Gownley, Jimmy. (2010). Amelia rules: The tweenage guide to not being unpopular. New York: Antheneum Books For Young Readers.
Summary: Amelia McCabe and her friends Rhonda and Joan attempt to successfully navigate the social ladder at Joe McCarthy Elementary School. Unfortunately, they can’t seem to get past the bottom rung – especially when Alpha girl Brittany is there to knock them down time and time again. Still, they hatch a plan to boost their popularity (or at least to shake the unpopularity that’s plagued them for the past few years). With the help of popularity guru Dr. V, they attempt to boost their self-esteem, make themselves over, and try out for the cheerleading squad. Will it be enough? The book allows insight into the clever tweenage mind of Amelia. Her sarcastic wit shines through and a flashback to Aunt Tanner’s dreadful high school experience is told through “old-school” comics. Simply put, I loved this book, and, in my opinion, Amelia is so cool.
Read-Alike: If you liked this book, then you might also like to read other books from the series. They include: The Whole World’s Crazy, What Makes You Happy, Superheroes, When the Past is a Present, and A Very Ninja Christmas.
Discussion Questions:
1. How are Amelia’s experiences similar or different to the experiences students have at your school?
2. Explain how Amelia changes as a character throughout this book. What is most important to her at the beginning of the book? What is most important to her in the end?
3. If you were in Amelia’s shoes, how would you have handled the situation?
For cool activities, book trailers, and a link to the author’s blog, check out www.ameliarules.com
I posted this comment but it was not here today- Here it goes again:
ReplyDeleteI think my daughter, who is a fifth grader would love this book. The topic is one of great interest in her life right now. I also think the graphic novel genre would help her with comprehension as well:)