Fifteen-year-old Calli has just about everything she could want in life—two loving moms, a good-looking boyfriend, and a best friend who ha... read full description
reviews
Jun 23, 2011
Kris
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Read my review at Imaginary Reads!
Calli is a refreshingly realistic YA novel about a fifteen-year-old misfit who has two moms, wears size thirteen, and has a foster sister who acts mean to her outside of the house. Yes, Calli’s mom is a lesbian, but the story doesn’t center on the issue of Calli having to deal with lesbian issues herself. While she is teased for supposedly being lesbian herself, she has a loving boyfriend and loves him back. At least, until she sees him kissing her f More...
Calli is a refreshingly realistic YA novel about a fifteen-year-old misfit who has two moms, wears size thirteen, and has a foster sister who acts mean to her outside of the house. Yes, Calli’s mom is a lesbian, but the story doesn’t center on the issue of Calli having to deal with lesbian issues herself. While she is teased for supposedly being lesbian herself, she has a loving boyfriend and loves him back. At least, until she sees him kissing her f More...
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Dec 04, 2011
Kelly
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A lot of things in the story didn't work for me. I found the first person present tense jarring in this book, as so much got tangled up in back story. There's a lot going on -- Calli's mother has Lupus and she's a lesbian and her parents foster kids and one of the foster kids is a bad seed and Calli's existence is based on a one-night stand so she has some repressed father issues. But that's not where the story begins. It begins when Calli's foster sister kisses Calli's boyfriend. It stumbles ou
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Aug 22, 2011
Dani
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Every now and then I love to lose myself in a good young adult novel. I feel like it keeps me in tune to what teens are worrying about these days and it also brings me back to those high school years. While most everyone disliked high school, it is fun to read about other people’s fictional struggles. It is for this reason that I picked up a copy of Calli. I enjoyed the read even if it was a bit boring and stilted at times.
Calli is a high school student who has a perfect life, from the More...
Calli is a high school student who has a perfect life, from the More...
Jul 28, 2011
Jac
rated it:
I just finished reading Calli by Jessica Lee Anderson, and it was an excellent coming of age novel! I found it to be a more realistic read than many YA books seem to be.
Calli is about a 15 year old girl who is living with her two Mom's, a foster sister and a Dog named Sassy. She is dealing with fairly average problems for a teen today. Boy trouble, the struggle to be the perfect size, and seemingly relentless teasing from other kids at school. Throw in her unusual home situation, and More...
Calli is about a 15 year old girl who is living with her two Mom's, a foster sister and a Dog named Sassy. She is dealing with fairly average problems for a teen today. Boy trouble, the struggle to be the perfect size, and seemingly relentless teasing from other kids at school. Throw in her unusual home situation, and More...
Jun 19, 2011
Ann
rated it: 
Ages 11+ (swears are truncated by cutting off the speaking character, but it's obvious that they're swears, foster siblings talk about abuse and neglect)
Interesting, but not 100% engaging, this reads more like a problem novel from the early 90's than a nuanced, layered look at life with two moms and foster siblings.
I did like it, perhaps because I grew up on the problem novels of the late 80s and early 90s, but I don't know how teens today will respond. While I think it will More...
Interesting, but not 100% engaging, this reads more like a problem novel from the early 90's than a nuanced, layered look at life with two moms and foster siblings.
I did like it, perhaps because I grew up on the problem novels of the late 80s and early 90s, but I don't know how teens today will respond. While I think it will More...
May 30, 2011
Sandra
rated it:
Calli is a coming of age story about a fifteen year old girl. Calli is trying to get through high school while avoiding the teasing resulting from having two moms. She's also trying to get along with her foster sister, Cherish, who has a penchant for stealing Calli's things, including her boyfriend.
The first thing I noticed about Calli was that the story was refreshingly realistic, though at first that meant the plot fell flat with useless details like what characters ate for breakfa More...
The first thing I noticed about Calli was that the story was refreshingly realistic, though at first that meant the plot fell flat with useless details like what characters ate for breakfa More...
May 24, 2011
Fictional
rated it: 
Calli is truly an amazing heartwarming story. I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading the story but right from the beginning I was sucked in.
I’m afraid that Calli’s fictional life is realistic for several youths of today. The emotional pain a teen can suffer because of family issues, teasing by peers, and the cruelty of those who bully is cleverly written by Jessica Lee Anderson, the author.
Calli, the main character, sheds light on what goes through teens’ m More...
I’m afraid that Calli’s fictional life is realistic for several youths of today. The emotional pain a teen can suffer because of family issues, teasing by peers, and the cruelty of those who bully is cleverly written by Jessica Lee Anderson, the author.
Calli, the main character, sheds light on what goes through teens’ m More...
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Sep 10, 2011
Luu
rated it:
Zmiešané pocity.
Na jednu stranu... je to dobré. Dobre napísané, zaujímavé, s fakt jedinečným domácim prostredím (dve lesbičky majú jednu biologickú a jednu adoptovanú dcéru), s kopou dobrých charakterov. Ale popri tom je na na tej knihe niečo, no, disturbing. Asi ako na tej obálke - nie je zlá, ale no... zvláštna. Po celú dobu mi niečo medzi riadkami prekážalo, a ja neviem, čo.
A úplne zvláštne je, že kniha končí v tom najlepšom. Keď som otočila na poslednú stranu, ostala som More...
Na jednu stranu... je to dobré. Dobre napísané, zaujímavé, s fakt jedinečným domácim prostredím (dve lesbičky majú jednu biologickú a jednu adoptovanú dcéru), s kopou dobrých charakterov. Ale popri tom je na na tej knihe niečo, no, disturbing. Asi ako na tej obálke - nie je zlá, ale no... zvláštna. Po celú dobu mi niečo medzi riadkami prekážalo, a ja neviem, čo.
A úplne zvláštne je, že kniha končí v tom najlepšom. Keď som otočila na poslednú stranu, ostala som More...
Sep 01, 2011
Aeicha
rated it:
I was drawn to this book because its synopsis makes it sound so intense and palpable. Unfortunately, the book just didn't live up to the synopsis or my expectations. I expected more gut-wrenching drama, more teenage rebellion, more realism, just more more-ness. But what I got, was a relatable, yet somewhat boring, look into the mind of 15 year old Calli.
This is not an issue book, although it covers a wide variety of issues (abuse, sexuality, bullying, body image), it does not p More...
This is not an issue book, although it covers a wide variety of issues (abuse, sexuality, bullying, body image), it does not p More...
Sep 16, 2011
Hannah
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I really liked the idea and the plot in Calli. Calli's problems with her foster sister Cherish are a good main plot - that's an original idea and interesting to read about. The family dynamics are interesting to read about too - characters with gay parents are something I'd really like to see more of in YA. Calli's problems with her boyfriend, Dub, and best friend, Delia, are pretty average but could have added some nice layers to the story. Other than the plot, though, I didn't really like Call
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Aug 21, 2011
Book Twirps
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Fifteen-year-old Calli’s world seems to be falling apart. She just saw her foster sister, Cherish, kissing her boyfriend, Dub, in the hallway at school, and Dub didn’t even try to push her away. Things haven’t been going well since Calli’s two moms brought Cherish into their home, and to make matters worse, they are looking at bringing in yet another foster child. As tension between Cherish and Calli rises, so does the tension between Calli’s two moms as they struggle to keep peace in the house,
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Jun 06, 2011
Emily
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I would only recommend this book for teens who are secure and confident, because Calli isn't. The story is a touching portrait of an unusual family (two moms, a daughter, and two foster children) and the struggles they go through with a difficult and manipulative foster daughter named Cherish. Cherish and Calli are constantly at odds, with Calli usually playing the victim, and then blaming herself for everything that goes wrong. Even later in the story, when Cherish is held accountable for he
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Sep 19, 2011
Lorettajo
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For a complete writer's review, please visit my blog at http://lorettajokapinos.blogspot.com/
Calli overall was a book I liked, but didn't love. I'm disappointed because I really, really wanted to love it. The concept was sort of interesting to me: two moms and a teen with a foster sister. What a great idea! But, overall, I felt the novel really lacked the magic it needed to make me fall in love with it. On the plus side, I didn't hate it. I think maybe it could be enjoyed by many More...
Calli overall was a book I liked, but didn't love. I'm disappointed because I really, really wanted to love it. The concept was sort of interesting to me: two moms and a teen with a foster sister. What a great idea! But, overall, I felt the novel really lacked the magic it needed to make me fall in love with it. On the plus side, I didn't hate it. I think maybe it could be enjoyed by many More...
Oct 06, 2011
Jen Bigheart
rated it:
Being a foster sister to Cherish isn't exactly going to Calli's plan. There doesn't seem to be much lovey-dovey bonding time when you're too busy searching for your stolen stuff in your foster sister's room. To make matters worse, Cherish is a liar and master manipulator. She regularly pits Calli's moms (yes plural) against her, and now she has her sights on her boyfriend Dub. Calli takes matters into her own hands, and soon their small family begins to crumble. Calli and Cherish both learn that
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May 28, 2011
Heather
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This is a great coming of age book about a young girl named Cali. She is seventeen and lives with her two moms who think she is the greatest thing. Cali doesn't think so, she is fat and not pretty, at least that is what Cali thinks. She has a great boyfriend, Dub, who thinks the opposite. A bestfirend who isn't always there for her when she needs her most. A foster sister who she wishes would just leave.
Through out this book Cali realizes how wonderful and important she really is. In the e More...
Through out this book Cali realizes how wonderful and important she really is. In the e More...
Oct 16, 2011
Jade
rated it:
Originally published at my blog Chasing Empty Pavements
The Good: Okay first off, I loved that the parents in the novel were lesbians. There are not many novels where the parents are gay and it's always saddened me that there isn't more of a presence for them in novels. I thought that the author did a great job navigating both the positive and negative aspects of gay parents. I also thought Anderson's treatment of the two foster children were pretty believable. I like that she h More...
The Good: Okay first off, I loved that the parents in the novel were lesbians. There are not many novels where the parents are gay and it's always saddened me that there isn't more of a presence for them in novels. I thought that the author did a great job navigating both the positive and negative aspects of gay parents. I also thought Anderson's treatment of the two foster children were pretty believable. I like that she h More...
Aug 21, 2011
ananka
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Calli and her two mom's are inviting a foster sister into their lives. Anderson captured the feelings of a young teen perfectly; the excitement of a new sister turning into the bewildered frustration of realizing that this person is not going to fit the mold that was in her mind. The change in family dynamics and the maturity that Calli gained from the experience despite the embarrassment of realizing her mistakes all struck home. Great book and would make a great addition to a foster family
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Oct 06, 2011
Jessica
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Calli, by Jessica Lee Anderson, is a fantastic YA (focus on the ‘Y’) novel about growing up. Calli is a self-conscious fifteen year old girl who is faced with pretty unusual situations in an otherwise usual setting. In addition to dealing with standard teen struggles, like friends and boyfriends, she also has to learn how to cope with a new foster sister and the stigma of having two moms.
Anderson does a very convincing job of voicing Calli through the slightly immature and insecure More...
Anderson does a very convincing job of voicing Calli through the slightly immature and insecure More...
Oct 11, 2011
Kaitlyn
rated it:
This cover is fine. I enjoy how the letters in the title have some design to them. I don’t know the technical term for this, but I like the look of it. I actually really do enjoy the bottom of the cover, but the top of it I am sort of indifferent about. I think this must be because that is not how I pictured Calli... at all.
The story was interesting, yet I couldn’t bring myself to be completely invested in it. I think I was expecting a story that would tug at my heartstrings a bit More...
The story was interesting, yet I couldn’t bring myself to be completely invested in it. I think I was expecting a story that would tug at my heartstrings a bit More...
Sep 28, 2011
Rabiah
rated it:
Originally Posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2011...
**This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). The final cover and text are subject to change.**
Calli was a short YA contemporary novel, which is refreshing after reading all those paranormal books! It's an amazing coming of age novel, and the emotions and problems faced in this book are all very realistically written.
I could totally relate to Calli's feelings, Anderson has written a v More...
**This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). The final cover and text are subject to change.**
Calli was a short YA contemporary novel, which is refreshing after reading all those paranormal books! It's an amazing coming of age novel, and the emotions and problems faced in this book are all very realistically written.
I could totally relate to Calli's feelings, Anderson has written a v More...
May 17, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
I loved this book so much. As always, Jessica's writing is incredible, but I really found myself falling in love with her characters. The main character, Calli, has two moms, which I think is awesome. I'm so glad to see more books exploring this. Calli has a foster sister that she never really gets along with. She opens her home to her sister, but not her heart. I think we've all been in similar situations, and I think Jessica portrays this story beautifully. It comes out in September, scoop it
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Aug 30, 2011
Cory
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Calli was a wonderful book! I was immediately comfortable with the main character's perspective - I felt like I had known her for years and I really empathized with her angst. At the same time, I also sympathized with the other characters - even Calli's tormentor - which I believe was very deftly done on the author's part. This is a remarkable coming-of-age book which I hope my daughter will read when she is a teenager.
Aug 31, 2011
Stefanie
rated it:
Three quarters of Calli was very, very good and well worth reading. The last quarter of the novel felt a little trite, but still made for a good book with solid writing (and Calli's newest foster brother Lemond is well worth meeting). I highly recommend Calli.
Read the full review here: http://www.epinions.com/review/Jessica_L...
Read the full review here: http://www.epinions.com/review/Jessica_L...
Aug 24, 2011
Joanna
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This is one of those that will continue to stay with me. I thought Calli was a great character and the story is full of heart. Review copy obtained through NetGalley courtesy of the publisher.
May 19, 2011
Highly recommend this very engaging & insightful story about a teen learning to cope with friends, love, & her nontraditional family.
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Nov 02, 2011
Kiera
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Was not my cup of tea. I'm not big on realistic fiction. I liked the messages and everything, it just wasn't my type of book.
May 25, 2011
Kristi
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This was a really sweet and positive story about family: Calli, her two moms and foster siblings.
Oct 31, 2011
BookChic
rated it:
A good coming-of-age novel though it does end abruptly with some unanswered questions and being a contemporary novel, I'm not sure a sequel is coming.
May 17, 2011
P.J.
rated it:
I adore this book! It's the number one realistic fiction to read this fall and is sure to get tons of buzz! Jessica is a fabulous author, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
