Dorky Pick: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter

Dorky Pick: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Perfect Pet Sitter
by Rachel Renee Russell
Illustrations by Erin Russell
Aladdin
2015
291 pages
ISBN: 9781481457040

Bubblegum pink with puppy paw prints, the cover art invites girls (and boys) of all ages to sneak a peek! Nikki is surrounded by cute puppies in the yellow square on the front cover. The back cover hints of espionage. Operation Paws is Nikki's mission to hide seven dogs (6 puppies) from everyone, including her worst nightmare: MacKenzie!

Nikki's life is perfect, it seems. Her worst nightmare and constant enemy MacKenzie Hollister has transferred to an even posher private school. Squeeeee, Nikki is so happy! She's got two BFFs and a handsome boyfriend named Brandon. They almost share a second kiss and Nikki says, "It made me feel very giggly and a little queasy. Like I wanted to...vomit...rainbow-colored...cupcake sprinkles!" Brandon and Nikki discover a mother dog and her six puppies on the steps of the Fuzzy Friends, the animal shelter where they volunteer. Brandon's worried because the shelter is already at capacity. They've got to find a place for the dogs. Nikki volunteers to take the dogs for one night (before asking permission from her parents), Brandon agrees to a night, and the kids think they've found a short term answer.

Younger sister Brianna loves the dogs and promises to keep the pooches secret. Brianna seems to be keeping her word. Nikki's parents don't find the dogs. The next day, with her mother taking the day off, Nikki has to come up with a clever plan to smuggle the dogs out of the house. She gets them past both of parents and into her  school. Chloe and Zoey help Nikki place the dogs in the janitor's closet.  A series of mishaps have the girls scrambling. New student (and new main character of Russell's next series) Max Crumbly saves the day.

 All is well in the end (as it always is in DD); Nikki and Brianna get a surprise gift from their parents. The dogs all find good homes. Nikki gets a surprise letter from her principal with some jarring news.

A short section of Tips on How to Dork Your Diary is included. The Misadventures of Max Crumbly begins next spring.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

 

First Look: Tales From a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen

                                                  Get Your Own Dork Diaries Wallpaper

Tales From a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen
(Dork Diaries, book 9)
by Rachel Renee Russell
with Nikki Russell and Erin Russell
Aladdin
2015
331 pages
ISBN: 9781442487697

                                                    Look What Was on My Doorstep!

The latest in the Nikki vs  MacKenzie saga opens with Nikki telling the story  ( in her diary),  but when her locker is accidentally left open, mean girl MacKenzie swoops in to grab it for "safe keeping" and making sure some nefarious person did not steal it and spill all of Nikki's secrets. Readers hear McKenzie for the first time. Poor little rich girl MacKenzie. Her daddy  is too busy making money and her mother is too busy being a socialite to devote any family time to MacKenzie. They rely on giving their little princess the world. MacKenzie claims to be fine with it and that seeing her therapist twice a week is all the friends she needs. Savvy readers will see that MacKenzie is a lonely girl bereft of friends and family. No matter how much money she has, no matter how beautiful she is, she is a timid mouse of a girl dying to be loved and accepted. She is devious to Nikki because she is actually jealous of Nikki's family and friends and her cute boyfriend, Brandon.

There is more drama between the Best Enemies Forever. MacKenzie and Nikki get into publishing. MacKenzie takes over Nikki's newspaper advice column and Nikki and BFFs Chloe and Zoey rush to stop parts of Nikki's diary from being published. Brandon is constantly on Nikki's mind even though they have a brief misunderstanding. Middle school love is so difficult, after all.

Fans of Dork Diaries will not be disappointed with the latest installment. The animal print cover is fierce and feisty. Who can resist an animal print?

Highly, highly recommended grades 5-up and for fans of the series. Squeeee! All I can say is keep them coming,  Rachel Renee Russell!

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Tales from a Not-So-Happily-Ever-After (Dork Diaries, book 8)

Tales From a Not-So-Happily Ever After
Dork Diaries, book 8
by Rachel Renee Russell
Aladdin
2014
295 pages
ISBN: 9781481421843

Read an excerpt

Fans of this series will be excited to get the newest book. The cover has massive tween girl appeal with its overload of pretty glitter and the eye-catching purple (lavender?) color will help the book fly off the shelf.

The story (sadly) does not live up to its packaging. The previous Dork Diaries were cute, funny, snarky, and fun to read. Tales From a Not-So-Happily Every After falls flat. Brianna is still a pain in the neck, Mackenzie is still a mean-girl diva, Brandon is still swoon-able and Nikki is as dorky as ever, but the story veers off into fairy-tale land. When Nikki is hit in the head during a brutal game of dodge ball, she blacks out. During her blackout, she "dreams" of every child's fairy tale imaginable: Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Cinderella, and many others.

I wish this Dork Diaries had more of a creative story. I felt a bit cheated that the author used well-known tales to tell a new??? story.

The book will probably have good sales and may make it to the bestseller list on the strength of the titles that came before. Readers may choose to skip the next book (if there is one). It is a shame that the latest in the series is the weakest one of all. The previous Dork Diaries--Tales From a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker--was Russell at her best; too bad the newest title followed such a strong book.

Recommended for fans of the series. Grade 4-up.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Tales From a Not-So-Glam TV Star (Dork Diaries, 7)

Tales From a Not-So-Glam TV Star
by Rachel Renee Russell
with Nikki Russell and Erin Russell
Aladdin
2014
320 pages
ISBN: 9781442487673


Rachel Renee Russell just keeps getting it right; this time, with the help of her two young daughters. They each co-wrote the book with their mother and their voice shines through and captivates. This Dork Diaries delivers!

Nikki Maxwell is back and she's true to her loveable dorky self. When she gets a phone call from famous  television producer Trevor Chase to meet him at the local Bad Boyz concert to discuss recording her band's song, Nikki accepts back stage passes for herself and her BFFs Zoey and Chloe. The girls are told to pick up their passes at the box office. There's only one problem: MacKenzie! Mean girl MacKenzie just happens to be at the box office when they show up and she swipes their passes and masquerades with her friends as Nikki's entourage. A cranky security guard denies Nikki and her BFFs access into the concert, even though they tell him their passes are either stolen or missing. The girls sneak in and are mistaken as backup dancers and glammed up by the make up and hair team. An outrageous run in with all parties  backstage turns into a true melee until Trevor Chase shows up and sorts everything out.

He offers Nikki a reality tv show, much to MacKenzie's seething chagrin! Everywhere Nikki goes with cameras following her, MacKenzie is sure to show up and try to steal Nikki's thunder. Lucky for Nikki, each time she ends up  on top with more and more fans.

Even though being a pop princess and a reality show star sounds glamorous, Nikki can't find time for Brandon without cameras following her. As she becomes more famous, she is pushed away from Brandon and she worries about it.

Girls will cheer on Nikki! It's nice to see the underdog achieve success and trump the beautiful and evil girl. Nikki is charming, adorable, and dorky. She will encourage all of us to embrace our inner dork. The Dork Diaries series picks up speed with each book, gaining more and more of a worldwide following. It has everything a young reader could ask for: a perky, funny, captivating protagonist, an evil, manipulative villain--MacKenzie, two sidekicks who truly have Nikki's back, a cute and sweet love interest--Brandon, quirky parents--Nikki's father owns an extermination service and drives around in a van with a giant cockroach on top, and a cast of minor characters--each enriching the story and Nikki's character.

This is a winning book that is sure to please.

Highly, highly recommended grade 5-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Dork Diaries: OMG! All About Me Diary!

Dork Diaries: OMG! All About Me Diary!
by Rachel Renee Russell
Aladdin
2013
265 pages

Tweens and fans of the series will love filling in the pages of their very own diary. Funny and unstoppable Nikki Maxwell leads readers to write with prompts like, "Have you ever told someone a personal secret and the THEY told someone else? What was the secret and WHO told it?" and "OMG! You're working at a KISSING BOOTH to raise money for CHARITY? Name the first six people in line for kisses!"

Readers also get Nikki's comments on a variety of topics including: boys, of course, school, friends, food, fun, music and more. Russell's illustrations are spot on and bring Nikki to life. Each day of the year gets its own entry, so readers become writers! There are blanks for Year 1 and Year 2, so readers/writers can keep their diary and work in it for two years. Nikki says, " Maybe one day your diary will become a really popular book series! How cool would that be?"

Highly, highly recommended for any fan of the series. This is a great Christmas or birthday gift that will keep girls writing all year long. Grade 4-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Book Giveaway: Tales From a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker (Dork Diaries, book 6)

Tales From a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker
by Rachel Renee Russell

I have FIVE free copies of this fab new Dork Diaries tale. Girls will want this one! Win your FREE copy. Simply post a comment to the blog and please include your first name, city, state, and email address. Winners will be chosen randomly by Randomizer. Deadline for posts is Tuesday, September 16 at noon MST. Winners will be notified by me on that date shortly after noon. Please check you email. Winners have 24 hours to contact me. Books will ship from New York courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Ebony.
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Ebony!

Good luck and start posting!
Pamela

Dork Diaries Pick: Tales From a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker (Dork Diaries, book 6)

Tales From a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker (Dork Diaries, book 6)
by Rachel Renee Russell
Aladdin
2013
340 pages



Find out more about Nikki and tons more stuff

Once again, Russell has created a sweet book that girls (and boys) will love! And it's all about love...well, and jealousy, embarrassment, heartbreak, sadness, teen angst, major drama, and...SQUEEE! Happiness!

Love is in the air and Nikki is still crushing on Brandon. It appears the feeling might just be mutual. Brandon invites Nikki to have a burger at Crazy Burger, that is, until MacKenzie crashes his birthday party and suddenly Brandon is super busy. The school dance is days away, and Nikki keeps putting off asking Brandon. Everytime she gathers her nerve, something goes wrong and she backs out.

An unexpected snowstorm causes the dance to be postponed, giving Nikki more time to completely freak out. Putting her trust into a teen magazine article, Nikki learns "How To Know if a Guy Is Just Not Into You!" She goes down the list, checking off all the things Brandon has done. Nikki realizes that Brandon is just not that into her! She decides not to ask him to the dance.

Mackenzie is up to no good as usual. She continues to taunt, torment and torture Nikki. Chloe and Zoe are the best BFF's ever. Little sister Brianna tries to help her big sis,and Nikki is beginning to realize that Brianna is not just a little brat, she is sometimes a sweet sister, too.

Nikki is a dynamic, funny, self-deprecating and loveable dork that girls are sure to identify with. Tales From a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker is the best Dork Diaries yet! I enjoyed the Nikki and Brandon in this installment over all the previous books.

Highly, highly recommended grade 5-up. Fans of the series will want to watch out for the next title due soon.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I purchased this book for the library. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Girl Pick: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All

Tales From a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-It-All (Dork Diaries, book 5)
by Rachel Renee Russell
Aladdin
2013
321 pages

Visit the author's website and check out the fun stuff!

Once again readers check in with Nikki Maxwell and her BFFs Chloe and Zoey. This time, Nikki joins the school newspaper staff and gets to work alongside her crush Brandon and yucky, mean girl MacKenzie Hollister.


MacKenzie undermines Nikki's attempt to work with Brandon and Nikki is almost overlooked by the newspaper advisor. Mr. Zimmerman gives Nikki a chance to write the school's advice column and she takes on the pseudonym of Miss Know-It-All. She doesn't have any letters at first, but she gets help from Chloe and Zoey and they put up posters around the school and decorate letter boxes for students  to drop their pleas for help in. Miss Know-It-All's identity is a big secret and only Nikki and her BFFs and Mr. Zimmerman know who she is.

MacKenzie does her bad girl best to drive Nikki crazy and steal Brandon's heart. At first, the advice column is off to a shaky start but then the letters come pouring in...there's one from a football player who keeps his love of baking secret, another from a student who wants help with a math word problem, and one from an older sibling who can't stand his little brother...Nikki gives them all sound, and good advice. The school is buzzing with excitement over Nikki's column and even more letters are filling the Miss Know-It-All  boxes.

Nikki tells the football player to embrace his love of baking and maybe even bake his girlfriend some red velvet cupcakes and present them in a creative, romantic way. He takes her advice wrapping his girlfriend's locker in wrapping paper like a giant present and fills it with decorated red velvet cupcakes and roses. The girlfriend is so happy, but the plan backfires when all the cheerleaders are now crushing on the boy because he's so romantic.

The letter boxes begin to overflow and Nikki needs help! She spends hours each day answering letters for advice, but it pays off wehn Mr. Zimmerman awards her with the MVP award for the month. BFFs Chloe and Zoey help Nikki with her column and everyone attends Brandon's birthday party.

Highly, highly recommended for girls (and boys) and fans of the series will have to pick up a copy. Nikki Maxwell is highly entertaining and her friends Chloe and Zoey are friends that every girl would be lucky to have.

Grades 5-up. Just some mean girl behavior and a night of toilet papering MacKenzie's house.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I purchased this book for my library. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

Girl Pick: Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Graceful Princess

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Graceful Princess
by Rachel Renee Russell
Aladdin (Simon & Schuster)
2012
368 pages, with illustrations

Once again, we meet Nikki Maxwell and her BFF's Chloe and Zoey. This time the girls want to enter a skating contest hoping to get A's in  their P.E. class, do a good deed for a local charity, and win $3,000.00 to help that charity. Their biggest problem is that Nikki can't skate--well, she can sort of skate, if falling down and running into everything and everyone on ice counts. Nikki has a few days to figure it out and act like a graceful princess on ice or the girls will get laughed out of school. Of course, mean girl Mackenzie is out to prove she's the greatest thing ever seen on ice. Nikki has no love for Mackenzie and thinks of her as, "a GRIZZLY BEAR with a French manicure and blond hair extensions." Sadly for Nikki and company, Mackenzie skates like an Olympic champ.

The girls rally around a local cause, Fuzzy Friends, a pet rescue organization run by an elderly couple. Brandon, Nikki's "SQUEE" crush, volunteers his time there, and Nikki loves playing with the puppies and dogs. When they hear that Fuzzy Friends may have to close, Nikki and her BFF's are more determined than ever to win the prize money for the charity.

Throughout the book, Nikki complains about little sis Brianna, who is just about the biggest brat since Dennis the Menace. She means no harm, but she runs pretty wild. She never seems to get in trouble even when ruining a holiday performance of "The Nutcracker." Her antics are over the line, and she will probably end up a juvenile delinquent if her behavior is not addressed soon!

Brandon is just as dreamy as ever, and he's showing interest in Nikki. She's SQUEE over-the-moon. This  funny romp with  good natured fun (except for bratty Brianna), typical middle school angst, and a great female protagonist who is believeable and charming and who will resonate with fans of the earlier books.

Highly, highly recommended for fans of earlier Dork Diaries. Book 4 delivers laughs and entertainment.

Grades 5-up. No language, no sex. Some bad behavior on Brianna's part; mean girl antics and attitude from Mackenzie and Nikki is starting to stand up for herself.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.