Best Friends and Drama Queens

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #3

by Meg Cabot

#1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot's first middle-grade series!

Allie Finkle is excited when a new girl, who comes all the way from Canada, joins her class at Pine Heights Elementary. Now Allie won’t be the new girl anymore!
But her excitement turns to dismay when the new girl, Cheyenne, starts telling everyone in the fourth grade what to do! Soon Cheyenne has everyone, including Allie’s best friends, Caroline, Sophie, and Erica, believing that if they don’t do what she says, they’ll be what Cheyenne accuses them of being - babies!

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction, Friendship

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).

Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.

She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.

Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.

Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.


Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator

Reviews

[Oumiie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie gets excited when she learns that that they are getting a new student from Canada! Mostly because that means she won’t be the new girl anymore. But when she meets Cheyenne ( the new girl ) who fins them immature and that they act like babies , Allie was even depressed of having a new girl . She bossed them around and even insulted their game called " Queens " . A game where they had to act like queens and fight. I loved the way Allie wasn't influenced by Cheyenne . She kept strong and said what she wanted to say especially when Cheyenne forced her to go out with Joey Fields who is one of those nasty boys who act as if theirs nothing to do in life just pink my nose and eat them , draw some weird dinosaurs and try to scare people with. One of the things i disliked in this book was how Allies other friends were influenced by Cheyenne . I mean , they should learn to respect themselves and not respect a bossy girl . Overall , this book was a amazing and if i were you , i would read it.

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a girl named Allie Finkle who has three friends: Caroline, Sophie and Erica. When they all come back to school from winter break, a new girl named Cheyenne joins their class. Allie can relate to Cheyenne because she had just moved to this school at the beginning of the year. Later in the day, at recess, Allie, Caroline, Sophie and Erica see Cheyenne sitting alone on the cold swings and they ask if she'd like to play queens with them (queens was a made-up game that Allie and her friends liked to play. They pretended they were queens.) Instead of being grateful that someone asked to play with her, Cheyenne said "No. we're in 4th grade. That's a little old to be playing babyish games, don't you think?" I liked this book because I couldn't believe how mean Cheyenne was in it. It was kind amusing. Every chapter of this book has a rule. For example: chapter # 6 is lying doesn't solve anything. Some rules are good advice and some aren't.

[Myrtle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is okay. She complains a lot but is growing on me

[Adama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book on the 28 last month. I like this book and will want to recommend this to the class.I say that because this book has also taught me a lesson.Like when your having trouble then you can just write your own rules.like one character in her book name Allie Finkle.She had troubles with her old best friend named Mary kay.The second reason i would recommend this book to someone is because it COULD BE A GOOD BOOK IF YOUR HAVING trouble with your friends because it sseems important.
This book was kind of challenging because of it taught me how to become a better friend to your friends.Also the thing that i didn't like was that Allie went to her best friend party and got bullied by her best friends.
The character that i mostly liked was Allie because she was the importing on e in the book.Also she had a problem in the climax. Then bye the end she solved her problem betweeen her new best friends in her new house where had moved. Also at the beginning she like her new house because she taught it was a very creepy looking because there were tree branches and twigs all in the front of the. but as she started getting use the house and started makin new friends she started liking her house.

[MizzSkittlez12]

the book is called best friends and drama queens (allie finkle's rules for girls,#3 and the book is by meg cobot i chose this book because its about drama and new people and its about boys and how they sometimes could mess up your friendship in the beginning allie finds out that there's this new girl and that she was the new girl till the new came from canada and in the middle the new girl starts to make friends and that allie still misses being the new girl at the end the new girl has friends and then when they went out side when the new girl was mad she sprained her ankle and then the next day she was in cruches the most intersting part of the book is when they all were arguing and they were all in it

i like this book because its about what happens when you have a boy friend and that you start aguing with your friends because of one boy i recommened this book because it teaches you what will happen when you have a boy friend i think my cousin should read this book beacause she has alot of boy friends i want to read more books about boys or comics

[Shonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Allie Finkle loves her new school, new friends and most of all her fourth grade teacher Mrs.Hunter. (Mrs. Hunter even told Allie’s grandmother that she’s a joy to have in class!) So after winter break, Allie is really excited to return to school. Her excitement builds when she learns a new girl from Canada will be in her class. To assist the new student with adjusting to a new school, Miss Hunter asks Allie to give up her desk, which is next to her best friend Erica, for a desk that’s in the back of the room where the “bad” boys sit. Not wanting to say no, Allie reluctantly agrees.

Unfortunately for Allie the new girl, Cheyenne O’Malley thinks she’s immature for playing the pretend game of Queens. Instead Cheyenne wants to chase after the boys so she can kiss them. Cheyenne also wants every boy and every girl to “go together”, which Allie and her friends aren’t sure where they are to “go” to.

Allie knows she’s not ready to be as “mature” as Cheyenne. After all she’s in the fourth grade and doesn’t want a boyfriend. There’s plenty of time for that. Will Allie risk standing up to Cheyenne even if it means losing her friends?

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allie Finkle's world could not possibly be more true-to-life: I feel like Meg Cabot must have a fourth-grade girl advising her. The four friends playing an ongoing make-believe game called "Queens" behind some bushes on the playground during recess? That absolutely gave me flashbacks. It's all that dead-on, too: their ways of interacting with each other, their interests & concerns. Allie deals with a bossy new girl who is trying to make everyone in their class "go with" boys to prove how mature they are. But Allie doesn't want to go anywhere with the boys she knows, & she doesn't see what's so great about maturity anyway, if it means she can't play fun games with her friends or have sleepovers with stair sled races. Cute, fun, & with a nice message.

[Hana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie at first was so excited about a new Canadian girl name Cheyenne coming. Because then she won't be the "new girl" anymore! But then she had to move her seat near to very nasty boys. Also, Cheynne thinks that they play babyish games. So she started playing "Kissing game" which made EVERYONE play it! I can relate to Allie because I also had this kind of situation!

[TheNicestRavenclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to read this book series and I loved it. It was amazing and part of my childhood!

[Kryssy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so fun because cheyenne was SO unlikable. Anytime allie or her friends snapped at her it was a HUGE win!!

- Boxcar children box set for Christmas
- Caroline has news
- New student in school this semester
- Mrs hunter asks to see allie privately
- Wants to move allie to the back with rosemary (a new friend) and the boys (to be a good influence)
- Cheyenne is going to be annoying. She just brags about how she’s too good for this town
- Cheyenne thinks queens is babyish
- Uncle jay and harmony broke up. He doesn’t want to start at his apartment because it happened there
- Kissing game was started
- One boy is upset that cheyenne is chasing him. Another boy is upset that she isn’t chasing him
- Didn’t get invited to cheyenne’s party. Want to have their own
- Cheyenne is “going with” a boy and brags to everyone about it. Then pushes sophie to ask peter
- Caroline and Sophie aren’t talking to each other
- Caroline is going with someone too
- Cheyenne wants every girl to go with a boy
- Cheyenne is trying to force allie to go with joey because they are the only two left (besides rosemary) and they like the same books. Kinda surprising that there’s an even number of boys and girls to make this work
- Allie blew up at cheyenne. And mrs hunter overheard
- Hasn’t told anyone about her rule book
- Sat in her closet and cried
- Erica started a name for cheyenne. She doesn’t like it
- Mrs Hunter calls her class in early
- Breaks up anyone going together and states she will be making some calls
- All of the girl’s parents called mrs Hunter
- Cheyenne got to mad that she went to turn and storm off and slipped on the ice because of her shoes

Chapter titles:
1. It’s the thought that counts
2. It’s okay to lie if the lite makes someone else feel better
3. Wearing the fact that you are talented on your tshirt is always a smart move
4. Friendly people don’t tell people that their games are babyish
5. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good
6. Lying doesn’t solve anything usually
7. If someone is having a party and doesn’t invite you, just have your own party and don’t invite her (and make your party better)
8. The worst thing that can happen is for your secret crush to know your secret and for it not to be secret anymore
9. Sometimes it’s better just to say things will be okay to make other people feel better
10. You’re only a big baby if you let yourself think you’re a big baby
11. Speak softly to your neighbor
12. Tacos make everything better. Well, almost everything
13. Snow boots may not look as good as high-heeled, zip-up birds, but they will never let you down

Other rules:
- The best part of the holidays is showing all the cool stuff you got to your friends
- As a big sister, it’s your job to take care of your brothers and not punch them in arm and make them do their new bikes in the snow and get them all wet
- You aren’t supposed to hate people
- Boys can seriously be so stupid sometimes. And deeply thoughtless
- Someone have to use your reasonable voice to get what you want. Especially with boys
- One way you can tell that people are talking about you is if they look over at you a lot while they are talking to other people
- It’s impolite not to bump someone’s fist when they are fist-bumping you
- Older siblings are better than younger ones because they have already been through everything that you are going through and can show you the way
- Horses are WAY better than boots who want to go with you
- You’re supposed to do what your parents say
- Parents are supposed to protect you from getting hurt
- Moms are like that
- It’s wrong to take delight in the pain of others
- All you need is best friends

[Traci S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can i say? I love the Allie Finkle books!

I don’t know whether actual kids like this book or relate to it, but i first read the series seven or eight years ago, and enjoyed it. Re-reading it in 2021, it‘s still fun, relatable, awesome and funny!

There is everything to like about Allie. She‘s not the prettiest girl in her class. Not the smartest either. But she‘s got tons of things going for her!

For example, Allie has brothers at home, and when she finds herself sitting in the back of the classroom next to one boy who likes to draw pictures of gross things, and another boy who often barks like a dog at people, she handles them like a little brother — she makes a drawing even grosser than the one boy (who then no longer tries to get a scream or a screech out of allie with his drawings of plane crashes with decapitated passengers, for example), and eventually sees past the unconventional behaviors of the other kid (the one who barks).

Allie‘s figuring life out, and she initially is not sure what to think when a student in her class starts acting better than everyone else because she, cheyenne, wears boots with a bit of a high heel, and wears lip gloss and is interested in boys. Cheyenne also invites everyone to her sleepover party except allie and her three closest friends.

I mean, how do you not like allie, when she has her own sleepover party that night, and her uncle jay arranges staircase surfing for the girls, riding down a flight of stairs on kevin‘s childrens mattress? And eating chocolate cake soup, which he invented himself, thank you very much, even if Cheyenne says idiotically that NOBODY eats chocolate cake soup anymore, because that is that kind of thing stopped being cool last year.

And allie is fun for so many reasons, but also because she messes up, as people do. For example, she embarrasses her little brother in front of his friends, and immediately makes it a rule in her mind — you should never make your little brother cry if his friends could accidentally come by and see.

Well, as an adult reading grade school books as escapist entertainment, this book is awesome. I dont think i am a fan of meg cabot books generally (the princess books, for example, i tried to like them, but no luck), but the allie finkle books really are my thing! Full five stars. :)

[aconstellationoftomes · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 stars

"I mean, if dressing up in someone else's mom's clothes and makeup is babyish, well, then I didn't want to be grown-up." (Allie Finkle)

In Best Friends and Drama Queens, Allie is now settled at a new school and is excited when she hears that there's going to be a new girl in her class. However, she's a little upset because now she has to move to the back of the class and sit with the boys. Also, the new girl, Cheyenne, is mean and bossy and considers herself to be extremely mature. Cheyenne and Allie don't get along and Cheyenne becomes Allie's enemy.

Meg Cabot excels at writing from the PoV of a 9 year old girl. While Allie has many childhood fears, doubts and insecurities, she's extremely brave and bold and stands up for what she believes in. I don't remember having Allie's bravery when I was 9 years old and if I had her bravery, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble and hurt.

I also liked reading about the strong friendship that Allie and her friends have and the subplot involving Uncle Jay's romance. I also enjoyed the overall messages of Best Friends and Drama Queens, which are standing up for what you believe in, saying no to peer pressure and not being in a rush to grow up too fast. However, I didn't really enjoy the whole popular mean girl drama and Best Friends and Drama Queens isn't as good as Moving Day and The New Girl.

[Chadera]

This book is about a new girl from Canada coming to a new school and she think she is the boss of everybody and can tell everybody what to do. I believe that the theme of this book is don't let other people thoughts and opinions interfere with what you really believe in and what you want to do. The other theme is always confide in your parents they'll help you with whatever. I learned to always do what you want no matter what. I enjoyed this book a lot and i would read it over and over. I would recommend this book to a person who is being bullied , forced to do something, or somebody who is going through a tough time.

[Katie Kaste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, there is another new student in Allie Finkle’s class. This one is from Canada. She comes in and rocks the fourth grade class. Will Allie and her friends survive this shake up? Meg Cabot has such an amazing voice. She perfectly embodies a fourth grade student. She is able to write with such a personality and tone it takes the reader right into the books. I will probably, eventually read the rest of this series, Allie has such a sweet voice.

[CarolineDearman RDNG4130 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Allie Finkle, but this book was actually not my favorite though. It dealt heavily with a bunch if girl drama and I would hate for that to encourage anyone. It’s still a great book and teaches great lessons to younger girls, but I was just really annoyed with Cheyenne! And the way Allie and her friends handled some things probably weren’t the best options.

[eviltzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

that one was rly good, MUCH better then the previous one and maybe even better then the first. and the fact that i needed only nine days to read it? I KNOW THE BOOK IS NOT THAT LONG SO IT COULD BE READ EVEN IN ONE DAY. but i'm still trying to make my reading process constant so for me it's a pretty good result!!!!!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allie is introduced to Cheyenne, a mean girl. Cheyenne is from Canada, but her name is something a clueless American mom would name her kid. Cheyenne seemed less of a bully to me than what should be implied in the story, but I still didn’t like her. I enjoyed this story more than other books in the Allie Finkle series, possibly because I enjoyed reading about Cheyenne and how she was a mean girl.

[Malavika Malanthara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book; it shows people that being pretty fancy, and super "cool" doesn't always do the trick of earning yourself true friends. This book shows how a simple girl like Allie Finkle can stop Cheyenne taking control of the fourth grade with her friends.

[Sylvie Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my favorite book of this series so far. Allie is finally beginning to be less obnoxious, more sensitive toward others, and more of a mensch as she stands up to a much more obnoxious classmate and stays loyal to her friends and true to herself.

[Ciera Legue · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a good book with lots of lessons on dealing with bullies, peer pressure etc. it demonstrates the power of friends and we learn more about their friendship with each other through the challenges they faced.

[Julie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

As 4th grade goes, it involves the decision between do we still play pretend and dolls or do we chase boys and kiss them? A new girl moves to town and causes a lot of drama between 4 best friends.

[Kailing · Rating 5 out of 5]

It teaches you how to make new friends and how to get along with friends. The book lists rules that teach you how to be a good person, and a good friend.

[Riely Lindgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good and I liked the drama in the book. It was a good book I can relate to.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie Finkle gives a voice to middle school girls. In this book, she and friends learn not to grow up too fast. Good middle reader book.

[Jia ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

:) Allie Finkle books are awesome!!!! I will never grow out of them!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, the drama. Did it really start in 4th grade? I only remember it back to 6th.

[Sharon Falduto]

The new girl in school decides that all the 4th graders need to be "going together" and only Allie has the courage to say "no."

[Violet Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sends a very good message overall awesome

[Vienna Knudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great I’ve been reading these books and the next ones keep getting better and better.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF for Best Friends and Drama Queens, the third book in the Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series. I just found Allie to be kind of annoying.