Much Ado About A Great Book for Girls

I'm fairly certain that when I was ten I had no idea what a scrotum was ....

Paying attention yet?

Lots of people paid attention when The Higher Power of Luckyby Susan Patron, won the Newbery Award for 2007. On the first page of this novel, the word is used to describe a snake-bite injury to a dog. The story is overheard by the book's heroine Lucky Trimble, who happens to be listening in on an AA meeting. The use of this word by Patron (herself a school librarian) caused quite a stir in the children's book world.

With references to male parts AND alcoholism, you may be wondering if this is the right book for your girl reader. Well, if you want my opinion (which I hope you do) -- I say go for it.

This middle grade novel (ideal for 9-12 year olds) fits in the realistic fiction genre (for all those school reading programs) and is a sweet story with a cast of endearing, quirky characters. The amusing menagerie of characters -- citizens of Hard Pan, California -- are not the best part of the book, however.

The best part is the story -- the plight of Lucky to come to terms with her mother's death (hit by lightning) and find her "Higher Power" (a term she's learned -- along with scrotum -- from eavesdropping at AA).

Lucky becomes convinced that her guardian, Brigitte, is about to desert her, and she isn't sure what to do. She prepares to run away and spare herself the heartache of being left by yet another mother.

Who wouldn't love a girl who owns a dog named HMS Beagle and packs a "survival" kit that contains, among other things -- "a brand new tooth brush from a teeth cleaning, ... still in its original wrapper so that if she started to lose heart ... she could get out a beautiful never used toothbrush and make herself feel better."

Of course, all is made right at the end of the book and Lucky does indeed discover her higher power. As books for girls go, this one is a must-read ... and well-deserving of the prestigious Newbery Medal.

Do your girl a favor and don't worry about the brief anatomy lesson that caused such a brouhaha when the book won the prize -- what will stay with them is a sweet, courageous soul named Lucky and her search for the true meaning of love and family.

Enjoy this great book for girls -- and have a great Monday!

Young Adult Pick: Follow the Rules of the Road

If you are a young adult (or know one) in search of an author who is consistently producing great books -- you can't go wrong with Joan Bauer. Her skilled writing, entertaining plots, and funny, human characters will pull you in and leave you wanting more.

This inspiring writer (read her story) has eight young adult novels under her belt. I haven't read them all, but one that I adored was Rules of the Road. This book introduces the nearly 6 foot, 16 year old Jenna Boller and follows her on a road trip with her boss, the indomitable Mrs. Gladstone, from Chicago to Dallas.

I think any teenager can relate to Jenna, who feels most comfortable when she's working in her sales job at a shoe store. According to Jenna,

"I succeeded here. I made money here. I didn't feel big, awkward, and lost. I felt successful. I helped people. They looked to me instead of away."

The introduction of Jenna's family members (including her alcoholic father), and her quirky co-workers make this story sing with realism. The humor is perfect, the emotions are true -- the writing flows on the page in a fast-paced rhythm. You'll find yourself routing for Jenna every step of the way.

As a writer, I am a great admirer of Ms. Bauer's skill -- and as a mother of girls I appreciate that her books present teenagers in a positive light. There's a wonderful message in this book of hope in spite of adversity -- and Jenna emerges as a strong, compassionate human being. When considering the kinds of books I want my girls reading when they hit the teenage years, I will absolutely encourage them to read Joan Bauer.

I think you'll love these books -- give them a try -- and let me know what you think when you're done....

Enjoy!