Book Details
Written by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

All-American Girl (by Meg Cabot)

common sense media says

Marred by a pat ending, but an enjoyable romp.

parents & educators say
See all 35 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: The values here are pretty traditional -- even if the book's heroine is a nontraditional teen.
Positive role models: The parents are shown often as clueless.
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 applicable.
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.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on All-American Girl

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Middle child Samantha, a high school sophomore stuck between her popular older sister and genius younger sister, finds her life changing dramatically after she foils an assassination attempt on the president. Named teen ambassador to the UN, surrounded by a media frenzy, and suddenly popular with the in-crowd at school, she finds herself reluctantly drawn to the president's son, David, whom she meets in an afterschool art class.

Samantha is mostly confused by her feelings for David, and irritated by all the attention from the media and her schoolmates. But after a disastrous date with David and some unusual lessons from her art teacher, she finally begins to see things as they really are.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Already optioned by Disney, this novel has the same appeal as Meg Cabot's earlier book-turned-movie, The Princess Diaries; a winning teen girl thrust against her will into the national spotlight, broad humor, and a sarcastic take on America's youth culture. Though marred by an absurdly pat ending (Samantha actually learns to like herself for who she is), it is an enjoyable romp. Cabot has the rare ability to write novels that appeal to young teens, written in first-person teenspeak no less, that don't cause adult readers to become irritated or nauseated, or parents to become panicky.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date: September 7, 2003
Number of pages: 197
Paperback price: $6.99
This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

Review It

 

Review All-American Girl

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

13

Most useful reviews by all members

hellofreak
teen, 16 years old
10
 
It's a must read for every teen or tween girl.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (16)
basenjilove9
teen, 14 years old
11
 
GREAT for tweens
Omg, I LOVED this book!! It was great!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (9)
oneandahalfmoons
adult
 
An entertaining book with a very positive message.
I read the book in one sitting. The combination of an exciting plot, a free summer afternoon, and a fairly easy reading level lead to this. The book was very well writen. The main character, Sam was very easy to relate to even though her situations were a little over the top. The romance in the story was cute but not over the top. I would recomend the book to any girl looking for a story with everything in it. Even older girls can enjoy the story, I certainly did. The Literary Society at my highschool is currently reading the book.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (13) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (9)
MrsKey
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (12) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (9)
babybop
adult
13
 
LOVVVVVEEE this book!!:)<3
Susan Boone says to keep your eyes open. You can see if you look.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (11) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (8)
12Bows
teen, 14 years old
11
 
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.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (9)
Moxy12
teen, 14 years old
10
 
idk
is this ok for my sis whos 9 she has had 'The Talk' And knows alot of it all
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (7) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (10)
Jewel♥
teen, 16 years old
12
 
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! :)
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (8)
bookworm96
teen, 16 years old
10
 
Meg Cabot Has Out Done Herself
"All-American Girl" is one of the best books I've read in a while. It's predictable ending is more than made up for by its incredible humor and insight. It contains some mild violence, under-age drinking, and sexual content. However, it's all mild.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (7) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (9)
desto_92396
teen, 16 years old
10
 
i loved it
i love the way meg cabot described things like with the egg it was confusing but i saw a movie in my head it was awsome
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (10) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)
Yasas10
teen, 15 years old
11
 
One Of The Best Books!
The moment I got this book, I begun reading it - I am crazy over Meg Cabot's books. Laughter, sad moments... this book has it all. Simply a must-read!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (10) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (6)
writerwannabee0331
kid, 12 years old
10
 
AMAZING BOOK!!
this was truly my favorite book and any mature tween can handle it. this is a great read and almost any girl would like it.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)
heyitsrattlie
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (8)
exrbklyngirl
teen, 15 years old
9
 
Good book
I really like this book. It doesn't have a lot of inappropriate stuff.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
shanmae2
teen, 14 years old
9
 
Perfect for all girls!!
Overall A great book. :)
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (9) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
star9219
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (7)
Book Eater
teen, 14 years old
14
 
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.....
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (6)
bookwormteen
teen, 17 years old
15
 
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBORING
ALL HER BOOKS ARE DA SAME IM TOOOOOOOOOTALLY BORED OF HER BUT NEWBEES TOWARDS CABOT SHALL LIKE IT
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (7) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (6)
neointhesky
teen, 16 years old
 
Fun Book!
It's a good book, ful of descriptive language, and wonderfully written about a regular girl that, well, becomes different and noticed.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (5)
AlinaW.
teen, 16 years old
11
 
Pretty great fluff read!
I picked this book up in a used book store a while ago, and read it and really enjoyed it. Like with most of Meg Cabot's novels, there really isn't much depth, but will definetly hook book-worms and reluctant readers alike! It's a pretty tame novel, pretty much any tween or teen girl will enjoy this fun read, and you have to admit, the plot (Angsty teen girl saves the president, falls in love with the first son, etc.) is pretty brilliant, making this a quick fluff read. I'd also really reccomend Meg's Airhead series if your kids liked this one.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read All-American Girl?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More memorable ladies
Browse more books
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines