Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

I have to admit that this is one of the most intriguing books I've come across so far this year.

This isn't a normal novel, in that, although the book does contains actual words, the story isn't told in regular story format. Rather, as the full title suggests, it's a story that describes a year in the life of Ginny Davis, a seventh grader at Woodland Central, through stuff.

Stuff, as in notes from the principal. Stuff, as in letters to and from school friends. Stuff, as in pictures of play costumes, and cancelled checks, and calendar notations, and report cards. Stuff, as in anything and everything that makes up the life of a middle-schooler.

Author Jennifer L. Holm is to be commended for this awesome book, which offers a peek into middle school life, and inside the comings-and-goings of a teenage girl. From Post It notes from mom to crazy cards from Grandpa Joe, you'll find yourself smiling and reminiscing as you browse through the pages of MIDDLE SCHOOL IS WORSE THAN MEATLOAF.

This would be the perfect gift for anyone about to enter middle school, or, actually, for anyone who just enjoys books that are a little different from the norm. Believe me, this story is sure to please! ( )

Most middle school girls do not have "Get a dad" at the top of their "to do" lists. But Ginny lost her father at a young age, and has found a suitable replacement in Bob, her mother's boyfriend. In fact, she orchestrated their meeting, which she describes in one of her scrapbook entries. When Bob becomes part of the family, Ginny and her two brothers react differently, and it is a learning experience for all. My seventh grade daughter and I both loved this book. We laughed out loud, though some parts are also quite touching. Holm tells the story of Ginny's alternately ordinary and extraordinary year's experiences in a unique and clever way. ( )

This is an appealing, colorful book! Holm uses a scrapbook format to tell the tale of seventh grader Ginny Davis. Through funny "stuff" such as notes. letters, postcards from grandpa, bank book accounts, clothing store ads, school schedules, report cards. poems, flyers, and receipts you get to know the character Ginny. Her to do list includes: 1. Get a dad and 2. Get the role of the Suger Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. All the middle school girls who read this book upon my recommendation loved it as much as I did.

Should be a quick sell to the 7th grade audience (mostly girls). Light heartedness turns serious with only a few pages remaining, but satifying conclusion. Scrapbook format is intriguing and humorous. Girls will find immediate relevence in this one. ( )

The format of this book is wonderful. The brightly colored mementos illustrate the live of a young teen beautifully. But the overall plot is lacking. The passage of time is hard to keep up with because it moves so quickly and when you have finished reading you know factually what has happened to the characters, but not how they've grown or even truly how they feel about it. The lack of a traditional "dialogue" among the characters makes them feel separated and distant and keepst he reader from ever really getting to know any of them. ( )