Monday, July 1, 2013

Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff - OPTIONAL


Giff, Patricia Reilly Gingersnap, 149p.  Wendy Lamb Books, 2013.  $15.99. Content: G.

Jayna’s older brother Rob has been called up for duty during WWII, leaving her in the care of their fussy landlady.  Before he leaves, however, Rob tells Jayna about a little blue recipe book that found among their dead parents’ things.  After Rob is reported missing, Jayna decides to follow the clue of the recipe book to New York City and see if she can find and reunite with the woman in the picture, who she thinks may be her grandmother.  

Personally, I think the story as it stands would be more than enough.  There is a mysterious voice in Jayna’s head which tries to give her advice and comfort as she goes along.  I did not need that voice.  Not one bit.  It kind of ruined it for me.  If you can get past that layer of mysticism, then you’ll be fine.  Then it would just be a good WWII homefront story.  

EL – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

1 comment:

Ms. Yingling said...

The mysticism rather ruined it for me. There is not a huge call for homefront books, either.