Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks by KD McCrite

Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks by KD McCrite


Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Series: Confessions of April Grace, Book 2
Rated: MG 11+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

Just when April Grace thought the drama was over. . .

After an automobile accident, Isabel St. James-resident drama coach and drama queen-needs help putting together the church play. Mama insists April Grace and Myra Sue will help. April's fall is now devoted to spending every afternoon with Isabel and Myra Sue-if anyone is as big of a drama queen as Isabel, it's Myra Sue. Plus, she's dumb. (Okay, not dumb, but "older sister dumb.") If that's not enough, Isabel is wreaking havoc in the community trying to get Rough Creek Road paved, the new boy at school will "not" leave her alone, and then Mama drops the biggest bombshell of all . . . April Grace is no longer going to be the baby of the family . . .

Girls will completely relate to April and love her sense of humor as she deals with siblings, boys, and the many changes that come with growing up.

April Grace is ADORABLE. I tend not to read too much MG, but she is one irresistible heroine. She reminds me of a southern and slightly older version of Junie B. Jones! I absolutely love this series, and the sequel to the first, In Front of God and Everybody, is clearly no exception. Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks shows April Grace's move from elementary to middle school, get through mean girls, and try to cope with Myra Sue and Isabel.

I can't see myself hating April Grace– it's just too hard! She's got that innocence of a young child, and I can clearly see my younger self in her: thinks she knows better than everyone else, doesn't stand for no nonsense and will see it through that things go her way, or to help others. You can't help but admire her as she deals with everything that goes on in this book.
April's Grandma has to be one of the modern ones I can think of. She (and yes, you're not reading me wrong here) is stuck in a love triangle. But OH GODS, the food she makes had my stomach growling throughout. Nevermind that I'd never eaten it before or have no idea what it looked like– it sounded amazing. Okay, enough ramblings about the food. I love the rest of April's family as well: her mother, who's pretty mood swingy in this book, her father, who's understanding and kind...and then there's Myra Sue, her sister. I'm an older sister, but Myra Sue sounds really awful in some parts. I guess that's just the way April Grace sees it, so now I'm wondering how my younger siblings feel about me...
Isabel is one interesting character. Probably the one that'll stick with you the most when you're reading and when you've read this book. She's sharp, but totally has a soft side. It's great to see Isabel's character transform from the previous book as well as in this one.

If you're looking for a fabulous middle grade series to start reading, or even hesitant about this age-level's books, READ THIS NOW. April Grace will make you laugh and snort 'till tears run down your face. It's hilarious, fresh and sweet– KD McCrite's writing describes the south beautifully, and makes me long for some biscuits and gravy. Can't wait to read more of the Confessions of April Grace.

If you like this, try...

• Absolutely Normal Chaos by Shannon Creech ◆ Goodreads
• Dizzy by Cathy Cassidy ◆ Goodreads

In Front of God and Everybody by KD McCrite

In Front of God and Everybody by KD McCrite


Published: May 10th, 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Series: Confessions of April Grace, Book 1
Rating: MG 11+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Amazon ❘ Goodreads

If God wanted April Grace to be kind to her neighbors, He should have made them nicer!

Growing up in the country is never easy, but it sure is funny-especially if you happen to have a sister obsessed with being glamorous, a grandma just discovering make-up, hippie friends who never shower, and brand new neighbors from the city who test everyone's patience. From disastrous dye jobs to forced apologies and elderly date tagalongs, you'll laugh 'til you cry as you read the Confessions of April Grace! 

Here are just a couple of April's thoughts: On her sister, Myra Sue: "How anyone can be that dumb and still be able to eat with a fork is beyond me."  On senior citizen lovebirds: "What if they started smooching right at the table in front of God and everybody?"

In spite of all the loony characters in her life, April Grace is able to learn from her parents as they share the love of God-to even the craziest of characters!

In Front of God and Everybody really brings back childhood memories of reading. Spunky, hilarious little girls which were the envy of every 8-11 year old. One of my favorite childhood heroes, was in fact, a kindergartener, and then first grader, Junie B. Jones, the character from the laugh-out-loud and amazing series by Barbara Park.

April Grace really brought back memories of the series (I still have all the books!) and it really made me feel like I was back in grade 2. Hilariously funny moments, pretending to be grownup (but acting childish all the same) and making silly mistakes was all part of growing up, and now... I look back and I think, "did I REALLY do that?!". Unbelievable.

April Grace is the loud-mouthed, spunky, making-me-laugh-a-mile 11 year old who's got a knack for getting into and out of trouble. She also reminds me of Ramona in Ramona & Beezus (I only saw the movie :P) as she's always the one causing some sort of trouble. Her big mouth always gets the best of her! 

The story starts when April Grace and her family has new neighbors, people who've moved from the city. They have another set of neighbors, who are hippies and own a whole ton of pets (and don't take a bath...ew), and it's funny to see how these two couples react to one another. I really didn't like Isabel...she's so stuck-up! Ian was tolerable. He changed though quite quickly into another man. Isabel took a while to get used to the country ways, and I'm glad that things do work out in end, even with horrible results.

I really love McCrite's writing. It's so fresh in the mind of a 5th grader, she picks up thoughts and puts them through a child's voice. I really got lost into it– I couldn't stop reading! From the hilarious, thigh-slapping moments to the more serious, somber tones of the adults in April's perspective, this book really captures what it's like to be at that age living in the country. Not that I ever did...but now I got a feeling of what it's like :).

I'm really glad I don't have an older sister. If she was anything like Myra Sue, I would know exactly how April Grace feels like. It would drive me NUTS. She's so obsessed with what's "in" and popular etc. etc. I'm an older sister to two people and I'm pretty sure I'm nothing like that. Obsessed with TV shows and fashion and being super skinny?? Not for me, no thank you. Her Grandma's also another memorable character. As she discovers makeup and being pretty as she's found true "love", it drives Isabel and Grandma together. But of course, things always don't go as planned. April Grace finds out what's going on and then rushes to put a stop to it!

In Front of God and Everybody does give readers a sense of religious context from the title. Yes, that's true, as there's some scenes to do with church, religion and God, but it's only a few minor bits. Focus more on the funny side of the story...like me!

Overall, In Front of God and Everybody makes everyone wish that they had an adorable (and funny!) little sister like April Grace and laugh-out-loud at the all kinds of trouble she gets into! KD McCrite gives a view into the mind of a gutsy little girl... and proves that nothing is impossible without a little faith and help.

If you like this book, try...

• Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• Zitface by Emily Howse (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

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WWW Wednesdays - Week 9

"WWW Wednesdays" is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Just do the following:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers:

What are your currently reading?

I'm currently reading This Girl is Different by JJ Johnson (ARC) and Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta. Loving both of them!

What did you recently finish reading?

I just finished reading In Front of God and Everybody by KD McCrite (ARC). Hilariously funny! Review coming up soon.

What do you think you'll read next?

I think I'm either going to read Choker by Elizabeth Woods, Wither by Lauren Destefano, Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs or Memento Nora by Angie Smibert (ARC). WOW. Well, I have loads to pick from as you can see! Hmm...which one do you think I should read first?

Well those were my answers! What are you currently reading? Leave a link/comment!

Top Ten Tuesday - Week 11

"Top Ten Tuesday" is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today's Top Ten is: Top Ten Characters I would want as Family Members. (btw: Love the new image for Top Ten Tuesday!)

1. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I totally agree with The Broke and the Bookish. I would love to bond over with a sister like Elizabeth over books and stuff like that. She's just so strong and she could really stand up for me!


2. April Grace from In Front of God and Everybody by KD McCrite. I love this 11 year old girl. She's hilarious, loud-mouthed and amazingly smart for her age. She loves reading too!! (Review coming soon btw :D)


3. Sirius Black from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I would love him as a fictional dad/guardian or whatever. He's just so amazingly awesome and seems like he'd die for his son/godchild (which he does :(...).


4. Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. I know, I know, he's a Hobbit! But he'd seem like an amazing grandfather. With a whole bunch of amazing stories to tell. Except for the ring part...that has to go.


5. Mia from The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. I love how Mia takes care of her little brother Rocky so well! Wish I could have an older sister like that :).


6. Jane from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. I mean, she's young and all, but when she gets older, I would love her as a fictional mom. I mean, she's smart, loves literature and of course, the tragic and heartwarming romance is one thing I adore.


7. Junie B. Jones from Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park. This little girl is AH.MA.ZING. Love her hilarity (like April Grace!) and wish I had a little sister as crazy and silly as her.


8. Teddy from The Luxe by Anna Godbersen. I'd like him for an older brother! in the books, he's so sweet and caring to Elizabeth (even though she turned him down first) and he's an amazing friend.


9. Percy from Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. I would like this guy to be my brother, doesn't matter if he's younger or older, but he's AWESOME!


10. Gale from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I didn't like his as a perfect match for Katniss or whatever, but I think he's fierce, determined and cares for his family. Would like him as an older bro!


Well, that's my list! What's your Top Ten? Leave a link/comment!

In My Mailbox - Week 7

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It's to show you all what books I got this week, whether I bought/borrowed/received etc. it.

What I Received:

I received a couple eBooks this week for review! YAY!


In Front of God and Everybody: Confessions of April Grace by KD McCrite (NetGalley)
Hush Money by Susan Bischoff*
What Can't Wait by Ashley Hope Pérez (NetGalley)
Shine by Lauren Myracle (NetGalley)


*Thank You to Susan Bischoff for sending me Hush Money!


Well, so many books review! What did you get in your mailbox this week? Leave a link/comment!