 | 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 Year My Sister Got Lucky
- By Aimee Friedman
- Genre: Family Life
Common Sense Media says
A standard plot strengthened by sisterly bonds.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book features a rather old-fashioned plot, with teen sex serving as a "shocking" secret; smoking is portrayed as a rebellious act. Despite the suggestive title, the sex is pretty tame; Nothing is explicit, they're in a committed relationship, and they use birth control.
What's the story?
Katie, 14, and her 17-year-old sister Michaela thrive in the fast pace of New York City, where they attend a prestigious ballet school. Then their mom's new job requires a sudden move to a rural town. This leaves fashion-plate Katie warily facing a dragonfly (she attempts to annihilate it with bug spray), a deer in her front yard, and a cute boy in her homeroom class. Michaela, in contrast, embraces their new surroundings, befriending the popular crowd and dating the school's hot quarterback. Katie, accustomed to sharing everything with her big sis, feels left out and homesick -- especially when she discovers Michaela is hiding some major secrets.
Is it any good?
Readers who prefer the mall to a park may find Katie's small-town travails humorous (she is horrified by the very idea of camping) but for many, her whining will grow tedious. Indeed, a friend tells her, "Your princess act does get a little old after a while." (In a genuine moment, Katie spits back, "It's not an act. This is how I am . . . I don't wear flannel.")
When Katie (the first-person narrator) stops complaining long enough to actually do something, the book zips along more pleasantly. The plot is standard-issue (a teen asserts her independence, a fish out of water realizes her new home isn't so bad after all, a little sister discovers the big sister she worships isn't perfect), but the sisterly bond is appealing. Michaela offers advice and big-sister sighs as she strives to create her own life, setting boundaries for both her nosy sister and their controlling mother.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why Katie and Michaela's family keeps so many secrets. Katie's parents withhold important information from her, supposedly so she won't get upset. How do all these lies and secrets affect their relationships? Families can also discuss how and why a passion (such as Michaela's dancing, or other sports or hobbies) can stop being fun, and what parents can do to help teens feel less pressured.
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AGE
Perfect for 11 or more years old.
I loved this book!!! :D
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AGE
Good for girls with sisters just a few years younger than themselves.
Michaela has sex with her boyfriend, and Katie later finds out after reading her sister's email. Their are very mild uses of cussing, but otherwise fine. An older women and some teens smoke cigarettes almost constantly. The strength of the sisters' bond is tested by many different things that happen in the book.
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AGE
I think its good for teens and older. No less though.
It was good, but it should have been a little more interesting, it was interesting just not enough for me to constantly keep turning the pages everyday.
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AGE
GREAT book
love it! sex isnt anything anyone older than 10 or 11 doesnt know about! when i was 10, i was mildly curious about the subject,and because my parents didnt want to talk about it, i turned to books. and now, at age 13, im not a virgin, and im very grateful to all the books i read about it in. these kind of books really help ppl understand that sex isnt bad, it just isnt wise to do while youre young. and she used a condom and was on birth control,and shes 17,so she made smart descisions. great role models, great book.
- Katherine
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AGE
Hate It
This book isnt appropriate for a 14 year old more like 17/18 + kids should not be reading about sex and drugs !!!
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AGE
Favorite Book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this book so much, it is my favorite book of all time!
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AGE
life lessons
I like it because it gives kids a life lesson its a little iffy
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AGE
Love it
Great book it isnt too inapropriet but is jucy enought to keep you reading
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AGE
Sister LOVE
Great overall story and its really relatble if you have sisters. Helped me relise what a good relationshp i had with my sister. Also is fun and exiting and gines anather great point of view. You should really read it if havnt alredy.
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| Author: | Aimee Friedman |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Family Life |
| Publisher: | Point |
| Publication date: | January 25, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 370 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 14 |
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