The Steps

I was originally skeptical about this book. Cohn's other book (Gingerbread) was too pulpish and mildly depressing. It was a pleasant surprise, therefore, to find myself laughing nearly throughout the book. I like Annabelle's voice even though I don't think I'd like her in person. (Lucy is more my type.) She occasionally sounds like a know-it-all, but she somehow still comes off as the naive twelve-year-old she is. Perhaps that's what made me laugh. I also like the quick guide to the Australians' way. One thing that could bring this book down is the outdated pop-culture references. Like, these kids are twelve-year-olds in 2003. Why would they still care about Titanic or Leo? And 90210? Come on, even *I* can barely remember that. Why would they even know what it's all about? Might as well mention the NKOTB and Michael Jackson when he was still normal.

The Steps is a great realistic fiction book by Rachel Cohn about a girl named Annabel Whoopi Golberg. Annabel lives in New York City with her Mom and Grandma because her parents are divorced. When her best friend tells her that she is going on a trip for Christmas, all their shopping plans have been ruined. Her mom told her that she already got a ticket for Annabel to go to Austrailia for Christmas. Her Dad, Jack, lives in Australia with his wife, Penney, and her disasterous kids, Lucy, Angus, and new baby Beatrice. In photos that Jack has sent her, the kids look so mean weird. Is this a chance for her to get her Dad back? I liked this book because I think it tells a great story. This book is perfect for people of all ages ecspecially those who like when books take sharp turns.

Hi, I really enjoyed the book, "The Steps" by: Rachel Cohn. I was real suprised that I enjoyed and liked this book, because I ussually do not like to read these kinds of books, but this one was different and by that I mean SO good, that I finished it in about a day, good. I do not actually know why I liked it sooooo much, but maybe I id because I can sorta relate to Annabel Whoopi Schubert. I guess I relate to her not because I have any steps, because I not, but I do have an (older) half sister. Another thing I can relate to Annabel by is that I have a boyfriend kinda like Ben in the book. Also, I was the Vise president of the student council in seventh-grade, and by hearing that Annabel was the president just makes me want to run for president in eighth-grade. So I think I've given you a pretty graayate (great) reason why I really enjoyed this book.Sincerly,Erin Gergen

A quick and easy read, funny, probably most appropriate for readers ages 10-12. A great choice for the young person dealing with blended families (divorce, step-parents and step-siblings, etc.).