One of my daughters closely paralleled the age of our heroine Alice McKinley who ages throughout the publication of the 28 (!) books in the series written by Naylor, and I consider myself so grateful that Hayley had a literary friend that always so similarly and magically matched her own maturity level, interests, sentiments, and reading level. As each and every new edition was brought home from the library, Hayley would put aside all other homework and responsibilities until, after burying herself in the story, she would turn the last page with a sigh, and insist I start reading the entire series IMMEDIATELY. The recent release of the final book in the Alice series was no different, and the tears start threatening even now as I realize both Alice and my daughter are experiencing the beginnings of their adult lives in college. College...! Where in the world did those little girls disappear to? No better way to fondly remember past times by now supplementing them by reading the Alice books.So if you are fortunate enough to know an eight-year-old (or so) girl in your life, you couldn't do her a better favor than introducing her to a new friend, beginning with "Starting with Alice." Just read it yourself before handing it over!
I am in love with this series! A friend told me about Alice after reading Lovingly Alice (the 3rd prequel). She was a little astonished by all the frank talk about sexuality in the book. I have now read the 1st three books and I think the author did a lovely job of touching on important topics -- friendship, sibling relationships, loss, pets, all those things that are important in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. It is also more timeless than Judy Blume. There's a little less cultural referencing, so the plot seems less dated. The relationship between Alice and her brother is portrayed well. They irritate each other and love each other and irritate each other again. I just wanted to hug them. I would recommend this series (at least the 3 I have read so far) to any 3rd grade and up girl.
What do You think about Starting With Alice (2004)?
I thought this book was adorable! Alice McKinley is 8 years old and she wants to grow up already. I can relate to this because I remember how when I was younger, I wanted to grow up already. I really like this book because I think a lot of kids can relate back to when they were younger while reading this book, and that is what makes it even more interesting. It also talks about Alice's relationships and interactions with people in her school. I would recommend this book to anyone because this book is definitely worth reading and you can look back at your childhood when reading this book.
—Ashley
I like Alice. I first stumbled on one of the Alice books at the library years ago and when I spotted this book recently at a used bookstore I had to see if it could dredge up the same good feelings I remembered when I'd first read her years and years ago.I was pleasantly surprised to find that indeed she could.Phillis Reynolds Naylor is one of my favorite children's book authors. She really nails the insecurities and agony we go through as kids. Alice feels real, and reminds me what I was when I was a kid. I love the family dynamic, and the way that, despite their sometimes extreme differences, that the three of them really do try to make a solid family unit out of what most people would consider fractured.And in the end, I really love how Alice finds friends around her and comes out on top. So yes, I recommend this book, not just for your kids but for you to read. Enjoy Alice and all the books that come after. I'm off to look for book 2!
—Kristine Pratt
I was kinda obsessed with the Alice series in middle school. I've been wanting to reread them lately to see if they were actually any good. Well just found out that Oyster has all the books so I started on the first one. It's surprisingly very entertaining! Nothing even happens in the book! I've been getting bogged down with literary novels lately that I haven't been finishing. This was a nice break and an easy book to keep picking up. So in this one Alice gets a cat and has a friend and turns 9.
—Danielle
