As you read the reviews on Bookshop Talk, you'll notice that every review is positive. No, we're not a bunch of literary
pushovers who love everything we pick up; we just see no point in telling you about a book if we didn't like it.

July 30, 2014

AMELIA'S NOTEBOOK by Marissa Moss, 2006


When Amelia's mom givs her a journal for her ninth birthday, Amelia has a place to share her truest feelings at last! (Amazon)

Reviewed by Julie, Children's lit enthusiast and pop culture geek

Nine-year-old Amelia becomes the author of her own life.  In her notebook, she details her most private thoughts with words, stories and drawings.  In this story, the first of a series, Amelia struggles with moving to a new city and school, dealing with her obnoxious older sister, and missing her best friend.

On a recent trip to the bookstore, I was thrilled to see that Marissa Moss's Amelia series had been re-released.  A staple of my childhood (in the late 1990s/early 2000s, which, granted, wasn't too long ago), Amelia's notebooks spoke to my soul.  I loved to draw, and I loved to write anything--letters, stories, or diary entries.  Amelia's Notebook became an inspiration that sparked a lifelong love for creativity, stories, and self-expression.

The best part is that the books are sheer fun.  Amelia's voice is strong and unique, but also realistic: these qualities especially surface as Amelia feuds with Cleo, her purple-toenailed older sister, and lets her imagination wander and soar.  Each notebook entry, written in Amelia's own handwriting and accompanied by detailed illustrations, make each page a joy to pour over.  These books definitely lend themselves to multiple readings, as readers will notice new drawings or captions they may have missed the first time.

In a world that values technology and instant communication, this notebook is a refreshing examination of a young girl's private world. Give a copy of AMELIA'S NOTEBOOK to your creative reader who would rather have a paintbrush than a cell phone in her hand.

Market: children's fiction
Violence: none
Language: none
Sensuality: none
Adult Themes: Sibling relationships, school, coming-of-age

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