Let's Talk Tween Girls

I am so excited that this week my friend and fellow blogger Suzanne Bell is sharing one of my book reviews, Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek.  If you missed my recommendation for this wonderful Tween book then please stop by her blog and check it out at www.asksuzannebell.com.  It is one of my favorite books for tweens this year.

In fact, her style blog includes a section on tween fashion for parents.  From selecting the perfect dress to managing back to school shopping, she is a wonderful resource for navigating the new trends for your daughter with aplomb.  See I can focus on things that aren't books ... sometimes!

In honor of her post I am concentrating on some new can't put down books for tween girls this week.  I hope they provide your daughters with stories that speak to her about the joys and challenges of middle school.  It's nice to know you're not alone.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest for all the books that help tween girls navigate school and friendships.  And go visit Suzanne's blog.  She is fun, flirty and full of wonderful style advice that will take at least one tween challenge off your plate.  How can you resist that?

Title:The Battle of Darcy Lane

Author:Tara Altebrando

Target:Grades 4-7

Series:No

What this book is about: 

Julia is 12 and this summer she plans to spend her days with her best friend and neighbor Taylor.  However, when a new girl moves in across the street, suddenly Taylor has no time for her, and on top of that, the new girl doesn’t seem too fond of her either.  Suddenly summer is rife with betrayal and longing to fit in.  Will Julia find her place?

Why I love this book:  

Strangely I loved the way the parents are written in this book.  Everything that Julia’s mom does, I can see myself doing in this exact same situation.  Girls will quickly recognize their parents in this story, in a good way!  The book and the relationships all resolve themselves well, but they aren’t too neatly wrapped up, giving the story authenticity.

I also like that Julia is flawed too.  While she certainly has to deal with some bullying from the other girls, she is not completely innocent or perfect, but that only makes her real and more believable.  

The author obviously writes of that which she knows.  The last line of the acknowledgments says, “And an extra special thanks to the two girls who made my life on Albourne Avenue so miserable.  Victory is mine.”  The books sounds real because it is!

Who this book is for:

Great book for any girls who have felt like a victim in their friendships.

Final thoughts: 

Navigating friendships can be tough.  Girls need to know they are not alone and that things will change.

Also, the cover of this book is terrible.  I can't imagine any girl in the target audience picking this book up without prompting.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Battle of Darcy Lane  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.