Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com
Why did Isabel's whole world have to change just because her mama decided to have a baby? It's good that Mama's not sick anymore, but now that the baby performed a miracle and cured Mama's cancer, can't it just go away and leave things the way they were before? When Mama used to pay attention to Isabel, and Daddy used to tell her stories of Clyde the frog?
Now, Daddy's hardly ever home because he has to work a new job. Isabel is stuck with Mama and the stinky, noisy baby in a different house and a different school where Isabel has no friends except Tara, from next door. Now Mama won't even let her play with Tara! It's not fair. Nothing is ever fair anymore in Isabel's world, and it's all because of that stupid baby!
The spirited Isabel deals with real-world problems in this well-written story of survival in the third grade. From jealousy of a new sibling and fear of the return of her mother's cancer to navigating the treacherous world of playground rules and mean kids, this book will resonate with its young readers.
Pearce displays strong writing and the ability to create relatable characters and issues. A breakout first novel!
Why did Isabel's whole world have to change just because her mama decided to have a baby? It's good that Mama's not sick anymore, but now that the baby performed a miracle and cured Mama's cancer, can't it just go away and leave things the way they were before? When Mama used to pay attention to Isabel, and Daddy used to tell her stories of Clyde the frog?
Now, Daddy's hardly ever home because he has to work a new job. Isabel is stuck with Mama and the stinky, noisy baby in a different house and a different school where Isabel has no friends except Tara, from next door. Now Mama won't even let her play with Tara! It's not fair. Nothing is ever fair anymore in Isabel's world, and it's all because of that stupid baby!
The spirited Isabel deals with real-world problems in this well-written story of survival in the third grade. From jealousy of a new sibling and fear of the return of her mother's cancer to navigating the treacherous world of playground rules and mean kids, this book will resonate with its young readers.
Pearce displays strong writing and the ability to create relatable characters and issues. A breakout first novel!
