-from Penguin Random House
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Law, Ingrid. 2008. SAVVY. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-8037-3306.
Law, Ingrid. 2008. SAVVY. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-8037-3306.
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
The Beaumont kids are special, and on their 13th birthdays, they become even more special. Right before Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont’s big birthday, her Poppa is in a tragic car accident. When Momma and big brother, Rocket, go to the hospital to be with Poppa, Mibs is bound and determined to join them there. She thinks her savvy can save her dad. Mibs sets off on a grand adventure in the back of a Bible-toting bus, along with some siblings and friends, to find her own way to her Poppa.
The Beaumont kids are special, and on their 13th birthdays, they become even more special. Right before Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont’s big birthday, her Poppa is in a tragic car accident. When Momma and big brother, Rocket, go to the hospital to be with Poppa, Mibs is bound and determined to join them there. She thinks her savvy can save her dad. Mibs sets off on a grand adventure in the back of a Bible-toting bus, along with some siblings and friends, to find her own way to her Poppa.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This adventurous tale is sprinkled with deep insight and great characterization. Law’s middle grade book includes sophisticated awareness and perspective. For example, when Mibs encounters the unconscious homeless man outside the diner, she describes him as a “lifeless lump of flesh that had once been a walking, talking, hoping, dreaming man–once been someone’s son or friend…or father.” Mibs’ compassion is a theme throughout the book. Even as a young person, she is empathetic towards the adults around her.
Also, the creativity of the ‘savvy’ is the fantastical element within an otherwise realistic, coming-of-age story. The first-person narrative perspective reveals all of the adolescent awkwardness and anxiety of Mibs’ character. The reader also gets to witness the self-awareness and self-control that she, as well as some of the characters, develop throughout their adventure.
This adventurous tale is sprinkled with deep insight and great characterization. Law’s middle grade book includes sophisticated awareness and perspective. For example, when Mibs encounters the unconscious homeless man outside the diner, she describes him as a “lifeless lump of flesh that had once been a walking, talking, hoping, dreaming man–once been someone’s son or friend…or father.” Mibs’ compassion is a theme throughout the book. Even as a young person, she is empathetic towards the adults around her.
Also, the creativity of the ‘savvy’ is the fantastical element within an otherwise realistic, coming-of-age story. The first-person narrative perspective reveals all of the adolescent awkwardness and anxiety of Mibs’ character. The reader also gets to witness the self-awareness and self-control that she, as well as some of the characters, develop throughout their adventure.
4. REVIEWS & AWARDS
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2009
Booklist starred, (May 2008) “Law’s storytelling is rollicking, her language imaginative, and her entire cast of whacky, yet believable characters delightful. Readers will want more from Law; her first book is both wholly engaging and lots of fun.”
Kirkus Reviews starred, (April 2008)
Newbery Honor Book, 2009
Publishers Weekly starred, (April 2008)
School Library Journal, (May 2008) “With its delightful premise and lively adventure, this book will please a wide variety of audiences, not just fantasy fans. Definitely an author to watch.”
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2009
Booklist starred, (May 2008) “Law’s storytelling is rollicking, her language imaginative, and her entire cast of whacky, yet believable characters delightful. Readers will want more from Law; her first book is both wholly engaging and lots of fun.”
Kirkus Reviews starred, (April 2008)
Newbery Honor Book, 2009
Publishers Weekly starred, (April 2008)
School Library Journal, (May 2008) “With its delightful premise and lively adventure, this book will please a wide variety of audiences, not just fantasy fans. Definitely an author to watch.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*I think this would be a great read aloud or book study in conjunction discussing different abilities or social awareness. If presented in the right way, it could easily fit with Different-Abilities Month in October or Autism Awareness month in April.
*This book could pair well with other self-awareness and self-acceptance themed books The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan or Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega.
*I think this would be a great read aloud or book study in conjunction discussing different abilities or social awareness. If presented in the right way, it could easily fit with Different-Abilities Month in October or Autism Awareness month in April.
*This book could pair well with other self-awareness and self-acceptance themed books The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan or Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega.
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