Agnes Parker . . . Girl in Progress

I had to read this story as part of an e-mentoring program. A middle-schooler chose this book for both of us. I had to read it and write to her discussing thought-provoking issues pertinent to a middle-schooler that the book raised. There were plenty. A more athletic and boisterous classmate bullies Agnes all the time, calling her mean nicknames, throwing balls at her and generally making fun of her for everything. But the bully does not bother Agnes's best friend as much because the friend answers back and doesn't allow herself to be bullied. A new boy with a troubled family life moves in next door to Agnes and into her class. She likes him and they become good friends. Agnes' best friend Prejean gets jealous. How does a sixth grader have more than one best friend? Overall, this book gives a chance to evaluate typical middle-schooler behavior and decided what is right and what isn't in a body that isn't their own. It's a great book to use as a learning tool for values and to give courage to stand up for what is right and for those who need help, even if it is just yourself.

From the eye-catching start to the twist at the end, Agnes has always seemed so real. The crispness of new glasses, her conversations with friends, and her reaction to people were so similar to mine that I could imagine she existed. Kathleen O'Dell also wrote 'Ophie Out of Oz' for a slightly younger age group, about 3rd-5th grade instead of 5th-6th.

Agnes Parker Girl in Progress, is one of the most sensational books I have read this year The story has an unique power to clasp and wrench it's readers into the realistic and charming life of the witty Agnes Parker. I related in depth with the story... Kathleen O' Dell has created a deep, and fascinating masterpiece. Agnes's emotions, life, friends and family are so alive. Their words and activity are like those of yours: we, as well as the cast of charcters in this story, face descions every day, it is our responsibilty to choose the right path KathleenO' Dell makes that possible with a fabulous novel suh as this.

Kathleen O'Dell has hit the jackpot for "tweens" with her wonderful book, Agnes Parker...Girl in Progress. O'Dell's writing is superb, though the present-tense narration takes a few pages to get used to.Agnes's character will jump out at anyone (girl or boy) going into 6th grade, and will cause those of us who remember our 6th grade year to alternately laugh, cry, giggle, or want to scream "That's not fair!" In describing Agnes's reactions from everything from enduring bullying at the hands of Peggy Neidermeyer, to needing glasses, to breaking her arm (and having to deal with a cast), to the ins-and-outs of friendship with her best friend Prejean and Joe, the new boy in school, O'Dell helps readers to understand the range of emotions and experiences a 6th grade girl feels.The book begins the week before Agnes enters sixth grade, and should be a hit among 5th, 6th, and 7th graders, as well as any older "kids" who want to look back on the final year of elementary school. Highly recommended.

I love Agnes Parker, I feel like she could be my best friend!! There are so many favorite parts in this book, I don't think I could even list them all. Agnes is going through changes in her life now that she is in sixth grade, and is not sure how things are going to be with her best friend Prejean. And then the new boy comes to town with a sad, sad secret, and Agnes is the perfect person to help him through the hard times. I also love the bully Neidermeyer, even though she can be so mean, I've known girls just like her, and the competition that happens between her and Agnes is so real, I couldn't believe how good this book is! Read it for yourself and see.