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As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln . . . at one point, they all ran for president. And so is Vanessa Rothrock’s mother!
As if being 12 3/4 isn’t bad enough, Vanessa Rothrock’s mother is running for president and it’s ruining her life. Isn’t it enough that her enormous feet trip her up all the time, even on stage during the school spelling bee? Isn’t it enough that Reginald Trumball, love of Vanessa’s pathetic life, read her personal and private list of deficiencies to some boy she doesn’t even know? And that the Boob Fairy hasn’t visited her even once?! Doesn’t Mom realize that Vanessa needs her more than the rest of the country? More importantly, doesn’t she realize that she may be in grave danger? Vanessa's receiving threatening notes at school–notes that imply some psycho has it out for her mother at the Democratic National Convention. Vanessa might be the only person who can save her. But does she have the courage to do what that requires?
This hilarious debut novel about a girl who gets thrust into the campaign trail will have you laughing out loud and thanking your lucky stars that your mom never decided to enter a national election.
“Gephart maintains the humor even as the stakes rise. . . . An intelligent look at primaries, caucuses and nominating conventions.” – Publishers Weekly
“Readers learn about the political process and motivations of people who work in this milieu.” – SLJ
As if being 12 3/4 isn’t bad enough, Vanessa Rothrock’s mother is running for president and it’s ruining her life. Isn’t it enough that her enormous feet trip her up all the time, even on stage during the school spelling bee? Isn’t it enough that Reginald Trumball, love of Vanessa’s pathetic life, read her personal and private list of deficiencies to some boy she doesn’t even know? And that the Boob Fairy hasn’t visited her even once?! Doesn’t Mom realize that Vanessa needs her more than the rest of the country? More importantly, doesn’t she realize that she may be in grave danger? Vanessa's receiving threatening notes at school–notes that imply some psycho has it out for her mother at the Democratic National Convention. Vanessa might be the only person who can save her. But does she have the courage to do what that requires?
This hilarious debut novel about a girl who gets thrust into the campaign trail will have you laughing out loud and thanking your lucky stars that your mom never decided to enter a national election.
“Gephart maintains the humor even as the stakes rise. . . . An intelligent look at primaries, caucuses and nominating conventions.” – Publishers Weekly
“Readers learn about the political process and motivations of people who work in this milieu.” – SLJ
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 26, 2017
1. خوشحالم که بعد از مدت‌ها یک انتشارات دیدم که به رده بندی سنی کتاب‌ها توجه نشان می‌دهد. هم مدل رده‌بندی و هم بازه‌ای که تعیین کرده بود نسبتا دقیق بود.
2. کتاب حرف خاصی برای گفتن نداشت واقعا. یک داستان نوجوانانهٔ ساده بود.
3. علاوه بر این‌ها یک پروپاگاندای کودکانه برای حزب دمکرات آمریکا هم بود.
4. واقعا بچه‌ها باید باور کنند که تنها مخالفان دمکرات‌ها یک مشت وحشی هفت‌تیرکش هستند و مشکلات آمریکا فقط به دست دمکرات‌ها حل می‌شود؟
2. کتاب حرف خاصی برای گفتن نداشت واقعا. یک داستان نوجوانانهٔ ساده بود.
3. علاوه بر این‌ها یک پروپاگاندای کودکانه برای حزب دمکرات آمریکا هم بود.
4. واقعا بچه‌ها باید باور کنند که تنها مخالفان دمکرات‌ها یک مشت وحشی هفت‌تیرکش هستند و مشکلات آمریکا فقط به دست دمکرات‌ها حل می‌شود؟
March 10, 2010
Vanessa mengalami apa yang dialami banyak anak-anak seusianya: clumsy, gak PD sama rambut, pingin punya body yang oke, dan lain-lain. Tapi Vanessa memiliki sesuatu yang nggak dimiliki kebanyakan gadis diusianya: keahliannya dalam spelling dan ibu yang menjabat sebagai gubernur.
Ketika ibunya mencalonkan diri untuk menjadi calon presiden, Vanessa mendaftar alasan kenapa ibunya seharusnya TIDAK mencalonkan diri menjadi presiden. Vanessa khawatir ibunya terluka, karena sejak ibunya menang di beberapa daerah, Vanessa mendapat surat ancaman di loker sekolahnya. Vanessa tak ingin kehilangan ibunya seperti dia sudah kehilangan ayahnya.
Vanessa harus berbuat sesuatu. Tapi apa? Dia hanya seorang anak berusia 12 3/4! Apa yang bisa dilakukannya?
Jalan cerita yang cukup cepat membuat pembaca tidak bosan membacanya. Kejadian yang dialami Vanessa di sekolah bisa terjadi pada siapapun di usianya. Mulai dari dia menyukai teman sekelasnya yang ganteng, berharap si ganteng yang mengirim surat penggemar rahasia, mengharapkan si ganteng selalu memikirkannya seperti dia memikirkan si ganteng. Tapi ternyata yang mengirimkan surat-surat itu bukan si ganteng.
Belum lagi ketidakpedean Vanessa dengan ukuran kaki yang menurutnya terlalu besar dan membuat dia tersandung setiap saat, namun justru yang menyelamatkan ibunya dari tembakan saat peresmian pencalonan sang ibu oleh partainya.
Ceritanya ringan dan memang cerita ringan yang saya perlukan saat ini :)
Ketika ibunya mencalonkan diri untuk menjadi calon presiden, Vanessa mendaftar alasan kenapa ibunya seharusnya TIDAK mencalonkan diri menjadi presiden. Vanessa khawatir ibunya terluka, karena sejak ibunya menang di beberapa daerah, Vanessa mendapat surat ancaman di loker sekolahnya. Vanessa tak ingin kehilangan ibunya seperti dia sudah kehilangan ayahnya.
Vanessa harus berbuat sesuatu. Tapi apa? Dia hanya seorang anak berusia 12 3/4! Apa yang bisa dilakukannya?
Jalan cerita yang cukup cepat membuat pembaca tidak bosan membacanya. Kejadian yang dialami Vanessa di sekolah bisa terjadi pada siapapun di usianya. Mulai dari dia menyukai teman sekelasnya yang ganteng, berharap si ganteng yang mengirim surat penggemar rahasia, mengharapkan si ganteng selalu memikirkannya seperti dia memikirkan si ganteng. Tapi ternyata yang mengirimkan surat-surat itu bukan si ganteng.
Belum lagi ketidakpedean Vanessa dengan ukuran kaki yang menurutnya terlalu besar dan membuat dia tersandung setiap saat, namun justru yang menyelamatkan ibunya dari tembakan saat peresmian pencalonan sang ibu oleh partainya.
Ceritanya ringan dan memang cerita ringan yang saya perlukan saat ini :)
December 2, 2015
"As if being 12 3/4 isn't bad enough, my mom is running for president!" It may be a long title, it may have many words in spelling spelled by Vanessa Rothrock, it may have some innapropriate words, but I LOVE this book!!! The story combines the life of having a famous parent and an almost teenager life! Vanessa Rothrock was not agreeing for her mom to become president, but then, she started to think about it in a better way. After getting notes from a secret admirer and strange notes from a stranger that wants to kill her or her mom, Vanessa starts to worry... You wish for what's next, because I will not spoiled more than that. This book is officially one of my favorite books ever! I give it a 5/5 because it's development in the story was awesome, I, sometimes, didn't stop reading because I kept going on and on and on... I really love this book and I recommend it to anyone in the world!
October 27, 2018
ستاره‌ی اول برای اینکه سه چهارساعتی من رو از دنیای واقعی جدا کرد (چراش رو هنوز نمیدونم). ستاره‌ی دوم برای دستور پخت شیرینی لیموییِ آخر کتاب.
هیچ و مطلقا هیچ نکته مثبت دیگه‌ای نداشت کتاب.
هیچ و مطلقا هیچ نکته مثبت دیگه‌ای نداشت کتاب.
February 15, 2017
موقعی که خریدمش دوست داشتم عالی باشه ولی نبود.یک خوب معمولی بود.و بشتر بهش یه عددی بین 3.5 تا 4 میدم.بالغ بر 50 درصد مواقعی هم که نویسنده نمک می پروند آدم پوکر فیس میشد.
ولی یه چیزای خوبی هم داشت به عنوان یه کتاب نو جوون.
و توی این شرایط دشوار درسی و زندگی خوندن یه کتاب مثل این شبیه استراحتیه که بعد از یه کار سخت به خودت میدی.
و نگاه نویسنده به یه سری مسائل هم خوب بود.و زبون رک و صریح و بی پرده ش به دل من نشست.
و یه چند جاییش هم واقعا خندیدم.
خلاصه که بدک نبود
ولی یه چیزای خوبی هم داشت به عنوان یه کتاب نو جوون.
و توی این شرایط دشوار درسی و زندگی خوندن یه کتاب مثل این شبیه استراحتیه که بعد از یه کار سخت به خودت میدی.
و نگاه نویسنده به یه سری مسائل هم خوب بود.و زبون رک و صریح و بی پرده ش به دل من نشست.
و یه چند جاییش هم واقعا خندیدم.
خلاصه که بدک نبود
June 25, 2022
زیادی معمولی بود بعضی جاهاش حوصلم سر رفت
October 26, 2022
عمیقا داستان جالبی بود درباره اهمیت خانواده و اهمیت اینکه چقدر باید از خودمون و خانواده مون حمایت کنیم تا به آرزوهاشون برسن حتی اگر مدل موی بدی داشتن!
October 14, 2015
This book is a great representation of a girl in 7th grade learning that life is not all what it seams. Vanessa gets all kinds of threat notes saying that they were going to hurt her and her mom, which turned out to be true. The book kind of proves the theory that people closest to you can hurt you the most, and I mean that in two ways. First, Vanessa's math teacher ended up being the one who was sending the threat notes, and that showed how someone she thought she could trust ended up really physically hurting her. Second, because her mom was never home, that really hurt her mentally because she was all alone without her dad, and she needed the help and support of a parent, even though Vanessa and her mom were very close.
May 6, 2008
Vanessa suffers the usual traumas for her age - flat chest, crush on a popular guy and being generally pretty clutsy. What sets her apart is her bodyguard and fan mail as her mother is running for president. Gives some insight into the political process and some issues. Language and story are rather ordinary, but should have an audience especially this year.
May 28, 2008
Not bad at all, not the best either. Cute, a little too much use of teen/tween lingo like "OHMYGOD" every other page, I found this distracting but I doubt the target audience will be bothered by it.. I think they will like this book and be drawn in. I would recommend it.
December 16, 2010
This was Donna Gephart's debut. Great first book. Never a dull moment couldn't put it down.
January 8, 2010
There's a lot to like in Donna Gephart's first book, as if being 12-3/4 isn't bad enough, my mother is running for president. Vanessa Rothrock is nearly 13 and already used to the limelight because she's the Florida governor's daughter. But when her mother decides to run for president, and it looks like she stands a good chance of winning, Vanessa's life intensifies. Gephart gives us a good glimpse into the family life of a presidential candidate—hint: there's not much family time—while also capturing pre-teen angst quite well.
Vanessa's concerns will have moms remembering their own middle school years while being reminded of what their daughters of the same age may be going through. Girls will be able to identify with many of the same issues Vanessa experiences, and maybe learn a few things from her mistakes.
I found it a good reminder of how kids can be so ego-centric in middle school. Everything is seen through the lens of “what does it mean to me.” For Vanessa, it doesn't matter that her mom will make history by becoming the first female president of our country if she's not home to watch her daughter compete in the regional spelling bee.
It's also a good reminder that kids often don't tell their parents about important things that are worrying them. Instead they try to solve them on their own. When Vanessa receives letters threatening to kill her mom if she doesn't drop out of the race, she thinks it's better to secretly try to get her mom to drop out instead of telling someone with the ability to help.
This is also a very interesting book to read in an election year when a woman came close to being nominated as a major-political-party presidential candidate. And I loved the reasons Vanessa's mom wrote to her telling why she wants to be president. The list could spark a whole separate conversation with members of a mother-daughter book club about things that are important for our country.
I recommend this book for readers in 4th - 6th grade.
Vanessa's concerns will have moms remembering their own middle school years while being reminded of what their daughters of the same age may be going through. Girls will be able to identify with many of the same issues Vanessa experiences, and maybe learn a few things from her mistakes.
I found it a good reminder of how kids can be so ego-centric in middle school. Everything is seen through the lens of “what does it mean to me.” For Vanessa, it doesn't matter that her mom will make history by becoming the first female president of our country if she's not home to watch her daughter compete in the regional spelling bee.
It's also a good reminder that kids often don't tell their parents about important things that are worrying them. Instead they try to solve them on their own. When Vanessa receives letters threatening to kill her mom if she doesn't drop out of the race, she thinks it's better to secretly try to get her mom to drop out instead of telling someone with the ability to help.
This is also a very interesting book to read in an election year when a woman came close to being nominated as a major-political-party presidential candidate. And I loved the reasons Vanessa's mom wrote to her telling why she wants to be president. The list could spark a whole separate conversation with members of a mother-daughter book club about things that are important for our country.
I recommend this book for readers in 4th - 6th grade.
December 31, 2008
At first glance, Vanessa Rothrock is really not all that different from most other girls her age. She has a crush on the cute guy at school. She has a great friend. She works hard to do well in school. At the same time, her mother is the governor of Florida and quickly on her way to becoming the Democratic nominee for President in the upcoming election.
Nessa has also faced some adversity in the past. Her father died in a plane crash years earlier. She still holds her memories of him dear. His absence makes dealing with the fact that her mother is on the campaign trail that much harder, particularly as she works her way through a series of spelling bees. She wants to do her mother proud, but her mother does not seem to be able to attend any of the events.
She also seems to have a secret admirer, who is leaving her notes in her locker. She thinks it is the guys she has a crush on, but that assumption quickly fades. Unfortunately, that is not the only communication she gets via locker mail. Someone decides to use her locker to send threats in the hopes of convincing her mother to drop out of the election.
Besides giving great insight into the early election process, this novel gives readers a good idea what it must be like to be the child of a presidential candidate. While it is great to cheer on a parent, the whole family has to make sacrifices that are not always easy.
As a protagonist, Nessa is a lot like Princes Mia of The Princess Diaries or Georgia Nicolsen from the series of the same name: funny and sassy. I did find her a little whiny at first, but that faded as I got to know her better. She really is a likeable character that made me want to see how things were going to turn out. I am hoping there will be a sequel.
Nessa has also faced some adversity in the past. Her father died in a plane crash years earlier. She still holds her memories of him dear. His absence makes dealing with the fact that her mother is on the campaign trail that much harder, particularly as she works her way through a series of spelling bees. She wants to do her mother proud, but her mother does not seem to be able to attend any of the events.
She also seems to have a secret admirer, who is leaving her notes in her locker. She thinks it is the guys she has a crush on, but that assumption quickly fades. Unfortunately, that is not the only communication she gets via locker mail. Someone decides to use her locker to send threats in the hopes of convincing her mother to drop out of the election.
Besides giving great insight into the early election process, this novel gives readers a good idea what it must be like to be the child of a presidential candidate. While it is great to cheer on a parent, the whole family has to make sacrifices that are not always easy.
As a protagonist, Nessa is a lot like Princes Mia of The Princess Diaries or Georgia Nicolsen from the series of the same name: funny and sassy. I did find her a little whiny at first, but that faded as I got to know her better. She really is a likeable character that made me want to see how things were going to turn out. I am hoping there will be a sequel.
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Allison Fraclose for TeensReadToo.com
As the governor's daughter, Vanessa Rothrock already has a complicated life. Not only is she a complete klutz, but she's the only kid in school with a bodyguard, she gets absolutely no privacy, and she has to make an appointment to see her own mother. Things would be much easier if she didn't spend her life in the scrutiny of the public eye, because, whenever in the spotlight, Vanessa will surely trip over her own gigantic feet.
Now that it looks like her mom might have a good shot at becoming a presidential candidate, everyone else is scurrying around, and all Vanessa wants is for her mother to drop out of the race. Is it really so wrong to just want your mom there, to see you win the county spelling bee and comfort you in the emergency room after you break your wrist in PE?
Then the letter appears in her locker, the one that threatens her to stop her mom's campaign. Frightened that her mother's life might be in danger, Vanessa decides that she has to deter her mom, no matter what.
Extremely well-written, this book surprised me with its humor, action, and poignancy. With this winning combination, this is a read you will certainly want on your ticket!
As the governor's daughter, Vanessa Rothrock already has a complicated life. Not only is she a complete klutz, but she's the only kid in school with a bodyguard, she gets absolutely no privacy, and she has to make an appointment to see her own mother. Things would be much easier if she didn't spend her life in the scrutiny of the public eye, because, whenever in the spotlight, Vanessa will surely trip over her own gigantic feet.
Now that it looks like her mom might have a good shot at becoming a presidential candidate, everyone else is scurrying around, and all Vanessa wants is for her mother to drop out of the race. Is it really so wrong to just want your mom there, to see you win the county spelling bee and comfort you in the emergency room after you break your wrist in PE?
Then the letter appears in her locker, the one that threatens her to stop her mom's campaign. Frightened that her mother's life might be in danger, Vanessa decides that she has to deter her mom, no matter what.
Extremely well-written, this book surprised me with its humor, action, and poignancy. With this winning combination, this is a read you will certainly want on your ticket!
July 24, 2009
Vanessa Rothrock, the young daughter of the recently widowed governor of Florida, longs for her life to be different. She prays to the Boob Fairy that her chest will grow. She longs for the cutest boy in school to notice her and wishes she weren't so clumsy. But she also has some serious concerns. She dislikes being in the public eye and deeply misses her father. But in the 7th grade she believes much of her life could be improved if her mother would simply drop out of the presidential race. When she receives threatening letters at school, it seems to Vanessa that the only way to protect her own life and her mother's is to force her mother out of the race.
Gephart has succeeded in creating a comedy and mystery in one fell swoop. Readers will laugh with Vanessa's teen angst and share her genuine fear that security forces cannot stop an extremist bent on violence. I'm eager to recommend this to my middle school girls!
Gephart has succeeded in creating a comedy and mystery in one fell swoop. Readers will laugh with Vanessa's teen angst and share her genuine fear that security forces cannot stop an extremist bent on violence. I'm eager to recommend this to my middle school girls!
April 4, 2011
Vanessa has a lot to deal with that many teens/pre-teens can easily identify with: a crush on the most popular boy in school, a secret admirer, getting a grip on her clumsiness, her changing (or not changing) body, friendships - but on top of all she is also the daughter of the governor of Florida which means she attends school accompanied by a bodyguard. Then her mum decides to run for president and life gets even more complicated. The book surprised me with some unexpected mystery and suspense as well as a good dose of humor. It should be a popular read especially among our upper elementary/lower middle school girls.
November 10, 2012
This book, by far, is one of the best books I have ever read. I say that about every book I like, but I'm dead serious. Its about a girl, Vanessa Rothrock, who believes she has a pathetic life. Her mother is the governor of Florida,the great Ellisa Rothrock, and is never around to see her daughter grow up anymore. Vanessa is a great speller, and wins her school spelling bee, but her mom isn't there to see her win. She's deathly in love with this Reginald Trumball character, who plays an interesting part in her life.
P.S I have this book signed by Donna Gephart!
by: Leah Rosenman age 10 2/3
P.S I have this book signed by Donna Gephart!
by: Leah Rosenman age 10 2/3
July 29, 2015
This book probably has more appeal for girl readers. Vanessa deals with issues experienced by all middle grade girls. She's embarrassed by her slow physical development, except for her over-sized feet, and she's wants the cutest boy in class to like her, except that he's a jerk. She also has less common problems, such as having a bodyguard follow her everywhere and having to worry about being on the national news. The early part of the plot deals with Vanessa's obsession with spelling and boys, but it becomes much more serious once the threats appear. After that, the plot becomes more of a mystery as readers anticipate an attack on her mother.
March 7, 2013
This book is okay. It's about Vanessa and how her mother is running for president. Vanessa in the beginning of the book wants more than anything for her mother to drop out of the race. Towards the end, Vanessa changes her mind and wants her mother to continuing running and to NOT drop out of the race. I thought this book was okay because there's sort of a mystery in this book and I wanted to find out the end. This book however, I found, was bit easy and more for young readers. I recommend this book to younger readers; I think they will like it.
November 26, 2008
This was an OK book. To me it seemed like it was written by a mother envisioning the perfect daughter, rather than by a woman getting in touch with what it's like to be a tween. The girl was just a little too selfless, too concerned about her mother, and too ready to apologize for every little offense. The book would have rang more true if she had been a bit irrational, rude, and caustic towards her loved ones--as all tween girls are.
August 17, 2009
I love Vanessa and all her self-talk. Her self-absorption is typical for kids that age, and I think a lot of readers will identify with her insecurities and sensitivities. Some important issues (single parenting, peer relationships, mother-daughter relationships, self-image problems, etc.) were addressed, and the element of mystery added another dimension which I found very appealing. All in all, a fun read!
July 7, 2012
Oh! I remember reading this when i was aroung 9-10 (i'm 13 now.) and i just loved this book!
I read this during a time when if books didn't have something interesting enough, that i would just stop reading on like page 20.
But this is funny, sweet, and has action! I also loved the part (spoiler alert!) were she got shot in the butt, funny AND unexpected!
So basically, back then i was a picky reader, and if this book kept me enterained back then, it
s sure to be an enjoyable book now.
I read this during a time when if books didn't have something interesting enough, that i would just stop reading on like page 20.
But this is funny, sweet, and has action! I also loved the part (spoiler alert!) were she got shot in the butt, funny AND unexpected!
So basically, back then i was a picky reader, and if this book kept me enterained back then, it
s sure to be an enjoyable book now.
November 30, 2015
"As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!" by Donna Gephart was a fun book to read but was not such a great story line. The book kept repeating points made and you kept wanting to scream at the character "Figure it out already!". The main character (Vanessa) was both relatable and non-relatable. I recommend this book to people who want to have fun reading but not a literary masterpiece where you have to think a lot.
September 30, 2016
This was a very good book. The character had so many deep feelings. In a way I kind of felt bad for her. At the end, I kind of ended up slipping into her shoes and got excited when she did, mad when she did etc. The book had a good plot, but it could have been better if Donna Gephart didn't take as long explaining things and repeating herself in the text, the book would have definitely been better.
November 18, 2010
This book is about one sordif cautious of herself.......She is that way cause first her mom is govoner....And she never gets to see her.......but now her mom is running for president!!! and she thinks now she will never get to talk,see,or hear her voice for a while ='(
so i will promise you that you will fall in love with this book....i did..=P
so i will promise you that you will fall in love with this book....i did..=P
May 23, 2012
I *really* enjoyed this book. I think my middle schoolers will also enjoy this book. I've read a review that said the main character is too apologetic. I didn't agree with that. It's how I would have been, and it's how some of my students are. They believe everything is their fault. I thought her feelings were real.
March 27, 2009
This was a great quick read, though I found it to be a bit predictable. Overall, I loved it, though there were a few "odd" parts. For example, I found Vanessa's lengthy prayers to the Boob Fairy to be pretty weird. I read this book in a day though, so that means that it was definetly good.
January 26, 2009
A timely book written from a candidate's daughter's point of view. Not completely realistic action scene, but it still had its redeeming qualities. Middle schoolers would read this and think, "That thought must be similar to one Sasha or Malia might have."
August 13, 2010
I love that Vanessa is just an average girl stuck in not so average circumstances (C-I-R-C-U-M-S-T-A-N-C-E-S, circumstances). She has more courage than most 12-13 year olds, even if she doesn't believe it. This is a mystery/comedy that keeps you intrigued throughout the entire story.
September 16, 2010
I liked How to Survive Middle School more than this book, but it is just as charming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews