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Amalee #2
Lights, Camera, Amalee
From acclaimed singer-songwriter Dar Williams, the story of a girl trying to figure out her place in the world . . . and in her neighborhood.
When Amalee's grandmother dies, she inherits a very strange a huge champagne bottle filled with over a thousand dollars' worth of change. Amalee is told to spend the money on something important, so she decides to make a movie about endangered species. Soon there's as much going on behind the scenes as there is in front of the camera, as Amalee deals with a new friend, a very cute older boy, her wacky family friends, and a host of other challenges. She also discovers something she never expected to find -- a link with her mother, who disappeared and died when she was very little.
When Amalee's grandmother dies, she inherits a very strange a huge champagne bottle filled with over a thousand dollars' worth of change. Amalee is told to spend the money on something important, so she decides to make a movie about endangered species. Soon there's as much going on behind the scenes as there is in front of the camera, as Amalee deals with a new friend, a very cute older boy, her wacky family friends, and a host of other challenges. She also discovers something she never expected to find -- a link with her mother, who disappeared and died when she was very little.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 23, 2021
I recently attended my second Dar Williams concert--my first concert since March 2020. In-person concert, anyway. She sang "When I Was a Boy" and I almost cried. Perhaps I've been lying to myself that my boyfriend is the big Dar Williams fan in our household. (Although...he is.)
I've been holding onto this book and nervously hoping it lives up to my expectations. It would have helped if I'd realized this was the second in the series before I got to the end and looked it up on goodreads. Reading it without that context, the beginning of Lights, Camera, Amalee feels awkward, and I kept wondering why Williams began it as she did. Somewhere about a third of the way in, I settled into Amalee's world, and by the end I so desperately wanted to see her film.
I loved how all her dad's friends came together to support him in raising her and support her in growing and venturing into this filmmaking experience. They were all interesting and different role models, with unique qualities, virtues, strengths, and weaknesses. As an adult, I admired their wisdom and love as they guided Amalee through the steps of film-making. I also loved Amalee's independence. She ventured into this creative process with a hazy idea that became more and more clearly defined as she gathered information, and I was inspired by her ability to create. Create for herself, without caring how others would see it; create to bring people together, to see people in a new light; create for the sake of believing her perspective was worth sharing with the world. Those are the kinds of messages I think everyone needs to hear more frequently than we do, no matter who we are or how many people are encouraging us. I hope Phyllis and Joyce stick with me.
This book features a pointed message about humanity's disruption and pollution of ecosystems. I enjoyed the child-centric perspective Williams brought to environmental issues: instead of dwelling on waste streams, Amalee went into her summer thinking about animals, and all the reasons biodiversity is so beautiful, valuable, and worth preserving. She learned amazing facts about a huge variety of creatures and plants, including information about chemicals and medicines we've created from nature. I'm sure anyone reading this book would discover something new and gain a stronger appreciation for the fascinating biodiversity of our planet. Amalee also built an entire community of people who contributed to her film, learning just how widespread and diverse people's appreciation for and concerns about the environment were, and building friendships in the process.
While this book doesn't inspire me to recommend it to everyone I know, it was a solid, enjoyable read, and an inspiring and uplifting depiction of the creative process. It's the story of an unconventional family for an unconventional girl, and how we can find cheerleaders all over, if we take the time to look. It's a story of learning for the sake of learning and admiring all 5 frogs' reasons why treasuring our natural spaces is so vital. Thanks for your film, Amalee.
I've been holding onto this book and nervously hoping it lives up to my expectations. It would have helped if I'd realized this was the second in the series before I got to the end and looked it up on goodreads. Reading it without that context, the beginning of Lights, Camera, Amalee feels awkward, and I kept wondering why Williams began it as she did. Somewhere about a third of the way in, I settled into Amalee's world, and by the end I so desperately wanted to see her film.
I loved how all her dad's friends came together to support him in raising her and support her in growing and venturing into this filmmaking experience. They were all interesting and different role models, with unique qualities, virtues, strengths, and weaknesses. As an adult, I admired their wisdom and love as they guided Amalee through the steps of film-making. I also loved Amalee's independence. She ventured into this creative process with a hazy idea that became more and more clearly defined as she gathered information, and I was inspired by her ability to create. Create for herself, without caring how others would see it; create to bring people together, to see people in a new light; create for the sake of believing her perspective was worth sharing with the world. Those are the kinds of messages I think everyone needs to hear more frequently than we do, no matter who we are or how many people are encouraging us. I hope Phyllis and Joyce stick with me.
This book features a pointed message about humanity's disruption and pollution of ecosystems. I enjoyed the child-centric perspective Williams brought to environmental issues: instead of dwelling on waste streams, Amalee went into her summer thinking about animals, and all the reasons biodiversity is so beautiful, valuable, and worth preserving. She learned amazing facts about a huge variety of creatures and plants, including information about chemicals and medicines we've created from nature. I'm sure anyone reading this book would discover something new and gain a stronger appreciation for the fascinating biodiversity of our planet. Amalee also built an entire community of people who contributed to her film, learning just how widespread and diverse people's appreciation for and concerns about the environment were, and building friendships in the process.
While this book doesn't inspire me to recommend it to everyone I know, it was a solid, enjoyable read, and an inspiring and uplifting depiction of the creative process. It's the story of an unconventional family for an unconventional girl, and how we can find cheerleaders all over, if we take the time to look. It's a story of learning for the sake of learning and admiring all 5 frogs' reasons why treasuring our natural spaces is so vital. Thanks for your film, Amalee.
July 13, 2008
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Amalee is back. Some of you may have met her is Dar Williams' first book titled AMALEE. Whether you've had the pleasure before or not, LIGHTS, CAMERA, AMALEE is an excellent book for girls ages 10 and up.
Amalee's summer has started with several surprises. She arrives home one afternoon to find her father and several family friends waiting with quite interesting news. Amalee's grandmother, one she didn't even know existed, has asked to meet with her. No one is totally sure what to make of this request since the woman cut off all ties when her daughter, Amalee's mother, was married and then killed in an accident shortly after Amalee's birth. All Amalee knows when she walks into her grandmother's elegant home is that the woman she is about to meet is near death.
The meeting ends up being a rather pleasant one, and Amalee leaves feeling she might be learning a bit about the mother she never knew. Shortly after their meeting, Grandmother dies, and that's when the next surprise occurs.
There is a phone call and a delivery one afternoon. The delivery is a huge box that contains her grandmother's final gift to Amalee. It is a giant champagne bottle filled with change. During her visit, Amalee questioned her grandmother about the fascinating bottle, and she was told that the change had been saved over the course of her grandmother's marriage. Now the money and the giant bottle are Amalee's.
With the help of an amazingly cute sixteen-year-old neighbor, Amalee takes the change to the bank where it is revealed that she has inherited over $2,000. Remembering the wise words of advice from her grandmother, Amalee decides to use the money to make a movie about endangered species, yet another surprise she didn't expect when her summer began.
Author Dar Williams tells the story of Amalee and her movie with great care and detail. Readers learn right along with Amalee as she researches her topic, learns the ins and outs of movie making, and relearns just how special family and friends can be. Written in an easy-to-read style that will appeal to young readers, LIGHTS, CAMERA, AMALEE is an inspirational tale.
Amalee is back. Some of you may have met her is Dar Williams' first book titled AMALEE. Whether you've had the pleasure before or not, LIGHTS, CAMERA, AMALEE is an excellent book for girls ages 10 and up.
Amalee's summer has started with several surprises. She arrives home one afternoon to find her father and several family friends waiting with quite interesting news. Amalee's grandmother, one she didn't even know existed, has asked to meet with her. No one is totally sure what to make of this request since the woman cut off all ties when her daughter, Amalee's mother, was married and then killed in an accident shortly after Amalee's birth. All Amalee knows when she walks into her grandmother's elegant home is that the woman she is about to meet is near death.
The meeting ends up being a rather pleasant one, and Amalee leaves feeling she might be learning a bit about the mother she never knew. Shortly after their meeting, Grandmother dies, and that's when the next surprise occurs.
There is a phone call and a delivery one afternoon. The delivery is a huge box that contains her grandmother's final gift to Amalee. It is a giant champagne bottle filled with change. During her visit, Amalee questioned her grandmother about the fascinating bottle, and she was told that the change had been saved over the course of her grandmother's marriage. Now the money and the giant bottle are Amalee's.
With the help of an amazingly cute sixteen-year-old neighbor, Amalee takes the change to the bank where it is revealed that she has inherited over $2,000. Remembering the wise words of advice from her grandmother, Amalee decides to use the money to make a movie about endangered species, yet another surprise she didn't expect when her summer began.
Author Dar Williams tells the story of Amalee and her movie with great care and detail. Readers learn right along with Amalee as she researches her topic, learns the ins and outs of movie making, and relearns just how special family and friends can be. Written in an easy-to-read style that will appeal to young readers, LIGHTS, CAMERA, AMALEE is an inspirational tale.
April 2, 2017
I very rarely give 5 stars to middle-Grade fiction. Most of it is samey and mundane. But this one is different! Of course, it's the same memoir style with problem family + boy trouble + bullies at school, but each of those 'issues' is written with a slightly different twist. The story is imaginative and educational (even for a teacher!) but still interesting. I loved it - and I'm hoping my middle-schoolers will, too.
January 24, 2025
"Lights, Camera, Amalee" is a great book about a girl named Amalee who decides to make a movie to help animals that need protection. As she works on the movie, she learns more about her mom, who she didn’t know very well, and becomes closer to her family and friends.
Throughout the story, Amalee faces many challenges, like dealing with friendships, school, and making the movie, but she stays determined and works hard to finish what she started. I liked this book because it shows how Amalee grows as a person, learns to solve problems, and never gives up, even when things get hard. It also has funny moments and important lessons about friendship, family, and following your dreams. The story is easy to understand and fun to read, making it perfect for anyone who likes stories about growing up and trying new things.
Throughout the story, Amalee faces many challenges, like dealing with friendships, school, and making the movie, but she stays determined and works hard to finish what she started. I liked this book because it shows how Amalee grows as a person, learns to solve problems, and never gives up, even when things get hard. It also has funny moments and important lessons about friendship, family, and following your dreams. The story is easy to understand and fun to read, making it perfect for anyone who likes stories about growing up and trying new things.
October 9, 2017
The district gave me this book to expand my classroom library. I was picking out books to add to my to-be-read books for the classroom library and chose this one to read.
It's adorable! I really like Amalee although I'm going to have a tough time coming up with a good booktalk for it. Flashy, flamboyant books like Divergent are easy to talk up. Quiet books about totally normal kids growing up normally without any superpowers are more difficult.
But this is a precious book about growing up and learning about yourself and your place in the world.
I just wish I'd known before I read it that there was a previous book, Amalee.
It's adorable! I really like Amalee although I'm going to have a tough time coming up with a good booktalk for it. Flashy, flamboyant books like Divergent are easy to talk up. Quiet books about totally normal kids growing up normally without any superpowers are more difficult.
But this is a precious book about growing up and learning about yourself and your place in the world.
I just wish I'd known before I read it that there was a previous book, Amalee.
October 12, 2021
I found this book at Goodwill. Dar Williams has long been one of my favorite singer-songwriters but I did not know she was an author as well. This is a lovely story about a young girl with an interest that becomes a passion as she makes a movie with the help of her friends. In the process she learns not only about filmcraft but about organizing a project and working with people she didn't think she particularly liked.
May 27, 2019
I read this book to my child. We enjoyed it. It was an emotional tale of a middle schooler who makes a movie about the destruction of the environment. 3 1/2 stars
May 24, 2023
It's nice and it teaches an important lesson through Amalee's grandmother. Would recommend.
March 18, 2010
Yay Amalee!
While this book wasn't as fantastic, or as fantastically sad/worried/middle-schooly as the first, I definitely realized I like the web of Characters Dar has built and the way she puts things in just the very vaguest of self-helpy language, just enough so that it does grate or accuse or anything is really swell. Secret, it's probably why I listen to her music! The construct of the grandmother's inheritance/film project etc was a bit forced, but it's ok. Life goes on (dads get girlfriends!), and it's ok to miss your mom you never knew, and it's okay to love people who are a little bit broken. And boys who are a few years older than you! And to realize your creative gift! And to not be afraid of your wild blood. Thanks, Dar.
While this book wasn't as fantastic, or as fantastically sad/worried/middle-schooly as the first, I definitely realized I like the web of Characters Dar has built and the way she puts things in just the very vaguest of self-helpy language, just enough so that it does grate or accuse or anything is really swell. Secret, it's probably why I listen to her music! The construct of the grandmother's inheritance/film project etc was a bit forced, but it's ok. Life goes on (dads get girlfriends!), and it's ok to miss your mom you never knew, and it's okay to love people who are a little bit broken. And boys who are a few years older than you! And to realize your creative gift! And to not be afraid of your wild blood. Thanks, Dar.
June 3, 2009
Well, this is not as good as the original Amalee. The characters are all there and still quirky, but they feel more forced than anything.
In this story Amalee inherits a big bottle of coins from the grandmother she barely knew, and decides to make a film about conservation with the money. While this plot is touching, the family friends who were so unique and supporting in the first book came off as a little annoying in this one.
The sense of urgency which made the first so gripping is also missing.
Still Amalee's voice is fresh and honest in a world of fluffy girly books which capitalize on terms like, "OMG!!!!!!!!"
Read the first, this is optional but not bad.
In this story Amalee inherits a big bottle of coins from the grandmother she barely knew, and decides to make a film about conservation with the money. While this plot is touching, the family friends who were so unique and supporting in the first book came off as a little annoying in this one.
The sense of urgency which made the first so gripping is also missing.
Still Amalee's voice is fresh and honest in a world of fluffy girly books which capitalize on terms like, "OMG!!!!!!!!"
Read the first, this is optional but not bad.
June 23, 2012
Another amazing read about insightful Amalee. This time it's the summer before eighth grade and it's a big one. Amalee meets the grandmother she never knew and inherits a jar filled with coins and the instruction to use it now. So she's able to fulfill her dream of making a short movie on biodiversity with the help of her friends. I loved the way it walked her through the entire process; it should help aspiring film makers who don't know quite where to begin. On a more serious note, she also becomes closer to her deceased mother, learning more about her both good and bad, and experiences the first hint of a crush. A wonderful middle school read. A-.
October 22, 2009
This book was interesting but a little slow in the middle. I wasn't really convinced by the narrator's voice- she didn't sound like a 7th grader. But, the plot was interesting: making a movie. And there are little bits about Amalee's life, like her mom's death and the giant champagne bottle, that keep it interesting.
July 16, 2013
Just found out this is the second Amalee book. I wish I had read the first one first. Even so, for some reason I really liked this book. I loved Amalee and her thoughts and her little journey in the story. It was confusing for her father to have 4 friends who were helping raise her. Too many adult characters, I couldn't remember who was who.
November 15, 2012
This book was awesome
Although it is about a 13 year old girl I think it uses a lot of good vocabulary.
Also it is about endangered species. I think it was a nice topic to make a movie about.
Also Amalee has never seen her mom. But, I think somewhere inside she still wishes that her mom was there with her
I loved this book!!!!
Nabeela......
Although it is about a 13 year old girl I think it uses a lot of good vocabulary.
Also it is about endangered species. I think it was a nice topic to make a movie about.
Also Amalee has never seen her mom. But, I think somewhere inside she still wishes that her mom was there with her
I loved this book!!!!
Nabeela......
September 4, 2013
I loved this book. I felt it gave a really strong message without being preachy, and in a clear and concise way that will be easy for younger readers.
I only have given it four stars because I felt the writing wasn't quite up to the standard of its prequel, but I still highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed it very much, and look forward to more from this author.
I only have given it four stars because I felt the writing wasn't quite up to the standard of its prequel, but I still highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed it very much, and look forward to more from this author.
September 16, 2007
Amalee is back, a little older, a little wiser. The tone of this sequel is a little too self-conscious with its Save The Earth message, but the characters overcome it like troupers with a substandard script.
August 1, 2008
I was shelving books at the library when I stumbled on a book by Dar Williams. Couldn't possibly be the singer/songwriter, right? Wrong. It was--ergo, I needed to check it out.
It was pretty good. Not impossibly terrific, but probably worth a read, especially if you're into animals.
It was pretty good. Not impossibly terrific, but probably worth a read, especially if you're into animals.
April 10, 2013
I liked this even more than Amalee. Engaging, endearing, down-to-earth, and important.
June 25, 2008
I couldn't finish this book...I was past Chapter 5 and not even hooked. The book isn't very realistic or interesting.
November 25, 2008
I was intrigued to learn that Dar Williams is writing YA books. Who knew?
It was really cute and I learned a ton about frogs.
It was really cute and I learned a ton about frogs.
March 7, 2009
liked much better than the first one. fun read.
April 25, 2009
its s'okay
October 7, 2009
this book was so good. she made this amazing movie and about endangered species and learns a lot about her past. defenily recommend this book to anyone
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February 25, 2010MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME!!
February 28, 2025
I read this book for a school project. It was pretty good! Would recommend for 8-12 year olds.
March 27, 2010
It's an interesting book. I'm happy with it so I'm giving it three stars. Not bad.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews