 | 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. |
Private
- By Kate Brian
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Yet another cliquey series, but with a nicer star.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Reed obsesses over a clique of popular girls who can sometimes be quite mean: They pressure her to steal a test, break up with her boyfriend, and spike a teacher's drink; later they even conspire to have another girl thrown out for cheating. Also, Reed's boyfriend -- whom she loses her virginity to -- drinks, deals drugs, and pushes her down in a rage. There is also some swearing and mean talk, along with a little label name-dropping.
What's the story?
When Reed transfers to Easton Academy, she wants to escape her old life, including an abusive, addicted mother. Usually a loner, Reed soon earns attention from two sources: A clique of the school's most popular girls, and a handsome bad boy. But each pressures her to make a choice -- and Reed is not sure she who she can really trust, if anyone.
Is it any good?
This series starter has a lot of the trappings of the clique lit genre: An elite boarding school, a group of beautiful and popular girls, and lots of mean talk and pranks. It also has another common trapping: The debut sets up a lot of intrigue, but nothing is resolved (and it's unclear what lessons the protagonist has actually learned). What sets this book a little apart is that protagonist Reed is a realistic and sympathetic character. Blue-collar Reed can't wait to escape her boring hometown and her abusive, addicted mother. But she's flawed, too -- when Thomas accuses her of using him, he's right. And she uses the popular Billings Girls to a certain degree as well, though she's not driven by materialism, but rather a deep longing to belong.
In the end, readers will connect with Reed -- and all the drama she finds at Easton Academy, from discovering that her boyfriend is the school drug dealer to suspecting that the Billings Girls helped get someone expelled. Teens taking a break from required reading will likely find enough fun here to have them RSVPing for the next installment, Invitation Only.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of the clique lit genre. Are these types of books simply escape, or do they promote dangerous values? Do they impact the way girls treat one another -- or themselves?
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AGE
one of my favorite books
i loved it! i read all of the books that came out
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AGE
Not so sure
Interesting storyline, but what's going on with teen drinking, smoking etc.? The whole time I was reading it, I was worried if my mom will see what's going on inside.
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AGE
kate brian is a teenge idol
i t˙ink that everyone should read this book all the books like i have there funny sad emotional i love them it very good to read if your 14 n over then yes i recommend this book i mean yes there curseing n sex bu it all censored it not going into detail it like a qiuck 11/2 second the metion sex and the drugs yes bit like the sex it very low not any big deal it like any regular shcool. if that was a school i would want to go there and never leave i cryed when i was reading this book i smiled and it was so good i read it in 2 hours all whole novel nd it usally takes me atlease 2 days to read a novel not this cant wait tell the nxt vbook to be published
sincerly
shapelle aka sappy aka i_love_kate_brian
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AGE
Can't get enough of those clique stories!
It was amazing book! The whole series actually! just reading the back got me interested!!!!! *Laughs* I absolutely L-O-V-E-D it!!! Well lets get to the point... READ THIS BOOK! Its AWESOME! 'member read it!
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AGE
Great Book
I read this book recently and thought it was great! It started off slow but got really exciting. There is some mature content in this book such as sex, language and drugs so I suggest this book for older teens. I plan to read the rest of the series!
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AGE
Not sure I'd let any teen read any of the books in this series until they have the maturity to understand what is and is not appropriate behavior.
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AGE
SUCH A GOOD BOOK=]
this book is amazing and i am on the 8th book=] not good for younger kids but one of my favorite books, its catchy, funny, and teaches girls how to stand up for themselves and how to deal with things. its an awesome book.
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AGE
Best book ever
One of the best books I have ever read! yes, there may be some inappropriate parts, But it all happens in life. its a really entertaining, awesome, amazing book. READ it! you wont regret it.
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| Author: | Kate Brian |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Simon Pulse |
| Publication date: | June 27, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 240 |
| Paperback price: | $8.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 14 |
| Read alone: | 14 |
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