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Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: The New Girl (by Meg Cabot)

common sense media says

More spunk and "rules" from Cabot's popular series.

parents & educators say
See all 10 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Allie deals with a bully and other social and family situations in the book, including a bossy grandmother and worry over sick kittens. She does seem to have an obsession with the visual of brains splattering -- she uses this analogy in the first book in the series as well.

Positive messages: Allie has some pretty good rules that she goes by, including first impressions matter and it's important to stand up for yourself even when you're scared. A couple of the rules border on personal preference like, "when someone is yelling at you with excitement, it's polite to yell back."
Violence: A bully threatens to beat up a girl, adults and kids discuss self-defense and how to punch someone in the nose. A bully roughhouses with kids and traps a few in folding chairs. A girl talks about brains exploding out of her head and splattering on the wall -- more as a reaction to startling news as opposed to violence.
Sex: One girl has a crush on a boy, but it goes no further than fantasy and giggles.
Language: Mild name calling like "mean" and changing someone's name to mean stinky.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults are shown drinking alcohol in response to a stressful situation and children order Shirley Temples.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: The New Girl

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Familes can talk about how to work through disagreements with family and friends. How did Allie's mom deal with her meddling mother-in-law? Who provided the best advice for Allie's situation with Rosemary? How do you think you would have handled it?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Allie and her family have just moved into a new home and she's nervous about starting her new school. It turns out she had reason to be nervous when she encounters Rosemary, a big bully with her sights set on making Allie's life miserable. Allie tries to figure out how to deal with Rosemary, make new friends, get over her little brother's embarrassing behavior, and wait patiently for her kitten to be born. Will she be able to do it, and what rules will she make up along the way?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The second book in Meg Cabot's Allie Finkle series is light and fun. The title character has some cool attributes -- she knows how to stand up for herself and is considerate of her friends. But one thing that distracts from the story is the dialog. It feels a little too simple, too little girlish -- almost like an adult speaking how they think a 9-year-old would speak.What Cabot does well is exploring interpersonal dynamics from a kid's perspective. It's great to see Allie trying to work through both family issues and conflicts with friends. Readers will identify with Allie's struggle of wanting to belong and be accepted while also trying to remain true to herself and the things she values, like being nice to others. Allie's a born leader and it's interesting to watch where she leads others.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: August 5, 2008
Number of pages: 240
Hardcover price: $15.99
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Star8561
kid, 11 years old
2
 
the perfect book for girls that like to read
I lovad every rule except that one that says never eat anything with red
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (8)
Kate kids
kid, 12 years old
8
 
I think it is good for all ages 7 up
I love this. You start reading it and get hooked on so the next thing you know you are running to the store buying the next on. I loved that book you get hooked on it very easily
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
selena gomez
kid, 12 years old
9
 
ILAUGHED
i think this is a very good book
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
haleema
kid, 11 years old
17
 
hannahmontana/icarly
i love this story i raed half of it so far and i got it from the library it is the best book i ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MEG CABOT IS THE BEST AUTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
dsggggggr
kid, 12 years old
8
 
I LOVED IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love it. it is my favorite book . keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (6)
alliefinklerockks
kid, 12 years old
9
 
so funny
it is so funny u have to if your a girl of cuarse lol
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
Positive Reader
parent of 11 year old
10
 
Perfect for kids who do not like reading
My daugther does not like reading and after reading this book she is totally inspired to read
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
Casey Cleo Deo
kid, 11 years old
10
 
Allie Finkles book
I think it has to much drugs and stuff in it. It is still good though!!!!!!!
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (7)
MissHelloKitty
kid, 12 years old
8
 
Good Book
I love this book :)
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
hot cocoa love 931
kid, 11 years old
8
 
I wasnt so hot about it, but try it for yourself!
Not my favorite Allie Finkle book, but it's still a good book to read!
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (3)

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