Friend Friday

Okay, it’s been out for a little while BUT we are just getting back to school here in the great Pacific Northwest so I think it’s okay to give a shout out to Jennifer Holm for her latest novel “in stuff,” EIGHTH GRADE IS MAKING ME SICK.

True Confession #1: Jenni and I are “Silver Sisters,” having both been Newbery honorees in 2007. (Okay, so she’s had like 97 other Newbery honors since then)

True Confession #2: May Amelia is one of my favorite characters in children’s literature of all time. Jenni kills historical fiction. Kills it!

True Confession #3: I have a small “cameo” in this new book. I answer a homework question posed by the main character. Sadly, my snarky answer arrives at a really terrible time for Ginny. I felt terrible about that. Didn’t know that was part of the story. But I do get emails just like the ones Ginny sends me, asking for homework “help” the night before some big assignment is due. (teachers: please rethink such assignments)

True Confession #4: Jenni’s book touches on a disease I HATE: Colitis. Too many young people are having their lives undone by this crappy illness, along with its ugly stepsister, Crohn’s disease. Five of my immediate family members battle Colitis/Crohn’s. Hate. It. Big. Time.

True Confession #5: Even if there weren’t True Confessions 1-4, I would adore this book. It is real, smart and full of heart. And real. Did I mention that already?

You need to read it. And you need to buy it. From your local indie bookseller, of course.

No Responses to “Friend Friday”

  1. KarenC

    Jennifer Holm and a Kirby Larson cameo? Be still my heart! Gotta get that book.

    PS: You are always lovable, never snarky.