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Ten-year-old Lanie loves science and nature, but she has a problem: she's an "outside" girl with an "inside" family. She longs get out and go camping, but they all want to stay home. It wouldn't be so bad if her best friend was around, but she's halfway around the world, living out their dream of studying wildlife. Lanie feels she never gets to have any adventures-anywhere. But when her favorite aunt comes to stay, Lanie discovers that the wonders of nature are everywhere-even in her own backyard.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Jane Kurtz
756 books53 followersJane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, but when she was two years old, her parents moved to Ethiopia. Jane grew up in Maji, a small town in the southwest corner of the country.
Since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories are of climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own stories, which she and her sisters acted out for days at a time.
That love of nature has recently inspired her to write books about loving the Earth--such as WHAT DO THEY DO WITH ALL THAT POO? and PLANET JUPITER.
Jane has published more than 40 books, fiction, nonfiction, picture books, novels for young readers, and ready-to-reads. Some are based on her childhood in Ethiopia. Some draw on her own children, such as ANNA WAS HERE, a novel for young readers that asks life's big questions about pain and disaster--and offers a few puny answers.
Since her childhood in Ethiopia, Jane has lived in Illinois, Colorado, North Dakota, Kansas and--now--back in Portland, Oregon.
Since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories are of climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own stories, which she and her sisters acted out for days at a time.
That love of nature has recently inspired her to write books about loving the Earth--such as WHAT DO THEY DO WITH ALL THAT POO? and PLANET JUPITER.
Jane has published more than 40 books, fiction, nonfiction, picture books, novels for young readers, and ready-to-reads. Some are based on her childhood in Ethiopia. Some draw on her own children, such as ANNA WAS HERE, a novel for young readers that asks life's big questions about pain and disaster--and offers a few puny answers.
Since her childhood in Ethiopia, Jane has lived in Illinois, Colorado, North Dakota, Kansas and--now--back in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 2, 2026
I've recently made a discovery about my family: Nobody likes being outdoors very much except me.Lanie is happiest when she's outside making notes about birds, bugs, and all sorts of nature phenomenon but the problem is...she's the only one.
Normally, her best friend (Dakota) is in town so the two of them could adventure together but this summer, the only communication the two friends have is via email.
"Mom, Dad, and my two sisters were born with inside genes, and I was born with outside genes."
Dakota is having an absolutely amazing experience in Indonesia - rescuing animals and studying the jungle. And Lanie is trying her best not to be jealous...but it is so hard.
Luckily Aunt Hannah decides to come to town and Lanie has a fellow outdoorsy friend for a little bit...but even that bit of luck cannot last.
Aunt Hannah is pulled away, her new neighbor is threatening to report Lanie's gardens, and above all, how can Lanie have any fun adventures when she's stuck in her backyard?
Honestly? This one was pretty dang cute!
"I buried my face in [my bunny's] sweet smelling fur and told myself sternly that scientists don't cry."
I thought the author did an amazing job with the main character - I was immediately charmed by little Lanie and her love for all things animal and science. Oh, and the fact that she walks her rabbit outside!
I remember being her age and being similarly stunned and amazed by the natural world (and putting my guinea pigs on leashes so they could explore the outside world too!)
"Walking a rabbit isn't like walking a dog. Rabbits won't follow you; you have to follow them."
I liked how every time she found something to do, she immediately went "YES! Now triple it!!" She learns about how monarch's need more habitats and . If that's not dedication, I don't know what is!
I also liked the drama in this story - it was kind of low stakes but also that petty neighborhood HOA stuff that I love. Lanie is a force to be reckoned with!
All in all - really fabulous girl of the year!
April 25, 2026
I saw the cover of this book at a scholastic book fair when I was ten and fell IMMEDIATELY head over heels, like, ran to return every book I was already holding to run and get this one. I (re)read this book on a Sunday morning with my feet in a creek, as one SHOULD.
It's the first AG book I've reread since childhood, and a variety of authors contribute to the canon, so I can't speak overall– but man. Good kid's book. The girls of the year all get some kind of gimmick related to their interests (this one ice skates! this one lives in hawaii!) and then some kind of social/emotional gimmick (this one is getting bullied! this one is afraid of public speaking!), both of which tend to be reasonably on-level for the target audience and the same-age characters they're reading about. It's an effective way to deliver info on an interest that kids either already have or could develop, if so inspired, and also to speak on relevant social or personal issues.
Lanie, specifically, nails the formula pretty well. Love of nature and environmental advocacy on an accessible level is certainly a topic worthy of attention, and Lanie's front yard garden presents a good entry point for kids who might be overwhelmed learning about the extent of pollution for the first time. Granted, it's a step that requires a lot of adult support and attention, but I think it's appropriately optimistic of AG to present a story where kids have the support of encouraging, creative adults and get to focus on the positive parts of nature. (Lanie's parents are fantastic. They're responsible and raise their three kids with care, and they have well-paying jobs that still give them time to pursue their own personal creative hobbies. Lanie may be disappointed that they're all inside people, but the positive example her parents set of adulthood is phenomenal. If nothing else, these kids will not be afraid of growing up.)
And I think the social ideas presented in the story are stronger, even–
Anyway. It's a great kid's book– very carefully and caringly written, with a strong and lovable narrative voice. Massachusetts apparently has its own state soil– New Hampshire does also, by the way– and I'm mad that my state doesn't. Why is our dirt normal. I want special dirt too
It's the first AG book I've reread since childhood, and a variety of authors contribute to the canon, so I can't speak overall– but man. Good kid's book. The girls of the year all get some kind of gimmick related to their interests (this one ice skates! this one lives in hawaii!) and then some kind of social/emotional gimmick (this one is getting bullied! this one is afraid of public speaking!), both of which tend to be reasonably on-level for the target audience and the same-age characters they're reading about. It's an effective way to deliver info on an interest that kids either already have or could develop, if so inspired, and also to speak on relevant social or personal issues.
Lanie, specifically, nails the formula pretty well. Love of nature and environmental advocacy on an accessible level is certainly a topic worthy of attention, and Lanie's front yard garden presents a good entry point for kids who might be overwhelmed learning about the extent of pollution for the first time. Granted, it's a step that requires a lot of adult support and attention, but I think it's appropriately optimistic of AG to present a story where kids have the support of encouraging, creative adults and get to focus on the positive parts of nature. (Lanie's parents are fantastic. They're responsible and raise their three kids with care, and they have well-paying jobs that still give them time to pursue their own personal creative hobbies. Lanie may be disappointed that they're all inside people, but the positive example her parents set of adulthood is phenomenal. If nothing else, these kids will not be afraid of growing up.)
And I think the social ideas presented in the story are stronger, even–
Anyway. It's a great kid's book– very carefully and caringly written, with a strong and lovable narrative voice. Massachusetts apparently has its own state soil– New Hampshire does also, by the way– and I'm mad that my state doesn't. Why is our dirt normal. I want special dirt too
September 26, 2016
This story, “Lanie”, by Jane Kurtz, is about a little girl named Lanie, who believes her family all have “inside genes”, and aren’t into exploring the outdoor world. It seems to Lanie that she’s the only one with “outside genes”. On top of that, her best friend, who also has “outside genes” is off in a rain forest, getting to explore nature, while Lanie is stuck at home when she would rather be outside. However, things begin to change as her aunt, Hannah, who is a big nature lover, comes to visit.
I enjoyed this fun-loving story, and would recommend it to many of my friends. This book inspired me to look for the remarkable nature found right in my own backyard.
I enjoyed this fun-loving story, and would recommend it to many of my friends. This book inspired me to look for the remarkable nature found right in my own backyard.
July 12, 2026
A fun story about exploring the nature that is around you, even if you live in a city. Also, finding ways to bring others along to do the same.
You can still have an adventure, even if it's different from people you know.
You can still have an adventure, even if it's different from people you know.
January 8, 2022
I attempted to read this 2010 Girl of the Year book when it first released, but I gave up in disgust. I don't remember how far I got, but I thought that the main character was rude and annoying, and it didn't look like the book was going to get more interesting beyond her complaining that she liked to spend time outdoors and her family did not.
This is better than I thought at the time, but not by much. The book is well-written, has a memorable POV voice, and encourages interest in science, animals, and the environment without being overly preachy. However, I can see why I bailed in 2010. I'm grateful that I was able to read this now for about a quarter, since some of my friends picked this up at a library book sale for me. I would never have been willing to pay enough to buy it online, but their find helps me satisfy my completion urge with the American Girl series.
I have three main complaints about this story. One is that Lanie is extremely snarky about her family not relating to her interests. Even though some of the family dynamics just portray realistic tensions and everyday frustrations, Lanie's overall attitude is the biggest problem in this book. I do like her dorky, offbeat POV voice, with expressions like "thrilldom" and "major woe," but she mostly uses her verbal skills to be mean.
This means that she and I had a lot in common in 2010! However, I at least knew how to give a real apology, and Lanie never recognizes or repents of her behavior. It's unfortunate that in a series that generally promotes great role models, Lanie gets away with her attitude and mistreatment of others without ever fully recognizing or growing beyond how unkind she is. She manages to see that she can have fun with her family despite their "inside genes," but she doesn't realize that she was the real problem all along.
She is also rude to her best friend through an email exchange, since she feels envious about the adventures her friend is having in Indonesia over the summer. Her feelings of envy are realistic and natural, but her rudeness to her friend is unacceptable, and she never truly apologizes. She later emails her friend again to tell her to delete the email if she hadn't read it, and that if she had, she should know that an alien had taken over Lanie's body and made her write it. NO. No. That is not an apology! Lanie's friend is very sweet in response, just like Lanie's family is sweet to her despite her behavior, but Lanie needs to learn how to actually ask forgiveness.
My second critique? The book keeps describing Lanie's super-cool house, which her architect mom remodeled, but there isn't a single illustration of the house or any of its features anywhere! That is very insignificant in comparison to my other complaints, but I was disappointed.
My third critique is that the story has no real plot. Various ups and downs ensue, but there isn't much of a story, and people and events keep coming and going from the narrative without it all tying together into a single coherent whole. Although this isn't the only Girl of the Year book with that problem, because this story involves a very interest-specific premise, it really needed a stronger plot to draw more kids in. If I was temporarily passionate about botany and still gave up on it, I doubt that this book did well with girls who weren't especially interested in nature.
This is better than I thought at the time, but not by much. The book is well-written, has a memorable POV voice, and encourages interest in science, animals, and the environment without being overly preachy. However, I can see why I bailed in 2010. I'm grateful that I was able to read this now for about a quarter, since some of my friends picked this up at a library book sale for me. I would never have been willing to pay enough to buy it online, but their find helps me satisfy my completion urge with the American Girl series.
I have three main complaints about this story. One is that Lanie is extremely snarky about her family not relating to her interests. Even though some of the family dynamics just portray realistic tensions and everyday frustrations, Lanie's overall attitude is the biggest problem in this book. I do like her dorky, offbeat POV voice, with expressions like "thrilldom" and "major woe," but she mostly uses her verbal skills to be mean.
This means that she and I had a lot in common in 2010! However, I at least knew how to give a real apology, and Lanie never recognizes or repents of her behavior. It's unfortunate that in a series that generally promotes great role models, Lanie gets away with her attitude and mistreatment of others without ever fully recognizing or growing beyond how unkind she is. She manages to see that she can have fun with her family despite their "inside genes," but she doesn't realize that she was the real problem all along.
She is also rude to her best friend through an email exchange, since she feels envious about the adventures her friend is having in Indonesia over the summer. Her feelings of envy are realistic and natural, but her rudeness to her friend is unacceptable, and she never truly apologizes. She later emails her friend again to tell her to delete the email if she hadn't read it, and that if she had, she should know that an alien had taken over Lanie's body and made her write it. NO. No. That is not an apology! Lanie's friend is very sweet in response, just like Lanie's family is sweet to her despite her behavior, but Lanie needs to learn how to actually ask forgiveness.
My second critique? The book keeps describing Lanie's super-cool house, which her architect mom remodeled, but there isn't a single illustration of the house or any of its features anywhere! That is very insignificant in comparison to my other complaints, but I was disappointed.
My third critique is that the story has no real plot. Various ups and downs ensue, but there isn't much of a story, and people and events keep coming and going from the narrative without it all tying together into a single coherent whole. Although this isn't the only Girl of the Year book with that problem, because this story involves a very interest-specific premise, it really needed a stronger plot to draw more kids in. If I was temporarily passionate about botany and still gave up on it, I doubt that this book did well with girls who weren't especially interested in nature.
March 12, 2022
Since my Mom really is getting into gardening, I thought it would be fun to revisit this book. I really appreciate the fact that American Girl tried something different and gave this GOTY the interest of natural science to give more awareness about the environment and the world around us. The illustrations are STUNNING-really wish AG would still put these in their newer books! Fun and interesting read, and I really liked Lanie as a character.
June 21, 2018
really cute, not my fave, but really cute
April 15, 2026
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Review to come
Review to come
June 27, 2011
My daughter Makani and I read this book together. This is a great mother-daughter read. Lots of food for thought and discussion.
What I like most is that Lanie loves science just as daughter does, and this book has helped Makani start her own science journal. She's been climbing trees to do some bird watching and to take notes on the behaviors and bird calls of those outside our house.
And I like that Lanie struggles with emotions like envy and disappointment. More discussion material.
This is a great book for girls ages 8 to 12.
What I like most is that Lanie loves science just as daughter does, and this book has helped Makani start her own science journal. She's been climbing trees to do some bird watching and to take notes on the behaviors and bird calls of those outside our house.
And I like that Lanie struggles with emotions like envy and disappointment. More discussion material.
This is a great book for girls ages 8 to 12.
March 20, 2015
My college roommate and I just finished reading this book together. We are such American Girl fans and had so much fun. We're going to make tuna pizza tonight for dinner. I'm not even kidding in the least bit.
March 10, 2019
I was obsessed with American Girl as a kid and, now that I'm a librarian, I'm thrilled to see that kids still enjoy these books. The library kids seem to love the more modern stories, so I've been trying to read some of them, too, since they love it when I can talk to them about the books they're reading. I was prepared to hate this book since I'm such a huge fan of the original historical characters, but wow! This is actually a great book and a must-read for children who love animals and nature. I love that Lanie does realistic things that kids can imitate, like making field notes about her backyard, learning about local birds, growing a garden.
These modern American Girl books are drastically different from the ones I read in the mid-90s (when the characters dealt with serious problems like war and slavery, not "my sister colored on my homework"), but I'm still impressed with this addition to the AG lineup.
These modern American Girl books are drastically different from the ones I read in the mid-90s (when the characters dealt with serious problems like war and slavery, not "my sister colored on my homework"), but I'm still impressed with this addition to the AG lineup.
November 13, 2017
It was a good book. I'm sure I would have a liked it more when I was younger. But, older-me had a hard time with parts of it, and their believability, or plausibility. Also, I'm not sure if I like the illustrations a lot. They aren't bad, either. It's just that it felt like they didn't completely match the story (I don't know how else to say it), and they aren't my favorite. They could be a little better, IMO.
July 12, 2026
Despite being only 100 pages or so, this book felt incredibly long. Lanie, the main character, was annoying and unenjoyable for most of the time. Angela was a background character that existed for undecided reasons. Lanie needs to learn that people aren't animals and to stop treating them like it. Her getting mad at Emily was valid because Emily was also an annoying character. I guess I know where she gets it from
April 23, 2024
This is a really cute story about how the smallest adventures can actually be huge. I do like how well this sets up the second book and also has some great character development. There are some facts that I didn’t know as a 29 year old lol I’m amazed that Lanie knew some of the facts. I also liked how deep some of the quotes and conversations were
February 18, 2020
This was a great first chapter book to read to my daughter, also named Lanie. She loved reading a book about a girl with her name. She also has the doll too! It was a special experience and we both loved the book!
Read
May 9, 2020When I was young I loved this book. I think it was really because of the cover! XD
I think I tried to make my own imaginary friend named Lanie, cause I thought it to be one of the most beautiful names ever!
I think I tried to make my own imaginary friend named Lanie, cause I thought it to be one of the most beautiful names ever!
July 16, 2020
I was not looking forward to reading "American girl doll" books. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was well written and completely appropriate and entertaining for my 8 year old. We read it aloud together, and I enjoyed it as well.
January 30, 2024
I was never into the GOTY line as a kid, but if Lanie had been introduced a few years earlier I think I would have been a fan. She has an engaging personality and I can relate to her interest in nature. The book reminded me of childhood summer at zoo and Girl Scout camp.
July 3, 2017
I thought it was a very cute book. I thought it taught the reader quite a bit and I thought Lanie was sweet even though she did get angry, but everyone has bad days.
June 29, 2018
Review by M.T. : "I liked when Lanie got to see a monarch form and grow. Girls would like this."
August 6, 2020
I think I have inside genes like lanies family
August 2, 2023
cute!!
December 13, 2023
Literally iconic, I love this book so much. I love the idea that you don’t need to go far to find nature and take care of it. Lanie is my queen, best girl of the year.
July 21, 2024
Read this with my daughter and she enjoyed hearing about Lanie and her family.
January 17, 2026
lanie u are so nerdy
November 25, 2025
This wasn't one of my favorite AG books. The main character is basically moping/grumpy most of the book until at the end. Although there is character growth, there is no apology for the way she has responded to others, basically just a "forget I said/did that and let's move on."
February 8, 2017
This is book one for American Girl of the Year 2010 Lanie Holland.
A fun and interesting read. The story in this book wraps up in the end and can stand alone if you can't find the second book.
Lanie is a 9-year old fourth grader and the middle sister. She gets to help in her little sister's first grade classroom. Her older sister is in high school. She loves science and being outside with her house rabbit, Lulu. The rest of her family prefers indoor activities. News comes that Aunt Hannah will be staying with the family for a few months. Her arrival is joyous as she is a scientist and loves the outdoors too. Lanie can only email the good news to her best friend who is currently in Indonesia with her family studying orangutans.
The story is nicely crafted with highs and lows and a range of events and emotions. Everything seems to hover on the surface (not a lot of depth), but the target reader is around 7- to 10-years old. The messages are plain but not so obvious you feel like they are being shoved in your face.
If you have read a lot of the american Girl books, you may have noticed the stories are formulaic. The historical characters had a certain order of events to create a 6 book look at their lives. The Girl of the Year books are similar. Early on the Girl of the Year story was told in one book; over time the story expanded to three. I've come to the conclusion that American Girl provides the author with an outline and the author creates and fills in the details. The authors do a wonderful job and provide fascinating details; the only drawback, the challenges and results get predictable.
One thing I really enjoy about this book (and the older American Girl books) is the use of illustrations. Here the reader gets to see snippets of the sketches Lanie puts in her scientific journal chronicling the progress of caterpillars to butterflies. In addition, we get a few other illustrations giving the reader a peek at Lanie's family and activities. There are not so many to make this be a picture book. No, it is a chapter book with supporting illustrations. The illustrations are drawn nicely - not too vibrant, nor too dull.
Overall a fun read.
A fun and interesting read. The story in this book wraps up in the end and can stand alone if you can't find the second book.
Lanie is a 9-year old fourth grader and the middle sister. She gets to help in her little sister's first grade classroom. Her older sister is in high school. She loves science and being outside with her house rabbit, Lulu. The rest of her family prefers indoor activities. News comes that Aunt Hannah will be staying with the family for a few months. Her arrival is joyous as she is a scientist and loves the outdoors too. Lanie can only email the good news to her best friend who is currently in Indonesia with her family studying orangutans.
The story is nicely crafted with highs and lows and a range of events and emotions. Everything seems to hover on the surface (not a lot of depth), but the target reader is around 7- to 10-years old. The messages are plain but not so obvious you feel like they are being shoved in your face.
If you have read a lot of the american Girl books, you may have noticed the stories are formulaic. The historical characters had a certain order of events to create a 6 book look at their lives. The Girl of the Year books are similar. Early on the Girl of the Year story was told in one book; over time the story expanded to three. I've come to the conclusion that American Girl provides the author with an outline and the author creates and fills in the details. The authors do a wonderful job and provide fascinating details; the only drawback, the challenges and results get predictable.
One thing I really enjoy about this book (and the older American Girl books) is the use of illustrations. Here the reader gets to see snippets of the sketches Lanie puts in her scientific journal chronicling the progress of caterpillars to butterflies. In addition, we get a few other illustrations giving the reader a peek at Lanie's family and activities. There are not so many to make this be a picture book. No, it is a chapter book with supporting illustrations. The illustrations are drawn nicely - not too vibrant, nor too dull.
Overall a fun read.
January 9, 2011
About the Book:
Ten-year-old Lanie loves science and nature, but she has a problem: she's an "outside" girl with an "inside" family. She longs get out and go camping, but they all want to stay home. It wouldn't be so bad if her best friend was around, but she's halfway around the world, living out their dream of studying wildlife. Lanie feels she never gets to have any adventures -- anywhere. But when her favorite aunt comes to stay, Lanie discovers that the wonders of nature are everywhere -- even in her own backyard.
My Review:
I read this book because I facilitate my daughter's book club. This was the first book that we read for the club.
You can tell from the start that Lanie is an "outside" person. She love bugs, she loves helping nature, she love being outside. Unfortunately the rest of her family does not feel the same way. Her mom, dad and two sisters are definitely indoor people.
The book takes us on a journey with Lanie, to help her discover the wonders of nature in her own backyard! She is disappointed because it seems her best friend and also her aunt have some exciting tris and she's stuck at home. After a visit from her aunt, Lanie realizes that there is so much to see right where she is! Lanie goes on adventures and some exciting things happen within her family and around the neighborhood.
As I said, I read this with my 9 year old daughter, she LOVED the book. I have to say I enjoyed it as well!
Ten-year-old Lanie loves science and nature, but she has a problem: she's an "outside" girl with an "inside" family. She longs get out and go camping, but they all want to stay home. It wouldn't be so bad if her best friend was around, but she's halfway around the world, living out their dream of studying wildlife. Lanie feels she never gets to have any adventures -- anywhere. But when her favorite aunt comes to stay, Lanie discovers that the wonders of nature are everywhere -- even in her own backyard.
My Review:
I read this book because I facilitate my daughter's book club. This was the first book that we read for the club.
You can tell from the start that Lanie is an "outside" person. She love bugs, she loves helping nature, she love being outside. Unfortunately the rest of her family does not feel the same way. Her mom, dad and two sisters are definitely indoor people.
The book takes us on a journey with Lanie, to help her discover the wonders of nature in her own backyard! She is disappointed because it seems her best friend and also her aunt have some exciting tris and she's stuck at home. After a visit from her aunt, Lanie realizes that there is so much to see right where she is! Lanie goes on adventures and some exciting things happen within her family and around the neighborhood.
As I said, I read this with my 9 year old daughter, she LOVED the book. I have to say I enjoyed it as well!
January 12, 2016
This was one of the better annual American Girl books. Lanie loves science and adventure. She is stuck at home with her family who are NOT adventurous while her best friend goes to Indonesia with her family and gets to study orangutans. Lanie's aunt comes to visit and spring break starts to look a bit better for her, but when her aunt leaves suddenly Lanie has to learn to adjust and look for adventures and animals to study closer to home. She even starts to get her little sister to come with her to study birds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews