The Purple Hat Gang

I gave this book to my 17 year old daughter to read. When she was done she grinned and said "Oh my God! I wish I was a kid again!" (Excuse me??!!!) I gave it to my Mom to read. When she was done she smiled, and with a far away look in her eye, she said "Wouldn't it be lovely to be young again?" Then I read it. When I was done I turned to my husband and said "Remember when your friends were the most important thing? Wouldn't it be nice to be that free again?" This book has gifts in it for every reader. If you have a little girl in your life hurry up and order this book. Maybe, if you're lucky, she'll let you borrow it when she's done!

Although I know The Purple Hat Gang was written for a young adult audience, I couldn't help but enjoy the nostalgia of it myself (I am 52) The book is written in an easy to read style, and it gives the reader a look into the lives of five very different young girls, back in 1961, all coming of age, and the trials and tribulations they experience. It also allows us a peek at some wonderful friendships and young romance, and just how important really "good" people are in our lives, and to cherish that! If I could describe The Purple Hat Gang in one word, for the young audience that this book was intended for, it would be "Empowering." - Fast reading and very entertaining for everyone of every age! - 5 BIG Stars!

Ms. Kristen has captured that wonderful excitement that we've all felt when we went from a child to an adult overnight. Or thought we did! It's a great book because its message is ageless. The relationships and feelings expressed by the characters are as relevant today as they were in 1961. A definite must-have book!

I purchased The Purple Hat Gang after a nudge from one of my girlfriends. Although I was 19 and not 13 as the girls in the book were back in 1961, I was lulled right back to that time frame and relived it all. The Purple Hat Gang is a story about a look into the hearts and minds of those "on the edge" ages of 12 and 13. It's sweet and rough, it will make you laugh and cry. It is a wonderful book and a pleasure to read.

An aboslutely charming "coming of age" story. Your mind will enjoy it and your heart will never forget it.