What You Need to Know:
• Growing up is hard, but Genie Kunkle succeeds and lives to blog about it in this delightful new book, Genie Wishes.
• The story here is reminiscent of another great adolescent author, Judy Blume.
• There are some tough issues discussed in this book. Our protagonist, Genie, has recently lost her mother in a car
accident and her grandfather to a heart attack.
• Girls will find a strong role model in Genie, who faces challenges head on. |
Sweet Book Summary:
Genie Haddock Kunkle is the charming and funny heroine of the equally charming new book Genie Wishes, by debut author Elisabeth Dahl. Genie has just started the fifth grade at Hopkins Country Day School, where she has just been voted class blogger for the new classroom blog, Wishes, Hopes and Dreams. In the blog, Genie is tasked with speaking for the students. Fifth grade is a scary time and things and people are changing rapidly. Genie isn't quite sure how to navigate this new territory, let alone blog about it, but she tries. As Genie's older friend Eve said, "Right, fifth grade, that's when everything started to get weird".
Author Elisabeth Dahl writes a funny and warm story about facing the many challenges that tweens on the edge of adolescence face every day. Dahl can definitely be compared to Judy Blume; her presentation is humorous and direct. I have a feeling that several of the issues Genie is dealing with will resonate with many of the young girls who pick this book up. Some of the surprises Genie has to navigate this year include losing her best friend to the new (mean) girls, boys suddenly acting strangely, puberty changes, her widower father dating, and more. Dahl handles each issue, delicately, with concern and honesty, and allows Genie to see each through realistically and with a fair amount of grace. I wish I had been as mature as Genie back then!
The reader will see a strong and united family in Genie's, even though they have been affected by tragedy. After Genie's mother died in a car accident, Genie, her father and her brother moved in with her grandparents. Gran plays a large role in Genie's life. Genie may be lacking a mother, but she isn't lacking a mother figure. I think this may give hope to young readers who have been directly impacted by death or fear its effects. Girls will also find a strong role model in Genie and emulating her bravery will do them good. Dahl has sprinkled this book with a fair amount of girl-power messages. When Gran hears boys may be intimidated by Genie's intellect, she quickly reminds her, "...never hide your smarts, not for any man!"
The cover of the book invites the reader in with its picture of a young girl and her computer; it and will appeal to a modern, young audience. The publisher recommends this book for ages 8 and up. I find that a bit young for some of the subjects that are discussed in this book. I would caution you to take care to put this into the hands of a reader you know can handle the issues it covers and to make yourself available for questions should your reader have concerns. |
Author: Elisabeth Dahl Illustrator: Elisabeth Dahl Published: 2013, 288 pages
Themes: Family Life, Friendship, Identity, School |
Sweet Discussion Questions:
• Genie has to face a lot of different challenges in this story. Which of these issues have you had to contend with?
• Did you handle your issues similarly or differently than Genie did? How?
• Did you ever have a friendship end? How did you handle that?
• Why do you think Blair behaved the way she did? Do you know anyone like her?
• If you had a blog, what would you call it? Why?
• What kind of things would you like to blog about? |
| This recommendation was written by: Melissa Y. |
| Support Independent Book Shops: Click Here to Buy this Book on IndieBound |
|
Capture the Flag
