Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roarke Dowell

Dowell, Frances O’Roarke Ten Miles Past Normal, 224 p. Atheneum (Simon), MARCH 2011.  $16.99.  Content: G.  When she was nine, Janie, now a much more mature 14, loved the family move to a farm.  When an unfortunate of goat poop earns her the ridicule of everyone on her bus, Janie is much less enamored of the simple life and looking for a change.  Her best friend, Sarah, is always willing to support, but different lunch schedules leaves Janie hiding in the library, alone.  A boy named Monster, a bass guitar and a report on a local civil rights hero will send Janie towards a new, unexpected path in life – and while it may be way past normal, it may actually be pretty good.  Dowell has a way with this mellow, but powerful type of literature.  While nothing will jump out and bite you from her pages, you will have laughed and felt and enjoyed your time spent reading.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher