Rocky Road by Rose Kent

Kent, Rose Rocky Road 304 pgs. Alfred A. Knopf BFYR, 2010. Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G. $16.99. Delilah Dobson: plucky Southern mom of Tess and Jordan, prone to severe mood swings referred to as "shooting stars", loves get-rich-quick schemes.
Tess Dobson: 12 year-old fashionista extraordinaire, member of peer mediation club, resourceful.
Jordan Dobson: Tess' 8 year-old brother, reptile lover, deaf.
Combine these characters and you get a dynamic story of the Dobson family moving cross-country to start an ice cream shop in Schenectady, New York. Responsible Tess is anything but excited though as she worries that her unstable mom won't be able to withstand the rigors of yet another business venture. In the meantime, Tess is busy caring for her younger brother and trying to adjust to living in a senior community center. On yet another rocky road, Tess and her family realize how true their family motto is: Ice cream warms the heart no matter what the weather!
This was a sweet book with very well-developed characters and some moving passages. It addresses some of life's tough issues with some razzle dazzle. Also included at the back are some favorite ice cream recipes and a look into ice cream flavors and the inner you. And the front cover is a treat as well! This book is a must!! EL/MS-ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.