The Popularity Papers (by Amy Ignatow)
common sense media says
Good-hearted story about popularity's true meaning.
parents & educators say
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.
Positive role models:
Lydia and Julie are both nice girls who learn from their mistakes. In the end, they even learn that the popular girl they considered the most stuck up is "actually not that bad."
Violence:
Not applicable.
Sex:
There is some age-appropriate stuff about flirting with boys and crushes. An exchange student writes a poem expressing his feelings for Julie, which the class ends up performing in song. Julie lives with her two dads, but the specifics of the situation are not explored.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Some discussion of the stuff popular girls (and their parents) have, like cherry-flavored Chapstick and cell phones.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on The Popularity Papers
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Most useful reviews by all members
bizzy67
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
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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rosalicious
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
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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MurMel
parent
parent
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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susieboo
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
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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Linsey2010
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
its good for teens
love it
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the frog whisperer
kid, 10 years old
kid, 10 years old
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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leahgil
kid, 10 years old
kid, 10 years old
Waiting for #4
I loved it andcant wait for the 4th one to come out!!
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