Harper Collins, June 2009
Overall Grade: A-
Annie is afraid of everything: bugs, germs, heights, speed, bikes, obstacle courses—and the dead-brother-look that people have given her every since her older brother Jared died of a rare heart disease. As far as Annie is concerned, she has to be careful…because, after all, you never know what could happen. Your parents don’t know. The doctors don’t know. It takes a whole crowd of friends and neighbors to help Annie learn that being too cautious can keep you from just being yourself.
Lisa Graff’s Annie is a character you just want to hug (except she probably wouldn’t let you if you show any of the many symptoms of laryngitis), and who can make you laugh and (if you’re the emotional type) almost cry.
Our biggest complaint: Why do so many writers try to force Charlotte’s Web into books about death?? (And please do comment; we really want to know!)
Literary Quality: A-
Plot: B
Voice: A
Originality: A-
Descriptive Ability: A
Humor: n/a
Illustrations: n/a
Believability of Characters: A
Believability of Situations: A-
Overall Reading Enjoyment: A
Possibly objectionable topics*: death of sibling
Overall Grade: A-
Annie is afraid of everything: bugs, germs, heights, speed, bikes, obstacle courses—and the dead-brother-look that people have given her every since her older brother Jared died of a rare heart disease. As far as Annie is concerned, she has to be careful…because, after all, you never know what could happen. Your parents don’t know. The doctors don’t know. It takes a whole crowd of friends and neighbors to help Annie learn that being too cautious can keep you from just being yourself.
Lisa Graff’s Annie is a character you just want to hug (except she probably wouldn’t let you if you show any of the many symptoms of laryngitis), and who can make you laugh and (if you’re the emotional type) almost cry.
Our biggest complaint: Why do so many writers try to force Charlotte’s Web into books about death?? (And please do comment; we really want to know!)
Literary Quality: A-
Plot: B
Voice: A
Originality: A-
Descriptive Ability: A
Humor: n/a
Illustrations: n/a
Believability of Characters: A
Believability of Situations: A-
Overall Reading Enjoyment: A
Possibly objectionable topics*: death of sibling
