As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!

I absolutely loved this book, and I think young girls everywhere should read it. I haven't read much juvenile fiction since I was a kid, but now that my daughter is getting older I know I will be starting again. I forgot how wonderful these books about teenage girls can be! I think it's terrific that there are books like this one out there that can make kids feel that they are not alone with their concerns. And since this book was absolutely hilarious, I love how it can make girls feel "normal" (and maybe even allow them laugh about some their insecurities!) I can't rave enough about AS IF BEING 12 3/4...! This book dealt with so many issues that are pertinent to today's young girls -- mother/daughter relationships, single parenting, working mothers, crushes, embarrassing moments, and normal teenage insecurities. I think most girls will relate to at least a few of these topics. Not only do I appreciate how Ms. Gephart handled all of these topics in this book, but the storyline is also very interesting. By having Vanessa's mom run for president, the reader gets some insight into the presidential campaign and election process -- and it's in a very fun way, not like a boring history class! While I did find this book hilarious and I can admit that I laughed out loud many times, I was also touched by Vanessa's story. Vanessa was a very sensitive young woman who was dealing with a lot of changes. Pre-teen and early teen-age years are difficult in the best of times, but Vanessa had a lot more to deal with than the average young girl. Not only was her mom away campaigning, but Vanessa was also coming to terms with losing her father. In addition, she was filled with the normal teenage insecurities; but on top of that, she had to handle one huge insecurity -- fearing for her mother's life. I love how the author was able to balance the book between being entertaining and addressing deeper, more serious issues. AS IF BEING 12 3/4... is Ms. Gephart's first novel. If this book is any indication, I think she will be a "player" in juvenile fiction. I loved the character of Vanessa, and I thought the author developed her extremely well. Vanessa was a very realistic (and bright) young woman who had many of the same insecurities that I remember having as an early teenager -- except hers were magnified because her mother was in the spotlight. Ms. Gephart chose to write the novel in Vanessa's voice; and I think without a doubt that she captured the essence of a teenage girl! If you'd like to learn a little more about Ms. Gephart and her book, she a terrific website as well as a blog. I had a great time playing around on her website. There is an excerpt of the story as well as presidential puzzles and trivia associated with the book. You will no doubt get an idea of Ms. Gephart's amazing sense of humor! My daughter, who recently turned 9 years old, loved this book too! She actually read this book before I did -- I probably shouldn't have let her do that! She devo

As the governor's daughter, Vanessa Rothrock already has a complicated life. Not only is she a complete klutz, but she's the only kid in school with a bodyguard, she gets absolutely no privacy, and she has to make an appointment to see her own mother. Things would be much easier if she didn't spend her life in the scrutiny of the public eye, because, whenever in the spotlight, Vanessa will surely trip over her own gigantic feet. Now that it looks like her mom might have a good shot at becoming a presidential candidate, everyone else is scurrying around, and all Vanessa wants is for her mother to drop out of the race. Is it really so wrong to just want your mom there, to see you win the county spelling bee and comfort you in the emergency room after you break your wrist in PE? Then the letter appears in her locker, the one that threatens her to stop her mom's campaign. Frightened that her mother's life might be in danger, Vanessa decides that she has to deter her mom, no matter what. Extremely well-written, this book surprised me with its humor, action, and poignancy. With this winning combination, this is a read you will certainly want on your ticket! Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

This is a funny, believable portrait of a middle school girl. It doesn't even mention cliques and eating disorders, but does provide a unique combination of focuses for the usual early teen angst: spelling bees and politics. It gives young readers a timely look at the inside of a campaign from the point of view of a kid who's not at all happy her mom is running for president. Perfect for the middle school girls on your list. Should provide them with some good laughs and a bit of topical current events education, with plenty of suspense to keep them turning the pages until the end.

Although I am nowhere close to being 12 3/4 except in dog years, As if Being 12 3/4 isn't Bad Enough, My Mother is Running for President, took me back to my middle school years and allowed me to laugh at my younger self. From Vanessa's worries, her obsession with the wrong boy, her having to spell every big word in every conversation... Donna Gephart hits all the right notes. This book is huge fun. Girls especially will love the story, relate to the characters, learn a little more about politics, and perhaps love their mothers even more after reading it.

As if Being 12 3/4 isn't Bad Enough, My Mother is Running for President is by far one of the best books I've read for this age group. Vanessa is a wonderful character that both boys and girls will relate to. Her gawky awkwardness is believable and...hilarious, truly "milk through the nose funny." She's a normal girl in an extraordinary situation. You can't help but love her. Her mother is also in an extraordinary circumstance (running for president), but her struggle as a single mom trying to juggle her career and her relationship with her daughter is touching and very real. Kids will love this book! The mix of suspense, humor, and fantastic characters will keep even reluctant readers enthralled to the very end. I hope there's a sequel. I can't wait to read more about Vanessa, a smart, funny, endearing and incredibly memorable girl.