The Cat Ate My Gymsuit

still a winner for middle school girls 2008-12-17

Reviewer: M. Tanenbaum

Shy, overweight, and obsessed about pimples, Marcy Lewis is a typically insecure middle-schooler. When the teacher she adores is fired for refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Marcy comes out of her shell to lead a protest to get Ms. Finney reinstated. Although much of the language is dated, the story of a young girl--and her repressed mother--coming out of her shell and learning to stand up for what she believes in remains very compelling for today's tweens. Young girls will identify with Marcy's insecurities about boys and pimples and trying to cope with her overbearing father.

great book... 2007-04-01

Reviewer: R. Bunn

I remember reading this as a teenager, and bought it for my 10-year-old. It's very well written and really speaks to the pre-teen audience.

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. 2007-01-10

Reviewer: Joan Elizabeth Lagle

Gave the book to my 12 year old granddaughter. She loves cats. Really enjoyed the book!

BY A 6TH GRADER THATS NOT PASSING MATH!! 2006-05-17

Reviewer:

THIS BOOK IS A VERY LIFE RELATING STORY. IT IS ABOUT A GIRL WHO THINKS SHE'S A BLIMP WITH WIRED FRAMED GLASSES, SHE HAS TWO FRIENDS, AND LIKE ANY OTHER GIRL, HAS A CRUSH ON A GUY AT SCHOOL. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK A LITTLE, BUT I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TITLE. THIS BOOK MIGHT HAVE A WEIRD TITLE, BUT IT HAS GOOD DESCRIBTIONS THAT PAINT PICTURES IN YOUR HEAD. I WOULD RECAMEND THIS BOOK TO SOME ONE WHO LIKES HUMOR AND REALITY RELATING STORIES.

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit ( a Parent's perspective) 2006-03-20

Reviewer: R. Brown

I decided to read this book along with my third grader (it was on her list of reading material rated for third grade reading). She and i both liked the book ok. I felt that the material was too advanced for a third grader to grasp. There were so many life lessons in this book. It will be better understood perhaps by middle school students or perhaps high school students. I had no appreciation for the lead character (Marcy) always putting herself down. She was way too introspective of her shortcomings. And because her Mother was weak in character, she could not help Marcy see the beauty in herself. It seemed morbid at times the way that this storyline keyed in on Marcy's insecurities. I understand the time that this book was penned (1978). Things were different for some women. I remember women being strong and working towards their independence. In 2006, this book would be counterproductive for young and older women.