Parents' Guide to

The Mother-Daughter Book Club

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Just the read to jump-start your own book club.

Book Heather Vogel Frederick Coming of Age 2007
The Mother-Daughter Book Club Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Stacey I.
Stacey I. Parent
December 17, 2017
age 9+

Fat-Phobia runs rampant in this book

I thought this book was okay. Not a five star read, but not bad. However, there is a tremendous problem with the treatment of one of the characters specifically because she is large. The amount of time spent vilifying this character -- who is considered the most evil character in the book to boot -- specifically because of the size of her ample posterior is dismaying. Anyone who isn't thin will feel bad about themselves when they read this book. Anyone who is thin will feel guilty for the meanness. It's pervasive and ridiculous, and sets a terrible example of behaviour.
1 person found this helpful.
mockingbird72
mockingbird72 Parent of 4, 9 and 10-year-old
January 19, 2011
age 9+

Modern Age Little Women

Terrific! Wonderful book about 4 very different grils (and their moms) trying to navigate their way thru middle school. Some mean girl behavior, but book shows characters working through their problems and facing consequences. Some talk about liking boys, but all very innocent and age appropriate. A little bit of a fairy tale ending (not realistic), but the rest of the book was great.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Megan, Emma, Jess, and Cassidy can think of a million other things they'd rather do than be in a book club with their mothers, or with one another for that matter. But then a funny thing happens. As they explore the four girls of Little Women they learn more about themselves, their families, and one another. Will it be enough to counter all the other crazy things going on in their lives including crushes, secret dreams, real-life family drama, and all the drama of middle school?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (33):

THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER BOOK CLUB is a stand-out novel because author Heather Frederick gives an authentic voice to her young characters. The four main girls -- Megan, Cassidy, Emma, and Jess -- with similarities to the March sisters in Little Women (the book they're reading), really develop as characters throughout the book. Megan especially. A classic mean girl, she torments several of the other girls and plays cruel pranks on them. When one prank goes too far she is forced to face the girls, their mothers, and the reasons behind her actions. The result is a very moving scene that gives great insight into why mean girls behave the way they do.

The active role that parents play in this novel is wonderful. They are engaged in and aware of what is going on in their kids' lives. This is a refreshing change to the more common narrative of absent or oblivious parents. Parents and kids should read this book together, not because of any questionable material, but because it has something for everyone. This is the type of book that can change the dialog in a mother-daughter relationship.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about ways to spend more time together. Besides starting a book club, what hobbies or activities can families do together to help build better relationships? How did the book club help with the girls' relationships with their parents? How did it help with their relationships with each other?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate