Tools for this page
Print

Miles to Go

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Miley shares her life "so far." Fluffy, but fun for fans.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Classmates tease Miley and say her dad is a "one-hit wonder." She is reluctant to tell her parents about school bullies. Some days she only eats one Pop-Tart because "it was really important to me to look great." After finding out she has tachycardia (a racing heart rate) and a hole in her heart, she decides to eat more healthfully. Miley has a close relationship with her parents and siblings. She raises money for charities and visits hospitals. She works hard and pursues her dreams. While coping with acne, she confesses to becoming obsessed with how she looks. "I'd stare at myself for hours, hating myself outside and in." She finds perspective by befriending a younger girl with cystic fibrosis.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Girls bully Miley in middle school and threaten her. At one point they start cussing at her in the lunchroom and tell her to get up and fight. Miley notes that a mom sitting at another table just laughed and did not step in to stop the behavior. The principal intervened before anything more happened.
  • Sex:

    A mention of "puppy love" with a castmate and then dating her "first true love," here dubbed "Prince Charming" for two years (ages 13-15). There is no description of kissing, just them hanging out. Miley and her older sister Brandi both get purity rings. When Brandi's boyfriend comes to visit, the two stay in separate rooms; "she does it because she respects herself that much." Miley says the press might make fun of purity rings but "I have my morals!"
  • Language:

    "Crap," "hell" (as in "sixth-grade social hell"), "jacka__" (that's how it is in the book).
  • Consumerism:

    Well, the whole book is about the star of a Disney Channel TV show and related movies and albums. She mentions specific stores, magazines, video games, Web sites, clothing designers, and food brands. Miley notes that Disney paid her to write the book but didn't tell her what to say.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Miles to Go was written by Stephanie Dunnewind

Parents need to know this is the sweet Hannah Montana side of Miley Cyrus, not the controversial one that pops up in sexy photos. This isn't a dishy celebrity tell-all. Cyrus and her co-author keep her young fans in mind, with many "I'm just like you" stories and inspirational passages. The book encourages readers to see Cyrus as role model; she shares her Christian values and Biblical passages.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about what it means that even a beautiful star feels ugly and unable to live up to media images. Miley writes, "I'd see myself in makeup, or Photoshopped in magazines, and see this perfect, airbrushed version of myself. Then I'd look in the mirror and see reality." Is it good advice when she tells readers, "If you ever find yourself wishing you looked as good as Miley Cyrus in some photo . . . just remember: Miley Cyrus doesn't look as good as Miley Cyrus in that photo."
Did this review help you decide?

Is it a keeper for your kids?

Have you read it? Review It!

More on Miles to Go

Book Summary

Miley Cyrus may be the star of a hit movie and television series (and daughter of country singer/actor Billy Ray Cyrus), but she still worries about acne, hates sixth-grade bullies, and drinks Ovaltine with her dad in the morning. In this autobiography, complete with two color-picture sections, Cyrus offers a backstage peek into her TV show, concerts, and family life. With short, conversational asides in the margins ("I know! Who wants normal teen angst?") and various lists ("7 things I'd like to change about myself"), the book will make Miley seem even more like a friend and role model to Hannah Montana's tween fans.

Is It Any Good?

Adults may roll their eyes at MILES TO GO's trite attempts at inspiration ("You can change the world/ And bring the light") but Miley's willingness to expose her insecurities (such as worries about acne and weight) will resonate with her young fans. Despite a narrative that jumps around in time and focus, fans will love the personal details (she skips Elton John's and Madonna's post-Oscar parties to eat pizza with her mom, in pajamas).

Miley touches on how media criticism (of such things as her cuddly relationship with her dad, and, ridiculously, her large ankles) hurts her feelings, but she doesn't mention the Vanity Fair photo controversy. Miles to Go is at its best when Miley's rural Southern roots ("there's nothing more relaxing than to kick back and watch chickens be chickens") and sense of humor ("when I look back on my life, the only theme that I see starting to emerge is wigs") show the girl behind the star.

Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Disney Publishing, Publication date: 3/10/2009
Number of pages: 270, Price: $24.95 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 7, Read Alone: 8

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

What did you think about Miles to Go?

or

to post a review

See all 18 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    cool

    If you are a Miley Fan u will love it!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    good book

    great for book reports thats what i did mine on miley is a respetible person even thogh she s trashed on a regular basis :(

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    It's A Good Book But Only For Fans

    It's a good book but only for fans. It's a easy book to read so is perfect for her younger fans and a light easy read for her older fans. It has good messages and I personally don't think it's that commercial it's mostly her life not her job. I really liked this and so did my sister but if your not a fan you won't like it.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    perfect for kids, tweens and teens

    it is a really good book, because it explains the life of miley cyrus, and you can understand her better.

  5. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    Miley Needs Help.

    Miley Cyrus needs a role model better than Britney Spears. I hope the best for this girl, but I don't think that the best is EVER going to come. She is not talented and is completely self-obsorbed. She is not a good role model, the language is awful for a SIXTEEN year old, and the sexual situations are mild, but there! Sadly, Miley fans are under the age of 13, so this book will more than likely not be successful because of the content. Sorry Miley, but your book SUCKED!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Percy Jackson Fever

    Read the book before you see the movie!

  • Advice for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Get info and facts to keep your kids safe and smart on Facebook.

  • Must See TV

    Team Umizoomi

    Team Umizoomi

    Super team teaches preschoolers real-life math applications.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

    Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

    Fave brainy bunny hops to DS for learning romp that talks.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name