September Surprises (Main Street #6)

I really like the MAIN STREET series, and the sixth book was outstanding. The three girls - Flora, Nikki, and Olivia - are now going to Junior High, which is also the high school, so there will be students from 7th grade to 12th grade. Flora and Nikki are very excited but Olivia is nervous. Since she skipped a grade she is one of the youngest in the whole school. She isn't afraid of the classes but of the other students. She just doesn't fit in socially. She attempts to fit in but another student decides to use her to get good grades. She bullies Olivia and Olivia has to step up her game to finally feel comfortable in her own skin. I like the three girls in this series - I didn't like the new cover design. I liked the design of the first five and not this cartoon-y one. I really hope they will go back to the original designs for this great series! Reviewed by: Marta Morrison

Although not quite as good as the first three books in the series, this one still has heart. Martin's characters are realistic, and many of the issues that the girls face are ones that real girls must deal with (drunken fathers, bullies, people who come and go). I highly recommend this series to any young girl or girl who's young at heart.

My 10 year old daughter and I began reading the Main Street series together when she brought home the first book in the series from a school book fair. I wasn't expecting much when I read the description of the book on the back cover, but the series has quickly turned into a favorite for both of us. I look foward to reading a new chapter or two with my daughter every night at bedtime. The characters are believeable, and complex enough to keep the stories interesting, and the plots are realistic, and speak well to the issues that preteen girls deal with. The books touch on some sensitive subjects - Alzheimer's, alcoholism, single parenting, racism, poverty, death, etc., but do so not only realistically, but also appropriately for the preteen set, and make a good starting point for conversations about such subjects with the daughter or niece in your life. Martin has a real winner with the Main Street series, and my daughter and I both looking forward to future installments.

September Surprises (Main Street)I have read all of the Main Street series books Ann M. Martin and this one was wonderful! I think all of us have had some anxiety about starting a new school before and Ms. Martin captures that beautifully in this book. All of the girls except Ruby start the new year at the 7th grade through 12th grade campus. I personally remember how nervous I felt starting at a 9th grade through 12th grade campus, but if I had to start in 7th grade, well I dont know what I would have done! The girls friendship is tested a time or two and I know I felt their emotions! Also, the book is full of intriguing hints of possible exciting events that will take place in future books. The ending is a happy one and I think that is why I keep coming back to this series. When there is a new one out I always pre-order so that I will not have to check for it all the time. By the way, I am a 42 year old wife, mom, and will-be student teacher in the spring. I have a BS in criminal justice and enough post bac hours to obtain a masters. I love these books though and I take them with me to the doctors or anywhere else I know I will have to wait. I could care less what other people think of me, a grown woman, reading books that tweens would be interested in. They make me happy, and in this crazy, harsh world happiness is often a rarity. I know I will never be let down with this series.