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Main Street #2
Needle and Thread
Autumn comes to Camden Falls -- bringing new friends, new teachers, new worries, and new challenges.
It's autumn in Camden Falls, and Flora and Ruby are just starting to settle into the town. Flora is worried about spending the first Thanksgiving without their parents. Ruby is worried about getting a part in her school musical. And their new friends, Olivia and Nikki, are facing problems of their own. But the friendship that ties them together will also give them the strength to work things out -- one stitch at a time.
It's autumn in Camden Falls, and Flora and Ruby are just starting to settle into the town. Flora is worried about spending the first Thanksgiving without their parents. Ruby is worried about getting a part in her school musical. And their new friends, Olivia and Nikki, are facing problems of their own. But the friendship that ties them together will also give them the strength to work things out -- one stitch at a time.
205 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
25 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Ann M. Martin
1,038 books3,012 followersAnn Matthews Martin was born on August 12, 1955. She grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, with her parents and her younger sister, Jane. After graduating from Smith College, Ann became a teacher and then an editor of children's books. She's now a full-time writer.
Ann gets the ideas for her books from many different places. Some are based on personal experiences, while others are based on childhood memories and feelings. Many are written about contemporary problems or events. All of Ann's characters, even the members of the Baby-sitters Club, are made up. But many of her characters are based on real people. Sometimes Ann names her characters after people she knows, and other times she simply chooses names that she likes.
Ann has always enjoyed writing. Even before she was old enough to write, she would dictate stories to her mother to write down for her. Some of her favorite authors at that time were Lewis Carroll, P. L. Travers, Hugh Lofting, Astrid Lindgren, and Roald Dahl. They inspired her to become a writer herself.
Since ending the BSC series in 2000, Ann’s writing has concentrated on single novels, many of which are set in the 1960s.
After living in New York City for many years, Ann moved to the Hudson Valley in upstate New York where she now lives with her dog, Sadie, and her cats, Gussie, Willy and Woody. Her hobbies are reading, sewing, and needlework. Her favorite thing to do is to make clothes for children.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/annmma...
Ann gets the ideas for her books from many different places. Some are based on personal experiences, while others are based on childhood memories and feelings. Many are written about contemporary problems or events. All of Ann's characters, even the members of the Baby-sitters Club, are made up. But many of her characters are based on real people. Sometimes Ann names her characters after people she knows, and other times she simply chooses names that she likes.
Ann has always enjoyed writing. Even before she was old enough to write, she would dictate stories to her mother to write down for her. Some of her favorite authors at that time were Lewis Carroll, P. L. Travers, Hugh Lofting, Astrid Lindgren, and Roald Dahl. They inspired her to become a writer herself.
Since ending the BSC series in 2000, Ann’s writing has concentrated on single novels, many of which are set in the 1960s.
After living in New York City for many years, Ann moved to the Hudson Valley in upstate New York where she now lives with her dog, Sadie, and her cats, Gussie, Willy and Woody. Her hobbies are reading, sewing, and needlework. Her favorite thing to do is to make clothes for children.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/annmma...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
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February 9, 2009i just started it
February 1, 2022
Such a cute read. Takes you back to a simpler time. A lovely book for elementary kids.
Why’d I pick this? I want to read everything Ann M Martin has ever written
Why’d I pick this? I want to read everything Ann M Martin has ever written
November 9, 2019
This is a great series for my 10 year old daughter who really enjoyed the Babysitter's Club graphic novels, but needs to be reading Chapter Books for school! So glad I am reading as she does so we can discuss the characters.
April 27, 2020
I know I have probably mentioned this in a previous review, but I read this book when I was too young for it. I remember some very specific parts. By the way, there will be spoilers in this review. The first time I read this, I had the CD, but I did not have hoopla. The CD had desks, and one of them was scratched I missed almost a full disc. I read this again in fifth grade on an app called epic for school. I didn’t finish it, though. I thought that it was better than the first one. Although, then again, I was comparing what I thought of The second book to what I thought of the first one as a seven-year-old.
I remember the day when we realized that it was too old for me very clearly. I think I had to start that disc over because I know that I knew that a chapter I didn’t like as much was coming up. I thought it was a good book with a bad chapter in it. I was listening to it before I went to sleep. Mom came up and said good night. I guess when I responded, I sounded kind of weird because she asked me what was going on. I said that I didn’t like the chapter.
I was on the chapter called Nikis bad day. What happens when you drink too much. I didn’t I understand that much about it, so I just ignored that part. What bothered me was not that. It was something else. In this one part, a boy is mad at his father, and he throws a beer bottle against the wall. Then, he runs out the door. The bottle left a mark. I got really mixed up on what happens there. That’s why I laugh about every single time I read this part. When I was seven, I had thought that the boy kicked the wall, made a hole in it, and went through the ceiling. I didn’t know if he was seen again or not. I think if that had actually happened, I would probably be reading this book lower and giving it a really confused review. :-) :-)
Anyway, I told Mom why I was so disturbed. I wonder what Mom thought of my twisted version of events. Now, I think it’s a lot funnier than horrible. The point is, sometimes, you can be ready because of what grade you’r in, but that doesn’t mean you’re emotionally ready. I told my aunt what had happened, and Mom told her the rest of the story. Sorry about the long story there, but I just thought my version of events really funny. I didn’t realize what really happened until about two years later.
I feel like the main street books are kind of a bunch of short stories. Like, short chapter books I mean. I love the different perspectives. The book is about the first few holidays with mein. I am sad that Mrs. will it Hass to go to a nursing home. I understand, though. When I read about her thanking people were spying on her back in fifth grade, I laughed because I didn’t understand totally what was really going on. To me, it was just a crazy lady who didn’t quite understand what was going on around her. I was sad, too, but it was hard not to laugh. Also, when I heard about Robbie working at stuff and nonsense, I only saw his perspective of being really really excited about working. Now, I see how his mom was probably feeling, it’s amazing how much can change in just two years. My favorite part was probably Olivia‘s big one oh party. I think that was the first chapter I had read that I had not read when I was little. Although, part of me does feel like I’ve read certain parts before. It’s weird.hey had mentioned .
I liked it when Flora went to Mary Wells’s house. I knew that Mary was nice even while I was reading the first book, but I couldn’t say that in there with you. :-) it was a review of the first book, not the second. Even from the first book, however, I got hints.
Well, if you are tired of my storytelling, you won’t have to hear it in the third book. I haven’t ever read it before.
I remember the day when we realized that it was too old for me very clearly. I think I had to start that disc over because I know that I knew that a chapter I didn’t like as much was coming up. I thought it was a good book with a bad chapter in it. I was listening to it before I went to sleep. Mom came up and said good night. I guess when I responded, I sounded kind of weird because she asked me what was going on. I said that I didn’t like the chapter.
I was on the chapter called Nikis bad day. What happens when you drink too much. I didn’t I understand that much about it, so I just ignored that part. What bothered me was not that. It was something else. In this one part, a boy is mad at his father, and he throws a beer bottle against the wall. Then, he runs out the door. The bottle left a mark. I got really mixed up on what happens there. That’s why I laugh about every single time I read this part. When I was seven, I had thought that the boy kicked the wall, made a hole in it, and went through the ceiling. I didn’t know if he was seen again or not. I think if that had actually happened, I would probably be reading this book lower and giving it a really confused review. :-) :-)
Anyway, I told Mom why I was so disturbed. I wonder what Mom thought of my twisted version of events. Now, I think it’s a lot funnier than horrible. The point is, sometimes, you can be ready because of what grade you’r in, but that doesn’t mean you’re emotionally ready. I told my aunt what had happened, and Mom told her the rest of the story. Sorry about the long story there, but I just thought my version of events really funny. I didn’t realize what really happened until about two years later.
I feel like the main street books are kind of a bunch of short stories. Like, short chapter books I mean. I love the different perspectives. The book is about the first few holidays with mein. I am sad that Mrs. will it Hass to go to a nursing home. I understand, though. When I read about her thanking people were spying on her back in fifth grade, I laughed because I didn’t understand totally what was really going on. To me, it was just a crazy lady who didn’t quite understand what was going on around her. I was sad, too, but it was hard not to laugh. Also, when I heard about Robbie working at stuff and nonsense, I only saw his perspective of being really really excited about working. Now, I see how his mom was probably feeling, it’s amazing how much can change in just two years. My favorite part was probably Olivia‘s big one oh party. I think that was the first chapter I had read that I had not read when I was little. Although, part of me does feel like I’ve read certain parts before. It’s weird.hey had mentioned .
I liked it when Flora went to Mary Wells’s house. I knew that Mary was nice even while I was reading the first book, but I couldn’t say that in there with you. :-) it was a review of the first book, not the second. Even from the first book, however, I got hints.
Well, if you are tired of my storytelling, you won’t have to hear it in the third book. I haven’t ever read it before.
July 26, 2012
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first book, but this is still a really cute series. My main gripe is that, because of the choppy story-telling that jumps between different characters and often takes an omniscient look at all the characters, I'm not entirely sure what age this book would be suitable for. I read the Babysitters Club books when I was about eight, but they were far more structured. But would this book seem too babyish to someone a bit older? I'm also not sure how the sewing shop would appeal to girls that age, but this book did have a bit of everything in it - Nikki's abusive father, Olivia's parents needing new jobs, the older woman with Alzheimer's, getting a new teacher, Ruby balancing all her activities, their first Thanksgiving without their parents, and so on. A lot of topics are covered in these books, so I hope kids don't find it too much. But there is something incredibly sweet and comforting about Camden Falls. I hope these books are just as relevant when I have kids. And if I don't have girls, I'm going to have some very open-minded sons, considering how big my Ann M. Martin collection is now! 3.5*
September 15, 2014
This is a fun series for young girls. There are a lot of characters with interesting backgrounds and stories that are constantly evolving.
Ann M. Martin is wonderful at writing books that match seasons. These books are great at making the reader get the feeling of the season that the book is taking place in. I especially love her books that take place in fall. She weaves in descriptions of change that make you long for that time of year.
This one was my favorite of the series because it had some great character growth.
Ann M. Martin is wonderful at writing books that match seasons. These books are great at making the reader get the feeling of the season that the book is taking place in. I especially love her books that take place in fall. She weaves in descriptions of change that make you long for that time of year.
This one was my favorite of the series because it had some great character growth.
June 8, 2010
The Main Street series by Ann M. Martin is a series I would recomend to anyone! It is one of my most favorite series that I have ever read! It is a story of 2 girls journey as they begin to live with their Grandma in Camden Falls. They meet new friends, work at their grandmas store and help others in need as they go to their first year of school in Camden Falls and fun summers!!! I give this book, author, and series 5 stars!
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November 23, 2023this is one of those books from my childhood that just doesn’t resonate the same way it did when i was younger.
leaving this unrated because i don’t think it’s fair for me to rate a book 2 stars, when i loved it so much when i was younger. <3
leaving this unrated because i don’t think it’s fair for me to rate a book 2 stars, when i loved it so much when i was younger. <3
November 28, 2007
I was so surprised by this new series. I really, really like it! Camden Falls sounds like such alovely place to live. Sort of the literary equivalent of Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow.
Hmm. Let's all go have a cup of coffee at Luke's....
Hmm. Let's all go have a cup of coffee at Luke's....
April 21, 2008
i really like the main street series
September 11, 2009
it's a really good book so far.
November 13, 2011
Love this Book!!!
July 6, 2016
A Review In Four Words
Enjoyable but ultimately forgettable.
Enjoyable but ultimately forgettable.
January 16, 2015
A fun book about friendship.
September 2, 2012
It was pretty nice.
March 25, 2014
These Main Street books are great! The first chapter hooks me into Martin's Main Street series. I think that this book is very detailed and starts off at the place it ended before.
July 18, 2014
It was a great book. I recommend it for 8 and up.
June 23, 2015
I love this book in the series also! I bought this book when I bought the third book too. Loved it at 13 and still love it now.
January 30, 2016
great series
September 3, 2014
It was a very nice Book.
January 31, 2020
This novel picks up the story of Flora and Ruby Northrop who have moved to Camden Falls to live with their grandmother. School gets started, and the holidays approach--Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This prompts some questions from the girls, who wonder how they will spend the special times without their parents to share them. Ruby and Flora approach this uncertainty in very different ways.
The story is pleasing, and it's nice to see the characters continue to develop. This reader felt like the "Peek Through the Window" method used to convey a lot of background information didn't work as well as it did in the first installment in the series, perhaps because I had just read that book a few days earlier(!). There were other places where the author tried to catch new readers up to things that happened before the time frame of this book, and those sections of "telling" rather than "showing" felt a little heavy-handed.
Still, the book was fun to read, and I look forward to seeing how things move forward in Book 3.
The story is pleasing, and it's nice to see the characters continue to develop. This reader felt like the "Peek Through the Window" method used to convey a lot of background information didn't work as well as it did in the first installment in the series, perhaps because I had just read that book a few days earlier(!). There were other places where the author tried to catch new readers up to things that happened before the time frame of this book, and those sections of "telling" rather than "showing" felt a little heavy-handed.
Still, the book was fun to read, and I look forward to seeing how things move forward in Book 3.
October 24, 2021
I know it’s probably weird that I’ve gotten into these books as an adult. Maybe it’s because the weather is just starting to change and I’m feeling the need for cozy novels, but I am absolutely obsessed with these books. I never read them as a child and I really wish I would have. I believe these novels are just as meant for adults as they are for middle school kids. Ann Martin is a wonderful writer and I encourage anyone to sit down with hot cocoa and read the Main Street series.
April 28, 2018
This was a great continuation of the first book. It picked up where "Welcome to Camden Falls" left off. While the book does deal with very real world issues (like grief, loneliness, and how to deal with major life changes), it also shows how kind people can be and what true friendship looks like. It is a beautiful story.
August 3, 2017
I loved this book. !! I totally recommend this books.
August 18, 2018
A really darling children's chapter book. I love the town that this book is set in and the sweet group of friends in the story. Looking forward to reading more in the series!
August 6, 2019
soo goood
February 13, 2020
Sometimes I just need something easy to listen to...
May 18, 2020
As the second book in this series Needle and Thread did not disappoint. Flora and Ruby are completely and totally relatable and entertaining. 👏👏👏
July 13, 2020
Was this a Babysitters Club show induced nostalgia trip? Yes.
Does it still hold good a good ten-ish years after I first read it at a Scholastic Fair? Definitely.
Does it still hold good a good ten-ish years after I first read it at a Scholastic Fair? Definitely.
May 31, 2025
I read it when I was a preteen and loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews