 | 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. |
The Popularity Papers
- By Amy Ignatow
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Good-hearted story about popularity's true meaning.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there isn't much to worry about in this sweet book. There's a little talk about boys and crushes ("If he's your boyfriend, you have to kiss him," Julie writes to Lydia). There's also some minor discussion about the girls' family structures (Lydia's parents are divorced whereas Julie lives with her two dads). The girls feel bad when they make mistakes, and learn valuable lessons, most importantly that it's better to do the things you love -- with the people that you like -- than it is to be popular.
What's the story?
Lydia and Julie are fifth graders who want to be popular. Realizing that "a lot can change between elementary school and junior high," the best friends decide "to observe the girls who are already popular" in their class. By writing down (and illustrating) their observations in a secret notebook, the girls hope that they can soon discover -- and emulate -- the behavior that sets these girls apart. Of course, instead the girls experience a lot of embarrassing moments -- and learn some valuable lessons along the way.
Is it any good?
Readers will likely laugh out loud at some of Lydia and Julie's missteps (such as when Lydia decides to take stick fighting lessons to get to know an older boy who is in the class). The cartoon art, handwritten notes, and other fun touches make this a quick but memorable read -- even if most readers will be familiar with the lesson already (i.e. it's better to be around people you like than to be popular).
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the book's format, which is put together like a comic book, with cartoon-y drawings and other fun details, like handwritten notes. Is this what initially drew you to the book? Are you more likely to read books like this that try something creative? Can you think of other graphic novels you've read?
This book has a message we've seen before: Two good friends realize that being around people you love is more important than being popular. Can you think of other books or movies that share this message? What is your own definition of popularity?
Julie and Lydia are very different. Julie is shy and artistic whereas Lydia is more outgoing and loves to perform. Can you think of other books about opposite friends? Is this something that happens in real life? Which of these girls do you feel more like?
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Kid, 12 years old
March 11, 2011
AGE
i luv it!
I love it!!!!!! i just read this book this week and i loved it soo much i recommend it to all ages!!!!!!!
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AGE
perfect for ages 10-13
there were some inappropriate items min this book that jumped out at me when i read it at age nine, though the size and context were for ages 8-9
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AGE
Hang on a minute!
I completely disagree with the review. It is written/drawn to APPEAL to kids under 10. But no 10 year old I know is interested in it. The 2nd graders DO want to read it. And a later book does indeed have one of the primary characters smoking. She doesn't like it, but she tries it in order to get back at her mother. The other character hides the shoplifting behaviors of her friends from her guardians, and worries that they will send her back to the orphanage. I find this a very sketchy book. It is one of those books that makes disturbing behaviors look cute and the adults are foolish and unapproachable. Secrets are kept without consequence from friends and parents. And there are some great opportunities to talk through difficult feelings that are completely ignored. I will not even give this book to the thrift store. Its going in the trash.
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Kid, 11 years old
December 5, 2011
AGE
AWESOMENESS.
this is the best book YET about stupid popularity. they actually realize that, and i quote, "your friends are the coolest people you know". hows THAT for a positive message?! FYI: popular means WELL-LIKED and ADORED. not hated and doted on by toadies. um, YEAH. {:->
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AGE
Great book!
This is a really cool book. Lydia and Julie are both realistic, relate-able characters. They make mistakes, but so do all fifth graders.
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Kid, 11 years old
December 24, 2011
AGE
Waiting for #4
I loved it andcant wait for the 4th one to come out!!
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| Author: | Amy Ignatow |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Publisher: | Amulet Books |
| Publication date: | April 1, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 208 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 13 |
| Read aloud: | 8 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
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