Almost Alice (by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor)
common sense media says
Next chapter in popular series deals with teen pregnancy.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this installment of the long-running series includes a plot point about Alice's friend who is both sexually active and pregnant. Her pregnancy is handled with real emotion: disbelief, horror, despair, panic, and realistic adult intervention. Other than that, there are some light making out/kissing scenes. Another girl discovers the wonders of a push-up bra. Also, Alice is a member of her school's gay-straight alliance and attends meetings where the kids do stuff like discuss the word "queer" and make plans for future events.
Educational value:
Families can use this book to open up serious conversation with their kids about sex and teen pregnancy. See our "Families Can Talk About" section for some ideas.
Positive role models:
Teens will find it easy to relate to Alice who is having trouble figuring out who she is -- or feeling like herself.
Violence:
A family's dryer catches fire.
Sex:
A girl reveals she is sexually active and pregnant. Another girl wears a low-cut top and push-up bra; her breasts are discussed. A couple of teens make out. Also, Alice is a member of her school's gay-straight alliance and attends meetings where the kids do stuff like discuss the word "queer" and make plans for future events.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
The author refers to Starbucks.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on Almost Alice
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
Rob79
parent of 12 year old
parent of 12 year old
Alice Series
Because this series extends over such a long period of the main character's life, parents need to be cautious which book in the series their kids are reading and when. My 10-year-old daughter discovered the "prequel" books (when Alice is in elementary school)and liked them. I thought they were fine, but she quickly read along into the older Alice books and I was shocked to pick one up one day to discover Alice had turned 16 and was considering having sex with her boyfriend! Not a negative about the books themselves, but definitely something to be aware of if your child is preteen.
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krazypanda
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
This book is better for kids a little older
parents may want to hold off on giving heir child the later books in the series because they do contain some PG and PG13 content
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laurel1234
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
good lessons, aprpite for tweens
i think that even though it is high sexual content, it is appropiet. (im sorry if i spell some words worng, im dsylexic) i read this when i was 12, and it taught alot about the dangers of having sex.
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lisabeth.m
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Amazing series for teenager girls.
These Alice books are amazing! Common Sense, if you're going to review one of them review all of them. These are some of the best books for girls out there and even guys. The mother who said she was 'Shocked' to find out Alice was going to have sex with her boyfriend at sixteen, give me a break! She was sixteen in that book! It's just dealing with real life issues, and stuff like that does come up in life. If you're a prude of a parent and hate anyhing that has to do with sex or drugs or other teenager problems, put the book down and don't complain. I read all of them when I was ten and had no problems, but if your kid really can't handle it just get them the younger books.
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AlinaW.
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
A great book for girls!
The entire series is something I would buy for every girl ages 8-18! They're amazing books that talk about a girl growing up (Alice) and talk about real life issues at every age. Reading these while growing up is an amazing experience for me, because I learn from Alice's mistakes, and can relate to several of her embarssing moments. These books talk about everything, and it's definetly a good place to hear EVERYTHING from . . . Facts are accurate, and great morals and role models are in all of the Alice series!
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SockyChibi<3
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
love the series
i love the Alice series!!!!
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