Parents' Guide to

Dork Diaries 7: Tales from a Not-So-Glam TV Star

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Fluffy addition to tween series spotlights reality TV.

Book Rachel Renee Russell School 2014
Dork Diaries 7: Tales from a Not-So-Glam TV Star Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

sweet_lily_850
sweet_lily_850 Adult
August 18, 2015
age 11+

EWW

Lights, Camera, Action! This drama and crushing thing has gone too far. What is with all of the crushing right now? All of these books are about boys, boys, boys! Why aren't you consetrating on learning and studying, something thats not about BOYS! I mean what is with you and boys? School is for learning not crushing. Mostly all of these stories are about a girl crushing over a boy, and trying to cause drama with a popular and mean girl. It doesn't makes any sense with crushing and falling in love with boys in school.. So I don't know how to explain this, but please don't do these types of books with crushing, and give it to second graders to read them. I am trying to be honest and polite, to be honest i love your books Rachel R. Russell. I am sorry if I hurt you're feelings but this is my opinion. So yeah be mad at me, hate me, whatever I am just telling my honest opinion.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
Camille S.
Camille S. Parent of 3, 4 and 10-year-old
September 15, 2023
age 14+

Just nooo

ew, Ew, EWWWW this book is just horrible, sooo unrealistic, and stupid to be honest DON'T READ!
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Nikki and the crew, including mean girl Mackenzie, are back in the latest installment of Dork Diaries. This time, Nikki finds out she's not only headed into the studio as a result of the last book, she's staring in a reality TV show! The excitement of being a star isn't all she thought it would be with manufactured controversy, a booked schedule, and miscommunication with her crush Brandon. How will Nikki manage to protect her friends and family from the drama, keep up with school, and get a chance for her -- gulp -- first kiss?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (24 ):

There's much to be said about what the book lacks -- depth, developed characters, real circumstances -- but there's quite a bit author Rachel Renee Russell does well. She's certainly created a series that appeals to reluctant readers. This graphic novel visits a world where there are clear lines of good and bad, problems are solved with lightning-quick (if not deep) thinking, and kids can live out the dreams of a simple tween life.

Friends, boys, and pop stardom -- not a bad combination for a summer read at the beach. This book also will serve as a nice distraction between heady, required summer reading books.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the perception of reality TV shows. As Nikki learns, the producers write the scripts and manipulate ordinary activities to drum up drama. Do you think most people know these shows are scripted? What stereotypes do they perpetuate?

  • Families also can talk about some of the stereotypes in Tales from a Not-So-Glam TV Star. How is Nikki and Mackenzie's relationship similar to those in other popular books and movies? Does there have to be a mean-girl-versus-regular-girl plot to make the story interesting?

  • Does everyone want to be a star? Whether it involves music, acting, or fashion design, many movie and book plots revolve around becoming famous. Can you name female book characters whose claim to fame is that they're not famous?

Book Details

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