 | 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. |
Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO-Popular Party Girl
- By Rachel Renee Russell
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Protagonist shows more depth here, but still pretty shallow.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book, like Tales of a NOT-SO-Fabulous Life, is filled with references to pop culture and material goods, including celebrities, designer clothing, tech gadgets, makeup, TV, etc. This Wimpy Kid-like book may draw in kids who like the first book, as well as reluctant readers, but they may grow tired of the self-absorbed, materialistic protagonist.
What's the story?
This book leaves off one day after the first book ends, just after Brandon asks Nikki to be his science lab partner. This volume focuses on the Halloween dance, which happens to be the same night Nikki has promised to work at a ballet party hosted by her little sister's friend. Readers will recognize the cast of characters here, including mean girl MacKenzie, who is in charge of the dance. When MacKenzie suddenly resigns from her job, the Halloween dance might get cancelled -- and if MacKenzie's plan works, the entire school will blame Nikki. Can Nikki and her friends figure out a way for the dance to go on? And can Nikki juggle going to the dance with her friends, secretly being Brandon's date -- and fulfilling her promise to work at the ballet party?
Is it any good?
The protagonist in this latest installment in the Dork Diaries series continues to be dramatic, self-absorbed, and popularity-obsessed. But she does show some growth here: Nikki has a fleeting moment of compassion for her little
sister when she freezes on stage, shows leadership by organizing the school dance -- and learns basic lessons about honesty and how to be a better friend when her best buddies discover her multiple commitments on the night of the dance. Even so, readers will have a hard time finding a character to relate to. Nikki overreacts to everything, and her "woe is me" attitude, constant irritation with her little sister, and flighty
decision-making quickly grow tiring. Meanwhile, her nemesis MacKenzie remains a stereotypical enemy. Readers may find this book easy to read -- but other illustrated novels, like The Popularity Papers, will get them thinking deeper about themes like fitting in and friendship.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about self-image. Nikki is extremely self-degrading, calling herself "loser, "dork," and "pathetic." Is this something you hear your friends doing a lot? Does Nikki really mean what she says about herself -- or is she saying something else?
Lots of books, movies, and television shows talk about kids wanting to be popular. What are some other titles you can think of? Do you think media typically reflects how kids actually feel about the pressure to fit in -- or do they further promote a shallow kind of popularity?
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AGE
Defiantly a girl book
A fun read for all girls:)
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AGE
Love It!!
I love this book!! It's a great read! For girls who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid you'll love this series!
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AGE
Love it, My daghter thought that she was a dork in school and it help her shy self to relieze that she wasnt the only one out there letting others to step all over her and now she is so much better
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Kid, 11 years old
July 10, 2011
AGE
Squid Kid has NO idea what she's talkin' about!
I absolutely LUV all the Dork Diaries books. They're like a girly version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I have no idea what Squid Kid is talking about, cuz 1st off, Nikki is NOT a "little girl", neither is she selfish. When Jessica or MacKenzie says something mean to her, she doesn't usually say something snobby back. She just tries to ignore it and be as polite as possible. She is also pretty loyal to her friends, Chloe and Zoey.
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AGE
amaziiiiing
sorry i read it when i was 9 but i am 16
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Kid, 11 years old
March 29, 2011
AGE
Poor Nikki
At first,I thought it wasn't a good book because of this review.But after I read it from the front cover and the back cover.It appeared to be a great story.Nikki,who was the star of the book.Appears to be teased always by those nasty popular girls.Nikki's life always seemed to be gloomy.Well,not at other times.She would dance her Snoopy happy dance if she feels very happy.If I were Nikki,I would never cry when someone bullies me(Like that Mackenzie "Falls":PJust kidding!).I'd stand up straight and throw an apple pie(With worms!)right into her face!:D
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Kid, 10 years old
June 12, 2011
AGE
Never to old for a Dork Diaries
i love this book.Educational but also a cute book!Im 9 and still this book!
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Kid, 11 years old
July 27, 2011
AGE
great book for tween girls
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Kid, 12 years old
October 4, 2011
AGE
NIkki maxwell suck it up!
Like the last one, Nikki is a self-centered chick that's main focus is boys,boys,boys!My GOSH she is like a broken record here! You might feel sorry for her, but she's not exactly what i would call respectful or kind. She spends WAYYY to much time feeling sorry for herself.
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AGE
Ugh. What a selfish little girl.
Ugh. The main character, Nicky, is such a disgustingly selfish little girl, it's awful. Boy-crazy, materialist, degrading, she's so awful she ruined the book by being the main character.
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| Author: | Rachel Renee Russell |
| Illustrator: | Rachel Renee Russell |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Contemporary Fiction |
| Publisher: | Aladdin |
| Publication date: | June 8, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 288 |
| Hardcover price: | $12.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 13 |
| Read aloud: | 10 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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