Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
Grace is going in to 7th grade alone. Her best friend dropped her at the end of the last school year. Grace is unsure of herself and wants to hide from her old friend. Plus, her parents have gotten a divorce and her relationship with her mother is difficult. Grace signs up for the fencing club, hoping to gain a friend and perhaps a more sure footing.
This book brings up a lot of issues: losing a friend in middle school when friends go different direction, mother-daughter relations, divorce, trying something new, and trying not to look foolish in front of peers. This is a great book that addresses all of that. The biggest focus may be on imperfect family relations and how to work on them and that it's ok to advocate for yourself. The fencing is only a side bar, really. Great way to spark discussion and realize you're not alone. The art is bright and well done. Grace appears white, but has friends from multiple backgrounds.
Michelle in the Middle
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