Mckenna Book Review

     (Actual book summary)Ten-year-old Mckenna Brooks has always excelled in school and in gymnastics.  So when her grades suddenly fall, Mckenna begins to doubt herself.  With the help of a new friend, Mckenna learns to focus on her strengths to overcome her challenges, one step at a time.  But just as she begins to shine in school, Mckenna is sidelined by a gymnastics injury.  Will Mckenna be able to springboard to success again?

     Overall, Mckenna was an interesting, well written book.  Mckenna is an easily like able character.  She is just a girl who puts all her focus on her main skill, that she slacks up on school.  I think all girls can relate to that.  There is always something we would much rather do than school!! 

     Josie was superb!  I loved that she was not depressed about her disability, but had realized she needed to overcome her feel-sorry-for-herself-attitude and embrace the things that she could do.

     Toulane was a completely dislike able character.  She was very jealous of Mckenna.  She put Mckenna on the spot about her tutoring which caused Mckenna to lie.

     This now brings me to my least favorite part of the book.  While at gymnastics, Toulane asked Mckenna why she was always leaving school early on Mondays.  Mckenna did not want to say she was being tutored, so she said nothing at all.  Toulane kept pushing her and finally asked if she was being trained by a private gymnastics coach.  Mckenna finally gave in and said she was.  I know she was put on the spot, but come on American Girl!  Half of the girls in their books lie.  I know it is shown as wrong, but I get tired of the same synopsis. 

     Other than that part, I thought it was a great book.  It really makes me want to read Mckenna Ready to Fly and see the movie. 

     I would also like to tell you all that I will be branching off from the subject of American Girl in some of my posts now.  I feel like I could into my blog more if there were other things to talk about.  Be reasured though, I will still talking tons about American Girl!    

Also,be sure to check back soon with my interview with Lisa Yee!

*Liddy*                                                                                                        

Marie-Grace and the Orphans Review

     My friend from Jess' Mix of Doll Pics gave a bookstore gift card, so I bought Marie-Grace and the Orphans and Marie-Grace Makes a Difference. So here's my Marie-Grace and the Orphans review.

     (summary from AG)Marie-Grace can't believe what she finds on her doorstep one rainy night- a baby!  More than anything, Marie-Grace hopes her father will let the little boy stay with them.  But when a slave catcher comes looking for him, Marie-Grace realizes the baby is in terrible danger.  Together, she and her friend Cecile come up with a way to keep the child safe.  Just when Marie-Grace thinks their plan will, work, rumors of a deadly fever begin to swirl through New Orleans.  Soon Marie-Grace wonders of anyone will be safe.

     Overall this was an incredible book!  The story kept moving and it was just perfectly descriptive.  Sometimes books are a little overly descriptive to the point where I lose interest, but this book was again, perfect.  My only flaw was the little white-lies Marie-Grace and her father say.  Marie-Grace's father lies to the slave trader to help the baby; however, it doesn't excuse it.  It's still in the book and sets an example for the readers.  But, other than that, I would totally recommend it.

*Liddy*

Meet Marie-Grace Book Review

Book Summary(from the book): Marie-Grace Gardener has just arrived in New Orleans, and she hopes she never has to move again.  The lively city is unlike any other place Marie-Grace has lived.  When she meets Madamoiselle Oceane, a talented opera singer, Marie-Grace longs to take voice lessons.  She loves to sing, and she would like to get to know Cecile Rey, the confident girl who is Madamoiselle's student.  But Marie-Grace is shy, and starting school reminds her how hard it is to make friends and fit in.  Can an unexpected adventure help her feel as if she belongs in New Orleans? 

I really thought this was a very good book.  I can definately relate to Marie-Grace's character alot, because I"m very quiet and love music.  I appreciate how they finally made a doll that loves music.  My favorite part was when she goes to the ball and her adventure begins. But, of course, I will tell you know more so I want ruin the book for you. Highly recommend it!:D 

*Liddy*