Annie’s Life in Lists by Kristin Mahoney - ADVISABLE

Annie’s Life in Lists by Kristin Mahoney, 257 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2018. $17.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Annie is trying to fit in at a new school, having moved from the city to the small town of Clover Gap. She documents her life in a series of lists as she tries to navigate new friendships, shifts in family, and overcoming shyness.  Annie is sure she is the reason she got kicked out of her school and her family had to move. Her older brother is far from happy about the move, and her father doesn’t navigate life outside the city well.  Plus Annie is desperately missing her best and only friend.     

While Annie is only a 4th grader, her story would resonate with middle school kids as well.   The use of lists as a narrative device is fun and very readable.  Annie is a believable and likable character, and this book makes you want to start keeping a journal in list form.  This is a sweet coming of age story that will make you want to attend a small town festival. 

Michelle in the Middle, Teacher