Veronica the Show-Off

Veronica #1

by Nancy K. Robinson

Veronica is starting a new school. She wants to make friends. She tells everyone about all the wonderful things she has... even if she doesn't really have them.

Soon everyone at school is tired of Veronica the Show-off. But then a very odd girl named Hilary and a mystery at the library teach Veronica something new: When you're busy being a friend, there's no time to worry about finding one.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

During her career Nancy K. Robinson wrote more than 20 books for children between the ages of 7 and 12. She also wrote stories for children published by Scholastic Inc. She was a 1964 graduate of Vassar College.

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about Veronica finding a friend. She turns out to have two and maybe Kimberly will become one too. I learned not to show off or make up things that aren't true. By not doing these, you'll be a better person.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilary is such an odd, funny little character - loved her. And Veronica is of course very interesting if not always likeable, although the library closure storyline certainly makes her shine.

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm reading this to my daughter... I read this as a kid. We are enjoying Veronica and cringing, too!

[Laina SpareTime]

Cross-posted from my blog where there's more information on where I got my copy and links and everything.

What a strange book. I dunno, I think maybe this one is just one you’d need to have more nostalgia for to really enjoy, because for me I just found Veronica a little annoying. Maybe more than a little. And because the book is so short, it doesn’t do a whole lot to grow Veronica’s character or give us insight on her feelings or anything like that.

Like honestly she gets a little stalker-ish, and if her actions were seen in today’s world, they’d seem very creepy indeed.

Also, there’s some casual racism towards Native American people, ableism including a slur for little people, and fatmisia from Veronica’s mother. So that would definitely keep me from recommending this one. All in all, I just wasn’t that impressed by this one and I think I’m just going to pass it on. Short review because there’s just not that much to this one. Sorry!!

[Amy Flink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when i was about 10. I could really relate to Veronica in that I was lonely and wanted people to like me, and I thought it was cool the way she wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in. This book covers a lot of things that young kids go thru growing up. It's a must-have!

When I read it I noticed that the author must have gotten a lot of her ideas from author Marilyn Sachs. Also, if you notice, the cover is, like, identical to one of the covers of Judy Blume's book, "Blubber" which came out in the late 1980s in paper back (in that picture the girls are laughing at "Blubber" as she stands at the front of the room, giving a presentation on the whale)!

[Natalie]

This was actually much cuter than I expected. Other than Veronica being incredibly annoying (but slowly learning how to be a nicer person) there was nothing offensive. My daughter's at the age where a little subtle hint here or there on how to be a nicer friend won't hurt her at all, so I'm more than happy to release this to her. There are two other books that I have about the same girl. I'll release those too - I seriously doubt it would go too crazy from here.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books as a kid. I found Veronica to be endearing in her own tone-deaf way. I loved the unlikely friendship that forms at the end. And I loved the case this book makes for access to libraries and the promotion of literacy.

[Vikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Main character was very annoying. Book was short and the story didn’t really go anywhere. Some parts were never explained. What happened with her Dad? What happened to the library? Why was she so angry at Melody and then suddenly obsessed with her? 1/5 unfortunately.

[pride :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!I think this book is really nice because it shows a lesson that everyone can learn no matter how young or old you.And that lesson is to be yourself.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first (and one of the very few) books I have ever reread

[Abby Wilson]

i was looking for books i read from my childhood. the name of this book in my mind was "victoria is mean." it's a miracle that i managed to find it, lol

[Reading with Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Cws]

JEAR3-Rob