Rating: Recommended
Henry Holt, 2010, $16.99
ISBN: 9780805089028
Grade/Age Level: 3rd-6th grade
Creating a microcosm of real-life dilemmas, Agell's authentic 9-year-old voice examines familiar emotions such as jealousy, friendship, and social mores from the fresh and charming perspective of India McAllister. Fourth grader India, of Chinese descent, is the adopted daughter of Rosemary and Andrew. Rosemary, an artist, and Andrew, a doctor, divorced when India was seven. Andrew now lives with Richard, and the only problem India has with that is sharing her father with someone new. Agell deftly develops familial acceptance and love through Tofu and Beatrice Strawberry while guiding the reading down the perilous path of friendship via Colby and Amanda "the rodent," while solidifying how truly loved India is by all. Agell's perky illustrations offer just enough humor and wit to make it enjoyable reading for young and old alike.
Reviewer: Marie Louise Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo
