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Lily #1
Here's Lily!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Lily Robbins! In this fun, first story in a series that has sold over one million copies, You'll meet the awkward sixth-grader named Lily. After receiving a compliment about her looks from a high-powered woman in the fashion industry, Lily obsesses over becoming a model, setting her sights on winning the model search fashion show. She packs away her rock and feather collection in exchange for pictures of teen models and fashion magazines. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
About the author
Nancy N. Rue
223 books293 followersNancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 3, 2016
About this book:
“Grow with the spirited, sometimes awkward, but always charming Lily as she learns what real beauty is.
In this fun, entertaining story, readers meet awkward sixth grader Lily Robbins who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private “club” with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.”
Series: Book #1 in “Lily” series. {Part of the “Faithgirlz” line}
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Talks about God, God-confidence & what He wants us to do; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers & blessings over food; A few mentions of Church; A mention of dcTalk and Newsboys;
*Note: A mention of people who see visions.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘hush up’, a ‘sissy’, three forms of ‘duh’, three forms of ‘shut up’ and six ‘stupid’s; Eye rolling; A bit of sarcasm; Many mentions of hateful boys & all their teasing; Mentions of pain & burns; A couple mentions of lashes/spankings; A couple mentions of kissing up to someone; A mention of wetting a pair of pants by laughing so hard; A mention of gas.
*Note: A mention of Girl Scouts; A couple mentions of J.C. Penny’s and the Gap.
Sexual Content- A mean boy picks on Lily (her hair, skin color, weight. When comparing Lily to some models in a magazine, he says “too fat to be her, too snotty to be her, too ugly to be her.”); A mention of hormones; A mention of the saying that if a boy picks on a girl that must mean he likes her; A few mentions of boy-crazy girls at Lily’s school; two ‘chick’s;
*Note: One of Lily’s brothers hit her bottom with a basketball (not necessarily on purpose), then her other brother says she has plenty of padding back there; A few mentions of fannies/buns; A couple mentions of boy’s boxer shorts.
-Lilianna “Lily” Robbins, age 11
P.O.V. of Lily
128 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add 1-2 stars for girls in Public School and/or dealing with bullies}
Oooh weee! I just wanted to hug sweet Lily and go all big sister on that Shad! Honestly, I wanted some adult to call him out on his behavior. He annoyed me, to say the least. I am quite proud of Lily & how she handled everything at the end. (Hush, y’all, I knowshe the book is fiction, but there’s still some good lessons on God-confidence in this little book. ;) )
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Grow with the spirited, sometimes awkward, but always charming Lily as she learns what real beauty is.
In this fun, entertaining story, readers meet awkward sixth grader Lily Robbins who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private “club” with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.”
Series: Book #1 in “Lily” series. {Part of the “Faithgirlz” line}
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Talks about God, God-confidence & what He wants us to do; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers & blessings over food; A few mentions of Church; A mention of dcTalk and Newsboys;
*Note: A mention of people who see visions.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘hush up’, a ‘sissy’, three forms of ‘duh’, three forms of ‘shut up’ and six ‘stupid’s; Eye rolling; A bit of sarcasm; Many mentions of hateful boys & all their teasing; Mentions of pain & burns; A couple mentions of lashes/spankings; A couple mentions of kissing up to someone; A mention of wetting a pair of pants by laughing so hard; A mention of gas.
*Note: A mention of Girl Scouts; A couple mentions of J.C. Penny’s and the Gap.
Sexual Content- A mean boy picks on Lily (her hair, skin color, weight. When comparing Lily to some models in a magazine, he says “too fat to be her, too snotty to be her, too ugly to be her.”); A mention of hormones; A mention of the saying that if a boy picks on a girl that must mean he likes her; A few mentions of boy-crazy girls at Lily’s school; two ‘chick’s;
*Note: One of Lily’s brothers hit her bottom with a basketball (not necessarily on purpose), then her other brother says she has plenty of padding back there; A few mentions of fannies/buns; A couple mentions of boy’s boxer shorts.
-Lilianna “Lily” Robbins, age 11
P.O.V. of Lily
128 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add 1-2 stars for girls in Public School and/or dealing with bullies}
Oooh weee! I just wanted to hug sweet Lily and go all big sister on that Shad! Honestly, I wanted some adult to call him out on his behavior. He annoyed me, to say the least. I am quite proud of Lily & how she handled everything at the end. (Hush, y’all, I know
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
December 19, 2022
One of the best mangas
May 28, 2018
((4.5))
Recommended age: 11-12+, for girls only.
I've read this book many times when I owned it before I gave it away. I think this is a great book to read overall, and would hold interest. It did for me, anyway. One thing to note is that this series is something only tween girls and older should read, since it's centered around girls.
This book focuses on Lily attending modeling school and trying to discover what God wants her to do. Her older brother is a musician and the younger brother is athletic. I can understand why she'd want to have something she is known for, since I feel that same way myself.
Lily was an okay character, but she wasn't exactly likeable for me. I find her to be pretty bossy, but I think she has leadership qualities and that may point to what God wants her to do in this series. I didn't really like her obsession with magazines and fashion, but she tends to go all out once she is fixated on something. She went through a huge trial and realized how selfish she was in focusing on something that wasn't really important after all. The ending wasn't necessarily clear, when she was doubting that God wanted her in the modeling field, but I think it's fairly obvious that she decides not to pursue that career (especially when you take a look at the next books in the series).
I found myself getting annoyed at the bully, Shad, and I hope he'll eventually go through a change. Pretty much, I hope he'll stop being a bully and change for the better. I'll have to read the next book, which I'll note that I've read multiple times as well, soon enough. I just love this series and have yet to finish it one day. <3
Content Warnings: Some minor language such as shut up; Teasing from a bully as well as family members; Lily focuses on her looks and goes overboard, which may not be something you or anyone else would like to read; A fire happens and a few characters are hurt (might be somewhat scary?).
Recommended age: 11-12+, for girls only.
I've read this book many times when I owned it before I gave it away. I think this is a great book to read overall, and would hold interest. It did for me, anyway. One thing to note is that this series is something only tween girls and older should read, since it's centered around girls.
This book focuses on Lily attending modeling school and trying to discover what God wants her to do. Her older brother is a musician and the younger brother is athletic. I can understand why she'd want to have something she is known for, since I feel that same way myself.
Lily was an okay character, but she wasn't exactly likeable for me. I find her to be pretty bossy, but I think she has leadership qualities and that may point to what God wants her to do in this series. I didn't really like her obsession with magazines and fashion, but she tends to go all out once she is fixated on something. She went through a huge trial and realized how selfish she was in focusing on something that wasn't really important after all. The ending wasn't necessarily clear, when she was doubting that God wanted her in the modeling field, but I think it's fairly obvious that she decides not to pursue that career (especially when you take a look at the next books in the series).
I found myself getting annoyed at the bully, Shad, and I hope he'll eventually go through a change. Pretty much, I hope he'll stop being a bully and change for the better. I'll have to read the next book, which I'll note that I've read multiple times as well, soon enough. I just love this series and have yet to finish it one day. <3
Content Warnings: Some minor language such as shut up; Teasing from a bully as well as family members; Lily focuses on her looks and goes overboard, which may not be something you or anyone else would like to read; A fire happens and a few characters are hurt (might be somewhat scary?).
Read
December 29, 2022*cries out* I FOUND IT!!!!!!!!
The books in this series were books that I remember reading way back, like, when I first started reading. Haven't seen them in years, but I do remember them. So, might be doing some nostalgic rereading... I'm not rating them because it's been so long I don't know how accurate my impressions are.
The books in this series were books that I remember reading way back, like, when I first started reading. Haven't seen them in years, but I do remember them. So, might be doing some nostalgic rereading... I'm not rating them because it's been so long I don't know how accurate my impressions are.
July 2, 2012
Lily is a sixth grade girl. She has unruly red curly hair that gets her picked on all the time. A boy named Shad teases her about everything. One day a woman from a modeling agency comes in to talk to the girls about cleanliness and beauty and confidence. The woman picks Lily out of all the girls to come to classes to build self esteem and confidence. Her parents agree to it only if Lily can find God somewhere in all of it. Lily feels so good about it that she forms a club to help other girls with low self esteem. One night there is a fire in Lily's home. Lily is burnt on her face and her father is burnt on his arms and hands. How will she ever get up in front of an audience of people to walk in a fashion show with bandages on her face? Lily puts herself into Gods hands and prays He will help her be confident and strong in front of the audience. She steps out onto the runway to see Shad in the audience. She is afraid of what he'll say, but instead the whole audience stands up and applauds Lily for being so brave.
I really thought this was going to be a quick book to read and review. Boy was I shocked! You start to feel bad for this girl right away. I mean, not only do you have this bully Shad at school(who no one does anything about), but then she also gets picked on at home by her two brothers(who no one does anything about). The mom and dad just don't even pay it any mind. This really, really bothered me. It seemed only the outsiders saw Lily for what she was, a beautiful young lady.
In the end, this was a fantastic book. It is very highly recommended reading for girls in the 10-12 year old range. As a mom of two boys and two girls, my 10 year old will be reading this.
I really thought this was going to be a quick book to read and review. Boy was I shocked! You start to feel bad for this girl right away. I mean, not only do you have this bully Shad at school(who no one does anything about), but then she also gets picked on at home by her two brothers(who no one does anything about). The mom and dad just don't even pay it any mind. This really, really bothered me. It seemed only the outsiders saw Lily for what she was, a beautiful young lady.
In the end, this was a fantastic book. It is very highly recommended reading for girls in the 10-12 year old range. As a mom of two boys and two girls, my 10 year old will be reading this.
July 8, 2008
i like God-confidence and how they take modeling as fun not stupid i mean i think it would be fun! its sad how she and her dad got burned but they got through it with God and it stinks how stupid Shad and all those other stupid boys could be so mean!!!
April 29, 2019
Can you give a book something like, twenty stars? I don't care what age you are, this book is amazing! I'm twenty, and I still adored it. It's got a wonderful message about having confidence, but not being vain, and there are so many awesome points made. I highly recommend this book to any woman of any age, especially any who struggle with not finding themselves beautiful.
April 20, 2015
You get five stars for horrifying me and taking up so much of my childhood.....
August 25, 2024
I read this series as a preteen and now I'm re-reading it as an adult to see if I will have my daughter read these.
Lily's family life is hard for me. The Dad is portrayed as distracted and a little self absorbed with his job ( English literature professor), so he's never paying attention to what's going on in the family. He's just sort of there and has no leadership at all.
Her Mom is a volleyball coach, and her team clearly comes before her children. Her children are not very respectful, and she doesn't really seem to care or relate to them.
Lily's two brothers are okay, but they have not been taught to respect Lily, and therefore she feels ugly and put down because of them. Later in the book the mom finally addresses that, and tells them they need to speak more respectfully to her, but does say that she allowed it because she thought Lily thought she was above them!! I thought that was very hurtful, for her mom to say that she allowed her brothers to bully her because she thought her own daughter thought she was above them!
It takes Kathleen, to see Lily as the precious child of God that she is, and help her find her worth in Him and not in people's opinions of her.
While the parents do have a few good lines, I feel like they do not connect well with their children and don't have a good relationship with them. I feel so bad for Lily. No one takes the time to find out her heart.
The storyline was still interesting, and I was captivated. I was pleased with how it ended, even though her family life didn't change much.
Lily's family life is hard for me. The Dad is portrayed as distracted and a little self absorbed with his job ( English literature professor), so he's never paying attention to what's going on in the family. He's just sort of there and has no leadership at all.
Her Mom is a volleyball coach, and her team clearly comes before her children. Her children are not very respectful, and she doesn't really seem to care or relate to them.
Lily's two brothers are okay, but they have not been taught to respect Lily, and therefore she feels ugly and put down because of them. Later in the book the mom finally addresses that, and tells them they need to speak more respectfully to her, but does say that she allowed it because she thought Lily thought she was above them!! I thought that was very hurtful, for her mom to say that she allowed her brothers to bully her because she thought her own daughter thought she was above them!
It takes Kathleen, to see Lily as the precious child of God that she is, and help her find her worth in Him and not in people's opinions of her.
While the parents do have a few good lines, I feel like they do not connect well with their children and don't have a good relationship with them. I feel so bad for Lily. No one takes the time to find out her heart.
The storyline was still interesting, and I was captivated. I was pleased with how it ended, even though her family life didn't change much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2017
A new start. A lady from a modeling agency came over to Lily’s school and showed the sixth-graders how to take care of their body. For once, Lily didn’t feel like a giraffe. She felt special, no matter what Shad or her brothers had to say. And then that lady asks her to try out for modeling classes. Could life get any better? Lily is getting more and more poise with every class, and she loves passing on lessons to her friends. But even more Lily just can’t wait until the show! Won’t Shad be amazed! He won’t ever make fun of anyone again. What could go wrong, right?
Typical Lily: “Lily’s brother Art said Lily’s hair always looked like it was enough for thirty-seven people the way it stuck out all over her head. But most important of all, Reni was as petite and dainty as a toy poodle, not tall and leggy like a giraffe. At least that was the way Lily thought of herself. Even now, as they walked into the library, Lily tripped on the wipe-your-feet mat and plowed into a rolling rack of books.”
"Here’s Lily" is a great middle-school book that dives into the issue of self-esteem. Lily learns that it’s not about makeup or hairstyle. It’s not even really about self-confidence and being assertive. It’s about being confident in who God made one to be! Lily can only get through the hard times with God’s help, and she learns to trust Him.
"Here’s Lily" is the first in the fourteen-book Lily series.
Typical Lily: “Lily’s brother Art said Lily’s hair always looked like it was enough for thirty-seven people the way it stuck out all over her head. But most important of all, Reni was as petite and dainty as a toy poodle, not tall and leggy like a giraffe. At least that was the way Lily thought of herself. Even now, as they walked into the library, Lily tripped on the wipe-your-feet mat and plowed into a rolling rack of books.”
"Here’s Lily" is a great middle-school book that dives into the issue of self-esteem. Lily learns that it’s not about makeup or hairstyle. It’s not even really about self-confidence and being assertive. It’s about being confident in who God made one to be! Lily can only get through the hard times with God’s help, and she learns to trust Him.
"Here’s Lily" is the first in the fourteen-book Lily series.
February 6, 2025
I read this because I saw it facing some sort of controversy about like patriarchy & religion on twitter (I forgot). Now I think I need to be clear if you are a Christian parent or minister or something like that this is something I think is appropriate for those kinds of settings. The overall message was good (I think that your looks don't take precedence over your faith?) but the way it was executed... This is another book where lowkey you can see that the parents are literally like the direct reason that the main character is going through the struggle that they are yet Lily still gets blamed for it... Like her mother almost clearly loves her son more than her daughter and the dad is kind of standoffish (albeit more loving) which I guess in retrospect is supposed to be relatable rather than an idealized family. I don't feel like this was for me (hence the rating) but this is another book where its very clearly meant for a certain audience and nobody else.
August 31, 2019
You think things are bad enough for Lily - she sees herself as quite a mess with wild red hair, very white skin and a skinny body. She believes everyone agrees with her assessment, especially because of unkind remarks from school mates and even her brothers. However, the modeling agent sees potential, and Lily is soon enrolled in modeling school with the promise of a modeling career IF she does well at the upcoming show. But things get very, very, very worse. This is a great book for girls to see how God can take a big mess and make something beautiful from it. It's very entertaining and full of great life lessons.
August 17, 2018
It's not about having self-confidence but having God-confidence, which is exactly what Lily needed after having a kitchen grease fire burn her face and her dad's hands just before the big fashion show.
October 7, 2025
I think that it was interesting and twisting. I would recommend it to girls around 8 to 12 years old. I didn't see some things that were coming so I liked it! I didn't rate it five stars because it was so sad.
-Evelyn
-Evelyn
November 21, 2022
One of my daughters had me read this several years ago. Nicely done!
September 17, 2025
12-year-old girl rated this a five-star book.
September 22, 2025
Good and cute story!
A little politically incorrect, as it’s a little old. She wants to make an “Indian headdress” out of feathers, etc.
A little politically incorrect, as it’s a little old. She wants to make an “Indian headdress” out of feathers, etc.
May 25, 2022
First book with representation of who I am,100% should read
*Trigger Warning for religion, bullying and house fire
*Trigger Warning for religion, bullying and house fire
June 13, 2012
Nancy Rue in her new book “Here’s Lily!” Book One in The Lily Series published by Thomas Nelson introduces us to Lily Robbins.
From the back cover: Here’s Lily!
Meet Lily Robbins, clever and charming, awkward and not-so-perfect- and always fun.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Lily Robbins!
In this funny first story in series that has sold over one million copies, you’ll meet red-headed sixth-grader Lily Robbins. After receiving a compliment about her looks from a high-powered woman in the fashion industry, Lily obsesses over becoming a model, setting her sights on winning the “model search” fashion show. Overnight, she packs away her rock and feather collection in exchange for fashion magazines and lip gloss – but is God in the middle of this change in Lily’s life? When the unthinkable happens a couple nights before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.
No doubt about it kids can be cruel and when they find someone whose appearance is different from themselves well they can just have a field day. While that may be fun for them it most certainly is not fun for the person being abused. And when that person is a young girl the abuse can wear on a person’s self-confidence. But Lily gets a chance to rebuild her self-confidence by being accepted to modeling school and things begin to change. However, the things being taught all have to do with outer beauty. But God has a way of teaching about inner beauty and Ms. Rue does a superior job of demonstrating both and hiding everything in a very entertaining story. Ms. Rue has created a wonderful character and a role model for young girls to identify with. I am sure they will enjoy this story much more than I did and I enjoyed it a lot. I recommend this book highly and am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Here’s Lily!
Meet Lily Robbins, clever and charming, awkward and not-so-perfect- and always fun.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Lily Robbins!
In this funny first story in series that has sold over one million copies, you’ll meet red-headed sixth-grader Lily Robbins. After receiving a compliment about her looks from a high-powered woman in the fashion industry, Lily obsesses over becoming a model, setting her sights on winning the “model search” fashion show. Overnight, she packs away her rock and feather collection in exchange for fashion magazines and lip gloss – but is God in the middle of this change in Lily’s life? When the unthinkable happens a couple nights before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.
No doubt about it kids can be cruel and when they find someone whose appearance is different from themselves well they can just have a field day. While that may be fun for them it most certainly is not fun for the person being abused. And when that person is a young girl the abuse can wear on a person’s self-confidence. But Lily gets a chance to rebuild her self-confidence by being accepted to modeling school and things begin to change. However, the things being taught all have to do with outer beauty. But God has a way of teaching about inner beauty and Ms. Rue does a superior job of demonstrating both and hiding everything in a very entertaining story. Ms. Rue has created a wonderful character and a role model for young girls to identify with. I am sure they will enjoy this story much more than I did and I enjoyed it a lot. I recommend this book highly and am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 25, 2012
I don't know about you, but I grew up reading the Lily series by Nancy Rue when I was a kid. My school had all the books in the school library and I remember really enjoying reading the series. So, when I saw on NetGalley that the first book of the series - Here's Lily was going to be republished, I couldn't wait to read it. Nevermind the fact that I'm probably well above the age of the target market :p
Well, the first book in the Lily series focuses on looks. Lily is a typical 12 year old girl (6th grade means 12 right?) who's insecure about her looks. But when she receives an invitation to join a modeling agency (well, classes that could lead to a job with the agency), she jumps at the chance to be beautiful. Well, that and silence that annoying boy in class who's always teasing her.
The book felt largely the same as I remember it, which is to say, awesome. Except for a few changes, which were things like references to Taylor Swift and iPods. Whether that there were major plot changes, I don't think so, but it has been many years since I read the book so I could be wrong. Personally, I didn't really see the point of adding references that may become dated in a few years time. But if I were much younger, these things would make me feel as though Lily was part of my generation (instead of being my generation).
I love how the book focuses on Godly beauty, even if Lily does get confused. But the confusion is what makes the lesson seem so real. If I remember, the accompanying book (the series used to come with a 'workbook') was about beauty and how to take care of your skin, hair, and such while not becoming obsessed with it. I hope that it's also being reprinted; I think the accompanying book makes the series unique, not to mention turns it from an entertaining read into something a Sunday School Class can use.
Basically, I think all girls should read it (even if you're old!). It may be my bias, but the book is entertaining, even as Lily goes over-the-top. If you have a younger sister/cousin/you happen to teach a Sunday School Class, maybe you should get them to read this book, I think they'll like it. Who knows, if there isn't a book club, this book may make one out of them (you can tell them it's a series).
Disclaimer: I got this book free from NetGally in exchange for a free and honest review.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Well, the first book in the Lily series focuses on looks. Lily is a typical 12 year old girl (6th grade means 12 right?) who's insecure about her looks. But when she receives an invitation to join a modeling agency (well, classes that could lead to a job with the agency), she jumps at the chance to be beautiful. Well, that and silence that annoying boy in class who's always teasing her.
The book felt largely the same as I remember it, which is to say, awesome. Except for a few changes, which were things like references to Taylor Swift and iPods. Whether that there were major plot changes, I don't think so, but it has been many years since I read the book so I could be wrong. Personally, I didn't really see the point of adding references that may become dated in a few years time. But if I were much younger, these things would make me feel as though Lily was part of my generation (instead of being my generation).
I love how the book focuses on Godly beauty, even if Lily does get confused. But the confusion is what makes the lesson seem so real. If I remember, the accompanying book (the series used to come with a 'workbook') was about beauty and how to take care of your skin, hair, and such while not becoming obsessed with it. I hope that it's also being reprinted; I think the accompanying book makes the series unique, not to mention turns it from an entertaining read into something a Sunday School Class can use.
Basically, I think all girls should read it (even if you're old!). It may be my bias, but the book is entertaining, even as Lily goes over-the-top. If you have a younger sister/cousin/you happen to teach a Sunday School Class, maybe you should get them to read this book, I think they'll like it. Who knows, if there isn't a book club, this book may make one out of them (you can tell them it's a series).
Disclaimer: I got this book free from NetGally in exchange for a free and honest review.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
May 27, 2012
Okay, I started out really not liking this book, but my daughter asked if I’d request, so I did and had to read it. From the get go, the reader is introduced to Lily and her school mates, one is a boy who is a cruel bully. The teacher doesn’t seem to want to curb the bullying and when Lily goes home she is teased mercilessly by her brothers and even sometimes by her parents, under the guise of “we’re just kidding.” As a victim of bullying, I find it hard to read books where it seems nothing is done about it, and yes having children call one another ugly is a form of bullying. I also found some of the children to be very disrespectful to their parents. I have other concerns such as young girls hanging model posters, reading Seventeen magazine (even my 10 year says she wouldn’t touch it), and make-up.
So as much as these things bothered me I kept reading, since I agreed to read it in it’s entirety to review it. I am actually glad that I did keep reading, and I won’t provide any spoilers, but when something occurs that changes Lily’s opinion of beauty we see a truly confident girl who grows in her faith. She doesn’t get rid of her make-up and still reads fashion magazines but I do believe that even with these things this book can be a great discussion starter for young girls and their moms to discuss what their family believes. Would I let my 10 year old read this, yes but I’m not so sure I’d let my impressionable 7 1/2 year old read it just yet.
**Disclaimer: I was provided an e-copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
June 8, 2012
First, a big thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book and providing a copy of the book for giveaway! Also, thank you to author Nancy Rue for visiting and for posting on my blog!
Lily is a character that most girls can relate to in some way. It is a rarity to make it to middle school without reaching middle school without feeling insecure about yourself at some point. Lily, unfortunately, is one that is uncomfortable in her own skin because she feels like a "giraffe" and has frizzy orange hair and is all around awkward. Even her own family teases her. But then one day, a lady from a modeling agency visits her school to talk about beauty secrets, and makes Lily feel better about her looks. She even tells her she could be model material!
Her family allows her to take modeling classes somewhat hesitantly - they are hestiant, because they are not sure that modeling is an activity where she will find God. However, Lily uses what she learns from modeling to help her fellow "awkward" friends at school to find their inner beauty and confidence. And she discovers that her mentor and modeling coach, Kathleen, is also a Christian, and she teaches Lily about "God-confidence."
I loved this book! Like I said, young girls will really relate to Lily and will hopefully gather some wisdom from this delightful story. My 11 year old daughter read it after I did, and she devoured it almost all in one sitting! Her comments - "You don't need make up to be pretty, because God made you the way you are. All you need is God confidence!"
Lily is a character that most girls can relate to in some way. It is a rarity to make it to middle school without reaching middle school without feeling insecure about yourself at some point. Lily, unfortunately, is one that is uncomfortable in her own skin because she feels like a "giraffe" and has frizzy orange hair and is all around awkward. Even her own family teases her. But then one day, a lady from a modeling agency visits her school to talk about beauty secrets, and makes Lily feel better about her looks. She even tells her she could be model material!
Her family allows her to take modeling classes somewhat hesitantly - they are hestiant, because they are not sure that modeling is an activity where she will find God. However, Lily uses what she learns from modeling to help her fellow "awkward" friends at school to find their inner beauty and confidence. And she discovers that her mentor and modeling coach, Kathleen, is also a Christian, and she teaches Lily about "God-confidence."
I loved this book! Like I said, young girls will really relate to Lily and will hopefully gather some wisdom from this delightful story. My 11 year old daughter read it after I did, and she devoured it almost all in one sitting! Her comments - "You don't need make up to be pretty, because God made you the way you are. All you need is God confidence!"
November 5, 2012
I read about half of this series when I was younger. (Nancy Rue had only written up to the ninth book or so) By the time she wrote additional books, I had outgrown the series in terms of my maturity level. I enjoyed them, though I remember finding several things I didn't agree with, mainly, Lily's attitude towards her family. Not that it wasn't realistic to real life, after all, we don't always love our parents and siblings. I just, had some things I didn't like, as stated. It's been so long since I read the books that I can't pinpoint anything specific from my memories. I just remember, despite the few things I didn't like, there was also a lot of things I found funny and interesting.
I think what I related to most was just how Lily was so unsure of what God had planned for her future. She kept changing her mind on what she might want to do after she graduated from high-school. That was something I also struggled with and I found a lot of comfort learning with Lily along the way that I didn't need all the answers in life, I just needed to trust God with all my tomorrows.
I found reading difficult when I was younger but I enjoyed reading these books so, if you have a little girl who struggles with reading as well, you might try this series. I'm not sure that they are so much "easy" reads as they are, extremely captivating. :)
I think what I related to most was just how Lily was so unsure of what God had planned for her future. She kept changing her mind on what she might want to do after she graduated from high-school. That was something I also struggled with and I found a lot of comfort learning with Lily along the way that I didn't need all the answers in life, I just needed to trust God with all my tomorrows.
I found reading difficult when I was younger but I enjoyed reading these books so, if you have a little girl who struggles with reading as well, you might try this series. I'm not sure that they are so much "easy" reads as they are, extremely captivating. :)
May 15, 2012
My Review: Lily Robbins got teased at school because of her hair long bright red hair and her pale skin.
When Kathleen Winfrey from Rutledge Modeling Agency visited Lily’s school to give the girls beauty secrets she compliment Lily on her long red hair and skin and selected her to join the agency that made the girl even jealous.
After discussing it with her parents, they encouraged her to follow her dreams but first she has to find out where God is in her modeling career. But Lily got carried away about becoming a model that she forgot to put God first.
The message isn’t only about being confident and knowing that beauty comes from within but finding God’s purpose in what we do. And Lily needed to put God first. I recommend this book for young girls.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
When Kathleen Winfrey from Rutledge Modeling Agency visited Lily’s school to give the girls beauty secrets she compliment Lily on her long red hair and skin and selected her to join the agency that made the girl even jealous.
After discussing it with her parents, they encouraged her to follow her dreams but first she has to find out where God is in her modeling career. But Lily got carried away about becoming a model that she forgot to put God first.
The message isn’t only about being confident and knowing that beauty comes from within but finding God’s purpose in what we do. And Lily needed to put God first. I recommend this book for young girls.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
May 22, 2012
Lily Robbins is a tall, red headed, 6th grader, who wishes she was more perfect. When Kathleen comes to the middle school to teach the girls about skin and haircare, she notices the model potential in Lily. Kathleen asks Lily to check with her parents if they may allow her to participate in the next round of modeling classes at Rutledge Agency. With reluctance her parents agree and Lily, along with other selected from surrounding schools join together in learning about modeling. Lily learns to be more self confident, or God-confident as Kathleen likes to say.
That God confidence is put to the test when a serious accident affects Lily's family and she must lean on God and her faith to get through.
Lily is a witty and charming young lady, dealing with typical middle school trials. Boys who tease and sneer, brothers who bug and bother, parents that don't always get it.
Sure to resonate with every middle school girl, this series gently reminds young ladies of their need of God's loving care. Geared for ages 7-11.
I am excited to see what new adventure Nancy Rue takes Lily on!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
That God confidence is put to the test when a serious accident affects Lily's family and she must lean on God and her faith to get through.
Lily is a witty and charming young lady, dealing with typical middle school trials. Boys who tease and sneer, brothers who bug and bother, parents that don't always get it.
Sure to resonate with every middle school girl, this series gently reminds young ladies of their need of God's loving care. Geared for ages 7-11.
I am excited to see what new adventure Nancy Rue takes Lily on!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2012
Big thanks to Tommy Nelson for allowing me to review this book
I can't say enough about this wonderful book that helps young girls realize more than their confidence but helps them discover " God-confidence". Lily learns throughout the book just what it means to be truly beautiful , that God created each of us differently but he finds each of us beautiful. Lily also learns that what we say can also be used to bring about beauty or to dim that beauty. I really enjoyed how Lily's parents encouraged her to find God in all the things she did , such as the Modeling Show . It's so important to remember that God needs to be apart of everything we do , and that with him in our lives we can do anything , even face the bullies in the world. I also really loved how Lily became and example to other girls. Lily began to over come her lack of confidence and others were able to see it . Over all, I would recommend this book to any young girl who needs to be reminded how wonderful she is, that God created her to be a uniquely beautiful and that God is with you no matter the situation.
* I was given this book in exchanged for this review . I was in no other way compensated.
I can't say enough about this wonderful book that helps young girls realize more than their confidence but helps them discover " God-confidence". Lily learns throughout the book just what it means to be truly beautiful , that God created each of us differently but he finds each of us beautiful. Lily also learns that what we say can also be used to bring about beauty or to dim that beauty. I really enjoyed how Lily's parents encouraged her to find God in all the things she did , such as the Modeling Show . It's so important to remember that God needs to be apart of everything we do , and that with him in our lives we can do anything , even face the bullies in the world. I also really loved how Lily became and example to other girls. Lily began to over come her lack of confidence and others were able to see it . Over all, I would recommend this book to any young girl who needs to be reminded how wonderful she is, that God created her to be a uniquely beautiful and that God is with you no matter the situation.
* I was given this book in exchanged for this review . I was in no other way compensated.
May 15, 2012
My Review: Lily Robbins got teased at school because of her hair long bright red hair and her pale skin.
When Kathleen Winfrey from Rutledge Modeling Agency visited Lily’s school to give the girls beauty secrets she compliment Lily on her long red hair and skin and selected her to join the agency that made the girl even jealous.
After discussing it with her parents, they encouraged her to follow her dreams but first she has to find out where God is in her modeling career. But Lily got carried away about becoming a model that she forgot to put God first.
The message isn’t only about being confident and knowing that beauty comes from within but finding God’s purpose in what we do. And Lily needed to put God first. I recommend this book for young girls.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
When Kathleen Winfrey from Rutledge Modeling Agency visited Lily’s school to give the girls beauty secrets she compliment Lily on her long red hair and skin and selected her to join the agency that made the girl even jealous.
After discussing it with her parents, they encouraged her to follow her dreams but first she has to find out where God is in her modeling career. But Lily got carried away about becoming a model that she forgot to put God first.
The message isn’t only about being confident and knowing that beauty comes from within but finding God’s purpose in what we do. And Lily needed to put God first. I recommend this book for young girls.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
June 13, 2012
The kids in school tease Lily for being so tall and having such curly red hair. But when a talent agency owner comes to school to talk to the girls about beauty, she singles Lily out and offers her a chance to be a model. Lily’s parents allow her to participate in the modeling classes on one condition: that she find out whether God is present in this opportunity. So Lily sets out to discover if there is more to beauty that looking good.
This was a really sweet little story. Lilly and her friends were “young” sixth graders, as the ones in most public schools today, sadly, are already dating. But I find this book refreshing and know that these are books I will urge my daughter (who is eight) to read. Lilly was a kind girl, she worked hard to treat others kindly, even when others were mean to her. And she went through a traumatic experience and didn’t let it get the best of her. I liked Lilly a lot and found her an excellent and relatable role model for young readers. Recommended for readers 8-12.
This was a really sweet little story. Lilly and her friends were “young” sixth graders, as the ones in most public schools today, sadly, are already dating. But I find this book refreshing and know that these are books I will urge my daughter (who is eight) to read. Lilly was a kind girl, she worked hard to treat others kindly, even when others were mean to her. And she went through a traumatic experience and didn’t let it get the best of her. I liked Lilly a lot and found her an excellent and relatable role model for young readers. Recommended for readers 8-12.
October 2, 2012
Here's Lilly by Nancy Rue is a fun and entertaining book for young girls. As the main character, Lilly
learns difficult life lessons, she also sees that turning to God for guidance and confidence will help her regain her focus on who's opinion is really the most important. As with most pre-teen girls, Lilly struggles with self-confidence, beauty, social issues, peer pressure and the struggle to balance friends, family and faith. In this book, and the other books in the Lilly Series, she learns that God's opinion is best. And although difficult at time, Lilly learns that listening the His instruction, and that of her parents, is what matters most.
I found throughout this book, that there are a lot of great lessons for young girls to learn in Here's Lilly by Nancy Rue. I think this book is a great addition to any young girl's library and will help them see themselves through God's eyes. It is definitely a book I plan to have my own daughters read.
learns difficult life lessons, she also sees that turning to God for guidance and confidence will help her regain her focus on who's opinion is really the most important. As with most pre-teen girls, Lilly struggles with self-confidence, beauty, social issues, peer pressure and the struggle to balance friends, family and faith. In this book, and the other books in the Lilly Series, she learns that God's opinion is best. And although difficult at time, Lilly learns that listening the His instruction, and that of her parents, is what matters most.
I found throughout this book, that there are a lot of great lessons for young girls to learn in Here's Lilly by Nancy Rue. I think this book is a great addition to any young girl's library and will help them see themselves through God's eyes. It is definitely a book I plan to have my own daughters read.
April 15, 2012
Lily has a best friend named Reni. Lily is always polite even when people are making fun of her looks. In her head she is always saying how Reni is so cute. She complains in her head about her looks, like her frizzy red hair and how she bites her nails. That is in part due to the other kids saying mean things to her.
The girls all go to the library for beauty tips, The woman named Kathleen is the one talking about it. She picks a volunteer, who turns out to be Lily. She shows the girls how you don't want to use a lot of makeup and how you want to just try and enhance your already beautiful features. She explains how they should stand and walk easier.
Lily has a nine-year-old brother named Joe and their older brother named Art. Who also make fun of her. She get into a modeling class run by Kathleen (who invited her). I hope everyone enjoys reading this, i know me and my daughter did.
The girls all go to the library for beauty tips, The woman named Kathleen is the one talking about it. She picks a volunteer, who turns out to be Lily. She shows the girls how you don't want to use a lot of makeup and how you want to just try and enhance your already beautiful features. She explains how they should stand and walk easier.
Lily has a nine-year-old brother named Joe and their older brother named Art. Who also make fun of her. She get into a modeling class run by Kathleen (who invited her). I hope everyone enjoys reading this, i know me and my daughter did.
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