Twelve

Myracle, Lauren.(2007)New York: Dutton Children's Books. 978-525-47784-6.

PLOT SUMMARY

Twelve year old Winnie is growing up. She's starting middle school, has a new best friend, and is learning about boys and her body.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

There is so much going on in a twelve year old's world. Changing body's and minds have much to do with how they deal with their problems. Issues regarding friendships, learning how to deal with parents who want you to act responsibly when they are still feeling not quite grown up, learning about love, etc. are all part of the big picture when it comes to the tween years. This book does a good job of capturing the persona of a tween girls so that we can suffer through her troubles and rejoice in her triumphs.

READER'S ANNOTATION

Losing a cool best friend, gaining a not so cool one, graduating to middle school, blossoming into womanhood, falling in love, make for in interesting twelfth year. With so much happening it's no wonder Twelve is such a fun read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Myracle was born May 15, 1969. She was once a middle school teacher and writes primarily for young adults.

GENRE

Fiction

CURRICULUM TIES

Have students discuss the stresses (in school and out) that can affect their learning environments.

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

How are the three friends similar/different to your own friends. Are they believable? Annoying? How do their personalities mesh together?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

10-13

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Some might find offense in the "growing up" that she does during the story: she gets her period, talks about erections, using a tampon, etc.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK

It is amusing and the main character deals with her situations with such humor that tweens will find fun. They can also relate to her situations and mortifications that occur in the story.