The Secret Book Club

This book, The Secret Book Club, is the fifth in a series called Main Street written by Ann M. Martin. This book was published in 2008 by Scholastic Inc. This is a fiction novel with a mystery genre appropriate for adolescents in grades 5 - 7. The book is 212 pages in length. The setting for the novel is the small town of Camden, Massachutes. The two main characters are sisters, Flora and Ruby, who came to live with their Grandma Min after their parents died in an auto accident. The two supporting characters are their close friends, Olivia and Nikki. The plot of this novel centers around the friendship between these four girls and the summer that they spend together before three of the four girls enter 7th grade at the central high school. Ruby, as the younger sister of Flora, is two years younger than the others. The summer begins with a mysterious letter and two books that are sent to each of the girls inviting them to be part of a secret book club for the summer. This first communication indicates that the girls will receive letters and books every week with instructions for discussion and activities. The girls are excited to be part of the secret club and curious about the source of the letters. Before the summer is over, they read books, have adventures and finally find out who is behind the club. The theme of the book club is bravery, and the girls are asked to participate in Saturday adventures that help them face their own fears. The theme of bravery is particularly relevant since each of the girls is facing their own fears and apprehensions about entering the central high school. The only criticism that I have of this book is that there are so many characters and sub-plots included in the novel that we do not get a deep understanding of any one of the characters. The novel is told from the perspective of all four of the girlfriends at different points. Each girl has an interesting perspective and background to share. The novel leaves you wanting more insight into each of these characters. Perhaps this deeper insight is gained in some of the other novels that are part of the series. Also, there are two subplots that focus on Fora and Ruby's neighbors. One neighbor, Mary Lou Willett, has Alzheimers and her husband is struggling to cope with the disease. The second neighbor, Robby Edwards, has Down Syndrome and has just started a new job at one of the stores in town. These sub-plots are both interesting, however, they feel somewhat disconnected from the main plot of the novel. Overall, I think this is a very good book for children grades 5 - 7. The theme of bravery is well developed and the characters are engaging. There is much to be learned from this novel about respecting diversity, being part of a community, generosity and friendship. Although this book is more likely to appeal to young females, I think that all adolescents would enjoy this novel and learn from it.

My nine-year old daughter enjoys this series. She read this book in two days.

This book was really good. I found myself making guesses and predictions and actually getting them wrong :)(which doesn't usually happen to me). I really recommend this book.

My daughter (8yrs) and I have all the Main Street series, we read these books together at night. The story line is enjoyable, compasionate, and caring! We both are always anxious to receive the next book in the series.

How exciting it would be to have someone secretly send you and three other friends the same book, and then have an activity to do after each of you read it. That is what happens to Flora, Ruby, Olivia, and Nikki. Someone is leaving books on the doorstep of Needle and Thread addressed to them for them to read over the summer. They read a lot of my favorite books, such as THE SECRET OF NIHM, THE SUMMER OF THE SWANS, and UNDERSTOOD BETSY. The girls loved the idea, even Ruby, who doesn't like reading. They end up doing a lot of fun activities. The theme of the summer is bravery, and each girl does something which they wouldn't have normally done. I really enjoy the MAIN STREET series. The books show life as an exciting adventure but in a very sweet way. It is like going back to my childhood where life was slow but a lot of fun. I like the main characters, who have a lot of depth and act like real kids. Maybe because these stories are told from the perspective of small town America they seem to be sweeter than most, and I would definitely want my children to have these experiences. These are worth the time so check them out. Reviewed by: Marta Morrison