From Publishers Weekly
Choldenko (Moonstruck) vividly captures the feelings of a middle child torn between wanting to be noticed and wanting to be invisible, through the narration of sixth grader Ant (Antonia) MacPherson. Ant believes she was misplaced at birth. "Dear Real Mom,/ This is what I would like to happen. I would like you and my real dad to come RIGHT NOW," she writes in the book she's keeping for her "real parents." She feels like the thorn between two roses, overshadowed by her sisters ("Your Highness Elizabeth" and "Katherine the Great") and misunderstood by her mother and father. She takes solace in the idea of a fantasy family, and in the company of her beloved dog Pistachio and quirky best friend Harrison (he's obsessed with chickens) as well as the nest of falsehoods she constructs for herself. Some have serious consequences, such as switching her stellar report cards with Harrison's lackluster ones, dodging vet bills and accidentally endangering herself and others while volunteering at the zoo. A sympathetic art teacher, Just Carol ("she always says, `Just call me Carol' "), glimpses the hurt behind Ant's misdeeds and steps in, but ultimately it's up to Ant to face some hard truths, take responsibility for her behavior and forge a fresh start with her family. Poignant passages belie Ant's tough exterior, as with her observations about her best friend, and her interaction with her father upon his return from a six-week business trip. This funny and touching novel portrays the tug-of-war within this strong heroine and taps into very real emotions. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--Ce texte provient d'une édition qui n'est plus publiée ou qui est non diponible.
From School Library Journal
Gr 6-8-This funny, touching story of 12-year-old Antonia MacPherson heralds the arrival of a fresh new voice in literature for young people. Ant has an unenviable position in her family, falling between two perfect sisters, Katherine the Great and Your Highness Elizabeth. She has a penchant for getting into trouble and driving her bewildered parents crazy. She copes by pretending that she is adopted and by lying. While she is starved for affirmation and aches for attention, her defensiveness and lack of trust often leave her misunderstood and sad. Then an interested art teacher takes her under her wing and insists on honesty and the truth. She introduces Ant and her friend Harrison to volunteering at the zoo, where the girl's lying gets her into some dangerous situations. In the novel's resolution, Ant and her mother finally talk, and they acknowledge that they share the blame for their difficulties. Her mother admits that she prefers the sisters who are less puzzling and less apt to be in trouble. In the end, Ant realizes that her mother loves her, that this is her real family. Choldenko has a wonderfully witty way with words. Her first-person narrative is humorous, tongue-in-cheek, and as irreverent as her independent heroine. For any kid who is a middle child, for kids who have trouble getting along with their parents, for kids who are sure that their parents prefer their siblings, this book will bring delight and understanding.-Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--Ce texte provient d'une édition qui n'est plus publiée ou qui est non diponible.
