Next to Mexico

by Jen Nails and Jennifer Nails

Nails pens a poignant story about school being difficult, boys being stupid, girls being mean, art being important, and friendship being all that matters. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618966358
• ISBN13: 9780618966356
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 233 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 7.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Lylice is an eccentric girl who is skipping a grade and going straight into sixth. Is she ready for the changes that middle school brings? After all, her best friend last year was the elementary principal! She is assigned to be Mexico Mendoza's English buddy. The girls soon realize that although they have their differences, they can find common ground. Lylice feels that Principal Harrington has it in for her, and both girls fight together to keep the art programs in their school. This is a story of a friendship that is shared between two girls who want desperately to fit in yet hold on to their individuality at the same time. Lylice is full of surprises and, though she seems a bit odd at first, she draws you into her life. I highly recommend NEXT TO MEXICO. Reviewed by: hoopsielv

Wonderful story of the teen years.

This wise beyond her years, young lady, has a kind and loving heart. She makes mistakes but who doesn't. Part of her growing up and recogizing them is so lovely to read.

Hooray for Lylice!

This book is an excellent read for children of all ages. However, I would recommend it most to children in third-fifth grade. ;) This is the story of a nerdy girl finding a friend. It is the story of two friends fighting for art. It is the story of a quirky school full of creative and silly characters. It is well written and laugh-out-loud funny. Read it right away!!

You won't want to put the book down until the end, and then you won't want it to be over.

In "Next to Mexico" Lylice (rhymes with Phyllis) will win you over with her extraordinariness in Chapter 1. Then take you along on her creative journey through the "first quarter" at Susan B. Anthony Middle School. You won't want to put the book down until the end, and then you won't want it to be over. Next to Mexico is filled with emotion (laughter and tears). It's all about getting to understand yourself and those around you and the wisdom that understanding brings. The feelings, sights, sounds and smells of Middle School and Southern Arizona are so vivid you feel like you're there.

Sweet and smart -- a novel for creative and bright girls

This is a wonderful story about a creative but slightly lonely little girl who learns what it means to have and be a friend. I recommend it for boys and girls of all ages.