Alice Next Door facts for kids
Alice Next Door is an exciting Irish children's novel. It was written by Judi Curtin and illustrated by Woody Fox. The book was first published in 2005 by O'Brien Press. It's the first book in the popular "Alice and Megan" series.
The Story of Alice Next Door
The story is about a twelve-year-old Irish girl named Megan Sheehan. Her best friend, Alice O'Rourke, has just moved away. Alice moved from Limerick to Dublin with her younger brother Jamie. She also moved with her strict mother.
Megan starts sixth class feeling very alone. It's hard for her to cope without her best friend. Megan can e-mail Alice and call her every Saturday. But she still struggles with her annoying mother and her rival, Melissa.
Megan feels embarrassed by her mother, Sheila Sheehan. Sheila is very careful with money and doesn't like buying new things. She makes Megan collect signatures for a park to be saved. To make up for this, Sheila takes Megan to Dublin. Megan gets to spend five and a half hours with Alice.
At the end of their day, Alice tells Megan a secret. She has a plan to move back to Limerick. Alice promises to tell Megan the full plan next time they meet.
When the Hallowe'en holidays arrive, Alice visits Limerick. She stays for three days with her father. He lives next door to Megan. Here, Alice finally shares her big plan. She wants to stay at Megan's house for a whole week. No parents would know about it! Alice's father would think she's in Dublin. Alice's mother would think she's with Mr. O'Rourke.
Alice stays hidden in Megan's bedroom all week. She tells her mother she's too sick to take the train home. Megan manages to sneak food for Alice, like Pot Noodles. But as the week goes on, Alice gets more and more annoyed. Megan starts to understand how tough it is for Alice to have parents who are separated.
Alice's mother eventually finds out. She comes to Limerick when she learns Alice isn't at Mr. O'Rourke's house. She enters Megan's home with her ex-husband. They find Alice and take her back to Dublin. Megan is very sad about this.
In the end, things work out for the friends. Alice comes to Limerick for holidays. They manage to stay best friends forever.
Meet the Characters
- Megan Sheehan: She is the main character of the series. Megan is shy and sometimes lets Alice lead the way.
- Alice O'Rourke: She is Megan's best friend.
- Sheila Sheehan: She is Megan's mother, who cares a lot about the environment.
- Miss O'Herily: She is Megan's teacher.
Books in the Series
- Alice Next Door (2005)
- Alice Again (2006)
- Don't Ask Alice (2007)
- Alice in the Middle (2007)
- Bonjour Alice (2008)
- Alice and Megan Forever (2008)
- Alice to the Rescue (2009)
- The Alice and Megan Cookbook (2010)
