 | 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. |
Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf
- By Jennifer L. Holm
- Genre: School
Common Sense Media says
Seventh grader documents her struggles in clever scrapbook.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book looks like a scrapbook; except for a few school compositions, it has very little straightforward narration. Most of the issues are typical middle school stuff, but others are a little more extreme. For example, Ginny’s older brother carries several not-so-harmless pranks a little too far, crashes his stepfather’s car while drunk and is sent to military school. Ginny herself is compassionate and well-meaning, but she also has moments when things are too much for her and she makes a few desperate choices that seem out-of-character: she skips school, lies about the reason, and even slaps a girl. In the end, she learns some important lessons about dealing with life, especially when it doesn't exactly match your dream.
What's the story?
Ginny starts seventh grade with a very hopeful to-do list including things like: get a new dad, look good in the school photo, get the starring ballet role, win something, and so on. As the year goes on, she does cross items off her list -- but reality doesn't always live up to her expectation. Starting with a disastrous hair-dyeing experiment, one thing after another goes wrong, and her middle school experience is far from what she had planned. Told completely through the “stuff” she has collected (notes, receipts, classroom assignments, poems, cartoons), this is the story of how she survives one very trying year of ups-and-downs that are “worse than meatloaf.”
Is it any good?
Readers will be amazed at how effectively this seemingly random collection or receipts, notes, lists, etc., creates a complete narrative with a strong, intriguing storyline, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. Formatted like a scrapbook with cartoon strips, poetry, and classroom notes strategically placed to move the story along, this book is touching, and fun to read. Middle school kids will related to the issues in Ginny's life, and will enjoy reading back and forward through all the "stuff" that made up her year. Because this book is so visually engaging, it's a great choice for reluctant readers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this book compares to the author's other books, which include the Babymouse series, and also books like Turtle in Paradise. Have you read her other work? What do you like best?
Discuss the value of keeping scrapbooks, and just how the "stuff" you collect can tell the story of your life. Which things told you the most about Ginny's world? Elizabeth Berkley also used a scrapbook format for her advice book Ask Elizabeth; what does this format do for readers? What would you include in your own scrapbook?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
since when do middle schoolers drink? or drive?
that problems mostly in high school this book is good but a little innapropiate
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AGE
best for older kids
I like this book I read it twice.
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Kid, 10 years old
January 3, 2011
AGE
Perfect for children 8 and up
I think it is very funny, educational, and very unusual. I love it but I didn`t expect it from Jennifer L. Holm, the writer of Babymouse books. Babymouse is a funny yet appropriate for all ages. This book is only good for children ages 8 - Teen. However, I give this book five stars!
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AGE
This is a must read book!!
I can really relate to this book.
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AGE
recommended for ages 8-12
i loved this book and i am so glad i am not her. on the other hand this book helped me out alot on what i9s coming up next year because i am in 6th grade.
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AGE
Dont let the title fool you
SUPER EASY READ. Its ok book. I stoped reading after a while. I just didnt get into the book that much.
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AGE
Perfect For all ages that can read
This book was amazing, i saw it in fourth grade and read it every year since. I am in 7th grade now.. Even though it looks scary in the reviews, like the drugs and stuff, its actually not bad. This book does mention her brother driving drunk but very low detailed and not very bad. The brother does get punished also.
I really recommend this book to everyone, it is a real keeper. Reading it brings me bakc to those toehr years when id read it with my friends. There are soo mucy cute things to look at and the pictures are soo real.
I really love this book, its a keeper.
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AGE
Ok
not bad, I read it a while ago I never really thought much of it, but it's a good book nothing to worry about.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 11, 2011
AGE
I haven't read it but seems good
It seems like a great book for a girl.
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| Author: | Jennifer L. Holm |
| Illustrator: | Elicia Castaldi |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | School |
| Publisher: | Ginee Seo Books |
| Publication date: | July 24, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 128 |
| Hardcover price: | $12.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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