Sparrow Road

Title: Sparrow Road

 

Author: Sheila O'Connor

 

Summary: 12 year old Raine O'Rourke is upset at first to be spending her summer at Sparrow Road, a summer artists colony with rules like "no talking" and "no telephones." She misses her Grandpa Mac and his store and her house and is confused as to why they came to Sparrow Road for her mother to work as the maid. However, when Raine finds out that she'll have the chance to meet her father who she never remembers meeting before, Raine realizes how important it was for her to travel to Sparrow Road and the summer before 7th grade is the summer when Raine finally discovers who she is and who she comes from.

 

Comments: I really, really liked this book. In fact, it could be in my Top #5 for my reading in 2015. Raine is a little wise beyond her years, but she is relatable and likeable and believable too - all of the things that the main protagonist should be. Her character grows immensely throughout the story, and it is very obvious by the end.

At first, I had a problem with how much seemed to lie on Raine's shoulders. She seemed like she was so stressed out all because her mother constantly hid things from her (all with good reason I suppose, but still). I think if the lines of communication had been different between her and her mama, I think the book would've been much different; but not necessarily better.

The setting is just painted so beautifully; an old orphanage with beautiful rolling hills and a tiny town right near by - the whole thing seemed like a setting from a fairy tale and there really are places like that and I think that it was the perfect setting for this book. Hearing about the orphanage in its past was very neat (I'm a history fan). I thought Raine's supernatural connection with Lyman the orphan was pretty neat and each artist had a little secret, which I found was a nice touch.  

I did find it strange however, that the rules presented in the beginning about no talking until supper and no phone calls seemed to be lifted once Josie and Raine started planning out the Art Extravaganza.

I couldn't tell exactly when this book took place, but with all of the events described, I like to think it was in the early to mid 80s; but I like the fact that the author left it up to the reader to decide. She may have provided the clues, but the reader had to think and decide.

This book would be best enjoyed by those who are 10+ because of its length and the complex problems presented throughout the book.  

 

Complaints: None.

 

Rating: 5 stars

 

The Meaning of Maggie

Title: The Meaning of Maggie

Author: Megan Jean Sovern

Summary: Maggie Mayfield is a girl growing up in the early 1990s (I think). She is very smart for her age and sees herself as the future president. She writes throughout the book on the year that changed her life. She has two sisters and life with them is NOT always easy. However, the biggest issue in her life is her dad who is now suffering from MS (multiple sclerosis), and how she goes through the scariness of her dad's body shutting down more and more. She deals with everything nicely and has such a funny wit about her that she is a character that you will all be sure to love!

Complaints: There was a bit of harsh language in the book, which I thought was completely unnecessary - I think the author's point could have been conveyed another way. It is very mild and only appears once in the book, so this could still be a read for an 11-12 year old (a girl around Maggie's age).

Comments: I loved this book! Maggie sounded a lot like me (Into studying and striving to get as smart as possible) and the book cover is relatable to me. (the candy corn, the pencils, the eraser, the fish, the student of the month, etc.) I really enjoyed this book and Maggie was such a relatable character and I felt myself truly seeing things the way she saw them throughout the book. I loved this book and I think those who would get the most enjoyment out of it would be around 11-12 (Maggie's age).

Rating: 5 stars