Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Stage Fright by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot has written a great series geared toward tween age girls and the problems they face.  Allie is the oldest child in her family, the only girl and in 5th grade.   She and her friends are excited to learn that their class will be putting on a play for the schools open house.  As they discuss each of the possible parts, some of them seem made specifically for the girls until the big part. Allie and one of her friends, Sophie each wanted to be Princess Penelope. 

What can Allie do?  Should she let Sophie try out without competition?  And what happens when the part is assigned?

Once all the parts are assigned and rehearsals start, life only gets more complicated!   Several of the class members decide to be difficult and cause problems with the play.  Meanwhile, home life at the Finkle's house is getting stranger with Mrs. Finkle's new job as a movie reviewer for the town cable channel.  And Allie is dealing with her little brothers who live to drive her nuts (or so she thinks). 

What can Allie do to help her friends feel good about the play?  Can they pull it off with last minute changes and substitutions?

Overall, Ms. Cabot puts a great twist on typical life events in a 5th grade girls life.   The anxiety, the stress, the hormones, etc can be looked at from a fun angle that help put some not so funny situations in a better light. 

A must read for tween girls for some fun and giggle time.

Age range: 8 to 12 year old

Cabot, M. (2009). Stage fright . New York: Scholastic.