| 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. |
Parents need to know that there's not much to object to in this book. There are some examples of mean-girl attitudes and actions, but they lead to discussion and resolution of the feelings behind the aggression.
Megan, Emma, Jess, and Cassidy can think of a million other things they'd rather do than be in a book club with their mothers, or with one another for that matter. But then a funny thing happens. As they explore the four girls of Little Women they learn more about themselves, their families, and one another. Will it be enough to counter all the other crazy things going on in their lives including crushes, secret dreams, real-life family drama, and all the drama of middle school?
THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER BOOK CLUB is a stand-out novel because author Heather Frederick gives an authentic voice to her young characters. The four main girls -- Megan, Cassidy, Emma, and Jess -- with similarities to the March sisters in Little Women (the book they're reading), really develop as characters throughout the book. Megan especially. A classic mean girl, she torments several of the other girls and plays cruel pranks on them. When one prank goes too far she is forced to face the girls, their mothers, and the reasons behind her actions. The result is a very moving scene that gives great insight into why mean girls behave the way they do.
The active role that parents play in this novel is wonderful. They are engaged in and aware of what is going on in their kids' lives. This is a refreshing change to the more common narrative of absent or oblivious parents. Parents and kids should read this book together, not because of any questionable material, but because it has something for everyone. This is the type of book that can change the dialog in a mother-daughter relationship.
Families can talk about ways to spend more time together. Besides starting a book club, what hobbies or activities can families do together to help build better relationships? How did the book club help with the girls' relationships with their parents? How did it help with their relationships with each other?
| Author: | Heather Vogel Frederick |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Aladdin |
| Publication date: | April 27, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 256 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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