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The Ashleys #1: There's a New Name in School

(2008, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Melissa de la Cruz)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Standard clique book with same mean-girl behavior.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The girls are spoiled and mean. When they aren't shopping, they are scheming and lying. Standard clique issues with status, privilege, and anti-social behavior.

  • Violence:

    Pinching, tripping each other, and a kid has a severe allergic reaction to nuts.

  • Sex:

    Some sexual humor, body-part discussion, and wanting to be "sexy."

  • Language:

    Slang like "biatch" and "'ho."

  • Consumerism:

    Yikes! Call the commercial cops. Every high-end brand name and store imaginable: Chanel, Fendi, Starbucks, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults drink alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Ashleys #1: There's a New Name in School

Parents need to know that it's all about the $2000 purses and $900 sweaters here. When they aren't shopping, the characters are scheming to get to the top of the social ladder or scheming to stay there. Parents are either absent, turning a blind eye, or trying to buy acceptance like their middle schoolers. The book is not as mean or racy as others in this genre, but it's far from sweet.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about peer pressure, materialism, and self-acceptance. Do you feel pressure to act a certain way around your friends? Why is it more important to be yourself?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    ajj1996
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Must read book for every 11 year old girlz

    it was very good i loved it i read it in 1week fun fun fun

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Cammigal
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I Recommend This Book for Anyone

    The Ashleys: there's a New Name in school is the greatest book I've ever read! It's so cool, and it relates to me--a lot! The Ashleys is about a girl named Laura Page who is desperate to get into the Ashleys' group.She even got new clothes, a new nose and she's now mega rich! I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes books who relate to them! ^_^

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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