This book is good for those who needs advice on how to get through hard things. The McKenna doll is one of the best yet and the outfits come with hair styling cards. Other American Girl books Casanova has written are 'Cecile,' 'Jess,' 'Chrissa' and 'Chrissa Stands Strong.'Īlong with 'McKenna' and 'McKenna, Ready to Fly!' there is an interactive book called 'Take The Challenge' that is a companion book full of puzzles, word games and crafts.Ī McKenna movie is also being made that will come out on DVD this year. The illustrations are few, but are full-page colorful drawings that are quite vivid. She now wants to write books 'that kids can't put down.'Ĭasanova has a very interesting style of writing that is easy for kids to relate to. The author, Mary Casanova, had reading comprehension problems growing up, even though she loved reading. As she is healing, she remembers what her tutor told her, 'Believe in yourself, McKenna.'Įventually, McKenna gets a letter allowing her to move up to level four, putting her on track for the competitive team. Then when she is on the balance beam at a competition, a tragedy occurs as she falls off and breaks her ankle. Through visualizing what she is reading, McKenna starts to get better at remembering it. When McKenna sees that this girl, who uses a wheelchair, is very confident and determined, she realizes that her problems aren't so bad after all. As she falls behind in her studies, she is told by her parents that she may have to stop doing gymnastics to focus on school and family.Ī tutor, Josie, arrives to help. McKenna loves gymnastics, but struggles in school.įor example, once when she was taking a science test, she couldn't remember the answers and she had just read the test chapter. It's about a fourth-grade girl who has some of the same hobbies and problems that most young girls do. The first book is simply called 'McKenna' and it is a great read for girls 8 to 12 years old. American Girl releases a new doll and two-book series each year that is available for just that year. Meet McKenna Brooks, the new American Girl of the Year. “MCKENNA” and “MCKENNA, READY TO FLY,” by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Brian Hailes, $12.95 each (f)(ages 8-11)

Cécile by Mary Casanova