 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
All-American Girl
Common Sense Media says
Marred by a pat ending, but an enjoyable romp.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What 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?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
It's a must read for every teen or tween girl.
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AGE
GREAT for tweens
Omg, I LOVED this book!! It was great!
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AGE
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.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 16, 2011
AGE
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.
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AGE
idk
is this ok for my sis whos 9 she has had 'The Talk' And knows alot of it all
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
LOVVVVVEEE this book!!:)<3
Susan Boone says to keep your eyes open. You can see if you look.
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AGE
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.....
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| Author: | Meg Cabot |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Humor |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | September 7, 2003 |
| Number of pages: | 197 |
| Paperback price: | $6.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 17 |
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