Nine-Year-Old Publishes Advice Book
Categories: Kids 8-11, Fun & activities, Weird but true
Well, this is certainly a first. Publishers Weekly is reporting that nine-year-old Alec Greven is publishing a book. The fourth grader from Castle Rock, Colorado, wrote the book "How to Talk to Girls" at the tender age of eight, and it has been snapped up by publishing giant Harper Collins' Collins imprint. The youngster's attempt to provide advice reminds me somewhat of Lucy from the Peanuts and her "The doctor is in" sign, but my guess is Alec's advice is a little less smug.
Greven composed the book as part of a school assignment. From there it passed from teacher to principal and eventually made its way into the hands of none other than Ellen Degeneres, who invited Greven to her show, before it was claimed by Harper Collins. The book is one of three Alec has planned. Harper Collins has asked him for two sequels -- "How to Talk to Moms" and "How to Talk to Dads."
Alec, in the true spirit of giving, is donating part of the advances for both sequels to a charity, Stand Up 2 Cancer, in the hope of helping them raise $100,000.
Harper Collins is betting that "How to Talk to Girls," which retails for about $10.00, will appeal to folks of all ages and sell well during the holiday season. It's often been noted that children have a special way of observing things, so I'm sure Alec's insight will be appealing to many adults. After all, a lot of fully-grown men I know don't know how to talk to girls!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
michèle Sullivan 12-02-2008 @ 4:00PM
I haven't read the little boy's book but I bet you it's full of great remarks and tips.
I'm always blown away by how much a kid can actuallycome up with. Perhaps we, adults, should take the time to listen and learn....
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Ron 12-02-2008 @ 5:13PM
Are you out of your minds? How incledibly immature and simple-minded you must be to even consider advice from a nine-year-old.
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Stephanie 12-02-2008 @ 5:57PM
I believe that no matter what we think personally works, kids see the world and situations as they truly are. I'm sure you've heard of every child's brutal honesty, I think it applies even here.
M.Novack 12-02-2008 @ 9:04PM
Might I remind you that Jamie Lee Curtis has written several books on a child's level..that they can understand and relate to. They have sold quite well. This is no different...in fact...this little boy is giving advice for children his age...however, some of what he writes could certainly be taken as advice for many adults I know. Children often see and understand things that adults simply miss in their lives...from total lack of attention. I have ordered three copies...one each for our two grandchildren (ages 5 and 11) and one for us....never mind our age, lol. I challenge you to read the book, before having such a harsh opinion. Truly, you might learn something. Remember, "out of the mouths of babes".
Chey 12-02-2008 @ 5:14PM
I'm 12 years, old my sister is 7 and both of us are usually getting things faster than my parents. I know more about computers than my teachers and can robably confuse them without trying.Kids are getting smarter thn aduls at certain things but that also doesnt gve kids the right to be smart alecky
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kelly 12-02-2008 @ 5:54PM
I'm 13 and writing a book and i was afraid I wouldn't be able to get publsihed! But that kid probably made it look too easy... I won't get my hopes up. But if a nine year old can write a book so can I! There's my inspiration...
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Kathy 12-02-2008 @ 6:31PM
Go for it Kelly. Young people have something to say. May be us
grown up should listen. Write your heart out some one will read.
Good for you.
educator 12-02-2008 @ 5:56PM
That nine year old is your future. I have taught fourth grade for 14 years, and children never cease to amaze me. Out of the mouth of babes...a child's perspective is not clouded by the nastiness of the world. Take a moment to listen to a child. You might actually learn something. Kuddos to the kiddo for having a book published. Let him enjoy his moment.
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carterarcher 12-02-2008 @ 6:02PM
i'm 13 years old and i can tell you from experience that kids are getting better at some things than adults. i can tell you more about computers than anyone i know. however i probably wouldn't take relationship advice from a nine year old
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castaway321 12-02-2008 @ 6:11PM
I love this idea, kids see things black and white, where we adults always make it more complicated, their simple little minds is what we really need when it comes to relationships... if you think about it, love is not complicated at all, either you do or you don't, no ifs ands or butts
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erj210 12-02-2008 @ 6:39PM
I saw this kid on CNN this morning. all I have too say is SO WHAT! I said all the stuff he said when I was his age, and do you think any one paid attention. They just said, well you don't understand, your too young. Now all the sudden some kid with a decent publicist is hailed the best think since Freud? I don't think so.
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Tina 12-02-2008 @ 7:19PM
I just want to know when and where I can buy one... I want it for my 28-year old boyfriend.
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Merry 12-02-2008 @ 8:22PM
I have not read this child's book. However, I feel relatively safe in assuming that at nine, he hasn't cluttered up his advice of how to talk to a girl with a lot of sex talk and innuendos. That has to help right there. Many men have yet to figure out that while sex is the gear that physically turns their world, it is not the gear that emotionally turns a woman's world. Since a woman has an inclination at times to experience life through an emotional filter, a man would do well to recognize that tendency when he tries to communicate with the woman and avoid coming on gangbusters with the physical sexuality.
BTW, I am not a man-hater! I view myself as a student of communication and observation.
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M.Novack 12-02-2008 @ 9:09PM
Kelly...keep up the good work...and continue with your writing. Keep journals..and write something every single day. I am very proud of you, at 13, to be so mature with your reply. My best to you....and I know with your marvelous attitude...you are going to be published. To repeat myself....just keep writing and writing and writing. :)
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Kate 12-02-2008 @ 9:46PM
sounds like a great idea if you want to get an 8 yr old girl. Let's make sure the priests and pedophiles can't get a copy.
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jkeys 12-03-2008 @ 5:52PM
LMAO
Are you serious.
A 9year old...
And??
Wow people have way too much free time....
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