The Private Notebook of Katie Roberts, Age 11

by Amy Hest

Book Overview

Amy Hest's winning protagonist spills out her heart in two touching, humorous diaries set in the years after World War II - now combined in an accessible hardcover sure to appeal to middle-grade... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1564028593
• ISBN13: 9781564028594
• Release Date: July 1996
• Publisher: Candlewick
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.6" x 0.2" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Open this Notebook

This book includes two stories: The Private Notebook of Katie Roberts, Age 11 and The Great Green Notebook of Katie Roberts. The setting is 1942 and Katie's father has just been killed in the war - the changes that her father's death bring are tough on Katie, and her readjustment to a new state, a new school, and new friends is poignant. Katie's religion also plays a role in the book - as a Jewish girl in a mostly Catholic area she struggles to fit in. Her religious background actually serves as a nice introduction to cultural differences. The text is aimed at preteen girls and the layout is hip and modern - within the `notebook,` the author includes drawings, letters, photographs, and a variety of other scribbles that draw attention to Katie's feelings. The notebooks follow Katie through ages 11 and 12, and we learn about her and her family, her best girlfriends and, of course, the guys she is interested in. While the Depression and post-war setting works nicely for the story, some readers may find it old-fashioned and hard to identify with. However, between the pages of this notebook is a lively preteen girl facing issues most girls can identify with. Recommended.

A Review By Imani Johnson, Class 5-506

I read a book called 'The Private Notebook Of Katie Roberts, Age 11'. Katie has a hard life when her father dies. The Private Notebook Of Katie Roberts was written by Sonja Lamut. This book is about when Katie moves to Texas. When she arrives and stays, she says that her mother starts to get used to life there and even wears a jumper. But back in New York, she used to only wear very elegant dresses.I feel like this book is intersting because it tells about many things that happen in real life. One of my least favorite parts was when she moved to Texas. I did not like it because she had to move away from her friends. One of my favorite parts was when she had made a new best friend. That's because you always need a friend around so you won't be lonely.My opinion about this book is that every body can read this book. Well, actually I think this book would be more for girls because it's about a girl's lifestyle. Even though boys go through life to, it sounds like a book more for girls. This book is realistic fiction. I wonder if Katie ever learned to like Sam (her step father). The lesson of the story is not to be selfish or get into a fight or you won't have any friends.I still would like to know when her brothers started to go to school and also, if Sam ever got to adopt her. This book is recommended to a lot of people (especially girls!) who go through changes like katie did. I liked the ending, but you'll have to read it to find out...

It was great to read becaue of the similarity to other girls

It was great and you just can't put it down. There's always a probelm or a goodthing happening.I like it because I like reading about almost real girls lives.

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!!!

I really enjoyed this book. I only wish it would of been longer. Katie has a hard time making friends at school. She feels her mother doesn't love her anymore. Katie also learned that just because her father died, she can still love her stepfather. Karen Hesse did a great job on this book.

Excellent! Keeps you reading!

This book was great. The story-line kept you reading. Amy Hest did a great job on this book. I reccomed this book to anyone who enjoys diaries.