Book Review: The All New Amelia
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What Parents Should Know
Story is engaging but overshadowed by the unique format, a
school notebook filled with colorful doodles and handwritten
journal entries. Kids appreciate the writing style and enjoy
sifting through the busy pages.
Common Sense Media Review
Die-hard fans of Amelia may be disappointed to find that
their heroine sells out in an attempt to impress a popular girl
in school, and risks losing her friends in the process. But if
the fans can get past Amelia's temporary slip-up, there's a
valuable lesson to be learned between the notebook's lines.
Like other Amelia books, this one deals with a common childhood issue. This time, it's an identity crisis, and Amelia handles it with her usual intensity. Lots of young girls will rejoice in having a protagonist they can relate to, and many parents will raise eyebrows at Amelia's frankness.
One eleven-year-old girl, who has just recently discovered the series, liked this book in particular because it "teaches her neat things," and because she could relate to Amelia's relationship problems. The "cool drawings," including bright, watercolor illustrations depicting scenes of elementary school drama and funny, related images, were a big hit. These doodles serve as support for the main text, as well as entertaining and educational side notes.
All this activity creates visually busy pages that kids will giggle their way through. It's hard to resist the charm of the familiar black-and-white composition notebook, complete with class schedule and information charts.
Next in the series is Amelia's Family Ties. The series begins with Amelia's Notebook.
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