The Agony of Alice
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor · Alice series series · Grade 4-7 · Ages Ages 9-12
Alice McKinley is starting sixth grade and wishes she had a mother to help her understand school, friends, and growing up. She looks for advice from the women around her while trying to figure out who she wants to be.
Key vocabulary
Agony means a very strong feeling of worry, sadness, or embarrassment. Alice uses it for the big, uncomfortable feelings that can come with growing up.
Embarrassed means feeling shy or awkward because you think people are noticing you. You might feel embarrassed if you trip in front of your class.
Advice is a helpful idea someone gives you about what to do. A trusted grown-up or friend can give advice when you feel unsure.
Miserable means very unhappy or uncomfortable. A rainy field trip with wet socks might make you feel miserable.
A cafeteria is a room where students eat lunch at school. It can be noisy, busy, and full of friends talking.
A reputation is what other people think or say about someone. Being kind can help you build a good reputation.
Independent means able to do things on your own. Packing your own backpack is one way to be independent.
Confused means not sure what something means or what to do next. A tricky math problem can leave you feeling confused.