3.5 stars ( )

One of the main reasons I choose to read and review Middle Grade fiction, is that it tends to get overlooked. Out there in the wide world of YA it's easy for the Middle Grade novel, the younger brother let's call him, to get pushed out of the limelight. In actuality there are a ton of really great MG titles out there just calling for readers! So, I go in search of them, I devour them, then I share them with you fine people.

In honor of Polly's antiquated way of speaking, I hereby declare her the most winsome character I have ever met. Her obsession with the novels of Jane Austen and Lucy Maud Montgomery falls in step perfectly with my own youth. Reading and re-reading these classic tales, she allows them to inspire the way that she dresses, her mannerisms, and even the way that she talks to others. I was smitten instantly with Polly's personality! She is much different than most of the younger protagonists I have read before. I giggled out loud when she would accidentally switch from her proper English speech to teenage slang in a ft of excitement. Polly is a sweetheart, plain and simple.

As a twelve year old girl, of course Polly has yet to experience love. Instead, all of her notions about the subject come from the books that she so adores. Which would be fine normally. I mean what girl wouldn't want to be caught up in an age of chivalry and romance? However Polly decides that it is her duty to take up matchmaking, allowing those around her to experience the undying love of Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy. What ensues was so comedic, so sweet, that I literally burst out laughing more than once! Polly's matches end up a little differently than she expects, and our brave, young heroine must learn to put things right.

What I really loved about the whole story was the underlying current of friendship. Underneath all the Austen, all the silliness, was a moral about being a good friend. Polly may not end up with the summer of romance that she was anticipating, but she does learn a lot about real love and what it means. It was refreshing to see such a charming young girl grow up so much in such a short number of pages.

Long story short, I adored this book with all my heart. I will, however, admit that it is probably not for everyone. I've seen others peg Polly as annoying, and I can see where that might stem from. You really need to have a love for MG characters and watching them grow up. You also need to be able to take everything she says and does with a smile and a grain of salt. She's young, people. We were all young once. I for one am proud that Polly has her head in the clouds, and hope she continues it as long as she can! Real teenage life is not nearly as fun.

As I skip off into the distance, my embroidered handkerchief pressed against my bosom, I leave you with one thought. Isn't it time you gave yourself a break from teenage angst and love triangles? If you answered yes, this book is your answer. Sweet, a little bit silly, and very charming, this book is sure to sweep you off your feet! Scones not included. ( )

Children age 12 are going through a phase of development in which they're working hard to understand others' perspectives. If Polly were younger, or a teen, her self-absorption would have been forgivable, but as written she was just unbelievable. Even more unbelievable were all the other characters except for her sister and friend, who tried to teach the little brat a lesson.

Now, I've not yet read Austen, and wasn't terribly taken with Anne Shirley - perhaps if I were a fan, this book would have meant something different to me. As is, I'm thinking I may never bother with Austen after all.... ( )

First of all, I'm an adult reading a children's book, but good children's books are great for adults too.

I enjoyed the plot and all the minor characters in this book, but I got very irritated with the main character's pretensions and obliviousness. ( Polly is so focused on her desires to play matchmaker and in her own little world of romance literature that she never pays attention to those around her.) The author did a great job with the ending, not falling into extreme hokeyness or comedy. ( )

Okay, I admit I was persuaded by the cover and the title, which turned out to be the strongest parts of the book. 12 year-old Polly has become smitten by old fashioned romance, having discovered Jane Austen and L.M. Montgomery. She spends her summer rereading her favorite passages from Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables, sighing and swooning, admiring her own dainty ankles, and tying on her sunbonnet before delivering pastries from her parents' bakery to customers. Her primary concern is that the lonely people of her acquaintance find their true love -- arranged and contrived by Polly of course (perhaps like-minded young girls should start with Emma to fully appreciate the perils of matchmaking). Her matchmaking efforts are disastrous, and threaten the very connections most dear to her -- her dainty, estimable older sister Clementine, whose boyfriend Clint Polly deems an unworthy suitor, and her dearest bosom friend Fran, who has wearied indeed of Polly's flowery language and romantic schemes. Polly so loves the sound of her own voice declaring those beautiful words that she has no notion of actually providing a sympathetic ear to her hurting friend. As Polly tells this story in her own Austenesque words, I can definitely empathize with Fran. This is one I probably should have Pearl-ruled.