Needle and Thread

This is a wonderful book for girls ages 8-12. The whole "Main Street" series is great. The characters in the book have to deal with some very serious real world problems. My 8-year-old daughter loved the first book "Welcome to Camden Falls" as well.

I read my first MAIN STREET title in the fall of last year and was delighted with it. I have since recommended it to many of my students. I just finished NEEDLE AND THREAD, the second of the series, and fell in love with it all over again. Flora and Ruby are two sisters who have come to live with their grandmother after their parents died in a car accident. Grandmother owns a sewing shop, which Flora loves. This story picks up a few days after the first one ends. The four girls: Flora, Ruby, Olivia (Flora's best friend who lives next door), and Nikki (the girl from the wrong side of the tracks), head off for school. They love their teachers and Ruby becomes very involved with Camden Falls by joining the community kids chorus, taking dance lessons, and getting the lead in the school play. Flora doesn't feel as connected, as she seems to miss her old life a little more than her sister. I loved the way the Grandmother would swear by using phrases that I have used such as "All my stars!" The story also includes many serious subjects that children of today have to face. The chapters about Nikki's family made me sad but also glad that they weren't written with a heavy hand. I so like these books that I intend to have all of them for my 5th-grade classroom and encourage all the girls to read them. Thank you, Ms. Martin, for creating a series which speaks to the children of today. Reviewed by: Marta Morrison

As an adult, I often enjoy reading children's books. Unfortunately, so many books on the market today have only one purpose in mind--to make money. With the new Main Street series, this is not the case. These books, which are part of a continuing journey for two girls, actually tells a story. Without giving away specific details of the stories, I can tell you that this series is about hope and understanding, trials and triumphs, and learning how to fit in when the world has been tragically turned upside down. These books cover many of the issues that face our children today, and Ann M. Martin leaves no stone unturned. Even if there were no story to tell, Martin's descriptions of the places and people are phenomenal. The best part of these books, in my opinion, are the moments when "you" are walking through town and past the row houses, getting glimpses of how people behave behind closed doors. It's like holding a snow globe, and imagining the lives of the people inside of it. I've been reading Martin's books since 1986, when I first discovered the Baby-Sitters Club, and "Claudia and the Phantom Phone Caller." (Yes, I read book #1 out of order.) As an author, she has come a long way. The Main Street series is her best work. I highly recommend these stories for any child or adult. Flora and Ruby are characters not soon forgotten, and the social issues that they and their friends face can open up discussions with your own children.

This book is soooo amazing! It is interesting and you can never seem to take your nose out of this book. I read this book in under a week! Ann M. Martin is such a great author. I think everyone should give this book a try! It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!