Tenney (American Girl: Tenney Grant, Book 1)

This is about Tenney Grant, a girl who has been playing the guitar and writing songs for a while, yet wants to do not only as a hobby, but a career, which her parents hold back. It takes place in the modern world, and Tenney is not nine at the beginning and almost eleven at the end of her series, like Samantha or Addy, other American Girls. This seems to be the first of a new set of American Girls. Though I don't play the guitar and can't sing well--yet--I often felt like Tenney, since I write songs and have frustration with them sometimes, and other types of writing as well. The book was clearly well-written and thought through. There were smaller, but just as interesting, problems and conflicts, such as her Mom acting strange or a grumpy old woman who Tenney has to work with at an upcoming school event. I've had a good bit of experience with writing and know all the struggles it can take, but there are victories and accomplishments, too. This book is a victory and worth reading.

This book is very well written, with all the plots, sub-plots, and emotions that make a great read. It is far better than many of the formula books that American Girl has been turning out recently, with the goal of selling more dolls. This book can easily stand alone without the doll tie-in. The main character is 12, older than the other doll characters, but the subject matter is fine for younger children. This book presents a very realistic look inside family life and portrays a talented girl who doesn't let disappointments keep her down.

My daughter is 8, and reading this with her, I have to say so far it's a surprisingly good book. It's about a young girl who's exploring her passion for songwriting, and discovering she has real talent, and how her enthusiasm and hunger butts up against her (very loving) parents' desire to protect her from some of the pitfalls of diving into the music industry at a very young age. She doesn't have any of the actual American Girl dolls, and the connection made me expect this to be much more of a lazy cash-in on that product, but it's well written, compelling kids' story.

Tenney Grant is both an inspiring and relatable character. We may not all have the potential to be country music stars, but her mix of confidence, insecurity, excitement and fear is something we all go through when trying new things. After reading this first book, I am excited to read the others and see how she continues to develop. I really don't know if she will end up a big star or just a life long musician, but I can't wait to find out.Also, I loved Portia! I wonder if all country music stars are this relatable?

Better than the first girl of the year book!!

My daughter LOVED this book and wanted me to buy the rest in the set! I love finding books that motivate my daughter to read!

This series is having one go for their dreams. Excellent !! John Lanese

She loves this series.

this is great for any American girl fan and I think Tenney is great