Tools for this page
Print

All-American Girl

(2003, Fiction - Humor, Written by Meg Cabot)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Marred by a pat ending, but an enjoyable romp.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Attempted assassination of the president.
  • Sex:

    Some kissing, references to making out, bras, vaginas, and orgasms. Brief references to perverts who send Samantha letters.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Lots of real-life products and stores mentioned.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Underage teen drinking at a party: it is implied that one character is drunk.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About All-American Girl

Parents need to know that the parental characters, when they're present, are mostly clueless. But in spite of the story's teen orientation, the values here are pretty traditional -- even if the book's heroine is a nontraditional teen.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the main character, Samantha, and what makes her such a unique heroine for tweens and teens. In what ways is Samantha different from you and your friends? In what ways is she similar? Would you describe Samantha as an "all-American girl," or is the book's title meant to be ironic? Have you ever made a top 10 list, and if so, what kind of list was it? Could you make a top 10 list of your favorite book characters, and if so, would Samantha be on it?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about All-American Girl?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 32 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Just fine but not appropriate

    There isn't alwayse a book my Meg Cabot that is for kids and this one certanly is not! But perfect for an older teen who understands more.....

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 4.0

    idk

    is this ok for my sis whos 9 she has had 'The Talk' And knows alot of it all

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    All-American Girl

    I read this in 6th grade and I really enjoyed it. It's about this girl who saves the president's life and how her life changes by that ocassion. It does have some kissing and talking about women's 'parts'. And there's some teenager drinking at a party. But other than that, it's a really good book.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    GREAT for tweens

    Omg, I LOVED this book!! It was great!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    I loved this book! It's really far-fetched I know! But isn't that what's fun and amazing about it? Meg Cabbot is a dreamer in my opinion. She has amazing plots. And I think her books especially this one is a must read for this summer! :)

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name