Parents' Guide to

Addie on the Inside

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Vivacious seventh grader expresses herself in vivid poems.

Addie on the Inside Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

age 10+

Perfect example

Absolutely amazing!!!! Could not be dead on any more, while trying to describe 7th grade through a girl's eyes or P.O.V.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Addie's voice is straightforward and true, and the author's poems vividly and sensitively capture her pain and confusion. While the problems she struggles with are familiar, the book is one of a kind, both in its artistry and in the thoughtful questions -- and lessons -- it imparts. Howe challenges his readers to open their eyes, minds, and hearts and to try to really see one another, to allow people to choose who they want to be and respect them for their choices. (He writes, "what is it we see when we look at each other, especially at those who are different from us?")

Readers will be moved by the small story of Addie's fight to become the person she wants to be -- and be left with plenty of big questions to ponder.

Book Details

  • Author: James Howe
  • Genre: Coming of Age
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Atheneum
  • Publication date: July 26, 2011
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
  • Number of pages: 224
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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