"I thought we talked about this.
Your dad said he's been doing your
flash cards with you.
I know - I know my sixes pretty well, but ...
You've got to be able to make change
if you're going to work at the market."
I have read other graphic novels by Lucy Knisley; this is her first for young readers. What an excellent way to share, in often funny and very poignant text, some aspects of her own life story.
Following her parents' divorce, Jen and her mother move to a rural setting. Jen is not thrilled; she misses the many amenities of her city life. She loves comic books and Chinese food. They are not to be found anywhere close to where they live in the country. Now, her days include caring for their chickens by keeping them fed and their henhouse clean, hauling water, milking cows, laying down wood chips to create dry pathways around the farm. She must also contend with the grumpiness of her mother's boyfriend, Walter and his daughters who visit on weekends.
Jen helps at the farmers' market. Her math skills are lacking and causing some issues. When Walter's girls start making their weekend visits, Jen has more to make her angry. Andy is a know-it -all - capable and bright, and always wanting things to be done her way. She is also good at math. The three must share Jen's room; it is an uncomfortable time of adjustment for everyone. Jen relies on her art and writing to give her outlet for her conflicted feelings.
Humorous and emotional, this book will resonate with middle graders who feel burdened by their own inablitity to make decisions for themselves, while under parental control. It is heartening to see that Jen grows and thrives as she learns new skills, focuses on her artistic ingenuity, and becomes friends with her new 'sisters'.
A realistic story that allows readers to relate to well-developed characters, accompanied by expertly crafted visual storytelling. Love the farm scenes, and the rural setting. Back matter is much appreciated.
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