Nothing special aabout this book. Nothing interesting happened. I could see the author was just trying to make the book be that 200 or so pages. In a book like this, you are supposed to sympathize with the main character, in this case Alice. I didn't. She seemed so whiny and she cared about little stuff. Next time the author should make an actual plot and conflict

Charming tween story; a rare look at 10-year old girl coping with emotional waves of daily life. Impressive for a man (author, Kevin Henkes) to be sensitive to issues pertaining to a 10-year girl’s emotional stability—like the trauma of hearing another girl is the “most beautiful.” (At least this is a sensitivity I never acquired despite fathering a wonderful daughter. Or perhaps I refused to acknowledge that anyone needed to be consoled when hearing praise for another.) I envy those who can share this book with a 6 to 12 year old. Despite not having any earthshaking events (fatalities, injuries, weddings, etc.), the story is veritable “rollercoaster” ride of mood changes: ups, downs, and hairpin turns. Junonia’s story is subtle but unforgettable, and perhaps more importantly, this book clearly illustrates to all who encounter it, whatever their age, the potential of writers to explore private internal worlds. It should inspire many young readers to similarly relate their private states for others to appreciate.

I was really disappointed in this book. It was a week in the life of a girl turning 10, but I didn't think much of the book. Her narrative voice was not unique. Her experiences weren't that interesting. She's very young for 10, it seems. She seems very sheltered and kind of boring? Why write about her?

Discover: Kevin Henkes introduces a new character who powerfully embodies the pains of growing up.