The Truth About Taffy Sinclair [Paperback]

Betsy Haynes (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After years of hating Taffy, previously known only through the eyes of Janna and the Fabulous Five, readers now have the chance to see whether or not she has been misunderstood all this time. Taffy tells of pending humiliation because she has lost her diary; if it is read in public, everyone who does not like her will despise her more, and her one friend will desert her. In the meantime, the sixth grade is anticipating a party that will mark the end of grade-school years and the summer before junior high. In recalling excerpts in the diary, Taffy reveals her side of the story in the incidents of earlier books. It seems that she is more misguided than mean. But Taffy can be really unbearable, and even this history shows that she has not been maligned unjustly. Janna's case against Taffy was previously so absolute that it will be hard for readers to judge where the truth about these two really lies. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Skylark (June 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553156071
• ISBN-13: 978-0553156072
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,802,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My 76th juvenile novel, THE DEARLY DEPARTED (ISBN#9781590923818) was published in April, 2007, and my three-book Christmas series called The Santa Diaries will be out this fall. I also write for young adults and am busy revising a YA novel for my agent. I have written historical novels, mysteries, supernatural/ghost stories and humor. Lots of humor. I have authored four book series: TAFFY SINCLAIR (Bantam Skylark), its spin-off series, THE FABULOUS FIVE (Bantam Skylark), BOYTALK (Random House Bullseye) and BONE CHILLERS (HarperPaperback). The BONE CHILLERS became an ABC Saturday Morning TV series in 1996. In Hollywood, I took part in the filming of public service announcements shown at the end of each episode. What a blast!

My humorous novel, THE GREAT MOM SWAP, became an ABC Saturday Night Movie in 1995. When I'm not writing, I'm teaching "Writing the Middle-Grade Novel" and "Writing the Young Adult Novel" online for UCLA Extension.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must-read if you've read the other Taffy books!, August 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Truth About Taffy Sinclair (Paperback)

Finally, we get to hear Taffy's side! I feel bad for her sometimes, but she puts it all on herself. I think she could be very nice if she'd quit worrying about her looks and clothes and stuff and started being a real friend to the people who admired her, namely Mona. I thought the Fab. Five were a little mean to her, but then, she is often meaner then that to them, so it didn't bother me to much. This is a good book.

3.0 out of 5 stars Being pretty ISN'T all it's cracked up to be..., January 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Truth About Taffy Sinclair (Paperback)

I feel kind of sorry for Taffy, even though she gets snobby at times. The book is a good illustration that, no, pretty girls aren't very lucky. Taffy's very lonely and all the girls except Mona are jealous of Taffy and on top of that the Fabulous Five are MEAN to her, teasing her about her stolen diary and whispering about her behind her back. And to make matters worse, her mother isn't very understanding and trivializes her feelings and is pressuring her to win a part in a commercial. Taffy, however needs to wake up and realize what a wonderful friend Mona is and not be embarrassed to be with her. Who cares if someone wears bummy jeans and old sweatshirts as long as they're loyal, kind, intelligent? Kristy and Mary Anne from the BSC series don't! I liked how Mona was concerned about Taffy's lost diary and tried to find out if the Fabulous Five had taken it. I think the crass stupidity between Jana and Taffy bothered Mona. Also, Taffy didn't really help her case by flirting with Jana's boyfriend Randy and fanning Jana's immature jealousy. Taffy needs a circle of supportive female friends, but it doesn't look as if she'll find it among some of the immature kids at her school.