Written by: Jill Sheets

All American Girl

Picture source: www.amazon.com

Warning! This could contain spoilers for the book.

This is the second part of the discussion on the Meg Cabot’s book, “All American Girl.” This part starts when Sam asks David out until the end of the book.

Do you think that you would like to be a Teen ambassador to the UN? Would you love everything that you are expected to do or would you find it stressful?

The President did not like Lucy’s choice of Maria Sanchez’s picture to go to New York. With everything that she had learned in her art class and by the subject that they had to paint what they saw when they looked out their window, Lucy was 100% sure that Maria’s was the best picture. Did you think she handled it well, when the president disagreed with her? What would you have done? Would you have back down when the president told you to pick other picture?

In a nut shell, Sam makes a mess out of everything with David, but is able to save a relationship that she did not realize it excised until Lucy pointed it out to her. When did you know that Sam was in love with David? Why do you think that it took Sam so long to realize that she was not in love with Jack, but with David?

Lucy finally realized that Jack was a jerk; by the way he treated Samantha about not picking his painting to win the contest. Do you think that Lucy did the right thing? Would you have broken up with Jack just for the fact he was rude to your sister? Do you think that Lucy had other reasons to break up with him?

Is there anything else you would like to talk about for “All American Girl?”

I personally loved the book, and I am looking forward to reading other books by her.

Our next book is going to be Cameron Tuttle’s “Paisley Hanover Acts Out.”

Paisley Hanover Acts Out

Picture source: www.amazon.com

Written by: Jill Sheets

All American Girl

Picture credit: www.amazon.com

Warning! This could contain spoilers for the book.

I am going to have a two part discussion on the Meg Cabot’s book, “All American Girl.”  The first part starts from the beginning of the book until where Sam asks David out.

I was not sure what to think about the book when I started. Many people told me that it was a great book and I am glad that I picked it out to start with. I find the book funny so far, and it is easy to lose yourself in the pages. What is your opinion of the book so far? Do you find it funny or is it a book that you are having trouble getting through?

Sam’s art teacher keeps telling her to draw what she sees. Not what she knows it to be. Has she finally understand? Do you think that Sam’s art teacher was to hard on her to begin with. For all of the artist out there, how long did it take you to be able to draw or paint what you see?

Sam seems to be a little obsessed with trying to get Lucy’s boyfriend. Do you think that Sam is shooting herself in the foot in hopes to date her sister’s boyfriend Jack, instead of seeing the wonderful guy that is in front of her? Out of the two of them, Jack or David, which one would you date?

Samantha is also great at making list of her top ten reasons. So far my favorite one comes from the press conference that was held before she left the hospital after breaking her arm. “When Matt Lauer stands up to ask his question, it is probably best not to squeal into the microphone, ‘Hey! I know you! My mom has the hugest crush on you!’” Makes me wonder if she really had said that in the press conference? What is your favorite one?

When reading a book, I always like to put myself in to the main character’s shoes. But later on, I like to try to cast the book. What actors and actress would play each part? Here are my thoughts so far on who should play who. I feel that Bonnie Wright would make a great Sam. “Sonny with a Chance” actress, Allisyn Ashley Arm would be a great Rebecca. Emma Stone would possible be a great Lucy. Jack and David are a little harder to cast. But… With some looking, I think English actor Nicholas Hoult would make a great Jack, then “Good Luck Charlie” actor, Jason Dolley, would make a great David.

What character do you relate more to and why? If they were to make this book into a movie, who would your dream cast be?

Written by: Jill Sheets

Gregg Sulkin & Selena Gomez

Picture Credit: Disney Channel

Many of you may know Gregg Sulkin as Mason Greybeck, Alexis’ love interest on “Wizards of Waverly Place.” Well Greg has finished filming an up and coming Disney movie, “Avalon High,” which is based off of Meg Cabot book series of the same name. Greg plays Will Wagner and he has finished filming the new Disney Movie in New Zealand along with his cast members Brittany Robertson, who plays Ellie Pennington, Molly Quinn, who plays Jenn and Joey Pollari.

According to Wikipedia, the “Avalon High” is supposed to be released in late autumn. So if you are a fan of Gregg Sulkin keep or a fan of Meg Cabot books, tune into the Disney Channel and Relate for more news, but first some information on this wonderful actor.

Picture credit: Disney Channel

Gregg was born on May 29, 1992 in London. His first TV acting role was as Seryozha in the mini-series “Doctor Zhivago”. But he may be best know in England as Bernie Reubens in “Sixty Six,” which he acted along side Harry Potter’s actress Helena Bonham Carter, or you may know her by her character’s name Bellatrix Lestrange He was also in the UK version of “As the Bell Rings,” which he played JJ and then he was Gregg on Disney Channel’s “Pass the Place.”

Gregg Sulkin is a talented actor, and he is someone that you should keep you eye on. He has already won over the hearts of the Disney viewers both here and in the UK.

What do you think of Gregg Sulkin? Do you think that he can be the next Zac Efron? Have you read Meg Cabot series “Avalon High?” Do you think that Gregg will be a good fit for Will Wagner? Let us know what you think.

Heaven To Betsy & Betsy In Spite Of Herself

by Maud Hart Lovelace

Surreys, corsets, Merry Widow hats, petticoats and waists-What in the world do these have in common with today’s teens? A lot!

Betsy Ray is a teen in the year 1906, the year these things were popular. She lives in a small town in Minnesota and dreams of visiting the big world someday. She wants to be a writer and her older sister, Julia, wants to be a singer. They attend DeepValley High School and take subjects such as math, history and English. Boys, parties and food are important issues, as well as hairdos and makeup and what to wear. Skating parties and picnics, exams and essays are part of life, with the emphasis being on friends and boys.

Maud Hart Lovelace wrote these books and many others about Betsy and her friends, Tib and Tacy in the 1940s and 1950s. They are based on her life and are filled with interesting characters and culture of that era. What is so striking is that even though the fashions and technology are vastly different from today’s modern teen, the issues and challenges in being a teenager are so similar.

These books are so fun to read. Anyone who is a history buff or “Meet Me In St. Louis” fan will thoroughly enjoy these stories. For you modern, hip girls, these books will be inspiring and very relatable in spite of the year. They are simply timeless. Harper Collins Publishing has put them in their Perennial Modern Classics division and includes forwards from such prominent authors as Meg Cabot, Laura Lippman and Anna Quindlen. There are also original illustrations included by Vera Neville, which are absolutely delightful.

A side note here: These books are published together in one volume, so you get two for the price of one. Stay tuned for the next volume to be reviewed.