Addie on the Inside

I have probably read this book 7 or 8 times, and one of my most frightening realizations was upon entering eighth grade, when I realized that I was older than Addie Carle. Having been younger and looked up to her, and then the same age and looking at her for advice, it took me a while to come to terms with it. That is what this book has done for me. I see so much of myself in Addie. This book talks about tough issues. Child marriage, bullying, suicide. But it opened my eyes to the world. Addie is one of my favorite characters. She is smart and funny, and cares about the world around her. I think we all have a lot to learn from her. The book was very well written. I thought in verse for hours after reading it! I recommend this book to anyone over age 10 who can read. P.S. I also highly recommend the companion books: The Misfits, Totally Joe, and Also Known As Elvis. Love these books!!!!

This was a great book. Vivid poems that show great imagination and a great understanding of the world. It's true that it does discuss Addie's friend being gay, but that's fine. Joe is one of the greatest book characters ever. I don't think being gay is a bad thing and this a one of the focal points of this book. It has some serious topics, but none that are some kind of evil workings. I think this is a great book for anybody.

Addie is a bit of a know-it-all, and wants to fix all the world's problems. However, she is subject to name-calling and teasing since she's a misfit. in the story there are several news articles, which will likely be stressful to younger kids. I am 12, and I found the third article, about a girl who's parents were divorced, and had moved to America which was away from her dad. She was subject to nasty teasing, and ended up hanging herself--with a scarf that her little sister gave her. Parents need to know that this story and two others (one about the girls in Afghanistan who were getting sold into marriage, and the other about a rock-star who hit, bit, and nearly choked his girlfriend, and then, everyone thought he was right.) play a part in the story, and may be distressing. Also, the story mentions the death of a friend's mom, and of Kennedy, and Addie's cat. There is also a bit about the fact that it's okay to be gay. A final thing that parents might want to know before letting their kids read this book it that a bit of the story talks about how overused the phrase "omigod" is, which some kids, especially those who constantly use it themselves, may not get.