Next to Mexico by Jennifer Nails

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(Hardcover)

  • Pub. Date: August 2008
  • 224pp
  • Sales Rank: 635,875
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    Reader Rating: (2 ratings)

    Detailed Rating: "Just for Fun" See All

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    • Overview
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    Product Details

    • Pub. Date: August 2008
    • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
    • Format: Hardcover, 224pp
    • Sales Rank: 635,875
    • Lexile: 540L 

    Synopsis

    When Lylice found out she was skipping fifth grade, she was excited. Then nervous. Then excited again. Then terrified. On her first day of sixth grade everything bad that could happen did. But when Senora Schwartz assigned her to be Mexico Mendoza’s English Buddy, school got a little better. Then a lot better. Then not as better. Then much, much worse.
    This is the story of her first quarter at Susan B. Anthony Middle School. And it’s the story of how to get away with something that grownups will first not like, then, after they think about it, won’t mind. And will actually think was a good idea. Oh, and it’s about doing something so stupid because of a boy and worrying that your best friend will ever talk to you again.

    VOYA

    Lylice is intelligent, caring, and witty, but her buck teeth caused her to be mocked and ostracized in elementary school. She begins middle school determined to earn acceptance by asserting herself and forming close friendships, and after meeting Mexico, a recent immigrant, Lylice has her first friend. Although Mexico has diabetes and a deformed ear, together they begin focusing less on themselves and more upon their surroundings and others. Beginning with budget cuts and Lylice's school newspaper response censored by the principal, the myriad of issues subsequently encountered in swift order include immigration and Native American concerns, alcoholism, abuse, cancer, medical costs, popularity, friendship, and romance. Topics are presented in context of the girls' lives and contribute to their growth, such as discovering a snooty classmate's alcoholic parents and their revelation that problems are universal, contribute to behavior, and are often hidden, unlike their visible flaws. Lylice humorously narrates this lively, thought-provoking story, becoming increasingly likeable and endearing. Mexico is more passive and generally serves to personalize issues, such as illustrating health costs by hospitalization after forgoing costly insulin or hesitantly assisting Lylice's increasingly shrewd responses to problems. Beyond distracting is why neither Lylice nor her parents considered orthodontia, especially as her condition appears disabling and instigates classmates' ridicule. The continued harassment also seems excessive, particularly as Mexico's ear is disregarded. Some contrivances occur to achieve the happy ending but plausibly fit the story line. Younger females will enjoy thisentertaining story, identifying with both girls and doubtless desiring a sequel. Reviewer: Lisa A. Hazlett

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    Biography

    Jennifer Nails lives in New York City with her husband and son. She teaches improvisation and writing at the New York Film Academy and the People’s Improv Theater.

    Customer Reviews

    • Reader Rating:
    • Ratings: 2Reviews: 2

    Good Bookby april16

    Reader Rating:
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    April 14, 2009: I love this book becuase it was a perspective of a girl starting middle school. I recommend this book for girls ages 11-13.

    I Also Recommend: Black Sheep.

    Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.comby TeensReadToo

    Reader Rating:
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    March 04, 2009: Lylice is an eccentric girl who is skipping a grade and going straight into sixth. Is she ready for the changes that middle school brings? After all, her best friend last year was the elementary principal!

    She is assigned to be Mexico Mendoza's English buddy. The girls soon realize that although they have their differences, they can find common ground. Lylice feels that Principal Harrington has it in for her, and both girls fight together to keep the art programs in their school.

    This is a story of a friendship that is shared between two girls who want desperately to fit in yet hold on to their individuality at the same time. Lylice is full of surprises and, though she seems a bit odd at first, she draws you into her life.

    I highly recommend NEXT TO MEXICO.