Plot Summary

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit

Paula Danziger
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The Cat Ate My Gymsuit

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1974

Book Brief

Paula Danziger

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1974
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Suburban New York • 1970s

Publication Year

1974

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger follows ninth-grader Marcy Lewis, who struggles with self-esteem issues largely due to her experiences with an abusive father and a nervous mother who placates him. Marcy finds solace and self-confidence when she bonds with her new, inspiring English teacher, Ms. Finney, and joins a student club named Smedley, which ultimately helps her grow emotionally and socially.

Humorous

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

8,935 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Paula Danziger's The Cat Ate My Gymsuit resonates with readers for its humorous and relatable portrayal of adolescent struggles, particularly surrounding self-esteem and family dynamics. Highlights include the engaging writing and strong, realistic characters, though some criticize its predictability and dated cultural references. Overall, it's a beloved classic with enduring charm.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Cat Ate My Gymsuit?

Readers who would enjoy The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger are typically pre-teens and teens who appreciate humorous, relatable stories about navigating middle school, self-esteem, and family dynamics. Fans of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume and Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh will find this book engaging.

4.2

8,935 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Suburban New York • 1970s

Publication Year

1974

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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