Top Secret: Diary 1

by Linda Rey

My first zit … my first bra … my first kiss.

My birth mom missed them all. She should have been there to tell me it was fine, to reassure me and hold my hand when I got scared. Instead, now I’ll never get the chance to meet her because my dad’s moving us two thousand miles away—to California.

But she needs to know what’s happening. She has to understand what’s going on in my life, what’s important to me and why I act like I do from time to time.
That’s why I started this diary. It’s a collection of my thoughts, wishes, fears and desires. Hundreds of them, from the past 11 years, all committed to paper and meant for the eyes of just one person. My mom…

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2017

About the author

Hi, I’m Linda Rey, and I write books for teens and tweens. Writing a bio is about as awkward as having to write a “What I Did Last Summer” report the first day back in school, but here goes.

I live in Orange County, CA not too far from Disneyland. (Yay!) My favorite color is green, but blue is a close second. I’d rather eat potato chips than ice cream, but give me a donut and I’ll be your friend for life. I’m a grandma to seven grandchildren, but I’m a cool grandma who has a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a tattoo on my wrist that says Believe. My favorite books as a child were The Secret Garden, Charlotte’s Web, and anything by Judy Blume. My new favorites are all the books in The Hunger Games series, Wonder, and The Fault in Our Stars. If I can be remembered for just one thing after I’m gone, I hope it’s that people thought I was nice.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book by Linda Rey. This book takes into account what most girls go through and that is trying to keep their diary top secret. A very good book. Will read again. I recommend this book . This is the second Nerdy Girl Book I've read. I rate it 5+ stars.
Linda, Keep up the good work.

[B Pastore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

While the book says it is for 10 - 14 year olds - and I am just "a little bit" older then that (LOL!) I totally enjoyed reading it and was sorry when the story ended.

I could imagine in my minds eye Willa writing about her adoption, her health challenges and family and other experiences in her diary - addressing it all to her biological "Dear M" that she hopes to meet again one day.

The topics are ones that touch the lives of many of different ages - and was so beautifully addressed here from Willa's perspective - but relatable to all. I loved the creative use of her diary and her special relationship with her father.

The book was serious, and fun and creative and educational.
I look forward to reading more of this series of books by Linda Rey and then putting them on the shelve of our Little Free Library for more to enjoy.

[Noelle Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really fun to read! I was laughing pretty hard at points and feeling so upset that Willa had to live the life she had been dealt at such as young age. I think that, even though this book is listed as for tweens, more than just tweens would benefit from reading it.


*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*

[femi Sanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book!!
I got captivated in the book after reading the first few lines (I'm very picky with my book selections)Wilhelmina really connects with a typical middle schooler (like me) who isn't a CCP or a nobody!! I really recommend!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found myself laughing out loud and the next minute wanting to cry for the life that Willa was given, at such an early age. I think every tween or middle school student will enjoy reading this fun book. I honestly did not want it to end. What a Great read.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Gift For Tween Girl – Great Story!
This is a fascinating look inside the mind of a twelve-year-old girl from the viewpoint of her diary. It’s a wonderful book and a very creative way to express some thoughts on serious subjects. While some of the story warms your heart, parts of it will make you cry. I look forward to more of this author’s book, as this one is superb.

[Angie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Even though it was written from a point of view of a twelve year old, I am aware of this age because I have a teenaged daughter. I liked the premise of writing a diary to somebody you don't know but you have been longing to know. I like that the author put in current issues and was up to date with things like how a twelve year old would talk. It is a hard enough time in life to figure out who you are but when you are at that age and adopted it could be even harder. I would like to read more from this author. She made me feel for this girl and I like what she said about having a good friend means you need to be a good friend. That is what I tell my daughter . I received a free copy and I voluntarily chose to review it. It is my honest and fair opinion.

[Susan Slacky Faatz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Willa! What do you do when you are 11 have super recall, health issues, are being moved from your home in Chiacgo to L.A.? You know you are adopted and wish y ou knew your birth mom. You do what Willa did and write a diary in which you talk to your birth mom. The book is enjoyable and a very good read.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read for blended families. Also cool for girls who are nerdy and just trying to fit in.

Willa is an amazing, funny, insightful girl trying to navigate her way to her teen years, through more than typical preteen awkwardness. In addition to just being a preteen girl, and a nerdy one at that, she has had some significant health issues and super recall. Can't imagine anything worse at that age.

Deciding to address her Diary to M, the birth mom who left her at a children's home, she works through typical issues about boys, siblings, where she came from, and how does she fit in at home and school.

Her adopted mom sounds like a big pain, as does her "real" biological daughter.

Happily, Willa's Dad is quite a cool guy, and a great dad, even if he is a geeky dentist.

I received an advance copy of this book, and am happy to freely offer my recommendation to all the nerdy girls and their families.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa Shisbey is not like most other kids her age: not only was she adopted as a child, but she also has an incredibly unique memory that permits her to remember every moment of her life from the day she was left at the orphanage when she was one year old. Unfortunately, her adoptive mother and sister are not the most accepting of Willa, but her adoptive father makes up for their shortcomings in his affections for her. The family is preparing to move from Chicago to California, and Willa's dad recognizes that Willa needs some sort of an outlet for the sizable feelings she is experiencing. So, Willa begins a journal written to the biological mother she does not remember, and in the process of noting her own experiences, Willa begins to accept herself more than she ever has before. This charmingly accessible middle grade novel is the first in its series and introduces readers to Willa and her quirky and bluntly honest personality. Written in a stream-of-consciousness style, the narrative reads smoothly, and it effortlessly immerses readers into Willa's life. While she has not had the easiest upbringing, Willa manages to recognize the positive moments from her life, especially through the act of writing in this journal. Playful fonts and frequent doodles are used throughout the book, making it visually appealing even to more reluctant readers. There are occasional instances of passionate language and descriptions within the story, and these are used in a tasteful way that effectively captures Willa's personality. Engaging and real, this is a series starter that will speak especially strongly to middle grade readers who have ever felt out of place in their own lives. It is an excellent addition to library collections for middle graders.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Dara Batte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written. A laugh out loud read

Confession... I'm 51 years old and i loved the book. I originally bought it for my 12 yr old granddaughter but being an avid reader myself, i just had to take a look inside. Next thing i knew, i was curled up and fully engaged.
I recommend this book to people of all ages

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know you.

O tried to find a single flaw with this book, and I could not find one. This is soo heart-rending! I am impressed with all this imaginative words. I could never write like this. Keep it up!!

[Kelli McDowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. It's super cute and I love how honest the narrator is. It's super funny but serious at the same time. I would totally recommend it. Willa is unique but she is still super relatable.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏👏

The complexity yet innocence found within a children's book will always amaze me. This read was quick and easy, but utterly powerful at the same time. I love reading to my children, especially when it's something meaningful and worthwhile.

[Jora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was realistic on what she would have felt it this had really happened. It was good. Not great, but good.