Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. The Agony of Alice. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1985.Summary
Alice McKinley’s mother has been dead for years and she is on her way to becoming a teenager. The only problem is that she does not know how, and her father and nineteen-year-old brother have no idea about being a teenage girl. When the family moves and Alice starts the sixth grade she hopes to get a teacher for her new role model. The problem is she gets Mrs. Plotkins the pear-shaped teacher instead of Miss Cole the beautiful one, until she discovers it matters what is inside of a person that truly counts.
Personal Opinions/Reactions
Naylor takes her readers into a series of incidents both hilarious and emotional as Alice tries to deal with her emotions of becoming a teenager. Readers will feel her pain throughout, but laugh out loud at the new adventures that she will encounter. Audiences of all ages will be able to relate to the feelings and wants that Alice will have about growing up. Through mishaps at school to visiting her aunt and cousin, you will not be able to put this book down. It is a speedy and simple read for even your reluctant readers. At the end of this book, you will want to pick up the next one in the series to continue your adventure of Alice and her life.
I would recommend this book mainly to girls around the ages ten and up. This book would be a great suggestion to any girl living without her own mother.
Reviews
A Children’s Choice Book
School Library Journal: “The lively style exhibits a deft touch at capturing the essence of an endearing heroine growing up without a mother.”
Booklist: “A wonderfully funny and touching story.”
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