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Mrs. Tyndall says Lauren doesn’t look “American” enough to be the lead in a play set in Pleasant Valley, USA – but Lauren’s blonde best friend, Tara, looks perfect. Things are about to get a lot less pleasant at Dwight D. Eisenhower Junior High.
 
This is a companion novel to This is Just a Test.
Ages 10+
Pages 256
Publisher Scholastic
Last Offered Aug 2025

Average Rating

268 Reviews

Featured Reviews

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Amazing Book!

Review by Aliyah

Lauren Horowitz and Tara Buchanan have always been inseparable. When they decide to audition for the school play, Lauren wonders if for once, maybe she’ll get to outshine Tara, instead of the other way around. When Tara is cast as the lead, Lauren should be happy for her, right? But how can she be when the teacher told her she wasn’t cast as the lead because she didn’t look American enough? I loved this book about friendship, acceptance, being different, and one of my favorite things, music. I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who loves acting, singing, or is just looking for a great read that has heart, comedy, and just the right amount of a ghost story.

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Not Your All-American Girl

Video review by Molly

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Not Your All-American Girl

Reader Reviews

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Not your all American girl

Review by TaylorBex

This book is awesome I like how Lauren’s friend is good at acting just like me!!!!!!!(haha)

Jan 05, 2026 11:57 PM
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OMG!

Review by Ellalol

I LOVED this book so much! It relates to my life that I I LOVE acting and performing I defiantly recommend this book!

Jan 04, 2026 08:25 PM
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pretty good, but I prefer more comedy :)

Review by Tocagirl

I like the grandmas, they were part of my laughs during the book, the personalities of the characters are well written! I like how it is deep but still packs enough laughs to make me cough! :D It relates to my life! Teachers with QUITE the personality! But I don't like that its 1 laugh per chapter or so... (It also needs at least 4 pictures!) ...but over all, one of the coolest PJ library book that I've ever seen! 4 stars.

Jan 04, 2026 02:34 PM
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Not Your All-American Girl

Review by Tennis12

This book is good if you like theater and drama. It follows the life of teenage girl Lauren Horowitz. Her mom is Chinese and her dad is Jewish. Lauren and her friend love acting but when they try out for the play, the teacher says that even though Lauren’s voice is good, she does not look American enough. Read about the challenges she faces in this book.

Jan 02, 2026 09:07 PM
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Not Your All American Girl

Review by Aria16

One of my favorite books because Lauren shows to never give up and stands up for herself !! and even though Tara got the leads Lauren still is sort of excited /happy for her but hids some feelings inside her!!!! I totally recomend this book!!

Jan 02, 2026 04:13 PM