in a positive way. I felt like I really connected with Tenney.

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tenney es una niña de 12 años que estudia la secundaria y escribe canciones. La historia es sencilla y agradable, es el día a día de Tenney en la escuela y conviviendo con su familia.

Por parte de la escuela hay una kermés en conjunto con un asilo y cada niño debe trabajar con un anciano. Tenney logra hacer que Portia participe en la kermés.

Lo que me ha gustado del libro es que enseñando a los niños a valorar e integrar a sus mayores.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book series takes place in contemporary Nashville, TN. I am excited to read these books to my daughter so she can learn about the city she was born in. We moved when she was under 2 so she doesn't remember much.

[haddy]

Taylor Swift DOOP

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book mentioned Taylor Swift so many times I wanted to throw it across the room. Is she the only musical role model for young girls these days? If so, we are in a lot of trouble.

[Abbey Madrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I been wanting to read another American Girl book for so long. This one when I was reading the description I knew it was going on my reading list as soon as possible. I love country music and I been wanting to go check out Nashville for so long. So this book screamed me. This book shared how a young girl really wants to sing but sometimes being famous is hard along with accepting what you are meant to be. I loved the ending where she gets the opportunity to be part of a record label but doesn’t fully sign but to be given the opportunity. Other parts I liked was The Blue Bird cafe and the rhythm auditorium. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Galion Public Library Teens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by M.T.: "Tenney Grant loves music and she wants other people to love her music because it's her own. This book is great for young girls trying to chase their dreams."

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurrah! A surprise!

I had no idea when I found this book that American Girl was going to be releasing a contemporary girl this year (little did I know at the time that SIX characters are being released with corresponding dolls this year. Whew! I'm ecstatic!)

So when I stumbled on this book at the store, I had no idea what I was holding in my hands until I read it. Yay for surprises!

Tenney is a 12 year old (older than most American girls, something else which was new and exciting) and loves to sing and write songs. Her journey is no American Idol story of overnight success, but it's real, with actual real parents who worry about their gifted little girl as she's dying to get out there on stage and show the world what she's made up.

I loved the realism of this story. I loved the characters. And I loved how open we leave this for future books. I can't wait to see the next part of the story (book on the way already from Amazon) and to meet Logan, her male counterpart (who also has a doll coming out this year - BOY DOLLS! Yay for the American Girl company!) and find out what his story is. Overall, for lovers of American girl books, for lovers of country music, and for budding songwriters, this one's for you. Grab this book and devour it the way my daughters did. And yes, me too.

[Lydia Bench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tenney Grant is an amazing girl who loves music. She is a singer-songwriter created by American girl. I have a Tenney doll and I enjoyed reading her story. I can't wait to read her other stories. Read this book ESPECIALLY if you like music and when you are done, search Reach the sky by Leah Bryan and Hannah Fisher.

[Mgrones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written with all the plots, sub-plots, and emotions that make a story great. This is much more than the formula written American Girl books of recent years that are designed only to sell the companion dolls. This book can easily stand alone without the AG tie-in. The main character is 12, a bit older than characters in the other "doll" books, but the subject matter is fine for younger readers.

[Annalise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 completely: if I could, I would wholeheartedly give it 10! Admit it. Almost every girl has grown up reading these American Girl books, being inspired by them, and that legacy they've created; I think, still lives on today. I haven't read one of these in a long time, but I'm so happy I picked this one in particular up. 🩷

○♡ SUMMARY ♡○

Tenney Grant's life is music. She may only be 12, but she's got guts and has been playing guitar in her family's band for a long time. She is one of those girls that has that determination and confidence some of us wish we had; she's longing for a chance to perform more publicly. So, when she gets an opportunity to perform in a showcase from Mockingbird Records at the Bluebird Cafe, her heart is spinning, she knows there's no way her parents will turn this down!! Alas, they both think she's too young and don't want her to get hurt in doing what she loves. This is a timeless middle grade book; a story about music, family connectedness, and above all, following your dreams.

○♡ OPINIONS ♡○

Like I said, I absolutely loved this book!! I definitely related to Tenney's character, and it made me remember how much I wanted her as a doll when I was younger lol. Tenney is this kind of girl who has ambitions for what she wants in life, has an abundance of confidence, but her parent's worry is what keeps her from performing as she longs to. I felt so many emotions for her in the couple days it took me to read this, and I think a lot of girls who read the American Girl books will really be inspired by her. Like Tenney, I also love music; singing; expressing myself; but I'm personally too nervous to let anyone hear what I sound like lol, it's more just for fun. I loved seeing the connection between her and her Mom grow throughout the book, and Tenney remaining true to herself despite what her parents tell her. I also want to learn to play guitar! If I could've gotten Tenney in the American Girl store 7 years ago when I was a bit younger, I would've been a very happy child lol. 😀 American Girl has this just, unique talent of writing books for girls that are both so short and so inspiring, with relatable characters most of us love. I still have Julie as a teenager rn, and love her background. In short, if you're younger than me, love music, and love American Girl, then READ THIS!!

[Frank R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tenney may be American Girl Doll’s most hated doll within the fandom, this book makes me say otherwise. From the moment I picked up the book, I couldn’t stop reading it. I took breaks because I needed to savor the moment of each page.
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SPOILERS AHEAD:
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This is one of the most recent American Girl stories that have truly moved me. I really felt for Tenney as the character in this story. She truly sounds like your average american girl who is building her way to the top of music!

The lyrics she came up with has me EMOTIONAL. “Gonna be myself, nobody else; Gonna reach the sky if I only try”. Tenneyson Grant, I eat this song UP. I love how realistic the story is too. From her parents being like “you’re literally young why would we sign you up for a record label”, to her meeting Portia and forming that strong connection.

Portia was the spotlight of this story for sure. I didn’t quite care for Jaya, the best friend, as much as I did for Portia. She never revealed she was Patty Burns, who wrote Tenney’s favorite song “April Springs”, and I think that’s was important to the plot.

Tenney failed in the story over and over again at what she wanted to accomplish. This is realism at its PEAK ladies, theys, and gays. Everyone can try at what they love, it doesn’t mean they’ll be the best in the beginning.

Overall, a lovely story for both children and adults. Sure, she’s a Taylor Swift/Miley Cyrus rip off, but guess what? I ate that UP. To be performing at 12 years old?? Insane courage! Good for Tenney Grant.

To Kellen Hertz, aka the author of this story, you did an excellent job at writing this. I look forward to reading what happens next in Tenney’s adventures!!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, American Girl books were among my favorites. They didn’t dumb down topics for children and they featured strong heroines who navigated life, family, and friendships in inspiring ways. I’ve made it a bit of a project to track down the AG books I haven’t read and to also reread old favorites. Tenney’s first book didn’t disappoint! Her story makes me think of Taylor Swift (who is mentioned several times as one of Tenney’s inspirations). It also features the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville where Swift was discovered at age 14.

It’s a simple story about 12-year-old Tenney’s dream to write music, perform, and stay true to herself in the process, but I loved the message. I don’t think every middle grade book has to be intense to be impactful. Even as an adult, I was inspired by Tenney’s commitment to creating music that stayed true to who she was. Her story reminds us that we don’t need to be famous to create art or love what we do, but it’s okay to dream, also.

[Charmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the book when browsing American Girl in the mall in Florida with my sister and niece. I may be 31, but I still love American Girl books. So, when I saw Tenney book and read the summary, I had to pay it because it was all in Nashville, Tennessee. My hometown which I haven't lived at for almost 3 years, so I knew reading it would be a pleasant. My favorite pastime was taking a walk through downtown Nashville. Remembering all the musicians that played out on the sidewalks. All kinds of music being played. These are great memories and the book seemed to convey what Nashville is all about. It's a great book for a girl who wants to be a songwriter and a singer one day. Honestly I always love every American Girl book I've read.

[Abigail Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Tenney because she loves music just like me. I know she mostly wants to be a singer so she has her own family band. I also want a family band. She loved to perform a lot, I also got a sneak peak at the third book. It looks like in that book she's with Logan on stage performing. But in this book she's still practicing and that stuff. But that's in the first part. In the middle, she goes to a concert and performs. Her mom sells chicken instead. My mom makes good chicken too. Her mom used to be in the band but she quit to sell food at concerts. While the family performed she selled chicken. But not just chicken, more.

[Lonna Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twelve year old, Tenney (Tennyson) Grant is a budding singer/songwriter in a musical family. Living in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee, she has an opportunity to perform an original song in the noteworthy Bluebird Cafe Showcase. Unfortunately, her parents think she's too young. The business of music is much different than the creative side of music. Learning about the music business is a process well-articulated in this book, as well as how important it is to find your own voice and unique, authentic style.

[Xyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story. Tenney isn't as whiny as some previous characters and there is a bully.

I liked that Tenney, while disappointed, also understands her parents' decision. She figures a way to help them see she is ready to pursue music. It helped that mom explained why from her own experience with the music business.

The bully. A snarky, privileged girl who reminded me of a water downed Nellie Olsen. I was glad she didn't mess up the jamboree by being a micro manager. Also fun that her mom was the one to pull the rug out from under her.

I look forward to book 2.

[Kaley Catron · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always American Girl books have a special place in my heart…but as a girl that loves the way the historical books are it felt weird reading one in first person 😂 other than that I LOVED Tenney. (Even if my mind thought of the cat every time I read her name) I definitely think it’d be intriguing to read more of her books to follow her story!!

Side note; reading books set in places I’ve been too is so fun. Anytime they mentioned somewhere in Nashville they were I was like OOH I KNOW WHERE THAT IS 🤭😂

[Allison Hadad]

This is a good book and it is about a girl named Tenney who loves to play the guitar but her guitar is broken and her dad won't let her get aa new one yet so she has to figure out how to fix her guitar and when she does fix it, someone hears her playing it and ask her if she wanted to be famous but she doesn't know her decision. the main characters in this book are Tenney and Mia. I gave this book a four-star rating because it isn't that interesting.

[Keri Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about following your dreams. Tenney is a great character who shows great maturity (for her age) when her parents hold tight to their too-young-for-county-music-stardom daughter. Young girls who love music and going for their dreams will love this novel.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I liked it. But it was cheesy. I don't like reading about people singing. It's weird. But I did like the story a lot. I think the story line with Portia is the best. I want more older adults with wisdom in AG books.

[Shani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I expected, but still had parts I think could have been better. If I read it when I was part of the target audience, I probably would have loved it more.

Also, now a big Patty Burns fan. Would love to read her story.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining bedtime read with my 2nd grader (a chapter a night). We enjoyed the characters and setting. I thought this book provided a great message about chasing dreams, working hard, but pacing yourself to get to those dreams.

[Riley Lyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading American Girl books, they're so wholesome. As a girl who grew up on so much country music it took me a long time to realize there were other genres, Tenney's story is one of my favorites. I love that the authors went the extra mile to write her song too.

[Emma Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was a second book!