The Amanda Project: invisible i (by Melissa Kantor, Stella Lennon)

common sense media says

Compelling, quirky onion of a mystery.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that despite the apparent commercialism of a series of 10 books tied to a Web site that promotes their purchase, this is an excellent book by a talented writer. Each book in the series will have a different author, all writing under the pen name of Stella Lennon (this one is written by Melissa Kantor). Because of that, the quality of the subsequent titles may change. Complex themes are age appropriate and thought provoking. Besides a hit-and-run accident by a 14-year-old driver and one parent who drinks too much, the characters are very positive.

Educational value: Urges readers to read closely and search for clues; the mystery encourages creative thinking and the related Web site encourages creative writing and imagination.
Positive messages: Amanda's actions are mysterious but appear to be positive. Plus the importance of family and friends is key.
Positive role models: The main character, Callie, and the missing girl, Amanda, are smart, caring, and creative. Amanda's friendship leads Callie to the confidence she needs to quit being friends with the superficial and mean "i" girls. Her missing mother is a gifted astronomer. Her new friends, a boy and a girl, are both independent, self-aware, and mature.
Violence: In a hit and run accident, a 14-year-old girl "borrows" her parents' car and hits an acquaintance on a bicycle. There is some minor vandalism.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The book jacket promotes the interactive Amanda Project Web site. While the Web site promotes creativity it also advertises the book and the 9 books to follow in the series.  
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The main character's mother disappeared months earlier and in despair her father starts drinking and becomes irresponsible. After being confronted by her, he does stop drinking.

More on The Amanda Project: invisible i

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about why Amanda wanted to bring Callie together with her two new friends.

  • Does the intent behind Amanda's actions justify the results (detention for Callie and two others)? How about the anxiety and worry she causes them?

  • Why does Callie drop her old friends, and is she right?

  • Does it help Callie or hurt her to keep the secret about her missing mother?

  • What is the biggest mystery in the book?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Callie and two other random ninth-graders are called to the vice-principal’s office to explain an act of vandalism -- or give up the girl who did it. The girl who did it, Amanda, has disappeared only months after arriving at their school, but she left many messages behind. As they pursue why she implicated them they discover many lies. Convinced that the lies had a higher purpose of uniting them, they seek more clues, and the truth about where Amanda has gone.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The writing and the book design are both beautiful. Main characters are smart, resilient, and optimistic -- Kantor’s dialogue is spot on, and the characters will resonate with readers. Callie’s life is a roller coaster, and yet her new-found friendships empower her. Amanda’s disappearance seems to lead to more secrets and more revelations at the same time, and Callie finds the strength, and the support, to make some big changes in her life. Courage leads to confrontations that help many people; but Amanda is still missing.

This is a cliffhanger that will have readers anxiously awaiting the next book, and the Web site may inspire them creatively.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Melissa Kantor, Stella Lennon
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: October 1, 2009
Number of pages: 304
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 12
Read Alone: 12

This review was written by Debra Bogart
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

luisbaby
teen, 16 years old
 
nice book

_saldana_
teen, 16 years old
 

xheartbeat
teen, 16 years old
 
Excellent for Tweens and Up
I love love love this book! It's perfect for a tween and up. I love how interactive the series is with the website, too. It's such a good read, I will leave it at that without trying to give it away. Amanda Valentino, where are you?

Kristils
parent of 11 and 13 year old
 
Great for kids 12+
I thought it was a great book. I cannot wait for the 2nd 1!

englishmuffin717
teen, 15 years old
 
Great Book!!

UnforgettableM ...
teen, 14 years old
 
An excellent book - perfect :)
I really enjoy this book! It has the perfect mixture of drama, suspense and mystery. I would recommend to people aged 11+ because the plot in some places isn't understandable to kids below that age and has one use of language (p*****g) Overall, it is an excellent book and would read it again and again!

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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