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Alice #11
Alice on the Outside
Alice likes her life, but she senses things are changing. She gets a little bored by her best friends Elizabeth and Pamela's constant chatter about clothes and makeup, and sometimes she feels excluded from their conversations. Her relationship with Patrick is becoming more complicated, too. From her cousin Carol, Alice learns that there are no easy answers to some of her questions about life. Then a school experiment and a new friend with a painful secret reveal some unsettling truths about the world Alice lives in. Growing up is even trickier than Alice thought -- is she ready for the challenge?
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1999
16 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
247 books1,036 followersPhyllis Reynolds Naylor was born in Anderson, Indiana, US on January 4, 1933.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 20, 2019
Absolutely horrible book. I am amazed anyone would consider this appropriate for children's literature. First mention of sex is on page 7 and it goes downhill from there. Little to no character development. Really disgusting.
(I skimmed a good 3/4 of the book due to it being so awful, and threw it away. Disappointing because I usually like YA fiction.)
(I skimmed a good 3/4 of the book due to it being so awful, and threw it away. Disappointing because I usually like YA fiction.)
October 14, 2012
A great Alice story, definitely comparable to Alice in Lace (my favorite) in terms of greatness. To get a real world view of prejudice the entire school is divided into As, Bs, and Cs and are granted different levels of privileges. Certain groups are required to use certain staircases, water fountains, and are allowed to board the school buses first. The students have strong emotional reactions to the experiment and have a great in class discussion. I was so glad to read about another meaty assignment like the ones Alice and her friends were assigned in Alice in Lace (they had to plan a wedding, buy a car, make decisions about an unplanned pregnancy etc).
Also in this volume, Alice asks some serious questions about sex. Her cousin Carol visits for a week and the two share a very detailed pillow talk session, which I appreciated for its honesty and the mature way in which Alice both asked her questions and received her answers.
A side story that comes up in this book is a growing friendship with a girl named Lori. After a sleepover at Lori's house Alice learns that Lori is a lesbian. Although Alice doesn't share this secret with her best friends Pamela and Elizabeth a brief discussion does arise after an incident involving Lori and another girl in the school bathroom and all of the girls' different points of view are revealed. I wonder if this topic will be explored more in depth in later Alice stories, but I liked seeing how Alice handled herself and stuck up for her friend when a group of girls ganged up on her and tried to harassed her.
One of my favorite titles in the Alice series, but be warned that sex is a BIG topic in this book as compared to the way it is mentioned here and there in other books, it is a main focus in this book. Recommended for teen girls grades 9 and up.
Also in this volume, Alice asks some serious questions about sex. Her cousin Carol visits for a week and the two share a very detailed pillow talk session, which I appreciated for its honesty and the mature way in which Alice both asked her questions and received her answers.
A side story that comes up in this book is a growing friendship with a girl named Lori. After a sleepover at Lori's house Alice learns that Lori is a lesbian. Although Alice doesn't share this secret with her best friends Pamela and Elizabeth a brief discussion does arise after an incident involving Lori and another girl in the school bathroom and all of the girls' different points of view are revealed. I wonder if this topic will be explored more in depth in later Alice stories, but I liked seeing how Alice handled herself and stuck up for her friend when a group of girls ganged up on her and tried to harassed her.
One of my favorite titles in the Alice series, but be warned that sex is a BIG topic in this book as compared to the way it is mentioned here and there in other books, it is a main focus in this book. Recommended for teen girls grades 9 and up.
May 9, 2024
I do have a problem with the depiction of the lesbian friend here. First, not all lesbians are tomboys who don't like lacy dresses, nor all girls who are tomboys lesbians. Second, as soon as Alice rescues the lesbians from the bullies, they pretty much disappear from the book.., having served their purpose. Third (related), they're not people who happen to be lesbians, they're just simply lesbians, which is disrespectful (but then, lots of secondary characters in this series are just representative types, so it's not a horrible thing given the context).
I do like the CRW event. Sort of like the 'brown eyes/ blue eyes' project but school wide, including teachers, and three groups not just two.
I do like the CRW event. Sort of like the 'brown eyes/ blue eyes' project but school wide, including teachers, and three groups not just two.
February 24, 2009
This book talks about sex in ways that are better than how most books for middle school kids talk about sex. A low bar, and yet I was impressed... For example, it contains the radical idea that women should enjoy themselves and ask for what they want sexually! Wait until love and marriage remains the theme though.
There is a ton of fascinating stuff to analyze here if you want to be a geek with me.
There is a ton of fascinating stuff to analyze here if you want to be a geek with me.
December 23, 2015
Alice #11, in which Alice experiences prejudice and homophobia for the first time.
Alice's school runs something called Consciousness Raising Week to reach the students about prejudice and privilege. Based on hair color, students are assigned to groups A, B or C, and have certain restrictions and rites based on those groups. Certain groups can only use certain staircases, sit in certain parts of the cafeteria, etc. The students see it as a joke originally, but by the end of the week, everyone is highly emotional and on edge. It's kind of heavy-handed in delivery, and maybe even a bit preachy, buts its also a good examination of privilege and discrimination, especially for a middle grade book.
There's also a side story in which Alice gets to know Lori Hayes, a new student in her grade. At a sleepover at Lori's house, Alice realizes that Lori is interested in her romantically, and she handles the situation with tact and grace. It's a nice moment that does not overdramatize the miscommunication. Later, Alice has a discussion with her dad in which he makes it clear that he would love her regardless of her sexual orientation. I can imagine that a young reader struggling with his or her sexuality would find particular comfort and solace in this storyline, and I applaud Naylor for including it and doing it justice.
The book also contains one of the realest discussions of sex I have ever seen in a book, let alone a middle-grade book. When Alice's worldy older cousin Carol comes to visit, Alice take the opportunity to learn all she can about sex and orgasms and love. There's a nice emphasis on the fact that sex isn't like it is in the movies. Alice learns that its not all about simultaneous orgasms and inexplicably perfect hair, but that sex is really about trust and requires clear communication. I can certainly see some parents taking issue with the sexual nature of that chapter, but Naylor handles it so well -- like a blunt but loving grandmother.
Random observations:
- Found myself hating Patrick significantly less here. Is it possible he is developing his very own personality?
- This is the one where Patrick gets mono right before the semiformal, and Alice ends up going alone. I love she went to the dance by herself even though the idea intimidated her. It was also classy that Patrick enlisted Sam to take her to the dance, even though he knew Sam had a crush on her. Props to Patrick.
- I don't really get how the title fit the story. If anything, this is more 'Alice in the Know' as she learns about prejudice, discrimination and relationships. But don't worry - Alice in the Know is a title of a later book in the series. Did I mention how many of these there are?
Alice's school runs something called Consciousness Raising Week to reach the students about prejudice and privilege. Based on hair color, students are assigned to groups A, B or C, and have certain restrictions and rites based on those groups. Certain groups can only use certain staircases, sit in certain parts of the cafeteria, etc. The students see it as a joke originally, but by the end of the week, everyone is highly emotional and on edge. It's kind of heavy-handed in delivery, and maybe even a bit preachy, buts its also a good examination of privilege and discrimination, especially for a middle grade book.
There's also a side story in which Alice gets to know Lori Hayes, a new student in her grade. At a sleepover at Lori's house, Alice realizes that Lori is interested in her romantically, and she handles the situation with tact and grace. It's a nice moment that does not overdramatize the miscommunication. Later, Alice has a discussion with her dad in which he makes it clear that he would love her regardless of her sexual orientation. I can imagine that a young reader struggling with his or her sexuality would find particular comfort and solace in this storyline, and I applaud Naylor for including it and doing it justice.
The book also contains one of the realest discussions of sex I have ever seen in a book, let alone a middle-grade book. When Alice's worldy older cousin Carol comes to visit, Alice take the opportunity to learn all she can about sex and orgasms and love. There's a nice emphasis on the fact that sex isn't like it is in the movies. Alice learns that its not all about simultaneous orgasms and inexplicably perfect hair, but that sex is really about trust and requires clear communication. I can certainly see some parents taking issue with the sexual nature of that chapter, but Naylor handles it so well -- like a blunt but loving grandmother.
Random observations:
- Found myself hating Patrick significantly less here. Is it possible he is developing his very own personality?
- This is the one where Patrick gets mono right before the semiformal, and Alice ends up going alone. I love she went to the dance by herself even though the idea intimidated her. It was also classy that Patrick enlisted Sam to take her to the dance, even though he knew Sam had a crush on her. Props to Patrick.
- I don't really get how the title fit the story. If anything, this is more 'Alice in the Know' as she learns about prejudice, discrimination and relationships. But don't worry - Alice in the Know is a title of a later book in the series. Did I mention how many of these there are?
September 27, 2025
The nostalgia of this series ❤️ it’s heartwarming to see Alice feeling more confident and standing up for others
June 28, 2024
You can see that between book #11 and #13 that Alice really starts to mature more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2015
I picked this up on a whim from the teen fiction display at the library, for two reasons: one, it's by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, whose Boy/Girl War books kept my children happily entertained in elementary school. Reliable author. Two, it's about an 8th grade girl who is dealing with 8th grade life. Should be perfect for my 8th grade daughter, right?
No. No, it's not perfect. Not even in the ballpark. This is essentially a 175-page sex ed manual masquerading as a novel. The first 30 pages feature Alice asking questions she's always wanted to know about sex, and getting answers from her 20-something cousin. Boring as all get out for a plot, but very informational for a birds-and-bees talk, if that's what you're looking for.
It's not that the questions or the answers are wrong (although some are iffy), but that they come out of the blue in a novel marketed to middle schoolers, with no indication on the cover or description that it contains sexually explicit material. Totally inappropriate for the age group. If my daughter asked me those questions, I'd answer them, because I'm her mom and that's my job and my right. But I'm not fond of the sneak attack from some random author whose opinions have no place in the discussion.
To add insult to injury, the entire book is preachy. Even when I agreed with what was being preached (which I often did--it is big on waiting until you find someone you love and/or are married, and doesn't advocate irresponsible behavior), I still wanted to shake whichever character was doing the preaching. SO. ANNOYING. And of course, there are a few things I heartily disagreed with, which made it even more aggravating to sit through the sermonizing on those topics. Gah. At least make it sound like real dialogue, and not a question/answer section in a brochure you picked up at the school maturation program.
A little research tells me that there is an entire series of Alice books--28, to be precise--that somehow I missed in the last 30 years. Probably because the first one was published when I was a junior in high school, and wouldn't have been interested in a book about a 6th grade girl, and then they simply haven't been on my radar until now, when I have daughters of my own who are always looking for good reads. This one is #11, so I guess I jumped in somewhere in the middle of the series. Apparently there has been some controversy surrounding certain books in the series, which isn't surprising if there are more like this one.
No. No, it's not perfect. Not even in the ballpark. This is essentially a 175-page sex ed manual masquerading as a novel. The first 30 pages feature Alice asking questions she's always wanted to know about sex, and getting answers from her 20-something cousin. Boring as all get out for a plot, but very informational for a birds-and-bees talk, if that's what you're looking for.
It's not that the questions or the answers are wrong (although some are iffy), but that they come out of the blue in a novel marketed to middle schoolers, with no indication on the cover or description that it contains sexually explicit material. Totally inappropriate for the age group. If my daughter asked me those questions, I'd answer them, because I'm her mom and that's my job and my right. But I'm not fond of the sneak attack from some random author whose opinions have no place in the discussion.
To add insult to injury, the entire book is preachy. Even when I agreed with what was being preached (which I often did--it is big on waiting until you find someone you love and/or are married, and doesn't advocate irresponsible behavior), I still wanted to shake whichever character was doing the preaching. SO. ANNOYING. And of course, there are a few things I heartily disagreed with, which made it even more aggravating to sit through the sermonizing on those topics. Gah. At least make it sound like real dialogue, and not a question/answer section in a brochure you picked up at the school maturation program.
A little research tells me that there is an entire series of Alice books--28, to be precise--that somehow I missed in the last 30 years. Probably because the first one was published when I was a junior in high school, and wouldn't have been interested in a book about a 6th grade girl, and then they simply haven't been on my radar until now, when I have daughters of my own who are always looking for good reads. This one is #11, so I guess I jumped in somewhere in the middle of the series. Apparently there has been some controversy surrounding certain books in the series, which isn't surprising if there are more like this one.
June 26, 2013
Alice is in junior high, and she has a lot of questions. In this particular book in the series, Alice learns about sex, makes friends with a classmate who is gay, and participates in a school-wide activity to help kids understand racism.
I picked this one up because it was part of a "LGBT kid lit" display. That's about all it has going for it. Published in 1990, this book is very dated. Add that to the fact that the spine is printed with the words "teen fiction" when no teen I know would be caught dead reading a 20+ year old book about an 8th grader, and this book fails miserably. Not only that, but all the "big topics" that come up in this book are handled in such a preachy, after-school-special style that the lessons they're trying to get across sound canned and forced.
If this series were in my collection, I'd seriously consider weeding it unless it happens to still circulate for some reason. As it is, this "teen fiction" book is about the size of a Babysitters Club book and is shelved in the JFic at my local library.
I picked this one up because it was part of a "LGBT kid lit" display. That's about all it has going for it. Published in 1990, this book is very dated. Add that to the fact that the spine is printed with the words "teen fiction" when no teen I know would be caught dead reading a 20+ year old book about an 8th grader, and this book fails miserably. Not only that, but all the "big topics" that come up in this book are handled in such a preachy, after-school-special style that the lessons they're trying to get across sound canned and forced.
If this series were in my collection, I'd seriously consider weeding it unless it happens to still circulate for some reason. As it is, this "teen fiction" book is about the size of a Babysitters Club book and is shelved in the JFic at my local library.
March 29, 2018
There are a lot of sensitive topics covered in this book - sex, racism, prejudice, and lgbtq+ issues. While I liked the way the majority of the way these topics were discussed, the part revolving around lesbianism was not handled gracefully. I understand this is a product of its time, but there's a point where Alice's father says he'd be disappointed if Alice was gay because she'd never know what it would be like to have a husband or children. That part made me hardcore cringe.
Lesbians don't want husbands and just like any other couple, they may or may not have children. I know gay marriage wasn't legal then and I assume a lot of gay couples weren't adopting, but it still bugged me.
Overall, this is the first Alice book that really delved into some deep issues.
Lesbians don't want husbands and just like any other couple, they may or may not have children. I know gay marriage wasn't legal then and I assume a lot of gay couples weren't adopting, but it still bugged me.
Overall, this is the first Alice book that really delved into some deep issues.
July 29, 2014
Alice finally hangs out with more than just her token two best friends, boyfriend, and brother. PRN introduces a non-white friend and a lesbian. Alice's school learns about prejudice. Alice is attracted to someone besides Patrick.
Book takes place: Spring semester of 8th grade.
Alice's life lessons: ...
Best Alice moment(s): "Sexually active as a bag of spinach"; Lori's bracelet; Pamela and the bikers; Alice asking Carol about sex; the formal.
Book takes place: Spring semester of 8th grade.
Alice's life lessons: ...
Best Alice moment(s): "Sexually active as a bag of spinach"; Lori's bracelet; Pamela and the bikers; Alice asking Carol about sex; the formal.
September 25, 2013
This one deals with some pretty grownup issues. I loved the way Consciousness-Raising Week was handled. As has happened in every book in this series, there were times when I felt like something important was left unsaid, but I thought the concept was great.
September 25, 2010
this was a great book. it would be a good book for girls...boys STAY AWAY.
May 8, 2015
This book is basically an episode of Degrassi Junior High AND I LOVE IT
January 29, 2023
a little too outdated...
1) in order to teach prejudice, the school makes up a caste system for a whole week
2) alice's friend comes out. when alice asks her dad if he'd be ok w alice being gay, he says he'd be "disappointed that you'll never know the joy of a husband & children", "sad that you would be a minority, & happy that she found someone she loved. clearly not all bad but just enough to make it iffy, especially when afterwards, she's grateful that his response was so good.
obviously, this book was written in 1999. even though times have changed, it was still startling to read these things & have them being praised for it. the intent was good (alice stands up for her gay friend, they're all supposed to learn to not discriminate), but the 1999 way of handling these issues was just startling to read
ALSO even without these issues, at the very beginning, alice's cousin carol comes for a visit. to rile up aunt sally, lester & carol (COUSINS) pretend their in love. it that wasn't enough, later on when it's just the two of them and alice, they're literally kissing to "demonstrate different types of movie kisses"??? & aunt sally catches them & they pretend to be getting married. but to make it worse, later on, alice, the horn dog that she is, asks lester if he felt anything when he was kissing carol. YOU KNWO WJAY HE SAYS?? "i was a little turned on, sure" WHAT. not only is this his cousin, it's a cousin he lived with for a few years when his mom died in middle school. meaning they were practically SIBLINGS. no wonder ur on the most banned books of the 2000s list phyllis 🙄🙄
1) in order to teach prejudice, the school makes up a caste system for a whole week
2) alice's friend comes out. when alice asks her dad if he'd be ok w alice being gay, he says he'd be "disappointed that you'll never know the joy of a husband & children", "sad that you would be a minority, & happy that she found someone she loved. clearly not all bad but just enough to make it iffy, especially when afterwards, she's grateful that his response was so good.
obviously, this book was written in 1999. even though times have changed, it was still startling to read these things & have them being praised for it. the intent was good (alice stands up for her gay friend, they're all supposed to learn to not discriminate), but the 1999 way of handling these issues was just startling to read
ALSO even without these issues, at the very beginning, alice's cousin carol comes for a visit. to rile up aunt sally, lester & carol (COUSINS) pretend their in love. it that wasn't enough, later on when it's just the two of them and alice, they're literally kissing to "demonstrate different types of movie kisses"??? & aunt sally catches them & they pretend to be getting married. but to make it worse, later on, alice, the horn dog that she is, asks lester if he felt anything when he was kissing carol. YOU KNWO WJAY HE SAYS?? "i was a little turned on, sure" WHAT. not only is this his cousin, it's a cousin he lived with for a few years when his mom died in middle school. meaning they were practically SIBLINGS. no wonder ur on the most banned books of the 2000s list phyllis 🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
Not my favorite Alice book. While Naylor addresses some topics that are not usually talked about in a middle grade series, I thought that there were just too many questions about sex. The school's idea of teaching prejudice by dividing the students by hair color was brilliant. Those who would normally be the ones of racial discrimination- Asian and African-Americans who had black hair, were the privileged group, while blondes were discriminated against by forcing them to go last, use certain stairways and bathrooms, etc. I applauded Alice for standing up for a lesbian friend but I don't think the issue should have been dropped there. Alice's older brother Lester is hilarious, but I can't imagine a 13 year-old girl discussing sex with her 21 year-old brother. And I felt uncomfortable with the deep kissing of 13 year-olds. I was a teen of the '60s and didn't kiss a boy until I was 15.
July 21, 2017
Alice is growing up all the time. She's a great example for girls her age to learn from through both good and bad choices. She's getting serious with Patrick and, being two years older than her, I am always interested in how far they take things. Also, the talks about sex were so necessary and normal.
I knew that Lori was lesbian as soon as she was introduced!! She'd said something about being on the outside and them she told Alice she was pretty and it was obvious from the start. I love the overriding theme of acceptance and diversity of all kinds. So important for kids to carry into all their lives.
I remember my own 8th grade formal!!! And also it's cool how they live in Montgomery County, which I'm pretty familiar with and live close by.
I knew that Lori was lesbian as soon as she was introduced!! She'd said something about being on the outside and them she told Alice she was pretty and it was obvious from the start. I love the overriding theme of acceptance and diversity of all kinds. So important for kids to carry into all their lives.
I remember my own 8th grade formal!!! And also it's cool how they live in Montgomery County, which I'm pretty familiar with and live close by.
October 14, 2020
Novel hasil asal comot pas main ke perpus sekolah paksu liat dari cover kirain kisah-kisah putri gitu ternyata kisah remaja dan pas di cek kisah seri gitu lah, bacaannya ringan banget dan cepat selesai.
Alice remaja usia 14 tahun dipusingkan mana yang trendi dan kuno agar tidak ketinggalan dengan teman-temannya. Belum seputar kehidupan di sekolah dan keluarga dimana ia adalah anak piatu butuh pigur ketika banyak pertanyaan seputar seks dan puberitas yang tak mungkin ditanyakan ke bapak ataupun kakaknya.
Sudah pernah di publikasi di
https://www.instagram.com/p/B831LrOno...
Alice remaja usia 14 tahun dipusingkan mana yang trendi dan kuno agar tidak ketinggalan dengan teman-temannya. Belum seputar kehidupan di sekolah dan keluarga dimana ia adalah anak piatu butuh pigur ketika banyak pertanyaan seputar seks dan puberitas yang tak mungkin ditanyakan ke bapak ataupun kakaknya.
Sudah pernah di publikasi di
https://www.instagram.com/p/B831LrOno...
July 18, 2017
LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has done it again! In this book we get to see Alice learn about discrimination. Not only does this book cover racial discrimination, but also LGBTQ discrimination. Of course Alice is very tolerant when faced with a new friend's sexual identity however she learns that not everyone is so accepting. This plot line is especially remarkable considering this book came out in 1999, when the world wasn't as aware of these issues as we are today. This book definitely gets 5 smiley faces, and is a MUST READ for all YA fans!
March 17, 2020
This book was super sweet! I love how Alice sticks up for what she believes in! I also can’t believe how grown up Elizabeth, Pamela and Alice are! Patrick and Alice are growing as a couple as well! I absolutely adore Patrick and how he is always the most thoughtful boyfriend! I mean how many guys would serenade you the night of your birthday from outside your window? Or leave you incredibly romantic notes in the corsage box? I have one more book in the middle school years and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
October 20, 2017
Another good book in the Alice series. Alice and her classmates participate in an activity to show them what prejudice feels like, and Alice later learns that one of her friends at school is gay. The book tackles these real issues kids go through, but it's not in a preachy way.
The end of the book has the semi-formal that everyone has been looking forward to. Alice goes, but the evening is not how she expected. Of course, things all turn out well in the end. ;)
On to the next Alice book!
The end of the book has the semi-formal that everyone has been looking forward to. Alice goes, but the evening is not how she expected. Of course, things all turn out well in the end. ;)
On to the next Alice book!
February 3, 2018
This book made me realize I chose a great author to follow.
This had the first lesbian character I remember, Alice- a straight, white, girl- learns about discrimination, and it was nice to have a book where the growth and development of a character had nothing to do with them being in a relationship.
Honestly, this book ages very well, I totally recommend.
This had the first lesbian character I remember, Alice- a straight, white, girl- learns about discrimination, and it was nice to have a book where the growth and development of a character had nothing to do with them being in a relationship.
Honestly, this book ages very well, I totally recommend.
March 26, 2022
This book is hard to rate/review because in some ways it is laugh-out-loud outdated but in other ways it is still highly relevant and necessary for its targeted age group. Overall, I'm glad that these books were available to pre-teens/teens in the late 90s/early 00s and I like the Alice character. I may go looking for more of the books in this series.
July 15, 2022
I love this Alice book! Some of the comments about sexuality are a little dated (like when Alice’s dad said he’s be disappointed if she were a lesbian bc she’s never know the love of a husband and children, but he’s be happy for her for knowing herself). But in general it’s a warm and fuzzy read about a girl entering adolescence.
February 21, 2017
good book
March 28, 2021
Great continuation of the series, and all about tolerance. Still very applicable today (and a great experiment for schools to run!)
May 27, 2021
I'll say again, these books are so pertinent. Wonderful job!
May 13, 2024
Lovely and fresh, especially if you are in middle school, trying to navigate life or if you're an adult in the hospital who's constantly anxious and kinda wishing life away...
July 5, 2024
Lovely and fresh, especially if you are in middle school, trying to navigate life or if you're an adult in the hospital who's constantly anxious and almost wishes life away...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews