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Callie's Rules
Callie’s Rules for Things to Do in Middle
· Have lots of pictures in your phone.
· Get a phone.
Callie Jones is excited about her first day of sixth grade, but from the moment she arrives and is greeted by dirty looks (apparently, you don’t ride your bike to middle school), she realizes that there are a set of unwritten rules that everyone seems to know–everyone except her. So Callie decides she’ll write a list of the rules, and she’ll never go wrong again.
At home, Callie’s close-knit family is making big Halloween plans, until the parents of snotty Valeri Van Dine convince the Town Council to cancel Halloween and replace it with Autumn Fest, a celebration of wholesome “American” values.
Callie doesn’t think their arguments make much sense, and the Council keeps making rules so they don’t have to listen. So Callie decides it’s time to make some rules of her own.
· Have lots of pictures in your phone.
· Get a phone.
Callie Jones is excited about her first day of sixth grade, but from the moment she arrives and is greeted by dirty looks (apparently, you don’t ride your bike to middle school), she realizes that there are a set of unwritten rules that everyone seems to know–everyone except her. So Callie decides she’ll write a list of the rules, and she’ll never go wrong again.
At home, Callie’s close-knit family is making big Halloween plans, until the parents of snotty Valeri Van Dine convince the Town Council to cancel Halloween and replace it with Autumn Fest, a celebration of wholesome “American” values.
Callie doesn’t think their arguments make much sense, and the Council keeps making rules so they don’t have to listen. So Callie decides it’s time to make some rules of her own.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 20, 2009
Callie is an eleven year old girl in her first year of middle school who is trying to keep track of all the rules there are to fit in. All the other middle schoolers seem to know these rules so why can't Callie, could it be because she has a weird family? When the town decides to replace Halloween with an "Autumn Festival" instead, Callie decides to lead her family in an unusual protest.
I loved this book. Even though through out the book the reader realizes that Callie is the underdog somehow you just know she will prevail in someway. Callie is somewhat embarrassed by her mother, why can't she be like other mother's and wear pretty aprons and dress nicely. Callie's mom is a sculptor and wears a helmet and works in their back shed sculpting. Every year she creates a new "weirdo" to decorate their front yard for Halloween. Halloween is a big thing in Callie's home with decorating, homemade treats made by her dad, creating family costumes. Oh and her dad grows his owm pumpkins , another embarrassement too, he sings to his pumpkins to make them grow...
This is a great book for kids to realize it is okay to be different and that all families are different. Even the most "together" families have their problems too.
I loved this book. Even though through out the book the reader realizes that Callie is the underdog somehow you just know she will prevail in someway. Callie is somewhat embarrassed by her mother, why can't she be like other mother's and wear pretty aprons and dress nicely. Callie's mom is a sculptor and wears a helmet and works in their back shed sculpting. Every year she creates a new "weirdo" to decorate their front yard for Halloween. Halloween is a big thing in Callie's home with decorating, homemade treats made by her dad, creating family costumes. Oh and her dad grows his owm pumpkins , another embarrassement too, he sings to his pumpkins to make them grow...
This is a great book for kids to realize it is okay to be different and that all families are different. Even the most "together" families have their problems too.
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December 9, 2022unlocked a deep memory xoxo
May 10, 2013
I was attracted to this book in the beginning, because Callie is a bit like I was in Jr. High--still a kid, and clueless about all this new stuff the other girls all seem to know. And right off on page 7 there's a great quote about rules, the kind of rules that govern the behavior of teen girls, not the kind that schools make: Stupid rules. Well, rules are rules. They're not supposed to make sense. they're supposed to make the people who know the rules feel good and the people who don't know the rules feel stupid. Too true! These are rules for how to fit in, how to be cool, and by the end of the book Callie figures out that the girls who slavishly follow them are fools.
The premise of the novel is two-fold: Callie is just starting middle school (6th grade), which is a huge transition and she really doesn't get it. At the same time, the richest woman in her rather small town has decided that Halloween is a pagan festival, both too frightening for small children and designed to lure kids into satanism or something. Since she is the banker's wife, she is able to convince lots of people, including the Town Council, that she is right. So while Callie is trying to fit in at her new school, she is also trying to save her favorite holiday. The two tasks seem to be completely incompatible, since being an activist means standing out.
The story is fairly well told, and the message is sound: to be yourself and to stand up for what you believe in. I think it will appeal to middle-grade girls, and may be of some help to those trying to navigate all those unspoken social rules of middle school. Overall, however, I wasn't satisfied. The story didn't feel real, with characters and situation that were just a bit over the top. That's fine, of course, in the right book--one that knows it's over the top. I didn't feel like this one did. It was good enough, but just didn't work for me, despite my appreciation of the message.
The premise of the novel is two-fold: Callie is just starting middle school (6th grade), which is a huge transition and she really doesn't get it. At the same time, the richest woman in her rather small town has decided that Halloween is a pagan festival, both too frightening for small children and designed to lure kids into satanism or something. Since she is the banker's wife, she is able to convince lots of people, including the Town Council, that she is right. So while Callie is trying to fit in at her new school, she is also trying to save her favorite holiday. The two tasks seem to be completely incompatible, since being an activist means standing out.
The story is fairly well told, and the message is sound: to be yourself and to stand up for what you believe in. I think it will appeal to middle-grade girls, and may be of some help to those trying to navigate all those unspoken social rules of middle school. Overall, however, I wasn't satisfied. The story didn't feel real, with characters and situation that were just a bit over the top. That's fine, of course, in the right book--one that knows it's over the top. I didn't feel like this one did. It was good enough, but just didn't work for me, despite my appreciation of the message.
November 1, 2009
I really related to this book. I see new students enter middle school every year. I watch them try to figure out what middle school is all about. Many of them get so overwhelmed they just burst into tears. I have never had any like Callie. Call gets to school and realizes that things are very different from what she is used to. She doesn’t want to mess up again so she decides to write down all of the rules. When Halloween is replaced by the Autumn Fest Callie is upset. What really upsets her is that the councils seems to keep changing the rules so they don’t have to listen to any protests. This is where Callie says enough is enough and decides to come up with her own rules. I really enjoyed this book. I was one of those funny, lite reads that you can sit and giggle with (okay so maybe that is just me and maybe that is why my students kept looking at me laughing). This is another one of those books I borrowed from my local library but will soon be a purchase to be placed on my shelves. This would make a great read aloud at the beginning of the year. I would recommend it to all of my students
December 31, 2009
Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.com
Callie has started middle school and it's turning out to be an interesting year for her. She comes from a family of seven children, including siblings Andromeda and Melpomene, and is considered to be a bit "odd" by her classmates.
She doesn't care, though; she's got her best friend, Alyce, and her list of rules to help her get by. She creates her list of rules about life based on what she herself thinks is true.
However, Callie soon learns that rules can be frustrating and confusing. She doesn't agree with all of them, especially the one that's going to change Halloween in her town.
Some citizens feel that the holiday has taken on a bad meaning and want to create a fall festival theme instead. Callie's family loves Halloween and make plans for it all year long.
Can Callie find the courage to speak up and justify her rules without compromising her true self? Does it really matter what others think of her?
This is a very enjoyable book about being accepted no matter what our differences are. Callie is a strong, independent young woman who tries not to let others influence her. I highly recommend this book!
Callie has started middle school and it's turning out to be an interesting year for her. She comes from a family of seven children, including siblings Andromeda and Melpomene, and is considered to be a bit "odd" by her classmates.
She doesn't care, though; she's got her best friend, Alyce, and her list of rules to help her get by. She creates her list of rules about life based on what she herself thinks is true.
However, Callie soon learns that rules can be frustrating and confusing. She doesn't agree with all of them, especially the one that's going to change Halloween in her town.
Some citizens feel that the holiday has taken on a bad meaning and want to create a fall festival theme instead. Callie's family loves Halloween and make plans for it all year long.
Can Callie find the courage to speak up and justify her rules without compromising her true self? Does it really matter what others think of her?
This is a very enjoyable book about being accepted no matter what our differences are. Callie is a strong, independent young woman who tries not to let others influence her. I highly recommend this book!
April 19, 2010
This is a delightful coming-of-age story of a girl adjusting to middle school - with all of its rules, both explicit and implicit, and struggling with being different. Calliope Jones is one of 7 children. Her sisters' names are Andromeda, Melpomene and Polyhymnia, and her brothers are Jack, Ted and Fred. Mom's an artist who works in metals; dad's a vegetarian lawyer, and even if it weren't for her name and her family, Callie would be different. One of her favorite books - as a 6th grader - is Jane Eyre. Apparently, Callie's best friend Alice/Alyce is feeling the conflicting social pressures of middle school, and she has changed the spelling of her name so it is less ordinary, but she wants to conform to the style and behavior rules set by the popular Valeri, even if it means avoiding Callie. Things really start to go badly for Callie when Valeri's mother campaigns to end Halloween celebrations because they are frightening, and encourage satanic worship, disrespectful behavior (extortion of adults by children), and unhealthful eating. Kids who like Cynthia Lord's Rules, may find this book similar.
March 5, 2011
Callie, real name Calliope, is one of 7 children. She is a typical beginning middle schooler where everything and everybody seems to bother her. She lives in a small town where everybody knows everybody and the "important people" seem to hold the important offices. Callie is an excellent student, but has a tendency to want, like all other middle school girls, to want to fit in with the "in" crowd. But, that doesn't happen.
At the end of every chapter Callie assesses new Callie rules based on things that happen in the chapter. You can just see that middle school brain at work.
When the la-ti-das decide that Halloween should be changed to the Autumn Fest, Callie's family is upset because Halloween is one of the holidays they love. I have seen the same things happening in my state because of the connotation of Halloween being associated with ideas that appear to be radical.
CALLIE RULES appears to be the first in a series of Callie books. I look forward to more.
CALLIE RULES is on the 2011-12 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominees List.
At the end of every chapter Callie assesses new Callie rules based on things that happen in the chapter. You can just see that middle school brain at work.
When the la-ti-das decide that Halloween should be changed to the Autumn Fest, Callie's family is upset because Halloween is one of the holidays they love. I have seen the same things happening in my state because of the connotation of Halloween being associated with ideas that appear to be radical.
CALLIE RULES appears to be the first in a series of Callie books. I look forward to more.
CALLIE RULES is on the 2011-12 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominees List.
December 2, 2011
There are unwritten rules in sixth grade and every girl knows them except Callie. She is the smartest kid in her class and when she walks to the front of the room to turn in her paper, she can feel every pair of eyes on her. Now Valeri's mother has decided to end Halloween and replace it with boring Autumn Fest. Only Callie can save Halloween.
Reasons I like this book-
Reason1- Callie's mom makes a weirdo every year. Weirdos are statues and every Halloween, the weirdos are placed in the front yard. Each weirdo is different from the next. The descriptions about the weirdos are very well done and I like the weirdos.
Reason 2- The book made me think of what would happen if someone ended Halloween.
Reason 3- Callie is smart. She thought of different ways to save Halloween, even if the Principal tried to stop her. I would want to save Halloween if I was in a situation like that.
Reasons I like this book-
Reason1- Callie's mom makes a weirdo every year. Weirdos are statues and every Halloween, the weirdos are placed in the front yard. Each weirdo is different from the next. The descriptions about the weirdos are very well done and I like the weirdos.
Reason 2- The book made me think of what would happen if someone ended Halloween.
Reason 3- Callie is smart. She thought of different ways to save Halloween, even if the Principal tried to stop her. I would want to save Halloween if I was in a situation like that.
May 10, 2010
According to the blurp on the book the story is suppose to be how Callie saves Halloween.
The problem is that the author does not deliever on the promise. I found the book to be a big disappoint becasue of this. Especially after reading Wisel's Holocaust triology. There are times when you have to fight hard and forgot about being nice.
That is the problem is that Callie and her family play by the rules and let the rule maker ride over them. They wait until the day after to lauch a protest which is typical of the left too little too late.
Callie though does some growing in the story and learns the lesson to value her difference. The story is pleasant enough but, I wish it had a little more Celements in it.
I gave it two stars because children may not find the story as disappointing as I did.
The problem is that the author does not deliever on the promise. I found the book to be a big disappoint becasue of this. Especially after reading Wisel's Holocaust triology. There are times when you have to fight hard and forgot about being nice.
That is the problem is that Callie and her family play by the rules and let the rule maker ride over them. They wait until the day after to lauch a protest which is typical of the left too little too late.
Callie though does some growing in the story and learns the lesson to value her difference. The story is pleasant enough but, I wish it had a little more Celements in it.
I gave it two stars because children may not find the story as disappointing as I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2010
Recommended Ages: grades 4-6
Callie Jones is excited about her first day of sixth grade, but from the moment she arrives and is greeted by dirty looks (apparently, you don’t ride your bike to middle school), she realizes that there are a set of unwritten rules that everyone seems to know–everyone except her. So Callie decides she’ll write a list of the rules, and she’ll never go wrong again.
At home, Callie’s close-knit family is making big Halloween plans, until the parents of snotty Valeri Van Dine convince the Town Council to cancel Halloween and replace it with Autumn Fest, a celebration of wholesome “American” values.
Callie doesn’t think their arguments make much sense, and the Council keeps making rules so they don’t have to listen. So Callie decides it’s time to make some rules of her own.
Callie Jones is excited about her first day of sixth grade, but from the moment she arrives and is greeted by dirty looks (apparently, you don’t ride your bike to middle school), she realizes that there are a set of unwritten rules that everyone seems to know–everyone except her. So Callie decides she’ll write a list of the rules, and she’ll never go wrong again.
At home, Callie’s close-knit family is making big Halloween plans, until the parents of snotty Valeri Van Dine convince the Town Council to cancel Halloween and replace it with Autumn Fest, a celebration of wholesome “American” values.
Callie doesn’t think their arguments make much sense, and the Council keeps making rules so they don’t have to listen. So Callie decides it’s time to make some rules of her own.
March 8, 2010
Poor Callie,
Her unorthodox family is part of what makes her special, but it makes her FEEL odd and disconnected with her schoolmates. This feeling comes alive for her family as the repressive mother of the popular girl at school tries to pass an ordinance banning Halloween and promoting "Autumn Fest" instead. There will be no scary costumes, trick or treating, or home decorations that are not approved by the committee.
Callie and her family try to fight city hall and must use all their wit to work around the restrictions. This book is a great discussion starter for any social studies classroom, with its focus on free speech, how local government works, popularity, taking up a cause, the purpose of schools, canvassing and petitions and who gets a say in the decision making process.
Her unorthodox family is part of what makes her special, but it makes her FEEL odd and disconnected with her schoolmates. This feeling comes alive for her family as the repressive mother of the popular girl at school tries to pass an ordinance banning Halloween and promoting "Autumn Fest" instead. There will be no scary costumes, trick or treating, or home decorations that are not approved by the committee.
Callie and her family try to fight city hall and must use all their wit to work around the restrictions. This book is a great discussion starter for any social studies classroom, with its focus on free speech, how local government works, popularity, taking up a cause, the purpose of schools, canvassing and petitions and who gets a say in the decision making process.
February 4, 2014
a girl with a strange name (Calliope) finds out that it is okay to be different, and okay for your family to be different. it is okay not to fit into the "rules" of everyone else.
Callie has all kinds of rules -- but no one follows them! She is embarassed by her family; they do not fit into the norm of families she sees around her in middle school. Her best friend has "joined the other side." It is not until the "normal" families of her town try to change the way Halloween is celebrated (they want to change it to an Autumn Fest without all the scary costumes, etc. and more rules) that Callie finds herself fighting the town council for her family and her neighborhood.
A fun story with more substance than it first appears!
Callie has all kinds of rules -- but no one follows them! She is embarassed by her family; they do not fit into the norm of families she sees around her in middle school. Her best friend has "joined the other side." It is not until the "normal" families of her town try to change the way Halloween is celebrated (they want to change it to an Autumn Fest without all the scary costumes, etc. and more rules) that Callie finds herself fighting the town council for her family and her neighborhood.
A fun story with more substance than it first appears!
December 28, 2009
Callie is struggling to fit in in seventh grade. Her best friend is becoming more interested in being popular than in being Callie's friend, and her small town combined with her eccentric family isn't helping any either. When the wife of a prominent businessman decides that Halloween is a devil's holiday and should be changed to an Autumn Fest where everyone wears non-scary costumes, Callie is determined to make a statement. But what can an 11-year-old non-voting citizen do? You'd be surprised!..
August 9, 2009
I thought this one was really clever! I very much enjoyed Callie's POV. The author did a great job in capturing the start of middle school and all of the inner turmoil that comes with it...and didn't let that overpower the story.
It will be interesting to see how readers (and their parents) react to the story. There is definitely some tension that could develop, though not anything that would lead to a banning.
Fun and light. Good stuff.
It will be interesting to see how readers (and their parents) react to the story. There is definitely some tension that could develop, though not anything that would lead to a banning.
Fun and light. Good stuff.
April 5, 2010
Very easily readable book aimed at girls. Way to much in the way of "don't be afraid to be yourself" stuff. This is exactly the kind of preachy book that kids don't want to read. Eleven-year-old girls do not have the thoughts of 30-year-old grownups. And the "choices and consequences" chapter (page 153)? Wow, this is the talk that kids dread. If you want to reach a kid, you don't have a conversation like that.
December 6, 2010
Some things the author gets just right- the secret rules of sixth grade, the way a kid would rather die than be seen as different. Other things serve the plot but are much less believable. It is not likely that an entire town would give up Halloween based on the recommendation of one citizen (even a powerful one). Still, the plot does a good job serving the larger theme of standing up for what one believes. -Maeve
January 12, 2011
This was an interesting story. Good middle school characters and dialog. It was a simple, quick read that most intermediate readers would enjoy. I like the controversy in the community when Halloween celebrations are threatened with cancellation. Activism is something most middle graders no little about and yet they are quick to become involved when they sense injustice. Callie's family is intriguing.
January 18, 2011
I picked this book up randomly not excepting much. I was surprised that i really enjoyed. the story about some who so called family valves beliefs restricts the fun and freedom of others is a very timely topic. enjoyed the character of Callie very much. i am eagerly looking forward to the second book.
July 6, 2011
This book ended up being too young for my daughters. It was about Halloween - a group of parents wanted to change it to 'autumn festival' and limit the choices for dressing up. Callie has her first experience standing up to adults, city government etc. Her parents are supportive to the right degree. It's cute but too young for us.
May 6, 2010
Interesting for the protection from terror/godless heathens aspects while still being a very everyday sort of story. In terms of weird-artsy-family-bucking-social-tradition stories, Surviving the Applewhites, Schooled and the Hilary McKay books are just more fun.
March 25, 2012
Horrible mismatch with cover... I like the idea, though execution is a bit over the top... Callie should be a little bit odd but she looks precious on cover... I'd also think a dragon costume on cover would have been more exciting ...
Good but too heavy handed.
Good but too heavy handed.
November 23, 2009
I loved Callie's voice, her world view, and her unique family. How wonderful to have another strong middle grade girl who finds her own way in the world in spite of many pressures to conform.
February 25, 2010
bad bad bad do not read
December 6, 2010
Fun but not entirely believable.
November 4, 2016
Although the main character of this book is starting 6th grade, it is more ES. Would not be picked up by any 7th or 8th graders or boys. Cute story about a girl trying to fit in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2013
Subject matter is not appropriate for elementary school.
August 12, 2013
This is a really sweet book. 4.6 It's just not really a life-changer, but I'll give it a 5. I highly recommend it for anyone about 9 and up. I blogged about it www.jerianna.blogspot.com
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November 5, 2014I thought this book was really great
I have read it twice
Callie's family is surprising
I have read it twice
Callie's family is surprising
December 16, 2009
I will be adding this to my order for school!
October 14, 2009
The book is great. The whole idea of Valeri Van Dine's is so stupid.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews