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Talia Talk (by Christine Hurley Deriso)

common sense media says

Kid turns to podcasting to find her voice and dish advice.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's nothing to worry about in this book. It covers the topics of parental death, friendships, mean girls, and privacy.

Positive messages: This is one of the few teen/tween stories in which there are really good lines of communication open between kids and parents. Talia and her mom talk openly about their feelings, including their frustrations. There are a few instances of mean girl behavior, but it's counteracted by great lessons in being a friend.
Violence: There are a few vague and empty threats of bodily harm by a tough girl, but it's just talk.
Sex: The kids in this book are in the wanting-to-date, worried-about-impressing-the-opposite-sex stage.
Language: Some mild name calling ("dork," "stuck-up," etc.), but nothing really objectionable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Talia Talk

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how friendships change. Are you still friends with kids you were friends with in second or third grade? Why or why not? How do relationships change as people grow up? What are some of the good things Talia learned about friendship?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Talia has enough on her plate. Her mother is the co-host of a talk show and shares all of Talia's most embarrassing moments with her audience every morning. Nothing is safe or off-limits really, but Talia is starting 7th grade and she can't have everyone knowing all her dirty laundry, but what's a girl to do? On top of mom drama she's got friend drama, too. Her best friend Bridget is loud, bossy, and sometimes really embarrassing. Her former bff's Meredith and Brynne are no longer talking to her and Bridget, and she doesn't know why. Now somehow she's a part of her own morning show; is this how middle school is supposed to work?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Author Christine Hurley Deriso does a great job capturing the woes of middle school with a new twist. Instead of embarrassing things happening to Talia, Talia has to deal with having a mother who famously broadcasts her worst moments on television. That's a level of embarrassment that many kids couldn't begin to fathom. Deriso also covers timeless topics of friendship and dealing with friendships that change as you grow older.

There are some great moments that will keep readers laughing and that connect the reader to the characters in the book. One of Talia's columns talks about how dorky her mom can be when she acts as a school volunteer wearing holiday sweaters using old slang and getting kid's names wrong -- almost every kid can identify with that. Overall TALIA TALK is a fresh, funny book that both kids and parents will relate to. Kids may even learn a few lessons in the process.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Christine Hurley Deriso
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication date: November 11, 2008
Number of pages: 192
Hardcover price: $15.99
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

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fanta23
teen, 14 years old
11
 
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i love it, its on task and make me wanna jump
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