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Alice Prequels #1
Starting with Alice
All Alice wants is a friend.
Well, a pet and pierced ears and really long hair would be nice, too -- and most of all, Alice wishes she still had a mother. But starting third grade in a new school in a new town can be lonely, especially if the closest thing you have to a friend is weird Donald Sheavers from next door.
But even making new friends can't solve all of Alice's problems. Somehow she manages to get into trouble for a stupid lie, and to get on the wrong side of a bullying crossing guard and three snooty girls whom Alice calls "the Terrible Triplets." Will Alice ever feel at home in Takoma Park?
Well, a pet and pierced ears and really long hair would be nice, too -- and most of all, Alice wishes she still had a mother. But starting third grade in a new school in a new town can be lonely, especially if the closest thing you have to a friend is weird Donald Sheavers from next door.
But even making new friends can't solve all of Alice's problems. Somehow she manages to get into trouble for a stupid lie, and to get on the wrong side of a bullying crossing guard and three snooty girls whom Alice calls "the Terrible Triplets." Will Alice ever feel at home in Takoma Park?
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
33 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
253 books1,032 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 106 reviews
March 18, 2011
This book was HIGHLY recommended to me by my 9 yr old daughter, she even put it on my pillow so I wouldn't miss it.... I'm glad she did. Very cute story, with some good insights into people and circumstances, even coming simply from a 9 year old girls perspective. What I enjoyed most was the perspective it offered me of my own 9 year old daughter. The character, Alice, is a girl learning how to make friends while dealing with some tough, life changing events in her life. I'm sure my daughter could relate in many ways to how Alice felt. I felt that maybe I try to see everything too often from the adult/parent perspective. It was nice to get a little inside information and a reminder of how 9 year old girls think and feel.
March 2, 2018
You could say that Alice McKinley (not to be confused with Alice MacLeod) has a bit of a cult following at my current place of employ. So maybe it was just a matter of time before I too got sucked in.
A word on the series before I start the review: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor began the Alice series with "The Agonies of Alice" in 1985. In that book Alice is 11 and starting sixth grade. She has just moved and started at a new school. Since then, Naylor has been writing a new Alice book approximately every year which certain librarians have pointed out has strong addictive qualities. Until about 2002, the books ran linearly. Then Naylor did something different, she wrote three prequel novels talking about Alice as a third, fourth, and fifth grader weaving in stories that Alice had previously reflected on in other books in the series. "Starting With Alice" is the first of these prequels (followed by "Alice in Blunderland" and "Lovingly Alice"). I like to read linearly whenever possible so, after reading "The Agony of Alice" and finding out about these prequels I decided to read the series straight through in terms of Alice's age instead of publication date (the series is supposed to end when Alice turns 18 and is already well-grounded in the Young Adult genre at this point).
Now that that's settled, let's talk about the actual book.
Alice, her father, and her older brother have just moved into a new house. Alice's first friend on the block is Donald Sheavers, her weird neighbor. Along the way, Alice makes other, less weird, friends. And also attracts some unwanted attention from one of the street patrol girls. It's not always easy being Alice. I can't say much more about the story without revealing everything. This book is more about Alice's day-to-day life as she tries to fit in and make friends than about any huge event.
Alice narrates in the first person. As a result, the novel is conversational and pretty mellow. Alice is a cool girl, even though she doesn't think so, and her narration is endearing. Naylor strikes the perfect balance here. Alice's voice is consistent with her debut novel, but she does sound younger--without being annonyingly young.
Alice also demonstrates that, although she's only eight, it's never to early to develop a strong character. In the novel Alice makes new friends and stands up to bullies among her other wonderfully positive characteristics. I don't know that children read books about children in search of role models, but if they do "Starting With Alice" definitely offers up a good one.
In terms of when to read this book, I think it would work either way. I enjoyed reading it already knowing about Donald Sheavers and an unfortunate poem written to the milkman. But readers could definitely read this without knowing anything about Alice and enjoy it just as much.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
A word on the series before I start the review: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor began the Alice series with "The Agonies of Alice" in 1985. In that book Alice is 11 and starting sixth grade. She has just moved and started at a new school. Since then, Naylor has been writing a new Alice book approximately every year which certain librarians have pointed out has strong addictive qualities. Until about 2002, the books ran linearly. Then Naylor did something different, she wrote three prequel novels talking about Alice as a third, fourth, and fifth grader weaving in stories that Alice had previously reflected on in other books in the series. "Starting With Alice" is the first of these prequels (followed by "Alice in Blunderland" and "Lovingly Alice"). I like to read linearly whenever possible so, after reading "The Agony of Alice" and finding out about these prequels I decided to read the series straight through in terms of Alice's age instead of publication date (the series is supposed to end when Alice turns 18 and is already well-grounded in the Young Adult genre at this point).
Now that that's settled, let's talk about the actual book.
Alice, her father, and her older brother have just moved into a new house. Alice's first friend on the block is Donald Sheavers, her weird neighbor. Along the way, Alice makes other, less weird, friends. And also attracts some unwanted attention from one of the street patrol girls. It's not always easy being Alice. I can't say much more about the story without revealing everything. This book is more about Alice's day-to-day life as she tries to fit in and make friends than about any huge event.
Alice narrates in the first person. As a result, the novel is conversational and pretty mellow. Alice is a cool girl, even though she doesn't think so, and her narration is endearing. Naylor strikes the perfect balance here. Alice's voice is consistent with her debut novel, but she does sound younger--without being annonyingly young.
Alice also demonstrates that, although she's only eight, it's never to early to develop a strong character. In the novel Alice makes new friends and stands up to bullies among her other wonderfully positive characteristics. I don't know that children read books about children in search of role models, but if they do "Starting With Alice" definitely offers up a good one.
In terms of when to read this book, I think it would work either way. I enjoyed reading it already knowing about Donald Sheavers and an unfortunate poem written to the milkman. But readers could definitely read this without knowing anything about Alice and enjoy it just as much.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
April 6, 2011
I am in love with this series! A friend told me about Alice after reading Lovingly Alice (the 3rd prequel). She was a little astonished by all the frank talk about sexuality in the book. I have now read the 1st three books and I think the author did a lovely job of touching on important topics -- friendship, sibling relationships, loss, pets, all those things that are important in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. It is also more timeless than Judy Blume. There's a little less cultural referencing, so the plot seems less dated. The relationship between Alice and her brother is portrayed well. They irritate each other and love each other and irritate each other again. I just wanted to hug them. I would recommend this series (at least the 3 I have read so far) to any 3rd grade and up girl.
September 12, 2013
The first of the Alice prequels in which we meet Alice in 3rd grade where she is adjusting to life in a new city and a new school. I love the little blunders Alice makes during her early books and the way the author writes them so truthfully. They may seem like trivial matters to adults, but young girls relate to the Alice books because they can see themselves in Alice's shoes.
Here, she struggles with making friends and enemies. She also gets a pet kitten whom she names Oatmeal. Readers will sympathize with Alice through all of her trips to the prinicipal's office and admire her strength and sense of right and wrong as she attempts to bring her enemies into her friendship circle when she invites them to her 9th birthday party. Recommended for girls grades 3-5.
Here, she struggles with making friends and enemies. She also gets a pet kitten whom she names Oatmeal. Readers will sympathize with Alice through all of her trips to the prinicipal's office and admire her strength and sense of right and wrong as she attempts to bring her enemies into her friendship circle when she invites them to her 9th birthday party. Recommended for girls grades 3-5.
November 13, 2024
The thing about children's books is that they seem fun and then I'm suddenly crying
May 18, 2022
I got this Alice book for my 10 year old daughter to read, but she turned her nose up at it so I read it instead. I loved it! The author does a great job of highlighting the ups and downs of childhood and growing up. Alice is quirky and fun and likeable, and although it is dated, it’s still applicable today.
March 6, 2020
Gave me flashbacks to my childhood! Very enjoyable :) Looking forward to the rest of the series!
November 12, 2015
The setting of the book,”Starting With Alice” is in Takoma Park,Maryland. The main character is Alice mckinley. Her dad,big brother,and her just moved from chicago. she is starting third grade and will soon make some good friends and some bad enemies.
I think that the characters do seem real because they are really relatable.There's times when i am reading the book and i think it is fiction. The author writes about the characters facing real life problems like finding friends at a new school.
The main character,Alice mckinley in my mind. looks like a short little girl with blond ish brown ish hair with a cute smile because she is always happy.
(SPOILER) Alice makes a secret friend and they have code name for each other,pancake and syrup, they often talk and when they are done talking for the day they always say something like “See you later syrup” that was their secret way of saying bye to each other. This tell me that Alice has a sense of humor and she has a lot of fun when she is with her friends.
Alice meet three girls in the book and their are all best friend and will not hang out with her (SPOILER) she meet one of them,later in the book, and they started to be friend they did know each other but they never hung out with each other without the other two girls. This shows me that alice does not care what is on the outside but what is on the inside.
I really liked this book I would recommend this to almost all of my friends I know that they would relate because this is only the first book in the other book Alice is growing up and a lot of girls can relate to her and understand what is going on in her life.
I think the theme of the book is friendship because Alice makes a lot of new friends and she goes through a right time making three of them but in the end they are all friend I think that shows a sign of friendship because Alice went through a lot of trouble to have those three people be her friends.
I think that the characters do seem real because they are really relatable.There's times when i am reading the book and i think it is fiction. The author writes about the characters facing real life problems like finding friends at a new school.
The main character,Alice mckinley in my mind. looks like a short little girl with blond ish brown ish hair with a cute smile because she is always happy.
(SPOILER) Alice makes a secret friend and they have code name for each other,pancake and syrup, they often talk and when they are done talking for the day they always say something like “See you later syrup” that was their secret way of saying bye to each other. This tell me that Alice has a sense of humor and she has a lot of fun when she is with her friends.
Alice meet three girls in the book and their are all best friend and will not hang out with her (SPOILER) she meet one of them,later in the book, and they started to be friend they did know each other but they never hung out with each other without the other two girls. This shows me that alice does not care what is on the outside but what is on the inside.
I really liked this book I would recommend this to almost all of my friends I know that they would relate because this is only the first book in the other book Alice is growing up and a lot of girls can relate to her and understand what is going on in her life.
I think the theme of the book is friendship because Alice makes a lot of new friends and she goes through a right time making three of them but in the end they are all friend I think that shows a sign of friendship because Alice went through a lot of trouble to have those three people be her friends.
August 30, 2012
I like Alice. I first stumbled on one of the Alice books at the library years ago and when I spotted this book recently at a used bookstore I had to see if it could dredge up the same good feelings I remembered when I'd first read her years and years ago.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that indeed she could.
Phillis Reynolds Naylor is one of my favorite children's book authors. She really nails the insecurities and agony we go through as kids. Alice feels real, and reminds me what I was when I was a kid. I love the family dynamic, and the way that, despite their sometimes extreme differences, that the three of them really do try to make a solid family unit out of what most people would consider fractured.
And in the end, I really love how Alice finds friends around her and comes out on top.
So yes, I recommend this book, not just for your kids but for you to read. Enjoy Alice and all the books that come after. I'm off to look for book 2!
I was pleasantly surprised to find that indeed she could.
Phillis Reynolds Naylor is one of my favorite children's book authors. She really nails the insecurities and agony we go through as kids. Alice feels real, and reminds me what I was when I was a kid. I love the family dynamic, and the way that, despite their sometimes extreme differences, that the three of them really do try to make a solid family unit out of what most people would consider fractured.
And in the end, I really love how Alice finds friends around her and comes out on top.
So yes, I recommend this book, not just for your kids but for you to read. Enjoy Alice and all the books that come after. I'm off to look for book 2!
November 30, 2016
Oh nostalgia! I first read this book around the age of ten and here I am back again at 24, reading the adventures of Alice.
This series is a must read for young readers growing up (or even those wanting to look back on some childhood memories). Alice encounters many things that ring true and are realistic to growing up whether it be facing embarrassment, the schoolyard bully, or the difficulty of losing loved ones at a young age.
Although this book is included as one of the books that were published later as prequels to the series, I have always read the three prequels before the rest only because I wanted to keep the ages consistent instead of finishing the series with Alice being older and then reading the prequels.
For the series as a whole, I remember that mature content is addressed in later books, but this initial novel is appropriate for younger readers. It was a light, quick, humorous reread and I look forward to rereading the rest of the series.
This series is a must read for young readers growing up (or even those wanting to look back on some childhood memories). Alice encounters many things that ring true and are realistic to growing up whether it be facing embarrassment, the schoolyard bully, or the difficulty of losing loved ones at a young age.
Although this book is included as one of the books that were published later as prequels to the series, I have always read the three prequels before the rest only because I wanted to keep the ages consistent instead of finishing the series with Alice being older and then reading the prequels.
For the series as a whole, I remember that mature content is addressed in later books, but this initial novel is appropriate for younger readers. It was a light, quick, humorous reread and I look forward to rereading the rest of the series.
March 14, 2010
I thought this book was adorable! Alice McKinley is 8 years old and she wants to grow up already. I can relate to this because I remember how when I was younger, I wanted to grow up already. I really like this book because I think a lot of kids can relate back to when they were younger while reading this book, and that is what makes it even more interesting. It also talks about Alice's relationships and interactions with people in her school. I would recommend this book to anyone because this book is definitely worth reading and you can look back at your childhood when reading this book.
July 9, 2011
Alice is one of my favorite characters from my childhood books, and I like her just as much as a little kid as a pre-teen and teenager. I’ve recently read some of the latest Alice books, in which she is a senior in high school, and I’m amazed by how consistent some parts of her character are, while she still grows and matures throughout the series. As I’ve said in reviews of other Alice books, the secondary characters are phenomenal as well. I think almost anyone can relate to Alice and her friends’ struggles, insecurities, and awkwardness.
October 2, 2009
I adore the Alice books. ADORE them. However, while this story of third grade Alice is a delightful read, I find that she reacts and responds a few years older than her almost nine year old self. There is a maturity in the writing and characters that third graders generally don't exhibit. Developmentally speaking, I would say Alice is a fifth grader wise beyond her years. Still a very nice read but I wouldn't give this to a third grader unless she was a fifth grader in training.
August 23, 2016
I love the Alice series and have decided to reread them this summer. I didn't even realize until fairly recently that there are prequels! This book is adorable! I love that it is written for a younger reader in mind. Each chapter is fairly short and tells an experience that Alice has gone through. This book has a wonderful message about how it is much easier to be someone's friend than to be someone's enemy. I just think it is a fun, entertaining read even for adults.
October 20, 2013
great age appropriate series that follows alice through a lifetime of adventures. well told lessons starting w this book that deals alot with embarrassment and a bit with friendships and acceptance and really masterfully demonstrates how you can be creative in helping others overcome their own shortcomings.
July 30, 2011
I read some of this series years ago and really liked it. So I looked at it again to see if the stories and situations still hold true to how little girls view the world. Well, it's still delightful and girls should relate and enjoy. (Even though the father sells cassettes at his music store!)
July 12, 2012
This was a fun book to read since I had been reading the Alice books for a while when she was a teenager, so it was fun to see how she was as a child. Recommended for anyone who likes the Alice series. Good for young teens.
January 16, 2013
Very quick and fun read!! My friend recommended it to me because she read them years ago and loved them so I borrowed it and it was adorable! The characters are relateable and you will be giggling along while reading! Very cute, so glad I got to read it!
January 29, 2015
so glad that i read this at my 9yo daughter's urging! the sweet prequel beginning of the alice stories! perfectly aged for her! alice, her brother and her dad are just fun to get to know!! looking forward to book two!!
August 11, 2011
Charming and exquisite book about 8-year-old Alice as she survives living with an older brother, a single dad and third grade. It's a sweet book that I think boys as well as girls can enjoy.
April 20, 2020
I really really loved this book! This was the best series I have ever read! One reason why I love this book so much is because it reminded me so much of myself when I was also in third grade. When I read this book i was in fourth grade, but i still loved this book just as much! I think that this book is good for any age. But as Alice gets older throughout the books parents may not approve. It also may not be kid friendly. In fact, I would NOT recommend the books that she is over 13 years of age. But again this book is amazing and sweet! And i WOULD recommend this!
Thanks for reading my review!!!(:
Thanks for reading my review!!!(:
June 29, 2017
Cute and funny book. I picked this up from my school library when I was just Alice's age here - eight - and I loved how relatable and entertaining she was. Great read for a little girl no matter how old she gets. The author captures a young voice perfectly. I'm going to "reread" the whole series this summer, though I never even finished the whole series back in elementary/middle school. Quick and refreshing. I also love the fact that Alice lives in Maryland, my state! Love the references to Montgomery County and the Orioles. We are usually underrepresented.
June 8, 2020
My June TBR was to reread the Alice series. Reading this book again, I started to remember the series. I read this a couple years ago. I loved this series because it felt like I was apart of Alice's world like I was apart of her life and experiencing things with her. I was the same age as her in the older books. early high school. Just trying to figure myself and life out. So yes I realized I'm still in love with this series and cannot wait to read it once again.
April 12, 2021
I started reading the Alice books when I was in high school. I never read the prequels because I was too focused on what was to come instead of what was behind. But I loved this book! I still laugh out loud and until I cry when I read Alice and her antics. I was afraid these books wouldn't feel the same as what I remembered. Like an Alice imposter. But she was the same. So was Dad and Lester. Great book!
November 2, 2022
The prequels of this series might be aimed at 8-10 year olds. Technically, the whole series is below my age group, but it really doesn’t matter because I find the series brilliant and I’m 19 years old. This series is so realistic and relatable. It incorporates every part of growing up and maturing. The embarrassing moments, the life lessons, the biggest moment’s of child’s life, etc. There’s nothing bad I can say about any of it.
September 22, 2025
This prequel to the Alice Mckinley series follows an eight-year-old Alice and her dad and brother as they move to Maryland and she starts third grade at a new school.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I like the lessons it teaches and I like that it shows that life is full of both good and bad experiences. I will definitely be continuing this series and would recommend it to fans of coming of age books like Anne Of Green Gables or Ramona.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I like the lessons it teaches and I like that it shows that life is full of both good and bad experiences. I will definitely be continuing this series and would recommend it to fans of coming of age books like Anne Of Green Gables or Ramona.
September 30, 2018
My 10 year old is loving this series, and I'm not completely sure why, but I am happy that she is choosing to read independently! The stories are cute and harmless, but they don't skirt around some topics that kids wonder about. As Alice grows, the topics that are covered also become "older." I haven't read the older ones, but so far, I am happy that she is reading them.
February 16, 2022
I love the Alice series and feel like she is accessible to little girls. I love that she is introduced as a little girl who still kind of thinks boys are a little yucky. I was going to send this to a younger niece, but think it will be good for my 9 year old niece who is still learning a lot about herself.
October 10, 2018
I really liked this book about the 8 year old girl named Alice. Alice has a brother and a dad, and her mom died. This is a book about her 8th year, she is figuring out how to make friends in a new school. She meets two friends Rosalind and Sara. She also has a kitten named Oatmeal.
February 21, 2025
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor schafft es wie keine Andere sich in die Lebensrealität eines 8-Jährigen Mädchens zu versetzen. Besonders die anstrenegd-liebevoll-solidarische Beziehung zu Alice' Bruder Lester ist wunderschön realistisch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews