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Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules
A grandmother-granddaughter duo set off on the Hollywood adventure of a lifetime in this funny middle-grade novel about breaking rules, growing up, and finding yourself—perfect for fans of Wendy Mass and Booki Vivat.
Audrey Covington’s parents are the textbook definition of strict—they don’t let Audrey stay up late or watch scary movies, and they definitely don’t let her go anywhere unsupervised. Audrey knows it’s best to just accept the way it is. But her friends decide her parents’ rules are getting in the way of all their fun and unceremoniously disinvite her from their annual start-of-summer slumber party so they aren’t tied down by boring Audrey.
Now Audrey is stuck helping her parents move her former-movie-star grandmother into a luxury retirement community. When she finally manages to sneak off to her parents’ car to check her phone, her grandmother climbs into the driver’s seat and speeds off—not realizing Audrey is still in the back seat! After startling each other, they come to a deal: Audrey promises not to tell her parents where her grandma is if Audrey can join in on one last grand adventure—no rules allowed. But as the two make their way across Hollywood, they realize that the life they think they want might not be what they need.
Audrey Covington’s parents are the textbook definition of strict—they don’t let Audrey stay up late or watch scary movies, and they definitely don’t let her go anywhere unsupervised. Audrey knows it’s best to just accept the way it is. But her friends decide her parents’ rules are getting in the way of all their fun and unceremoniously disinvite her from their annual start-of-summer slumber party so they aren’t tied down by boring Audrey.
Now Audrey is stuck helping her parents move her former-movie-star grandmother into a luxury retirement community. When she finally manages to sneak off to her parents’ car to check her phone, her grandmother climbs into the driver’s seat and speeds off—not realizing Audrey is still in the back seat! After startling each other, they come to a deal: Audrey promises not to tell her parents where her grandma is if Audrey can join in on one last grand adventure—no rules allowed. But as the two make their way across Hollywood, they realize that the life they think they want might not be what they need.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
5 people are currently reading
2386 people want to read
About the author
Karina Evans
6 books64 followersKarina Evans studied English at the University of Delaware before going into a career in the entertainment industry. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California. You can visit her online at karinaevans.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 20, 2023
I received this book from TBR and Beyond Tours + the publisher in exchange of an honest review~
This is one of the books that I had been eyeing for a while and just HAD to have when I saw the sign-up. SO I am delighted that I got the chance to read it earlier. *dances*
In this book we meet a girl named Audrey, she is about to go to junior high/middle school (whatever it is called in the US) and she is excited for the summer! I really liked Audrey from the beginning, but I also felt for her. She just wants to have some fun and her parents are very restricting. OK, well, some I could understand, but others? Nah. Not so much. I just wanted to give Audrey a big big hug. She definitely deserved and needed that, especially when her friends (who I was both agreeing with and found bitchy, yes confusing right) ditched her because of her parents many many rules. I was happy when, as grandma decided to make up her own rules, she decided to hop along and even made some of her own rules. She wasn’t afraid to make her wishes known and I loved seeing her grow more and more confident. I could see a girl going into her teens and wanting to do her own thing. But, I was also happy to see that while she had fun, she also wondered about the consequences. Thinking about bringing back stuff, saying sorry, those things.
I have to say, I was expecting more grand adventures. Days of adventuring! Thanks to the blurb. But the whole book takes place over one day. Yep. In the end I didn’t mind it that much and loved how much the author was able to cram into that one day, but I just would have liked to see a bit longer adventure, get to know grandma just a bit more, see them break a few more rules, have even more fun. I am still happy with what we got, but I definitely would like a second book and see them go on a big big road trip! But again, what we got made me laugh and smile. We get them trying out special outfits and run away with a golfcart, there are ears to be pierced, there is friends to be found, hotdogs to be eaten, and of course, also discovering more about grandma, why she quit, that she is still quite famous and popular, see the fanclub follow them, and so much more. These two definitely had a day of adventure and I loved seeing them get closer.
A big big plus point to the cover, which was just so much fun, especially when we got to see that part in the book!
The grandmother was also a really fun character, and I am happy that she got part of the spotlight and that we got to learn more about her. About her past, about the bonds with her daughters (Audrey’s mom and aunt), about her movie career, how she feels about moving away from her home and to a safer and more elderly-centered place.
Audrey also makes a friend in this book and I loved it! I wouldn’t mind a book featuring them doing some fun adventures.
The ending also made me smile, I am happy that grandma did that for Audrey. And also finally had that chat with her daughter. Because that was definitely needed.
Time for some things I wasn’t a fan off..
The parents? Well, I could understand that both Audrey and grandma have had enough of it all. I get it, Audrey is still 11, almost 12, but she is not 6. There were some rules that I was just shaking my head at and I wondered if, had the events of the book not happened, the parents would have ever listened to Audrey and seen that she was growing up.
I am also not entirely happy with the whole, well at least you have parents who care/who are alive-stuff/trope. I see it happen a few times in other books as well. And I just think it is hurtful. Audrey is allowed to complain about her parents. It is terrible that for someone else their parents don’t care, but that doesn’t mean that Audrey should just be happy/should just be grateful because she does have parents. I think I take it close to heart because of my relationship with my parents. Well, OK, mostly my mom. Yes, I am happy I have parents, but I am allowed to complain or be angry or be sad or whatever else. I am allowed to feel shit.
All in all, I really had fun reading this one, I just flew right through it! I laughed, I cheered, and I would recommend it to all~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This is one of the books that I had been eyeing for a while and just HAD to have when I saw the sign-up. SO I am delighted that I got the chance to read it earlier. *dances*
In this book we meet a girl named Audrey, she is about to go to junior high/middle school (whatever it is called in the US) and she is excited for the summer! I really liked Audrey from the beginning, but I also felt for her. She just wants to have some fun and her parents are very restricting. OK, well, some I could understand, but others? Nah. Not so much. I just wanted to give Audrey a big big hug. She definitely deserved and needed that, especially when her friends (who I was both agreeing with and found bitchy, yes confusing right) ditched her because of her parents many many rules. I was happy when, as grandma decided to make up her own rules, she decided to hop along and even made some of her own rules. She wasn’t afraid to make her wishes known and I loved seeing her grow more and more confident. I could see a girl going into her teens and wanting to do her own thing. But, I was also happy to see that while she had fun, she also wondered about the consequences. Thinking about bringing back stuff, saying sorry, those things.
I have to say, I was expecting more grand adventures. Days of adventuring! Thanks to the blurb. But the whole book takes place over one day. Yep. In the end I didn’t mind it that much and loved how much the author was able to cram into that one day, but I just would have liked to see a bit longer adventure, get to know grandma just a bit more, see them break a few more rules, have even more fun. I am still happy with what we got, but I definitely would like a second book and see them go on a big big road trip! But again, what we got made me laugh and smile. We get them trying out special outfits and run away with a golfcart, there are ears to be pierced, there is friends to be found, hotdogs to be eaten, and of course, also discovering more about grandma, why she quit, that she is still quite famous and popular, see the fanclub follow them, and so much more. These two definitely had a day of adventure and I loved seeing them get closer.
A big big plus point to the cover, which was just so much fun, especially when we got to see that part in the book!
The grandmother was also a really fun character, and I am happy that she got part of the spotlight and that we got to learn more about her. About her past, about the bonds with her daughters (Audrey’s mom and aunt), about her movie career, how she feels about moving away from her home and to a safer and more elderly-centered place.
Audrey also makes a friend in this book and I loved it! I wouldn’t mind a book featuring them doing some fun adventures.
The ending also made me smile, I am happy that grandma did that for Audrey. And also finally had that chat with her daughter. Because that was definitely needed.
Time for some things I wasn’t a fan off..
The parents? Well, I could understand that both Audrey and grandma have had enough of it all. I get it, Audrey is still 11, almost 12, but she is not 6. There were some rules that I was just shaking my head at and I wondered if, had the events of the book not happened, the parents would have ever listened to Audrey and seen that she was growing up.
I am also not entirely happy with the whole, well at least you have parents who care/who are alive-stuff/trope. I see it happen a few times in other books as well. And I just think it is hurtful. Audrey is allowed to complain about her parents. It is terrible that for someone else their parents don’t care, but that doesn’t mean that Audrey should just be happy/should just be grateful because she does have parents. I think I take it close to heart because of my relationship with my parents. Well, OK, mostly my mom. Yes, I am happy I have parents, but I am allowed to complain or be angry or be sad or whatever else. I am allowed to feel shit.
All in all, I really had fun reading this one, I just flew right through it! I laughed, I cheered, and I would recommend it to all~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
April 17, 2023
Twelve (almost) years old Audrey's parents were strict and had many rules she had to follow. When her parents' rules stood as a barrier between her and her best friends, she determined to break them.
First of all, I hated her friends. Audrey wasn't allowed to do "fun" stuff because of her strict parents, so those two best friends uninvited her to their pre-planned sleepover OVER TEXT. Real friends won't do that.
At first, Audrey didn't understand that and wanted to prove to her friends that she could be cool too. Then comes the whole "break the rules" motto in Audrey's mind. I am a believer in 'Everything happens for a reason.' Her breaking the rules for a single day, getting to know her grandma, and meeting new people made her realize the importance of self-respect and independence. I am glad she finally realized she didn't need to prove herself to anyone.
Audrey and her Hollywood star grandma spend the whole day breaking the rules. The story was fun to read, yet it conveys a powerful message that we can't and shouldn't pretend to be someone else to stay in any relationship. Losing our originality is not worth anything or anyone. I loved this book so much.
First of all, I hated her friends. Audrey wasn't allowed to do "fun" stuff because of her strict parents, so those two best friends uninvited her to their pre-planned sleepover OVER TEXT. Real friends won't do that.
At first, Audrey didn't understand that and wanted to prove to her friends that she could be cool too. Then comes the whole "break the rules" motto in Audrey's mind. I am a believer in 'Everything happens for a reason.' Her breaking the rules for a single day, getting to know her grandma, and meeting new people made her realize the importance of self-respect and independence. I am glad she finally realized she didn't need to prove herself to anyone.
Audrey and her Hollywood star grandma spend the whole day breaking the rules. The story was fun to read, yet it conveys a powerful message that we can't and shouldn't pretend to be someone else to stay in any relationship. Losing our originality is not worth anything or anyone. I loved this book so much.
January 15, 2024
Take a riotous romp with Audrey and her Nana Rhea as they both go all-out to break those old rules!
11-year-old Audrey lives in a home where there are a LOT of rules. About literally everything; what to eat, what to wear, what to say, where to go, what to watch, etc., etc. She’s always obeyed and followed each one, because her parents will be so disappointed in her if she doesn’t. Now, however, all the restrictions are affecting the relationships with the only two friends Audrey’s ever had, which means she’ll be facing down middle-school ALONE…is there any way to break free and show some “coolness vibes?”
A must-read for “Golden Retriever rule-followers” of all ages!
11-year-old Audrey lives in a home where there are a LOT of rules. About literally everything; what to eat, what to wear, what to say, where to go, what to watch, etc., etc. She’s always obeyed and followed each one, because her parents will be so disappointed in her if she doesn’t. Now, however, all the restrictions are affecting the relationships with the only two friends Audrey’s ever had, which means she’ll be facing down middle-school ALONE…is there any way to break free and show some “coolness vibes?”
A must-read for “Golden Retriever rule-followers” of all ages!
May 3, 2023
What a fun read! This book brought me back to my days of being stressed about making friends in Junior High, but luckily for me and Audrey, things worked out in the end. This has lots of fun adventures, mixed with some strict but loving parents. Karina Evans does another great job with excellent humor in this middle grade book. Should be required reading, especially for all the Burbank/Glendale/LA folks.
April 15, 2024
After reading 'Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!' - a wildly relatable and humorous debut by Karina Evans, I was *dying* to read her second book. My girl didn't disappoint at all 🫶🏻 Especially the first couple of pages - the frustration of not being allowed the same freedom as your friends, feeling left out, replaceable all the time hit damn close to home as an Asian daughter. My parents are very protective, sometimes over possessive since they had three miscarriages. While I understand the trauma that they bear, their strict rules and regulations still manage to break my heart every once in a while. Moreover, my aunt was a mediaperson just like Audrey's grandma. I had to be in her shadows for the most part. People wanted to reach her through me even when it was my day to celebrate. Thank you so, so much for this book! For I could laugh, cry and heal with Audrey. The writing was enjoyable, portrayed a fun, adventurous ride but also taught valuable life lessons. Highly recommended ❤️✨
May 16, 2023
Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules is a cute middle grade novel for tweens who are heading to middle school/junior high. It's a quick read (for an adult), so reluctant readers might enjoy this title!
Audrey's parents are super strict. But she's graduating from elementary school today, and she hopes they'll loosen up just a little. Her friends want to walk down to the ice cream shop a mile away, and surely she's mature enough to do that now.
But her parents say no, her friends go without her, and Audrey has a pit in her stomach. She can feel her friends pulling away from her, as they've been calling her "boring" and rolling their eyes when her parents won't let her do something they can do. Later that night, her two best friends text her and disinvite her to their annual sleepover because they want to do things she can't do, like watch PG-13 movies.
Audrey is crushed and unloads on her parents. They won't relent, and she pouts her way through the next morning, when they're going to her Nana Rhea's old house to help her move to a retirement community. Nana Rhea was a movie star in her youth, and living alone has gotten too dangerous - a fan broke in and scared her half to death. She doesn't really want to move to the retirement community, but she agreed to go.
When Audrey's family arrive at her home, she's not packed, and they spend a frenzied morning trying to get the essentials in boxes. The retirement community has rolled out the red carpet to welcome Rhea, but she seems sad. Audrey hides in the car so she can lurk on social media and see what her friends are up to, but when she does so, Rhea steals the car and they drive away together for one last adventure.
Audrey and Rhea's last day of freedom is a fun one, but will they decide that maybe all of this fun isn't what they wanted after all?
All of the characters feel utterly authentic, from sheltered Audrey to wistful Rhea, and the controlling parents to the not-so-great friends. Kids will identify with the feeling of wanting to hang on to old friendships, even though they don't fit quite right anymore, and how much it hurts to be the one on the outside.
Everything is wrapped up in a neat bow at the end, which isn't realistic, but makes for a good ending, and that is what middle grade fiction should have, a good ending.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
Audrey's parents are super strict. But she's graduating from elementary school today, and she hopes they'll loosen up just a little. Her friends want to walk down to the ice cream shop a mile away, and surely she's mature enough to do that now.
But her parents say no, her friends go without her, and Audrey has a pit in her stomach. She can feel her friends pulling away from her, as they've been calling her "boring" and rolling their eyes when her parents won't let her do something they can do. Later that night, her two best friends text her and disinvite her to their annual sleepover because they want to do things she can't do, like watch PG-13 movies.
Audrey is crushed and unloads on her parents. They won't relent, and she pouts her way through the next morning, when they're going to her Nana Rhea's old house to help her move to a retirement community. Nana Rhea was a movie star in her youth, and living alone has gotten too dangerous - a fan broke in and scared her half to death. She doesn't really want to move to the retirement community, but she agreed to go.
When Audrey's family arrive at her home, she's not packed, and they spend a frenzied morning trying to get the essentials in boxes. The retirement community has rolled out the red carpet to welcome Rhea, but she seems sad. Audrey hides in the car so she can lurk on social media and see what her friends are up to, but when she does so, Rhea steals the car and they drive away together for one last adventure.
Audrey and Rhea's last day of freedom is a fun one, but will they decide that maybe all of this fun isn't what they wanted after all?
All of the characters feel utterly authentic, from sheltered Audrey to wistful Rhea, and the controlling parents to the not-so-great friends. Kids will identify with the feeling of wanting to hang on to old friendships, even though they don't fit quite right anymore, and how much it hurts to be the one on the outside.
Everything is wrapped up in a neat bow at the end, which isn't realistic, but makes for a good ending, and that is what middle grade fiction should have, a good ending.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
September 27, 2023
Audrey's parents are VERY strict. So strict that it negatively impacts her friendships at school. Or at least the people she thought were her friends. It's the last day of school and Audrey is looking forward to the traditional sleepover with her two best friends - but they suddenly uninvite her because the rules her parents impose are going to impact their fun. No two piece swim suits; only G and PG movies; must be in bed and asleep by 10 PM.... Audrey is devastated. Instead of a fun sleepover, she gets to help move her grandmother into a new retirement community.
Now, Audrey's grandmother just happens to be a famous retired Hollywood movie star. And the two of them end up on a huge adventure. Audrey's grandmother just wants one more night of fun, exploring all the places she used to go as a famous movie star and Audrey just wants a night away from all of her parents rules. A crazy chase through Hollywood ensues - including motion pictures studios, crashing Hollywood parties, partial ear piercings and wild motorcycle and golf cart rides.
Along the way, Audrey realizes that maybe the people she thought were her friends really aren't. And parents that care about you are better than parents that could care less. She also begins to get a clearer picture of who she really is and manages to convince her parents that she is old enough to not have quite so many restrictions.
This is cute - not quite what I expected. And definitely unbelievable at times. But it was nice to see Audrey figure out that she could navigate life without her friends who were not really friends.
Now, Audrey's grandmother just happens to be a famous retired Hollywood movie star. And the two of them end up on a huge adventure. Audrey's grandmother just wants one more night of fun, exploring all the places she used to go as a famous movie star and Audrey just wants a night away from all of her parents rules. A crazy chase through Hollywood ensues - including motion pictures studios, crashing Hollywood parties, partial ear piercings and wild motorcycle and golf cart rides.
Along the way, Audrey realizes that maybe the people she thought were her friends really aren't. And parents that care about you are better than parents that could care less. She also begins to get a clearer picture of who she really is and manages to convince her parents that she is old enough to not have quite so many restrictions.
This is cute - not quite what I expected. And definitely unbelievable at times. But it was nice to see Audrey figure out that she could navigate life without her friends who were not really friends.
April 6, 2023
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👵🏻 have a famous grandma
⭐️ always follow the rules
⛳️ stole a golf cart once
📖 enjoy middle grade books
• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄
Audrey Covington is always following the rules her strict parents give her, but when a falling out between her best friends leaves her friendless, she decides to break the rules for the first time.
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Audrey just graduated from the 6th grade and can’t wait to go into 7th with her two best friends by her side. Tired of Audrey never being allowed to do anything fun though, they tell Audrey she’s uninvited to their annual summer sleepover. Devastated, Audrey decides to break the rules and show her friends that she is capable of doing fun things.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
I really loved this story. While my parents were never quite as strict as Audrey’s, I do remember not being allowed to do certain things, or watch certain movies, and I would tell my friends no. They wouldn’t change what they were doing to include me, so I felt that pain of being left out that Audrey experienced. I never had a crazy night out with my grandma though to show them how I was capable of breaking all the rules, but I love that Audrey found herself by going against her parent’s wishes. She was safe with her grandma, and she gained a lot of confidence and self respect in one night, especially at the end when she realizes her best friends are anything but. I loved this middle grade novel!
👵🏻 have a famous grandma
⭐️ always follow the rules
⛳️ stole a golf cart once
📖 enjoy middle grade books
• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄
Audrey Covington is always following the rules her strict parents give her, but when a falling out between her best friends leaves her friendless, she decides to break the rules for the first time.
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Audrey just graduated from the 6th grade and can’t wait to go into 7th with her two best friends by her side. Tired of Audrey never being allowed to do anything fun though, they tell Audrey she’s uninvited to their annual summer sleepover. Devastated, Audrey decides to break the rules and show her friends that she is capable of doing fun things.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
I really loved this story. While my parents were never quite as strict as Audrey’s, I do remember not being allowed to do certain things, or watch certain movies, and I would tell my friends no. They wouldn’t change what they were doing to include me, so I felt that pain of being left out that Audrey experienced. I never had a crazy night out with my grandma though to show them how I was capable of breaking all the rules, but I love that Audrey found herself by going against her parent’s wishes. She was safe with her grandma, and she gained a lot of confidence and self respect in one night, especially at the end when she realizes her best friends are anything but. I loved this middle grade novel!
April 22, 2023
Audrey’s friends have decided she’s just not that fun anymore. When her friends tell her she’s uninvited to the annual end of school year sleepover Audrey doesn’t have a choice but to spend the day helping her parents move her grandmother into her new home.
Audrey is upset about her friends and the fact that her parents don’t understand that all their rules are ruining her social life. I could feel her sadness and could remember how my own friendships were at that age.
Audrey was so cute! I loved getting to see her grow over the course of this book. Navigating life at the age of 12-13 is difficult and I liked how having her grandmother along for the adventure helped her understand that not all parents are like hers. Her grandmother gave her a bit of the freedom she needed within limits and safely.
This had lots of fun adventures and I thought Audrey’s grandmother was the perfect partner in crime (well not too much crime 😉). Not only did Audrey realize a lot about herself but her grandmother Rhea did too!
This book was a perfect mix of adventure along the road to self-discovery. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and can see how lots of young people can relate to Audrey’s experiences. I 100% recommend this one!
Audrey is upset about her friends and the fact that her parents don’t understand that all their rules are ruining her social life. I could feel her sadness and could remember how my own friendships were at that age.
Audrey was so cute! I loved getting to see her grow over the course of this book. Navigating life at the age of 12-13 is difficult and I liked how having her grandmother along for the adventure helped her understand that not all parents are like hers. Her grandmother gave her a bit of the freedom she needed within limits and safely.
This had lots of fun adventures and I thought Audrey’s grandmother was the perfect partner in crime (well not too much crime 😉). Not only did Audrey realize a lot about herself but her grandmother Rhea did too!
This book was a perfect mix of adventure along the road to self-discovery. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and can see how lots of young people can relate to Audrey’s experiences. I 100% recommend this one!
April 16, 2023
For one madcap day, Audrey Covington has the chance to color outside the lines. Her life up to now has been eleven years of safety and security -- with lots of rules. When she realizes that her friends are moving on without her, she wonders how she could change their minds. What about some madcap adventures with her grandmother -- a former Hollywood star? The contrasts between Audrey and her grandma Rhea are like an odd couple vibe. It is fun to get an inside look at a costume room and be in on some A-list events. What is the proper balance between rules and freedom? How can parents teach their kids to fly while keeping them safe? For everyone who ever wanted to run away from the rules and responsibilities for just one day.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books and Edelweiss + for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books and Edelweiss + for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2023
Audrey is so tired of her parents’ strict rules – no staying up late (even at sleepovers), no PG-13 movies, no makeup or pierced ears. It’s so bad that her best friends disinvite her from their epic end-of-school celebratory sleepover party because they want to watch scary movies and stay up late! Audrey’s parents force her to help them move her grandmother from her home to a retirement community. Her grandmother is a former movie star and is not quite ready for the move. When Audrey sneaks out to her parents car to check her phone for messages, she is surprised when her grandmother jumps into the driver’s seat and drives off. Thus begins an epic night of rule-breaking, including breaking into a Hollywood studio, crashing a movie-premiere party, and taking a wild motorcycle ride. How will Audrey’s parents react when they finally catch up with Audrey, Nana Rhea, and their car?
February 9, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it is a fun story about two generations connecting over an adventure. On the other hand, I didn't like that the parents were displayed as horrible people because they had rules to follow. If you take out the part of the parents, the story would have just been a fun outing between a grandparent wanting to relive the best parts of her life and wanting to share that with her grandchild. How these two characters connect was what made the story fun. For the age group it was written I think they will enjoy the book just be aware that the parents are not written in a positive manner.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
July 11, 2023
This was so much fun to read and such a wild ride! I loved the extended family and how they overcame painful experiences from the past to come together. Audrey's desire to have more freedom and be able to act more independently is one middle grade readers will identify with and cheer for themselves.
Audrey soon learns there is a limit on independence and getting complete freedom and her character arc growth felt real. I often laughed out loud as well as clung on tight as Audrey and her grandma Rhea faced daring adventures and close calls together. Another aspect of this book was the true meaning of friendship and Audrey learns she doesn't have to change to make her "friends" still like her; being herself is enough to find a real friend that will like you no matter what.
Audrey soon learns there is a limit on independence and getting complete freedom and her character arc growth felt real. I often laughed out loud as well as clung on tight as Audrey and her grandma Rhea faced daring adventures and close calls together. Another aspect of this book was the true meaning of friendship and Audrey learns she doesn't have to change to make her "friends" still like her; being herself is enough to find a real friend that will like you no matter what.
July 15, 2023
Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules is a quick read about a girl who decides it is time to start breaking all the rules. She lives a pretty sheltered life with tons of rules brought on by her parents. She gets angry after she is uninvited to a party by the only friends she has, so she goes on a rule-breaking spree. This involves, getting a piercing, stealing some stuff, and just catching an attitude in general. I thought it was okay. Audrey is a great character with a lot of heart and her grandma is pretty cool. The situations she finds herself in are unrealistic but it was still a fun read.
January 15, 2023
11 year old (almost 12) Audrey has just graduated 6th grade and feels that her parents' strictness is starting to impact her social life. She has a chance of rebellion with her Nana Rhea who also is struggling with loss of freedom while moving into a retirement community. A fun middle school read with a splash of Hollywood.
(side note: I'm not sure how Audrey manages to have the same last name as her maternal grandmother)
(side note: I'm not sure how Audrey manages to have the same last name as her maternal grandmother)
July 9, 2023
Thank you Little Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this great book. I really enjoyed this fun read full of adventure, humor, rules, strict but loving parents, and relatable content for middle grade kids. The plot was fast moving, the characters — distinct and well-written, and overall it was a great read.
October 30, 2023
This middle grade novel didn't meet my expectations. Audrey Covington has strict, overprotective parents that are cramping her style with her friends. She helps her former glamorous Hollywood movie star Grandma move into a chic retirement community and the story goes from there. I expected Audrey to spend a summer at the retirement community with Grandma getting into some shenanigans, but it was actually more like a Ferris Bueller's day off with all the antics happening in one afternoon. This made the book more surface level, and it didn't feel like any of the lessons learned would have been learned in a day. I hated Audrey's friends and wasn't crazy about her family either.
February 7, 2023
I was really exited to read this book, but it did not meet my expectations. I couldn't get into it and I didn''t like the writing style. It was probably written for an audience younger than me, though, so maybe I'm just to old for this one.
April 28, 2023
This book needs to be made into a movie, especially as the Nana is so modern and energetic, not a namby pamby rocking chair stereotype. An engaging, fun book that offers characters, not caricatures. I laughed; I sighed; I recalled so many emotions from that age.
March 11, 2023
Aw, that was cute …. lessons learned!
April 21, 2023
Cute story
April 22, 2023
bookstagram tour post is up here :)
May 6, 2023
This book is a funny great read that everyone needs to read.
May 13, 2023
Loved this book. Being a Nana to 2 young boys this book really hit the mark for me!! I hope when they look back and think of me it will be the fun and love I brought them. Cute read.
May 31, 2023
Fun little read!
June 2, 2023
Excellent read for all.
August 21, 2025
this was such a great book
April 29, 2023
Review and top 5 reasons to read!
Audrey is almost 12 and lives with a lot of rules. Her parents have rules for everything! When it starts to impact her friendships, she realizes that she is craving a bit more freedom and when she sees an opportunity, she takes it.
Even though I'm an adult, I found this book really relatable. I thought my parents were pretty strict when I was growing up and found myself frustrated a time or two as well. Audrey goes a little wild, wondering what she missed. Her adventures with her grandmother were heartwarming and hilarious and I loved the way the story wrapped up at the end. Highly enjoyable read for all!
1. Adventure and laughter
2. Family bonding
3. Relatable and sweet MC
4. Quick and easy read
5. Fun for all ages
Audrey is almost 12 and lives with a lot of rules. Her parents have rules for everything! When it starts to impact her friendships, she realizes that she is craving a bit more freedom and when she sees an opportunity, she takes it.
Even though I'm an adult, I found this book really relatable. I thought my parents were pretty strict when I was growing up and found myself frustrated a time or two as well. Audrey goes a little wild, wondering what she missed. Her adventures with her grandmother were heartwarming and hilarious and I loved the way the story wrapped up at the end. Highly enjoyable read for all!
1. Adventure and laughter
2. Family bonding
3. Relatable and sweet MC
4. Quick and easy read
5. Fun for all ages
February 24, 2023
Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules is an exciting, escapist, and insightful middle grade book about identity and finding balanced freedom as a tween. Although it centers around a family with celebrity connections, the themes explored in this story (friendship problems, grandparent relationships, the desire for greater independence, etc.) are relatable and timeless. It will definitely appeal to a younger middle grade audience as they reach for more independence from their parents.
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/audrey...
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/audrey...
August 13, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Audrey is excited to be graduating from elementary school and starting 7th grade in the fall, but is irritated that her parents still don't trust her to walk to a local ice cream store with her two best friends. They are strict about other things as well, and tend to micromanage everything she eats and wears, and limit her screen time. She's planning on having her traditional year end sleepover with her friends Sadia and Tamzin, but they disinvite her. When she finds out it is because of all of the rules her parents make that "ruin the fun", she is very angry. Her parents are helping her grandmother, former Hollywood star Rhea Covington, move from her house into a luxury retirement villa, and Audrey has to come along, because she's not allowed to be home by herself for more than an hour. Her grandmother isn't too keen on moving, and hasn't packed anything, so there is a mad scramble to get everything on the truck. Audrey helps, and when they reach the facility and are in the middle of unpacking, sneaks out to her parents' car to check her phone, to see what her friends are posting on social media without her. She falls asleep, and wakes up to find her grandmother taking off in the car! She claims that she wants one last day of freedom, and one more night out like she had when she was a star. While she hasn't planned ahead too well (she doesn't bring a credit card, can't drive very well, and both of them forget that Audrey's phone can be tracked by her parents), they set off on an adventure. It's not just greasy hamburgers for Audrey, who wants her grandmother to suspend all of the rules for her; it's breaking into a movie studio, "borrowing" clothes and a golf cart, crashing a big Hollywood party, and having quite the adventure. Audrey even makes friends with Eva, a young star her own age who not only lets her stay at her party, but has security kick Audrey's parents OUT of the party. The fun has to end some time, and when it does, will Audrey and her grandmother be able to negotiate and come to an agreement with Audrey's mother where they can both have more freedom?
Strengths: It doesn't take much for friends to drop each other in middle school, so it was completely realistic that Audrey's friends drop her because she can't watch PG-13 movies and eat too much sugar. I liked that the set up to the adventure was fairly brief, giving us just enough of an excuse for Audrey and Rhea to run away. The glimpse into life in Holloywood as an former star was fun, and there's even a little bit about the unfairness of Hollywood when it comes to women's roles. Tween interest in celebrity will be satisfied with Audrey's friendship with Eva. I'd be interested in another book about Audrey once her grandmother goes back to work as a film star!
Weaknesses: As an adult, I wanted a bit more information. Why exactly was the grandmother leaving her house? She seemed unable to drive herself, and the fact that she left home without money gave me pause. What is her level of competence? She seems pretty young and spry. Of course, young readers will just enjoy Audrey's freedom from her parents "unreasonable" rules.
What I really think: This is a fun romp that readers of Callaghan's Lost in Hollywood or Malone's The Sleepover will enjoy, and reminds me a little of Pinder's 2006 But I Don't Want to Be a Movie Star. Still a little sad that someone lost my library's copy of that one.
Audrey is excited to be graduating from elementary school and starting 7th grade in the fall, but is irritated that her parents still don't trust her to walk to a local ice cream store with her two best friends. They are strict about other things as well, and tend to micromanage everything she eats and wears, and limit her screen time. She's planning on having her traditional year end sleepover with her friends Sadia and Tamzin, but they disinvite her. When she finds out it is because of all of the rules her parents make that "ruin the fun", she is very angry. Her parents are helping her grandmother, former Hollywood star Rhea Covington, move from her house into a luxury retirement villa, and Audrey has to come along, because she's not allowed to be home by herself for more than an hour. Her grandmother isn't too keen on moving, and hasn't packed anything, so there is a mad scramble to get everything on the truck. Audrey helps, and when they reach the facility and are in the middle of unpacking, sneaks out to her parents' car to check her phone, to see what her friends are posting on social media without her. She falls asleep, and wakes up to find her grandmother taking off in the car! She claims that she wants one last day of freedom, and one more night out like she had when she was a star. While she hasn't planned ahead too well (she doesn't bring a credit card, can't drive very well, and both of them forget that Audrey's phone can be tracked by her parents), they set off on an adventure. It's not just greasy hamburgers for Audrey, who wants her grandmother to suspend all of the rules for her; it's breaking into a movie studio, "borrowing" clothes and a golf cart, crashing a big Hollywood party, and having quite the adventure. Audrey even makes friends with Eva, a young star her own age who not only lets her stay at her party, but has security kick Audrey's parents OUT of the party. The fun has to end some time, and when it does, will Audrey and her grandmother be able to negotiate and come to an agreement with Audrey's mother where they can both have more freedom?
Strengths: It doesn't take much for friends to drop each other in middle school, so it was completely realistic that Audrey's friends drop her because she can't watch PG-13 movies and eat too much sugar. I liked that the set up to the adventure was fairly brief, giving us just enough of an excuse for Audrey and Rhea to run away. The glimpse into life in Holloywood as an former star was fun, and there's even a little bit about the unfairness of Hollywood when it comes to women's roles. Tween interest in celebrity will be satisfied with Audrey's friendship with Eva. I'd be interested in another book about Audrey once her grandmother goes back to work as a film star!
Weaknesses: As an adult, I wanted a bit more information. Why exactly was the grandmother leaving her house? She seemed unable to drive herself, and the fact that she left home without money gave me pause. What is her level of competence? She seems pretty young and spry. Of course, young readers will just enjoy Audrey's freedom from her parents "unreasonable" rules.
What I really think: This is a fun romp that readers of Callaghan's Lost in Hollywood or Malone's The Sleepover will enjoy, and reminds me a little of Pinder's 2006 But I Don't Want to Be a Movie Star. Still a little sad that someone lost my library's copy of that one.
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