Parents' Guide to

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: The New Girl

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

More spunk and "rules" from Cabot's popular series.

Book Meg Cabot Friendship 2008
Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: The New Girl Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

treat02
treat02 Parent
December 24, 2012
age 8+

Poor

I read this beforehand (because some books like fine but aren't) and it was incredibly dull. Horrid. What other families should know about this book: INCREDIBLY DULL. I had no interest! Not a good book, so make sure you don't buy this one!
Positive Reader
Positive Reader Parent of 10-year-old
August 26, 2010
age 10+

Perfect for kids who do not like reading

My daugther does not like reading and after reading this book she is totally inspired to read

This title has:

Great messages
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Allie and her family have just moved into a new home and she's nervous about starting her new school. It turns out she had reason to be nervous when she encounters Rosemary, a big bully with her sights set on making Allie's life miserable. Allie tries to figure out how to deal with Rosemary, make new friends, get over her little brother's embarrassing behavior, and wait patiently for her kitten to be born. Will she be able to do it, and what rules will she make up along the way?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (11):

The second book in Meg Cabot's Allie Finkle series is light and fun. The title character has some cool attributes -- she knows how to stand up for herself and is considerate of her friends. But one thing that distracts from the story is the dialog. It feels a little too simple, too little girlish -- almost like an adult speaking how they think a 9-year-old would speak.

What Cabot does well is exploring interpersonal dynamics from a kid's perspective. It's great to see Allie trying to work through both family issues and conflicts with friends. Readers will identify with Allie's struggle of wanting to belong and be accepted while also trying to remain true to herself and the things she values, like being nice to others. Allie's a born leader and it's interesting to watch where she leads others.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Familes can talk about how to work through disagreements with family and friends. How did Allie's mom deal with her meddling mother-in-law?

  • How does this second book in the series compare with the first? Which do you like better?

  • Who provided the best advice for Allie's situation with Rosemary? How do you think you would have handled it?

Book Details

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