Alex and the Enderson Brothers: Book One

by Roz Monette

The Enderson brothers-Scott, Chris, Otto, and Ryan-dominate the social scene and bring excitement to the uneventful town of Plainville. They are well-known and well-liked-most of the time. Their loyalty to each other is indestructible until one brother drifts into the wrong crowd. Then there's Alex, the family's youngest child and only daughter, who struggles to rise above her family's reputation. The Enderson parents work long hours and often leave...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0983507716
• ISBN13: 9780983507710
• Release Date: April 2013
• Publisher: Cedar Grove Books
• Length: 162 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 14 to 16 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 11

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Alex has enough issues in her life without needing interference from her four older brothers. She worries about growing up and becoming somebody...one day. Her family is always claiming that day will come, but it can't come soon enough for Alex. She's also a little bit worried about her family, with five children to put through college. Her parents seem to be working overtime trying to make sure the family finances are in order. Their time away from home leaves the four brothers and Alex alone together, which gives them time to bond -- and also fight. Alex's family life spins out of the control when one of her brothers portrays a different side of himself. Can Alex survive the embarrassment of having four teasing older brothers, waiting for someday to come, and living her own life? Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

Young Adult Fiction Portrayed in Realistic and Entertaining Way!

In reading Alex and The Enderson Brothers by Roz Monette, I was reminded of the many stories my mother used to tell when describing how it felt to grow up in a household with four brothers. They were protective but also enjoyed teasing her without mercy. The author, in this first novel of a series, gives a very realistic account of the everyday happenings of the Enderson family, a unit made up of two working parents, daughter Alex, and sons Scott, Chris, Otto, and Ryan. The story begins with Alex, the youngest child of Martha and Mitch Enderson, entering sixth grade elementary school while Scott, the eldest, starts his senior year at Plainville High School. Chris and Otto, non-identical twins, are both juniors at Plainville, and their youngest brother Ryan is a freshman. Alex feels somewhat overshadowed by her seemingly inseparable brothers; in her opinion, they always appear to be in the spotlight, whether at home or school. Scott, who played football, was definitely the head honcho of the Enderson siblings and appeared to be very popular--especially with Nancy, his present-day girlfriend. Otto had musical talent, Chris was the kind of person everyone liked, and Ryan was an excellent runner. Alex...well, she couldn't figure out exactly what her life was about. Her biggest concern was that she didn't have boobs and hadn't yet gotten the monthly "curse." But all of these good things would happen--someday. Her life seemed to revolve around that magical day in the future. As the storyline progresses, we see more and more of the unique personality traits of each family member. The author expertly breathes life into them through her vivid description, pragmatic dialogue, and behavioral characteristics. Though the scenes are typical of such a family scenario, they are presented in a refreshing light that will have readers laughing, crying, rejoicing and sympathizing with each character--for different reasons. When I think back to my high school years, I shudder as I remember how desperately everyone wanted to fit in. Being accepted by one's peers was the most important thing in life. Alex, who was definitely her own person, struggled to figure out where she belonged. When one close girlfriend--more mature than Alex--dumped her for no apparent reason, she was replaced by another, less popular friend who was unpretentious and funny. As Alex progressed to higher grades, she found it necessary to be part of a group or clique. This is the way it had to be! Readers see her respond to her first crush, some humiliating experiences, her first kiss and the initial blossoming of her boobs. When the Scott goes off to college, there are new challenges for everyone. There is a question as to who gets his old room and who will drive his car while he is away. This leads to some serious behavioral problems with Otto who literally becomes a different person...he dresses in black, has a ponytail, acts differently, and hangs out with an entirely