Module 8 Book Review: "Alice in April"

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Naylor, Phyllis. Alice: Alice in April. ( 2000). New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

Synopsis:

In a coming-of-age story, Alice is reminded by her Aunt Sally that since she's about to turn thirteen, she's now the “Woman of the House.” Alice takes her very seriously and decides to begin acting like the woman of the house, a hard task for a twelve year old. Her plans quickly fall apart before her father is able to undo Aunt Sally's damage.

My Impression of the Book:

The Alice books are apparently considered to be controversial. With that in mind, I really enjoyed reading this book a lot. There's a whole series of 'Alice' books out there, and I aim to read more of them. They're basically coming-of-age stories of Alice as she goes through puberty. The so-called “problems” with the book, or rather, the reason some parents may not want their children reading this has to do with Chapter 6 – the ob/gyn appointment. Oooh, it gave me chills. Then again, I am SO happy authors are writing books for children that include these horrible issues. I wish I had been able to read this book before my very first appointment. The book also subtly addresses sex, with Alice at last realizing that “pregnancy is the result of sex.” Pretty innocuous. Then again, I would recommend this for 5^th or 6^th grade and up. This books should definitely be part of a library collection because the stories addresses very real issues in a very real, yet wonderfully fictional manner. No child should be deprived of them, merely because a parent doesn't want to teach them about sex. Newsflash-- they're going to find out anyway.

Uses Within a Library Environment:

If the library wanted to set up a program for adults and parents with teenage, or pubescent children, this book could certainly be introduced for that. The Alice series is one of several that addresses puberty issues in a direct, non-biased approach.

Awards and Reviews:

• Publisher's Weekly
  Fans of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Alice series here find the fifth-grader navigating new trials and dramas in Lovingly Alice. She learns from her father (begrudgingly) about periods and discusses sex at a slumber party (later poor Dad must clear up the confusion); she also must cope with the death of her beloved cat, Oatmeal. Naylor once again deals with these pivotal issues in a child's life with humor and compassion. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

About the Alice Series:

• There are three prequels to this series. The first one, Starting with Alice, describes Alice in third grade. Alice in Blunderland is Alice in fourth grade. The final prequel, Lovingly Alice, follows Alice through the troubles of fifth grade. The first book (after the prequels) is The Agony of Alice.

The Alice series follows the main character, Alice McKinley, known as "Al" to her father and older brother as she grows up in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her mother died of leukemia when Alice was four or five. Alice has a hard time at first growing up in an all-male household, but her father and her brother, Lester, prove to be honest and open about almost everything Alice talks about. Alice has very little memory of her mother, often confusing her with her aunt, and seems to bear a striking physical resemblance to her, especially her strawberry-blond hair. Other characters include Alice's two best friends, Pamela and Elizabeth, her first serious boyfriend, Patrick, her next boyfriend, Sam, her prudish Aunt Sally (who frequently provides a little comic relief), Lester's many girlfriends, and of course her seventh grade Language Arts teacher, Miss Summers, whom she tries to get her father to marry (with eventual success). The Alice series broaches many topics, including relationships, dating, sex, friendship, life problems, families, God, and understanding. The books have made the ALA (American Library Association) list of most challenged books for several years, making it number one on the list in 2003 for their sexual content.