Zibby Payne & the Party Problem (Zibby Payne) (Zibby Payne) (Paperback)

~ Alison Bell (Author)
Key Phrases: donkey dance, party problem, karaoke machine, The Oaks, Grandma Betty, Cookie Monster (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The sixth-grade social scene turns nasty when Zibby’s sometimes friend Amber issues invitations to a fancy party but excludes Zibby and lots of others from the special event. Zibby decides to have her own bash, and to leave no one out, including boys. The idea sounds great, but what about the embarrassing losers? Does she really want to have them spoil everything? Zibby’s parents taught her to stand up for her rights and the rights of others, but can she risk being branded a loser? The issues of friends and enemies are timeless, and even readers new to the Zibby Payne series will slip smoothly into the candid, funny, nonpreachy account of how a tough kid betrays the best in herself and then battles to put things right. Steeped in contemporary detail and brand names of clothes, games, music, Web sites, and more. Grades 3-6. --Hazel Rochman

Product Description

(ages 8 - 10) Everyone's favorite Total Tomboy is back, with more over-the-top plans to save the day! Zibby can't believe her "friends" Amber and Savannah are turning their birthday bashes into exclusive events by handing out special party privileges to a select few. Always one to express her opinion loud and clear Zibby protests by having her own shindig, which will of course be The Best Party Ever. She comes up with a Totally Fair & Equal mantra: "A party for all, and all for the party!" But can Zibby really invite everyone? Even the boys? Zibby's open invitation policy lands her in one tricky party predicament!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 92 pages
• Publisher: Lobster Press (May 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897073690
• ISBN-13: 978-1897073698
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #409,350 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, August 8, 2008

By	TeensReadToo.com "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

Zibby Payne has been invited to a lot of parties lately, and she's noticed a significant problem: someone always gets left out. Whether it's a coupon for a "Special Party Prize for Special Friends," or secret sleepovers because only so many girls are allowed, Zibby is tired of the inequality, and makes up her mind to throw The Most Inclusive Party on the Planet.

"A party for all, and all for the party!"

But even when Zibby thinks that she gets everyone on the invite list, she realizes that she's still not living up to her own declaration. Guilt persuades her to invite Vanessa and Franny, the two class losers. And what about the boys? Zibby can't leave out her soccer friends, can she? Suddenly, the guest list leaps from 24 to 34, and Vanessa and Franny are so intent on helping plan the party that they just might ruin everything. Will this party idea turn out to be Zibby's Worst Idea Ever?

Of the Zibby books, I found this one to be my favorite. Zibby's insistence on equality and inclusion for all is refreshing in an age where most social groups are anything but equal and inclusive. The problems she encounters by trying to break the unspoken social taboos of her circle are real, as are the solutions that arise. Very nicely done!

Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun read with a lesson, May 7, 2008

By	C. Hendry "Cristi" (Riverside, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My daughter and I just finished this book. She started reading Zibby books several years ago when she was younger - but still enjoys following Zib's exploits now that she's 13.

The story deals with competitive pressures that young girls sometimes face with their friends, but treats the situations with humor and perspective. The lesson Zibby learns at the end to live and let live is an important one for kids to keep in mind. It's a fun book that gives girls something to think about in their own relationships.

5.0 out of 5 stars Party Central, April 2, 2008

By	Little Willow (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Three parties factor into Zibby Payne and the Party Problem, the third book in the delightful Zibby Payne series.

First, popular Amber invites many of the girls in their class to her exclusive party. She has a history of throwing the biggest, coolest bashes around. This time around, some of her invitations include a "special coupon" redeemable for a secret prize. The girls who don't get invited at all feel left out, and those who get invitations without coupons wonder why Amber included them at all if she doesn't think they are cool enough to get the bonus surprise. Zibby thinks Amber's being unfair, and she wants to boycott the party.

Shortly after Amber's event comes Savannah's roller skating party and sleepover. Zibby is excited to go. She thinks that Savannnah's a lot more friendly than Amber. But when the skating is done and it's time to go to Savannah's house, Zibby finds out that her best friend Sarah wasn't invited to the sleepover. It turns out that the party girl's mom permitted her to invite twelve girls to the rink, but only six back to their house. Upset that people are being left out again, Zibby turns down the sleepover and leaves with Sarah instead.

Zibby decides to have her own party. Determined to have "the most inclusive party on the planet," she makes a lengthy guest list naming "everyone [she's] friends with, sometimes friends with, used-to-be friends with, and want-to-be friends with." The guest list grows as she adds the boys she plays soccer with and two girls she thinks are kind of weird but doesn't want to leave out. After she "accidentally dis-invites" those girls and her well-intentioned plans go awry, she has to eat some humble pie before the party's over.

Zibby would be fast friends with Ramona Quimby. I highly recommend this series for kids in elementary school and just beginning middle school. Alison Bell has captured the ups and downs and dramas of tweendom while preserving the innocence of that age.