To Blog or Not to Blog?

When Millicent’s annoying younger brother logs on to her computer and starts a blog based on her diary, she is horrified. Thank goodness he at least used a different name. Amanda is way better than Millie! Before she can delete the blog, someone comments. She can’t help but feel a little flattered that people are out there reading her posts, even if the writing was supposed to be private. She decides to keep it up- just for a little while. The blog becomes somewhat addictive, and Millie decides it won’t hurt to continue posting. After all, the other sixth graders seem to enjoy hearing her thoughts about what is happening at school. Amanda/Millie is full of advice and the latest gossip. She is making things happen at Springside Elementary. Millie’s best friend can’t stop raving about the blog being run by Amanda, and only wishes that they knew who she was so that they could use the blog to their advantage. Millie really wants to come clean, but she is also afraid if she tells anyone, word will get out and people won't understand. With some of the advice she is dishing out, she is afraid to stop blogging because people need her. Is it possible for Millie to keep her identity hidden? If word gets out, will her life be ruined? Are there any pitfalls with blogging anonymously about the school you attend? What would you do if your brother started publishing parts of your personal diary as a blog? Wait until you see how everything ends up!
Millicent Marie Is Not My Name by Karen Pokras Toz is a fantastic middle grade book that will keep you turning the pages to finds out what happens to Millie and her friends. Right from the start I could relate to the main character, because I would be furious if my brother put any part of my diary online for others to read. I would be worried even if he changed the name on the blog or the post! Millie is very much a typical 12 year old girl and her thoughts and feelings reminded me of my own. I think she is someone I would like to be friends with because she is smart and funny. The fact that Mille was running an anonymous blog had me worried because I didn’t know what would happen if everyone found out it was her blogging. I was glad the storyline was happening to her and not me- I couldn’t handle the stress! Mille is funny and anyone with a sibling will be able to relate to her relationship with her brother. Even though the main character is a girl, I think that this is a book that could be enjoyed by both boys and girls in the middle grades. I am amazed at how the author created such believable characters. After reading this book you just may want to start your own blog. This is a book you don’t want to miss!

Has anyone else read Millicent Marie is Not my Name ?  Or have you read another book by Karen Pokras Toz ? What did you think?

Happy reading! ~L  FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED