Growing Up As...Taylor Swift: For Readers Ages 8-12 (When They Were Kids)

Bought this for my niece who is a huge Taylor Swift fan and she loved it. An ideal gift for a young Swiftie!

As an educator, former principal, and author of educational books, I had the pleasure of delving into "Growing Up As Taylor Swift" by Angela Gail Griffin, the first installment in the "When They Were Kids" series. This middle school book is an engaging journey through the formative years of the iconic Taylor Swift.The book is divided into six chapters, each with a heartfelt letter as its title, offering a unique perspective on Taylor Swift's early life. In "Dear Diary, Can We Talk," we step into the world of a young Taylor, filled with dreams and aspirations. It is in this chapter that the foundation of her unwavering determination is laid out. Throughout the following chapters, we explore her relationships, her aspirations, and her challenges. From "Dear Family, I Love You" to "Dear Nashville, Here I Come," and finally, "Dear Diary, My Dream Came True," we get an intimate look at her journey.What makes this book exceptional is its ability to capture the essence of Taylor Swift's progress, her path, and her relentless journey toward her dreams. As an educator and author, I firmly believe that every student deserves a gifted education, which instills attributes vital for success, such as persistence, self-control, curiosity, and optimism. Taylor Swift's life story, beautifully depicted in this book, is a testament to the attributes I discuss in my work.Taylor Swift embodies these attributes throughout her life, which is palpable in her journey. The book brings to life the notion that young people can move from a simple idea to a remarkable final product when they embrace persistence. Taylor Swift's unwavering commitment to her dreams is a testament to the power of resilience and determination."Growing Up As Taylor Swift" is not just a biography; it's an inspiration for young minds. Angela Gail Griffin skillfully weaves Taylor's story into a narrative that resonates with middle school students, providing them with a role model who embodies the qualities we strive to instill in our youth.In conclusion, "Growing Up As Taylor Swift" is a must-read for students, educators, and anyone who believes in the potential of young minds. It reminds us that dreams can indeed come true with perseverance and determination. Angela Gail Griffin has done a remarkable job in bringing Taylor Swift's journey to life, and I look forward to exploring more books in the "When They Were Kids" series.-Brian Butler, Author of Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education

Is it aimed at kids? Yes. Did I read it anyway? Yes. Any Swiftie will love it. Had some info I actually didn't know about Taylor.

This is the perfect book for those students who always tell the teacher, “I don’t like to read biographies!”I was one of those students, and yet I honestly believe I would have loved this one.Mrs. Griffin’s book will surely be a hit with young people in elementary grades and above. It will be especially inspiring and comforting for any child who has experienced being treated meanly in school. And, even though Taylor Swift’s personal goal has been in music, any child who dreams of succeeding in any other field will see a positive role model in Taylor Swift.Some other high points: it’s a quick read, it’s well-documented, and it has lovely art work by Valerie Valdivia and Vajihe Golmazari.

This Taylor Swift origin story is inspiring! For the diehard Swifties, it's a detail-oriented and yet easy read about her path to success. For people of all ages, it's inspiring to see how she embraced her authenticity and passion to develop into the artist she is today! We all desire to remain true to ourselves, and this story helps demonstrate the payoff. Excellent read!

My granddaughter loves anything Taylor Swift.