Confessions from the Principal's Kid

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School , Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Middle grade readers will delight in this realistic fiction novel starring Allie, the daughter of the Principal. After a disastrous slip-up last year damaged her friendship with Chloe, Allie finds solace in her role as an insider in the school with the “Afters,” a group of students whose parents are also teachers. Allie is conflicted over whether or not to help outsider Graham, a fellow “After,” as he becomes a target of the school bully. When her desperation to salvage her relationship with Chloe throws her friendship with Graham and the “Afters” into jeopardy, Allie must define herself, even though everyone else already has. A strong narrative, inspired by author Robin Mellom’s own life as the principal’s daughter, combines with compelling themes of friendship, self-confidence, and anti-bullying. The result is a tale to which middle-grade students will draw many connections. A cast of fully-developed secondary characters populate the halls of the school Allie walks every day. Recommend this to readers craving a solid realistic fiction novel.

Overall Book Score: very good