Karen Kepplewhite is the World's Best Kisser

I read this when I was in sixth grade and loved it. I read it again recently, 15 years later, and it's even better than I remembered! It's a fun read, even for adults. And I love the fairy-tale ending...

I read this in Junior High so I believe I was even a little too old for this book. It was a quick read. I do remember, however, that it brought back memories of what is now a classic, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" because Margaret also has to deal with a kissing game at a friend's party.This book is not as old as "Margaret" (which is from the 1970s)so it might interest younger readers more, as it will seem more contemporary, but it wasn't as deep, so they may prefer the substance of "Margaret" and empathize more with that character. Still, Karen is likable and her situations in and out of school are fun. What was touching was the relationship between Karen and her gran. I also loved those self-assertions, the goofiness of puberty, and Karen's make out sessions with her teddy bear.

Just before her 13th birthday, Karen Kepplewhite's best friend (Janet Hamm) surprises her with an early birthday present: a book entitled "How to Kiss Like an Expert". By memorizing and practicing beforehand, they hope their experience will pay off during the kissing games at Karen's party, especially since the two boys (Mark Ritchie and Danny DePuzo) they have crushes on will be there. However, the one complication they face is the new girl Karen reluctantly invites to the party, Star Sumner, the beautiful seventh grader who lives nearby. Both Karen and Janet think she'll be too much of a distraction for either girl to get anywhere with Mark and Danny, but it still won't stop them from trying.The funniest part in the book is when Karen gets a straw stuck up her nose while she's out with Mark and their friends--and then later, absentmindedly, she drinks out of the same straw. This is just one of the few comical scenes in the book. It's really quick and fun to read (under 100 pages), and if you can relate to the girls' kissing dilemma, then you'll more than likely enjoy "Karen Kepplewhite Is the World's Best Kisser". Recommended for preteen girls.

When Karen decides to have her first boy-girl party WITH kissing games, she and her best friend Janet decide to become experts first. They buy the book and practice the kisses--they'll be two steps ahead of everyone else! Can you prepare for the unexpected though? Lots of laughs and fun for the reader.