Author: Mary Casanova
Illustrator: Brian Hailes
Summary
McKenna's cast will be off soon, and she's ready to try out for the competition gymnastic team. She has two months--until March--to get ready. She's also still working with Josie, but once a week instead of twice. Josie is going to go to a therapeutic riding center soon, but she's afraid of getting hurt horseback-riding. McKenna offers to come with her--even though she'll have to reschedule getting the cast off. It's important to her to help Josie. Toulane cautions McKenna not to let too much take time away from gymnastics--Toulane's mother is always on her back to focus so she can make the competitive team.
At the riding center, McKenna is surprised to see one of her classmates, Elizabeth. Her younger brother has a mental disability (and maybe physical; the book isn't clear), and he rides horses there too. Elizabeth volunteers there on the weekends. McKenna mentions it to her gymnastics coach at her next practice (when her cast is finally off) and the whole team will soon be going up to help out after practice one Saturday. Sierra's excited--McKenna notices that Sierra's been very encouraging as she restarts gymnastics--but Toulane isn't sure she can take a break. McKenna's frustrated with how distant she feels from Toulane. The two used to be so close, but now Toulane is obsessing over gymnastics and hardly lets herself think about anything else, plus it seems like McKenna keeps hurting Toulane's feelings. Toulane gets permission to go to the riding center and does pretty well there, but gets flustered quickly and McKenna doesn't get a chance to talk with her.
Soon, a solution presents itself: McKenna's teacher says she no longer needs a tutor (McKenna and Josie will remain friends) and to celebrate, McKenna's parents say she can invite two friends for dinner at the top of the Space Needle (that's a very expensive dinner, but her dad says she's earned it). McKenna invites Toulane and Josie, being sure to tell each that the other is invited. Toulane says yes right away, and also agrees to ask her mom if she can come help at the riding center again. At the riding center that weekend, Toulane confesses her fear of not making the competitive team, and McKenna notes that Toulane doesn't seem to enjoy gymnastics anymore.
Two weeks fly by. It's time for tryouts. McKenna performs well enough to earn one of the two spots on the competitive team, and Toulane gets the other. Sierra comes in third behind McKenna. But Toulane tells the coach she doesn't want to on the competitive team. She'd rather have fun with rhythmic gymnastics, even if it's not what her mom wants--Toulane's the one doing the sport, not her mom. The coach wisely tells Toulane to talk with her mom before saying anything to Sierra.
The books skips ahead to the Space Needle dinner. Toulane is joining rhythmic gymnastics now that her mother understands how miserable she's been. McKenna and Sierra are now both on the competitive team, and Josie's learning more and more about riding. McKenna's happy to share a fun dinner with Toulane and Josie; happy to have two close friends.
Real Girls Who Encourage Each Other
Katie W., a thirteen-year-old Wisconsin snowboard champion, began collecting and making hats when her friend Gina was diagnosed with cancer. The two girls donated hundreds of hats, and Gina is now in remission. New Jersey resident Grace G. uses hearing aids, and when she learned that most insurance companies don't the expensive equipment, she campaigned and got a law passed that insurance companies have to cover hearing aids in her state--and the law is named after her (http://graceslaw.com/). Michala R. raised $200,000 to fund autism research in just six months, inspired by her younger brother who has autism. Ruthie, adopted from Haiti, and her best friend Raegan set up a fundraiser wherein Raegan swam more than two miles (in a pool) with Ruthie's encouragement and pledge solicitation, and sent about $70,000 to help fund relief efforts after a devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Misc
Dedicated to "the kids and volunteers at Forget-Me-Not Riding Center, for young gymnasts everywhere, and for readers of all kinds and abilities. Follow your dreams!"
I wonder how far from Queen Anne Hill you can actually get in twenty-five minutes (the time to drive to the riding center) on a Friday afternoon. Seattle's rush hour traffic is not kind.
On page thirty-one, Shannon and Logan say hi to each other. Logan is a teenager while Shannon is an adult--did she escape the time warp?
12/18/14
Girl of the Year 2012: McKenna
Author: Mary Casanova
Illustrator: Brian Hailes
Summary
When school lets out for the day, McKenna Brooks can hardly wait to get to gymnastics practice. But her mother tells her to do some homework first--there's a half hour before practice and her teacher has warned McKenna's parents that her schoolwork isn't quite where it should be. McKenna knows she's having trouble keeping up, how can she tell her parents that when her father's a high school principal? She tries to focus on her science book, but just can't. Soon enough, it's time to leave for the gym with her grandmother and her five-year-old twin sisters, Maisey and Mara. She has a wonderful time there with her best friend Toulane and meeting a new teammate, Sierra. But after practice her parents show her the email from her teacher, and warn her that she might need to cut back on gymnastics. McKenna's even less willing to ask for help when she sees everyone else in the class breezing through a quiz. She can't even finish it and the teacher tells her to take it home. When McKenna asks another student for help, the student offers to just give her the answers. The other girl's mother sees what's going on and puts a stop to it. McKenna is so embarrassed--she's the only one in her class having trouble, and now she was ready to cheat to get to the answers.
After a conference with her teacher and parents, McKenna starts meeting with a tutor, a sixth-grade girl named Josie (McKenna's in fourth grade). McKenna feels awkward with Josie at first, in part because she doesn't want to admit she needs a tutor and in part because Josie is the first person McKenna's ever talked to who uses a wheelchair. But Josie is friendly and smart, and the study session goes well. McKenna has to leave class early for her tutoring, and Toulane starts asking where she's going. Sierra deduces that McKenna doesn't want to talk about it, but Toulane persists, asking if McKenna's getting private gymnastics coaching. To get Toulane off her back, McKenna lies and says she's right. Toulane doesn't speak to McKenna for the rest of practice, or the next few days.
One weekend, McKenna's family takes time to visit the Olympic Peninsula (across Puget Sound from Seattle). Josie and her parents come too. Wanting to be sure Josie isn't left out, McKenna finds some wheelchair-accessible trails in the Hoh Rain Forest at Olympic National Park. The two girls have a wonderful time seeing everything there. McKenna finds some time to read Island of the Blue Dolphins (great book) and is happy to discover that she's retaining a lot of the information, thanks to Josie's tips. Josie also gives McKenna a notebook for writing poetry--it will help her reading comprehension even more. McKenna is happy that she and Josie are becoming friends.
The next week at school, Toulane and Sierra happen upon McKenna studying with Josie. Her secret--and lie--are found out. To her credit, McKenna apologizes immediately, but her teammates are hurt that she'd lie and keep secrets from them. McKenna takes a moment to collect herself, and buckles down to her schoolwork. Gymnastic tryouts are the next weekend, and she wants to qualify for the next level. The tryouts seem to be going well--until McKenna slips and falls. She breaks her ankle. She'll be out for at least two months, until after the new year.
McKenna is upset, of course. But she realizes that moping won't solve anything. A talk with Josie helps her see that she doesn't need to worry too much what other think of her (i.e.; students seeing her with a tutor). She just needs to be McKenna. Toulane calls and Sierra visits too, and McKenna makes up with her friends. She's also getting back on top of school. McKenna goes to practice to observe, and cheer on her teammates. It's not easy being on the sidelines, but she knows she'll be back soon.
Real Girls, Real Letters
"Under Pressure" thinks her mom is pushing her too hard in school--her grades are falling because the work is harder--and is told that any grade earned with her best effort is worthwhile, but that she should figure out why her grades are slipping, so they don't slip further. "Stumped and Stupid" is encouraged to ask for help when she needs it, because she can't do everything on her own. "Copycat" gets some studying advice and is told that yes, she has to stop copying other people's work--it won't help in the long run and cheating is dishonest. "Daydreamer" gets some tips on staying focused during lectures, like visualizing what the teacher's talking about or taking notes.
Misc
Dedicated to Peyton, and all the girls at Perpetual Motion Gymnastics. Special thanks to Jeanelle Memmel; Patti Kelly Criswell, MSW; Dr. Laurie Cutting; and Dr. Debbie Straub.
This book is first-person narration.
My grandmother is a twin, and has a sister five years older, like McKenna's family. They also had a brother five years older than the older sister, but he died in a military training exercise decades ago.
One of my cousins is a teacher at a school on Queen Anne Hill, the area of Seattle where McKenna lives.
McKenna's mother runs a coffee shop.
McKenna has a pet hamster named Polka Dot, and the family has a golden retriever/poodle mix named Cooper.
One of McKenna's younger sisters seems to have never heard of the Olympic Peninsula. I grew up a suburb of Seattle, and I could have pointed out the Olympic Mountains when I was five, and knew about the Peninsula.
I also knew then that it's Mount Olympus, not Mount Olympia as the book incorrectly calls it. Olympia is the capital city. Some other bits are a little off: Bainbridge Island is across Puget Sound from Seattle, not across the bay (Elliot Bay). The route they take to Olympic National Park is one plausible way to go, but a LOT of driving. Over the weekend, they're spending several hours in the car. And this is VERY WRONG: it's not Pikes Place Market. It's Pike Place Market, at the end of Pike Street.
From the landmarks, it sounds like McKenna and her family take the Seattle-Bremerton ferry, which takes about an hour instead of a little over half an hour like the book says, though it might be the 35/40 minute Seattle-Bainbridge ferry. Taking either of those rather than the Edmonds-Kingston ferry will make your drive to the Olympic Peninsula longer by about an hour.
My favorite haiku (I didn't write it):
Haikus are easy
But they don't always make sense
Refrigerator
McKenna's teacher hands out books for book reports. We always chose our own, but the teacher seems to have taken time to select books that people would like (they don't all get the same book).
Illustrator: Brian Hailes
Summary
When school lets out for the day, McKenna Brooks can hardly wait to get to gymnastics practice. But her mother tells her to do some homework first--there's a half hour before practice and her teacher has warned McKenna's parents that her schoolwork isn't quite where it should be. McKenna knows she's having trouble keeping up, how can she tell her parents that when her father's a high school principal? She tries to focus on her science book, but just can't. Soon enough, it's time to leave for the gym with her grandmother and her five-year-old twin sisters, Maisey and Mara. She has a wonderful time there with her best friend Toulane and meeting a new teammate, Sierra. But after practice her parents show her the email from her teacher, and warn her that she might need to cut back on gymnastics. McKenna's even less willing to ask for help when she sees everyone else in the class breezing through a quiz. She can't even finish it and the teacher tells her to take it home. When McKenna asks another student for help, the student offers to just give her the answers. The other girl's mother sees what's going on and puts a stop to it. McKenna is so embarrassed--she's the only one in her class having trouble, and now she was ready to cheat to get to the answers.
After a conference with her teacher and parents, McKenna starts meeting with a tutor, a sixth-grade girl named Josie (McKenna's in fourth grade). McKenna feels awkward with Josie at first, in part because she doesn't want to admit she needs a tutor and in part because Josie is the first person McKenna's ever talked to who uses a wheelchair. But Josie is friendly and smart, and the study session goes well. McKenna has to leave class early for her tutoring, and Toulane starts asking where she's going. Sierra deduces that McKenna doesn't want to talk about it, but Toulane persists, asking if McKenna's getting private gymnastics coaching. To get Toulane off her back, McKenna lies and says she's right. Toulane doesn't speak to McKenna for the rest of practice, or the next few days.
One weekend, McKenna's family takes time to visit the Olympic Peninsula (across Puget Sound from Seattle). Josie and her parents come too. Wanting to be sure Josie isn't left out, McKenna finds some wheelchair-accessible trails in the Hoh Rain Forest at Olympic National Park. The two girls have a wonderful time seeing everything there. McKenna finds some time to read Island of the Blue Dolphins (great book) and is happy to discover that she's retaining a lot of the information, thanks to Josie's tips. Josie also gives McKenna a notebook for writing poetry--it will help her reading comprehension even more. McKenna is happy that she and Josie are becoming friends.
The next week at school, Toulane and Sierra happen upon McKenna studying with Josie. Her secret--and lie--are found out. To her credit, McKenna apologizes immediately, but her teammates are hurt that she'd lie and keep secrets from them. McKenna takes a moment to collect herself, and buckles down to her schoolwork. Gymnastic tryouts are the next weekend, and she wants to qualify for the next level. The tryouts seem to be going well--until McKenna slips and falls. She breaks her ankle. She'll be out for at least two months, until after the new year.
McKenna is upset, of course. But she realizes that moping won't solve anything. A talk with Josie helps her see that she doesn't need to worry too much what other think of her (i.e.; students seeing her with a tutor). She just needs to be McKenna. Toulane calls and Sierra visits too, and McKenna makes up with her friends. She's also getting back on top of school. McKenna goes to practice to observe, and cheer on her teammates. It's not easy being on the sidelines, but she knows she'll be back soon.
Real Girls, Real Letters
"Under Pressure" thinks her mom is pushing her too hard in school--her grades are falling because the work is harder--and is told that any grade earned with her best effort is worthwhile, but that she should figure out why her grades are slipping, so they don't slip further. "Stumped and Stupid" is encouraged to ask for help when she needs it, because she can't do everything on her own. "Copycat" gets some studying advice and is told that yes, she has to stop copying other people's work--it won't help in the long run and cheating is dishonest. "Daydreamer" gets some tips on staying focused during lectures, like visualizing what the teacher's talking about or taking notes.
Misc
Dedicated to Peyton, and all the girls at Perpetual Motion Gymnastics. Special thanks to Jeanelle Memmel; Patti Kelly Criswell, MSW; Dr. Laurie Cutting; and Dr. Debbie Straub.
This book is first-person narration.
My grandmother is a twin, and has a sister five years older, like McKenna's family. They also had a brother five years older than the older sister, but he died in a military training exercise decades ago.
One of my cousins is a teacher at a school on Queen Anne Hill, the area of Seattle where McKenna lives.
McKenna's mother runs a coffee shop.
McKenna has a pet hamster named Polka Dot, and the family has a golden retriever/poodle mix named Cooper.
One of McKenna's younger sisters seems to have never heard of the Olympic Peninsula. I grew up a suburb of Seattle, and I could have pointed out the Olympic Mountains when I was five, and knew about the Peninsula.
I also knew then that it's Mount Olympus, not Mount Olympia as the book incorrectly calls it. Olympia is the capital city. Some other bits are a little off: Bainbridge Island is across Puget Sound from Seattle, not across the bay (Elliot Bay). The route they take to Olympic National Park is one plausible way to go, but a LOT of driving. Over the weekend, they're spending several hours in the car. And this is VERY WRONG: it's not Pikes Place Market. It's Pike Place Market, at the end of Pike Street.
From the landmarks, it sounds like McKenna and her family take the Seattle-Bremerton ferry, which takes about an hour instead of a little over half an hour like the book says, though it might be the 35/40 minute Seattle-Bainbridge ferry. Taking either of those rather than the Edmonds-Kingston ferry will make your drive to the Olympic Peninsula longer by about an hour.
My favorite haiku (I didn't write it):
Haikus are easy
But they don't always make sense
Refrigerator
McKenna's teacher hands out books for book reports. We always chose our own, but the teacher seems to have taken time to select books that people would like (they don't all get the same book).
12/17/14
Girl of the Year 2011: Good Job, Kanani!
Author: Lisa Yee
Illustrator: Sarah Davis
Summary
Rachel's been gone two weeks, and summer is fading fast. Kanani is determined to do something to help monk seals, and when she sees her family's new portable shave ice cart, she gets an idea. With her father's permission, she'll sell shave ice to raise money and awareness, with fifty cents of each shave ice cone going to making posters explaining to tourists why they should leave the monk seals alone if they're resting on the beach. But there's not much time, and what little of summer is left gets taken up by surfing and worrying about Jinx, the family's pet rooster which is lost. Kanani doesn't actually like the sport, but her friend Celina loves it and Kanani promised she'd surf with her this summer. And Celina's spending more and more time on the waves. Kanani's father won't let her operate the cart alone. Kanani is happy and surprised when Pika, a boy who's usually boastful and annoying, starts helping. With his charisma, the pair sell lots of shave ice and also collect extra donations for the monk seals.
Soon, Kanani is only twelve dollars away from being able to afford the posters (approved by the foundation that protects monk seals). But she hasn't talked to Celina in more than a week, and Celina's been off surfing with another girl who's much better at it than Kanani. Kanani's mother and grandmother encourage her to at least talk with Celina again. Maybe their friendship is growing apart, but she shouldn't give up entirely. Kanani isn't convinced until she finds Jinx. The rooster made its way to her grandmother's yard (her paternal grandmother, not the one Kanani shares with Rachel) and has really taken to her grandmother's chickens and her grandmother. Kanani declares that the rooster has found a new home, and is happy that it brings her grandmother happiness. A bit later, Kanani hears that Celina is in a surfing competition, and goes to watch. Celina wins second in her division, and the girl she's been hanging out with gets first in hers. Kanani ends up talking with the girl, Jo, and finds her very nice. Her father is a photographer, and Celina has told them about Kanani's photography hobby. Jo's father wants to see Kanani's work! He offers to buy one of her pictures for ten dollars. Kanani asks for twelve, the last bit she needs for the monk seals.
After the surfing competition, Kanani and Celina make up. Celina didn't realize how little Kanani liked surfing, and they agree to not pressure each other into things they don't like (Celina didn't like taking up so much of her day selling shave ice). The posters are printed soon after, and Kanani and Celina pass them out around the town. Kanani also sends one to Rachel.
Real Girls, Real Stories
Francesca L. of Florida used her new birthday camera to take pictures of people in homeless shelters (with permission) and made little albums for the families there, and for the last six years has returned every Mother's Day to take family portraits. Haley T. of Georgia grew her hair out for almost a year and a half to donate it for wigs. Canadian Andrea F. sewed pillowcase for patients at a children's hospital and also did in-person charity work at a South African orphanage, and asked family and friends to donate money to it instead of buying her birthday presents. Lindsey M. made emergency kits with meal supplies for elderly and disabled residents of her Colorado mountain town, and also collects supplies for a crisis pregnancy center and donates money and toys to children in need. Ellen B. and her friends raised money to give the custodian of their North Carolina school his dream vacation: a family trip to San Francisco. Emily L. of Virginia rallied her community to donate more than two hundred pairs of shoes to a program in Ethiopia that provides girls education and exercise.
Misc
Dedicated to Roger and Pat. With special thanks to "Jennifer Hirsch for helping bring Kanani's story to life."
In an email, Rachel says that she's happily settling into life with her mother and stepfather, and has gotten a pair of parakeets, Fred and Ginger.
Illustrator: Sarah Davis
Summary
Rachel's been gone two weeks, and summer is fading fast. Kanani is determined to do something to help monk seals, and when she sees her family's new portable shave ice cart, she gets an idea. With her father's permission, she'll sell shave ice to raise money and awareness, with fifty cents of each shave ice cone going to making posters explaining to tourists why they should leave the monk seals alone if they're resting on the beach. But there's not much time, and what little of summer is left gets taken up by surfing and worrying about Jinx, the family's pet rooster which is lost. Kanani doesn't actually like the sport, but her friend Celina loves it and Kanani promised she'd surf with her this summer. And Celina's spending more and more time on the waves. Kanani's father won't let her operate the cart alone. Kanani is happy and surprised when Pika, a boy who's usually boastful and annoying, starts helping. With his charisma, the pair sell lots of shave ice and also collect extra donations for the monk seals.
Soon, Kanani is only twelve dollars away from being able to afford the posters (approved by the foundation that protects monk seals). But she hasn't talked to Celina in more than a week, and Celina's been off surfing with another girl who's much better at it than Kanani. Kanani's mother and grandmother encourage her to at least talk with Celina again. Maybe their friendship is growing apart, but she shouldn't give up entirely. Kanani isn't convinced until she finds Jinx. The rooster made its way to her grandmother's yard (her paternal grandmother, not the one Kanani shares with Rachel) and has really taken to her grandmother's chickens and her grandmother. Kanani declares that the rooster has found a new home, and is happy that it brings her grandmother happiness. A bit later, Kanani hears that Celina is in a surfing competition, and goes to watch. Celina wins second in her division, and the girl she's been hanging out with gets first in hers. Kanani ends up talking with the girl, Jo, and finds her very nice. Her father is a photographer, and Celina has told them about Kanani's photography hobby. Jo's father wants to see Kanani's work! He offers to buy one of her pictures for ten dollars. Kanani asks for twelve, the last bit she needs for the monk seals.
After the surfing competition, Kanani and Celina make up. Celina didn't realize how little Kanani liked surfing, and they agree to not pressure each other into things they don't like (Celina didn't like taking up so much of her day selling shave ice). The posters are printed soon after, and Kanani and Celina pass them out around the town. Kanani also sends one to Rachel.
Real Girls, Real Stories
Francesca L. of Florida used her new birthday camera to take pictures of people in homeless shelters (with permission) and made little albums for the families there, and for the last six years has returned every Mother's Day to take family portraits. Haley T. of Georgia grew her hair out for almost a year and a half to donate it for wigs. Canadian Andrea F. sewed pillowcase for patients at a children's hospital and also did in-person charity work at a South African orphanage, and asked family and friends to donate money to it instead of buying her birthday presents. Lindsey M. made emergency kits with meal supplies for elderly and disabled residents of her Colorado mountain town, and also collects supplies for a crisis pregnancy center and donates money and toys to children in need. Ellen B. and her friends raised money to give the custodian of their North Carolina school his dream vacation: a family trip to San Francisco. Emily L. of Virginia rallied her community to donate more than two hundred pairs of shoes to a program in Ethiopia that provides girls education and exercise.
Misc
Dedicated to Roger and Pat. With special thanks to "Jennifer Hirsch for helping bring Kanani's story to life."
In an email, Rachel says that she's happily settling into life with her mother and stepfather, and has gotten a pair of parakeets, Fred and Ginger.
12/16/14
Girl of the Year 2011: Aloha, Kanani
Author: Lisa Yee
Illustrator: Sarah Davis
Summary
Ten-year-old Kanani can hardly wait for her fourteen-year-old cousin Rachel to visit. She'll be there a month while her mother is on a honeymoon (she just remarried after a divorce) and moving into a new apartment. They haven't seen each other since the family reunion four years ago, and Rachel, a New Yorker, has never been to Hawaii before. When she arrives, Rachel seems shy, or maybe tired: it's a long trip from the east coast. Once she's had a chance to rest, Kanani shows her town. She finds herself wondering if her trendy cousin thinks the buildings and people there are too backward, but Rachel does seem interested in learning about the place she'll be staying for a month. But when Kanani says they should swim, Rachel won't, and she's overwhelmed by all the new food and culture, shrinking back from it all rather than jumping in. It's going to be a long month if Rachel doesn't want to experience anything Hawaiian. Kanani worries she's offended Rachel.
The next day starts out a little better, with Rachel being more open to experiencing Hawaii. But soon the girls get in a fight, Kanani accusing Rachel of looking down on everything in Hawaii for not being as trendy as the things in New York and Rachel saying that Kanani won't shut up about how Hawaii is the greatest. Rachel goes on, and it's clear that she feels abandoned: her mother doesn't want her on the honeymoon and her dad's too busy with work and a new baby (he's remarried too), so she's sent off to stay with family she hardly knows. The girls are distracted from their fight when they spot a rare monk seal, a pup tangled in a fishing net. Rachel stays with it while Kanani gets a federal worker to help (monk seals are endangered and each time one is spotted they're supposed to alert a particular rescue group). The seal is soon freed and swims away, having been declared healthy by a biologist. Kanani is thrilled, but Rachel seems upset. Kanani can't figure out what's going on with her cousin.
But then she has an inspiration. Kanani takes Rachel paddleboarding---and Rachel loves it! She can see the beautiful things in the ocean without getting in it. Rachel's a decent swimmer but afraid of deep water. The paddleboard is perfect for her. Once the cousins have found something Rachel loves, time passes quickly. Before Rachel goes back to the New York City, Kanani takes her snorkeling. They also visit a secluded cove, and see the monk seal they helped rescue. Kanani is excited to write about the sighting in her journal, but she finds it under Rachel's pillow (the girls are sharing a room). Why would Rachel take something so private? And she's used it as her own! Of course, it's soon cleared up as mistaken identity: the cousins' grandmother sent the girls the same journal, and Kanani accidentally read some bits of Rachel's. Bits like Rachel worrying that her mother and stepfather won't want her around now that they're married and that Rachel has been crying herself to sleep, quietly so as not to wake Kanani. But it turns out to be for the best: Kanani tells Rachel how she accidentally read some of her journal, and Rachel opens up about how overwhelming and scary the changes are, and the girls bond.
On Rachel's last night, there's a surprise going-away party. The two cousins have fun and stay up late talking. They promise to keep in touch better, and even plan ahead that maybe Kanani can visit Rachel in New York. Back at home, Rachel soon writes to Kanani asking about the monk seals. Kanani replies that she's going to raise money to help the endangered animals.
Real Girls, Real Stories
Meimei N. does hands-on work with Hawaii's green sea turtles to help biologists track their health. Nicole H. of Wyoming raised money to get power lines installed underground instead of overhead, where they were trapping and killing trumpeter swans. Nichole S. of Ohio nursed an injured fawn back to health, and was later rewarded when the healed deer came back to visit--with twins! Brook B. founded Ohio's Heroes of Animals and influenced an older man to will his property to an over-crowded pet shelter--but not so crowded now since she's helped more than fifty dogs find homes. Vanja G. works with Virginia animal shelters to help cats be adopted.
Misc
Dedicated to "Nicole and Jordan." Special thanks to "Peter Apo and Maile Meyer for their insights and knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, and to Sue Kanohoof the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau for her gracious hospitality. Mahalo to the Kaua'i Monk Seal Watch Program: to Ronalee Eckberg and Denise Jones; to Donna Lee and Millie Johnson, who showed me around the island; plus a special shout-out to Tim Robinson for his invaluable information about the Hawaiian monk seal and the island of Kaua'i." And "with special thanks to Puakea Nogelmeier for his guidance on the Hawaiian language, and to the National Wildlife Federation for advocating on behalf of endangered species."
And we're back to third person narration.
Rachel has a necklace that her stepfather gave her when her mother re-married. One of my friends got married a few years ago and after they exchanged vows, her husband gave her daughter a necklace with three hearts on it to symbolize their new family (the daughter's father is dead, so my friend's husband wasn't shutting anyone out or anything like that).
Kanani's family owns a shave ice and candy store. They add a new flavor in honor of Rachel: Rachel's Big Apple.
There were a few parts when I got annoyed with the adults in the story. They seemed to be pushing Kanani to always be showing Rachel this or that when Kanani explained that Rachel wanted some time alone. I love my alone time, and would be very annoyed if I couldn't get any of it for a month.
I actually moved to Honolulu a few weeks ago (my husband got a new job). I've yet to see a monk seal in the wild, but the aquarium has some. They're HUGE. I thought they'd be harbor-seal-sized, but they're almost as big as sea lions. Also, shave ice is really good for nineteen-month-olds who cut their lips and need something cold. Bonus points if you get strawberry so the blood doesn't show.
Illustrator: Sarah Davis
Summary
Ten-year-old Kanani can hardly wait for her fourteen-year-old cousin Rachel to visit. She'll be there a month while her mother is on a honeymoon (she just remarried after a divorce) and moving into a new apartment. They haven't seen each other since the family reunion four years ago, and Rachel, a New Yorker, has never been to Hawaii before. When she arrives, Rachel seems shy, or maybe tired: it's a long trip from the east coast. Once she's had a chance to rest, Kanani shows her town. She finds herself wondering if her trendy cousin thinks the buildings and people there are too backward, but Rachel does seem interested in learning about the place she'll be staying for a month. But when Kanani says they should swim, Rachel won't, and she's overwhelmed by all the new food and culture, shrinking back from it all rather than jumping in. It's going to be a long month if Rachel doesn't want to experience anything Hawaiian. Kanani worries she's offended Rachel.
The next day starts out a little better, with Rachel being more open to experiencing Hawaii. But soon the girls get in a fight, Kanani accusing Rachel of looking down on everything in Hawaii for not being as trendy as the things in New York and Rachel saying that Kanani won't shut up about how Hawaii is the greatest. Rachel goes on, and it's clear that she feels abandoned: her mother doesn't want her on the honeymoon and her dad's too busy with work and a new baby (he's remarried too), so she's sent off to stay with family she hardly knows. The girls are distracted from their fight when they spot a rare monk seal, a pup tangled in a fishing net. Rachel stays with it while Kanani gets a federal worker to help (monk seals are endangered and each time one is spotted they're supposed to alert a particular rescue group). The seal is soon freed and swims away, having been declared healthy by a biologist. Kanani is thrilled, but Rachel seems upset. Kanani can't figure out what's going on with her cousin.
But then she has an inspiration. Kanani takes Rachel paddleboarding---and Rachel loves it! She can see the beautiful things in the ocean without getting in it. Rachel's a decent swimmer but afraid of deep water. The paddleboard is perfect for her. Once the cousins have found something Rachel loves, time passes quickly. Before Rachel goes back to the New York City, Kanani takes her snorkeling. They also visit a secluded cove, and see the monk seal they helped rescue. Kanani is excited to write about the sighting in her journal, but she finds it under Rachel's pillow (the girls are sharing a room). Why would Rachel take something so private? And she's used it as her own! Of course, it's soon cleared up as mistaken identity: the cousins' grandmother sent the girls the same journal, and Kanani accidentally read some bits of Rachel's. Bits like Rachel worrying that her mother and stepfather won't want her around now that they're married and that Rachel has been crying herself to sleep, quietly so as not to wake Kanani. But it turns out to be for the best: Kanani tells Rachel how she accidentally read some of her journal, and Rachel opens up about how overwhelming and scary the changes are, and the girls bond.
On Rachel's last night, there's a surprise going-away party. The two cousins have fun and stay up late talking. They promise to keep in touch better, and even plan ahead that maybe Kanani can visit Rachel in New York. Back at home, Rachel soon writes to Kanani asking about the monk seals. Kanani replies that she's going to raise money to help the endangered animals.
Real Girls, Real Stories
Meimei N. does hands-on work with Hawaii's green sea turtles to help biologists track their health. Nicole H. of Wyoming raised money to get power lines installed underground instead of overhead, where they were trapping and killing trumpeter swans. Nichole S. of Ohio nursed an injured fawn back to health, and was later rewarded when the healed deer came back to visit--with twins! Brook B. founded Ohio's Heroes of Animals and influenced an older man to will his property to an over-crowded pet shelter--but not so crowded now since she's helped more than fifty dogs find homes. Vanja G. works with Virginia animal shelters to help cats be adopted.
Misc
Dedicated to "Nicole and Jordan." Special thanks to "Peter Apo and Maile Meyer for their insights and knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, and to Sue Kanohoof the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau for her gracious hospitality. Mahalo to the Kaua'i Monk Seal Watch Program: to Ronalee Eckberg and Denise Jones; to Donna Lee and Millie Johnson, who showed me around the island; plus a special shout-out to Tim Robinson for his invaluable information about the Hawaiian monk seal and the island of Kaua'i." And "with special thanks to Puakea Nogelmeier for his guidance on the Hawaiian language, and to the National Wildlife Federation for advocating on behalf of endangered species."
And we're back to third person narration.
Rachel has a necklace that her stepfather gave her when her mother re-married. One of my friends got married a few years ago and after they exchanged vows, her husband gave her daughter a necklace with three hearts on it to symbolize their new family (the daughter's father is dead, so my friend's husband wasn't shutting anyone out or anything like that).
Kanani's family owns a shave ice and candy store. They add a new flavor in honor of Rachel: Rachel's Big Apple.
There were a few parts when I got annoyed with the adults in the story. They seemed to be pushing Kanani to always be showing Rachel this or that when Kanani explained that Rachel wanted some time alone. I love my alone time, and would be very annoyed if I couldn't get any of it for a month.
I actually moved to Honolulu a few weeks ago (my husband got a new job). I've yet to see a monk seal in the wild, but the aquarium has some. They're HUGE. I thought they'd be harbor-seal-sized, but they're almost as big as sea lions. Also, shave ice is really good for nineteen-month-olds who cut their lips and need something cold. Bonus points if you get strawberry so the blood doesn't show.
12/15/14
Girl of the Year 2010: Lanie's Real Adventures
Author: Jane Kurtz
Illustrators: Rebecca DeKuiper and Robert Papp
Summary
Lanie's aunt Hannah has returned, in time for a family camping trip. Lanie and Hannah sleep outside in a tent while the rest of the family sleeps in Hannah's trailer, but the family is still together on a camping trip. Lanie couldn't be happier.
When they return, Lanie and Emily start planning another garden in the front yard, a butterfly haven. The next-door neighbor comes over to complain about it, though. She's worried that the Holland house is becoming an eyesore (Hannah's camper has been in the driveway for at least two months now, and there are city ordinances about front yard appearances). She's also worried that the seeds from the native wildflowers they're planting--weeds, she says--with blow over to her yard and ruin the perfectly landscaped rose garden she has. She's also using harsh pesticides and herbicides, which Lanie worries will kill butterflies and maybe even get into the Hollands' vegetable garden.
Lanie has also joined a summer gardening program through her school. She learns about natural pesticides and herbicides, like using ladybugs to eat aphids. One boy in class, Nicholas, is an aspiring entomologist. He shows Lanie a newspaper article about how he found a particularly rare ladybug. It hadn't been seen in fourteen years so was presumed extinct, and he found the second specimen (see "Real Girls, Real Stories" below). When Lanie learns that ladybugs seek out and eat aphids, she collects several of them for her neighbor, having already made inroads with her by giving her a natural aphid spray and some homemade zucchini bread. The neighbor is skeptical but intrigued, especially when she's told that some commercial farmers use natural solutions like ladybugs. Lanie eventually decides to forgo the front yard garden, and the neighbor starts using natural pesticides and herbicides.
Inspired, Lanie suggests the gardening program put on a festival. They can raise money to help the endangered orangutans that her best friend Dakota told her about: the local people in Indonesia are mostly very poor, and illegal logging of the rain forest is a quick way to earn money, but it displaces the apes. The emails from Dakota are a good thing for Lanie, as she'd been discouraged thinking kids can't make a difference. But then Lanie's neighbor becomes more open to ideas, and the garden festival goes so well. Emily even finds monarch eggs in the Hollands' back yard shortly after Dakota returns home. When she's interviewed at the garden festival, the TV reporter asks Lanie what one thing she wants people to learn from the festival. She says that people shouldn't give up, because one person can make a difference.
Real Girls, Real Stories
Jilene and her brother Jonathan saw a rare kind of ladybug one day, a species native to their Virginia home, which hadn't been seen in fourteen years. They told a friend of theirs who was majoring in entomology, and the friend started a conservation project to help protect the ladybug, once thought to have been extinct. Sabra is a junior ranger in California, helping take care of the redwoods forest. Julia helped her Maryland school get a recycling program (sounds like she was less grating about it than someone else). Isabel and her friend Gabe started a club at their Pennsylvania school to raise money for manatee research and protection.
Misc
Special thanks are given to Kathe Crowley Conn.
Like Lanie's first book, this one is full of illustrated nature facts.
Ah, now Hannah is an ornithologist.
Everything is made of chemicals. Water is H20--a chemical. Chemicals aren't necessarily bad (or good).
Yule Tree Farms in Oregon was featured on an episode of Modern Marvels ("Christmas Tech"). It uses ladybugs and similar things for pest control, but occasionally resorts to artificial chemicals to fight particularly bad infestations, targeting the specific trees that are affected.
The next-door neighbor hears Angela playing her cello, and arranges for her to audition for a youth program with the Boston Pops.
Illustrators: Rebecca DeKuiper and Robert Papp
Summary
Lanie's aunt Hannah has returned, in time for a family camping trip. Lanie and Hannah sleep outside in a tent while the rest of the family sleeps in Hannah's trailer, but the family is still together on a camping trip. Lanie couldn't be happier.
When they return, Lanie and Emily start planning another garden in the front yard, a butterfly haven. The next-door neighbor comes over to complain about it, though. She's worried that the Holland house is becoming an eyesore (Hannah's camper has been in the driveway for at least two months now, and there are city ordinances about front yard appearances). She's also worried that the seeds from the native wildflowers they're planting--weeds, she says--with blow over to her yard and ruin the perfectly landscaped rose garden she has. She's also using harsh pesticides and herbicides, which Lanie worries will kill butterflies and maybe even get into the Hollands' vegetable garden.
Lanie has also joined a summer gardening program through her school. She learns about natural pesticides and herbicides, like using ladybugs to eat aphids. One boy in class, Nicholas, is an aspiring entomologist. He shows Lanie a newspaper article about how he found a particularly rare ladybug. It hadn't been seen in fourteen years so was presumed extinct, and he found the second specimen (see "Real Girls, Real Stories" below). When Lanie learns that ladybugs seek out and eat aphids, she collects several of them for her neighbor, having already made inroads with her by giving her a natural aphid spray and some homemade zucchini bread. The neighbor is skeptical but intrigued, especially when she's told that some commercial farmers use natural solutions like ladybugs. Lanie eventually decides to forgo the front yard garden, and the neighbor starts using natural pesticides and herbicides.
Inspired, Lanie suggests the gardening program put on a festival. They can raise money to help the endangered orangutans that her best friend Dakota told her about: the local people in Indonesia are mostly very poor, and illegal logging of the rain forest is a quick way to earn money, but it displaces the apes. The emails from Dakota are a good thing for Lanie, as she'd been discouraged thinking kids can't make a difference. But then Lanie's neighbor becomes more open to ideas, and the garden festival goes so well. Emily even finds monarch eggs in the Hollands' back yard shortly after Dakota returns home. When she's interviewed at the garden festival, the TV reporter asks Lanie what one thing she wants people to learn from the festival. She says that people shouldn't give up, because one person can make a difference.
Real Girls, Real Stories
Jilene and her brother Jonathan saw a rare kind of ladybug one day, a species native to their Virginia home, which hadn't been seen in fourteen years. They told a friend of theirs who was majoring in entomology, and the friend started a conservation project to help protect the ladybug, once thought to have been extinct. Sabra is a junior ranger in California, helping take care of the redwoods forest. Julia helped her Maryland school get a recycling program (sounds like she was less grating about it than someone else). Isabel and her friend Gabe started a club at their Pennsylvania school to raise money for manatee research and protection.
Misc
Special thanks are given to Kathe Crowley Conn.
Like Lanie's first book, this one is full of illustrated nature facts.
Ah, now Hannah is an ornithologist.
Everything is made of chemicals. Water is H20--a chemical. Chemicals aren't necessarily bad (or good).
Yule Tree Farms in Oregon was featured on an episode of Modern Marvels ("Christmas Tech"). It uses ladybugs and similar things for pest control, but occasionally resorts to artificial chemicals to fight particularly bad infestations, targeting the specific trees that are affected.
The next-door neighbor hears Angela playing her cello, and arranges for her to audition for a youth program with the Boston Pops.
12/13/14
Girl of the Year 2010: Lanie
Author: Jane Kurtz
Illustrators: Rebecca DeKuiper and Robert Papp
Summary
Lanie Holland, a budding scientist, sometimes wonders how she ended up in her family. She loves her mom and dad (architect and college professor, respectively) and both her older and younger sister, but they're homebodies and like to stay inside. Lanie is happiest outdoors, observing the world and walking her rabbit Lulu. Her older sister Angela is too busy practicing her cello and her younger sister Emily recently became terrified of bugs and refuses to go outside unless it's necessary. Lanie used to explore with her best friend Dakota, but Dakota's in Indonesia for six months while her father studies the rain forest there. Lanie is thrilled when her aunt Hannah comes to visit for the summer. Hannah, an ornithologist, is adventurous like Lanie. The two make a wildflower and vegetable garden, and plan a trip to see a fantastic gathering of birds in May.
But one morning she wakes up to find that Hannah has jetted off to Costa Rica, to see a rare bird. Lanie's alone again. On day her annoyances all pile up: Dakota is nursing baby orangutans during a fantastic adventure, Angela's been practicing the same piece of music forever, her parents only enjoy doing things inside, the new next-neighbor is a snob, her aunt didn't even say goodbye before leaving for six weeks, and Emily scribbled childish drawings on the last pages of Lanie's field journal. Lanie's able to calm down after a heart-to-heart with Angela and another with her mom, who reminds her that Emily only wants to imitate Lanie because of how much she looks up to her big sister (she really should have been reprimanded for getting into someone else's property though, especially after she was told explicitly not to).
Lanie sets about doing what she can to occupy her time. She plants the vegetable seedlings (only peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs--no lettuce or carrots or beans or peas or potatoes?) and spends a night on the porch, observing the constellations (it's late spring in Massachussetts). And the next morning Emily helps her with some gardening chores, having forgotten to worry about bugs. Lanie hears some bird calls and is pleased to discover she can identify them. That gives her an idea: maybe she can't visit an exotic location, but there's plenty to discover in her own backyard. And in five short weeks, Dakota will be home.
That night at dinner, Emily starts talking about pepperoni pizza--she's a very picky eater and only eats food that looks like pizza, so the family's been making several varieties. Lanie has an idea: they can grow pizza ingredients in the garden! Emily loves the idea, and if she's growing the vegetables she'll be more likely to try them. Soon, the sisters are outside planning a bigger garden and making observations in a shared field journal. As the garden grows, the whole family even makes plans for a camping trip!
Real Girls, Real Letters
"Garden Girl" gets some tips about starting a backyard garden. "Curious" gets some about helping endangered tigers. "Want to Help" is commended for being concerned about the waste Christmas trees might cause, but reassured that the trees are raised specifically to be decorations and any remaining after the holidays are mulched. "Discouraged Dreamer" is encouraged that everyone starts somewhere, and no matter what people say, there's no reason she can't pursue her dream of being a wildlife photographer. "Making a Difference" writes in with an idea for girls who want to raise money to help causes: they can ask for donations instead of presents for their birthdays and other occasions like Christmas.
Misc
Dedicated to "Ellemae and Noh, new to this world of worm watching and ladybug loving."
Special thanks are given to Kathe Crowley Conn.
I think it's an interesting coincidence that Lanie is the Girl of the Year for 2010 and has blue eyes and curly blonde hair...like my older daughter, who was born in 2010. (Saige, the Girl of the Year for 2013, has blue eye like my younger daughter but wavy brown/auburn hair instead of blonde, very, very curly hair).
Lanie's dad experiments with a new food combination every Friday. Lanie says they're often good, but once he made corn ice cream.
Scattered throughout the pages are little illustrations of different things Lanie has learned from her research, like the gestation period of a rabbit and that bamboo grows faster than any other plant.
You might notice that I don't often refer to younger siblings as "little." That's because my younger brother told me I wasn't allowed to call him my little brother since he's taller than I am, so I'm not used that phrasing.
I find it baffling that Hannah is described a scientist and calls herself a bird scientist, and the book is full of science facts, yet the word "ornithologist" is never used.
Illustrators: Rebecca DeKuiper and Robert Papp
Summary
Lanie Holland, a budding scientist, sometimes wonders how she ended up in her family. She loves her mom and dad (architect and college professor, respectively) and both her older and younger sister, but they're homebodies and like to stay inside. Lanie is happiest outdoors, observing the world and walking her rabbit Lulu. Her older sister Angela is too busy practicing her cello and her younger sister Emily recently became terrified of bugs and refuses to go outside unless it's necessary. Lanie used to explore with her best friend Dakota, but Dakota's in Indonesia for six months while her father studies the rain forest there. Lanie is thrilled when her aunt Hannah comes to visit for the summer. Hannah, an ornithologist, is adventurous like Lanie. The two make a wildflower and vegetable garden, and plan a trip to see a fantastic gathering of birds in May.
But one morning she wakes up to find that Hannah has jetted off to Costa Rica, to see a rare bird. Lanie's alone again. On day her annoyances all pile up: Dakota is nursing baby orangutans during a fantastic adventure, Angela's been practicing the same piece of music forever, her parents only enjoy doing things inside, the new next-neighbor is a snob, her aunt didn't even say goodbye before leaving for six weeks, and Emily scribbled childish drawings on the last pages of Lanie's field journal. Lanie's able to calm down after a heart-to-heart with Angela and another with her mom, who reminds her that Emily only wants to imitate Lanie because of how much she looks up to her big sister (she really should have been reprimanded for getting into someone else's property though, especially after she was told explicitly not to).
Lanie sets about doing what she can to occupy her time. She plants the vegetable seedlings (only peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs--no lettuce or carrots or beans or peas or potatoes?) and spends a night on the porch, observing the constellations (it's late spring in Massachussetts). And the next morning Emily helps her with some gardening chores, having forgotten to worry about bugs. Lanie hears some bird calls and is pleased to discover she can identify them. That gives her an idea: maybe she can't visit an exotic location, but there's plenty to discover in her own backyard. And in five short weeks, Dakota will be home.
That night at dinner, Emily starts talking about pepperoni pizza--she's a very picky eater and only eats food that looks like pizza, so the family's been making several varieties. Lanie has an idea: they can grow pizza ingredients in the garden! Emily loves the idea, and if she's growing the vegetables she'll be more likely to try them. Soon, the sisters are outside planning a bigger garden and making observations in a shared field journal. As the garden grows, the whole family even makes plans for a camping trip!
Real Girls, Real Letters
"Garden Girl" gets some tips about starting a backyard garden. "Curious" gets some about helping endangered tigers. "Want to Help" is commended for being concerned about the waste Christmas trees might cause, but reassured that the trees are raised specifically to be decorations and any remaining after the holidays are mulched. "Discouraged Dreamer" is encouraged that everyone starts somewhere, and no matter what people say, there's no reason she can't pursue her dream of being a wildlife photographer. "Making a Difference" writes in with an idea for girls who want to raise money to help causes: they can ask for donations instead of presents for their birthdays and other occasions like Christmas.
Misc
Dedicated to "Ellemae and Noh, new to this world of worm watching and ladybug loving."
Special thanks are given to Kathe Crowley Conn.
I think it's an interesting coincidence that Lanie is the Girl of the Year for 2010 and has blue eyes and curly blonde hair...like my older daughter, who was born in 2010. (Saige, the Girl of the Year for 2013, has blue eye like my younger daughter but wavy brown/auburn hair instead of blonde, very, very curly hair).
Lanie's dad experiments with a new food combination every Friday. Lanie says they're often good, but once he made corn ice cream.
Scattered throughout the pages are little illustrations of different things Lanie has learned from her research, like the gestation period of a rabbit and that bamboo grows faster than any other plant.
You might notice that I don't often refer to younger siblings as "little." That's because my younger brother told me I wasn't allowed to call him my little brother since he's taller than I am, so I'm not used that phrasing.
I find it baffling that Hannah is described a scientist and calls herself a bird scientist, and the book is full of science facts, yet the word "ornithologist" is never used.
12/12/14
Girl of the Year 2009 Movie: Chrissa Stands Strong
Released on DVD in January 2009
Plot
It's Valentine's Day, Chrissa's first day of school in a new state, having just moved in with her recently-widowed grandmother after her mother got a new job at the nearby hospital. Though shy, she's eager to make new friends. But the other three girls assigned to her table in school pointedly ignore her. At lunch, Chrissa tries to get to know another girl in the class, Gwen, but as soon as Chrissa sits down, Gwen says she's finished eating, and leaves. Despite the class knowing that she was coming and Chrissa taking the time to make Valentines for everyone by hand, Chrissa gets none. That night, one of the girls at her table, Sonali, comes by with a stack of Valentines--the mean girls stole them, and when Sonali's mother found out, she forced Sonali to bring them back with an apology (she's also grounded for a week). Chrissa decides to join the school swim team in hopes of having some fun, but the mean girls keep at it. They "lose" her permission slip for swimming, and constantly make catty comments. The leader of them, Tara, even intimidates Chrissa into throwing a swim race, letting Tara win.
Chrissa's determined to not let the mean girls ruin things for her. She invites people to come over on the weekend to paint ceramic bowls her father's making for a homeless charity fundraiser. Sonali signs up, despite, Tara, the leader of the mean girls, telling her not to. She and Chrissa start to get along, but Sonali's clearly still under Tara's influence. Chrissa reaches out to Gwen too, having realized that Gwen isn't mean, but shy. Gwen is polite, but remains closed-off. It's not until they're setting up for the fundraiser that Chrissa learns Gwen is homeless, and living at the homeless center. Gwen swears her to secrecy, and Chrissa says that even though Gwen can't reciprocate, she's still invited to spend time at Chrissa's house.
One day at school, Tara overhears Gwen mention that she and her mom are moving into an apartment and will no longer be homeless. When Gwen asks Chrissa to help her cut bangs, Tara butts in and says that she can do it. She purposely does a terrible job, declaring that now Gwen really looks homeless. The principal is furious, and demands to know what happened. Tara expects her friends to support her version of the story (that is, the lie that Chrissa told them Gwen's secret and then cut her hair badly), but Sonali stands up to her. The principal suspends Tara for three days and the other two girls for a day each.
When they're all back, the teacher moves the group around so that the mean girls are broken up. Tara and the other girl, Jayden, put up cruel posters mocking Chrissa: they're getting revenge. Gwen and Sonali stand by Chrissa's side, but it gets worse. Soon there are vicious rumors being posted on the swim team's website. The coach, unable to figure out who's responsible, punishes the whole team. Tara makes some mean comments and the coach benches her for the rest of practice. Angry, Tara taunts Chrissa's brother while he's on the high dive, even climbing up onto the board to do so. Chrissa tries to stop her, but Tara throws off his balance, and he hits his head, falling unconscious into the water. He's going to be okay, but he'll have to sit out the rest of the season. Tara is punished with being on towel duty for the rest of the season. Chrissa quits, unwilling to go on without her brother (she's on classroom cleaning duty for climbing the ladder instead of immediately telling the coach, because people never panic).
After a talk with her art teacher, Chrissa finally decides to talk with her parents about the bullying. With encouragement from her parents, Chrissa suggests that the class picks school bullying for its fourth grade project. After an impassioned speech from Chrissa, the whole class agrees--even Tara. Chrissa rejoins the swim team too, confident that her brother can cheer her on from the sidelines no matter how loud the bullies might get. She wins her race, refusing to let Tara bully her into not doing her best. Chrissa talks with Tara briefly, explaining that she doesn't expect to be friends, but they are teammates and together they can help their relay team win, thus winning the whole meet. They put aside their difference for the race, with Tara even giving Chrissa tips. Their team wins!
The movie ends with the class unveiling its mural, about the importance of friendship, to a thrilled school audience.
Misc
Filmed in Los Angeles.
Chrissa has a lot of funny spots when she imagines the mean girls getting their comeuppance in very melodramatic fashion.
I'm sad that Jayden doesn't end all her sentences with questions, like in the books? You know, like this? Also, Chrissa's right-handed instead of left-handed. Why specify that in the book if you're already making the movie and know your actor is right-handed, or if you can't guarantee you'll find a left-handed girl to play her?
At dinner on Valentine's Day, Chrissa and her brother give their grandmother a special card, as it's her first Valentine's Day in decades without her husband. It's really sweet.
The movie way underplays the horror of lutefisk. It's not just "air-dried whitefish." It's dried cod that's been soaked in lye (yes, the poison), washed in cold water, and served when it's the consistency of gelatin. Mmm, fish Jello.
Yes, you can join local school teams if you're homeschooled (at least in the US). You typically compete at the public school you would have attended, or the school that you're doing your homeschool curriculum through.
Way to bury the lede, Nana. "Oh, what do you kids want to name the baby llama?" several days later "Hey, your grandpa had a named picked out. Oh yeah, I guess it is perfect!"
Chrissa's dad wears really nice clothes when he's working with pottery. Good thing that's not a messy endeavor or anything.
In the book, Gwen and her mother lost their house after Gwen's father took off. In the movie, he died.
Chrissa's mom is annoyingly competitive and judgmental. Not everyone has to the best at everything. Sometimes just trying hard and doing well is plenty!
No! Don't mess around with your relay order seconds before the race! You need to be able to practice at least once!
The relay is the 200 meter medley--one swimmer does the butterfly, one backstroke, one breaststroke, and one freestyle (more reason to not screw with your relay order). In the movie, all four swimmers do the butterfly.
Cast
Chrissa Maxwell - Sammi Hanratty
Meg Maxwell - Annabeth Gish
Paul Maxwell - Timothy Bottoms
Nana Louise Hanlon - Michael Learned
Tyler Maxwell - Austin Thomas
Tara James - Adair Tishler
Sonali Matthews - Ariela Barer
Gwen Thompson - Kaitlyn Dever
Jayden Johnson - Shelby Harmon
Mr. Beck - Don Franklin
Mrs. Ziminsky - Joanne Baron
Joel - Christian Pikes
Mrs. Rundell - Jennifer Tilly
Janine Thompson - Jennifer Parsons
Alexandra - Kaylin Stewart
Swimmer - Ashley Ausburn
Lifeguard - Trevor Brunsink
Swim Meet Official - David J. Law
Additional Voice - Grace Rolek
Student - Preston Strother
Student - Tyler Strother (Preston's brother)
Plot
It's Valentine's Day, Chrissa's first day of school in a new state, having just moved in with her recently-widowed grandmother after her mother got a new job at the nearby hospital. Though shy, she's eager to make new friends. But the other three girls assigned to her table in school pointedly ignore her. At lunch, Chrissa tries to get to know another girl in the class, Gwen, but as soon as Chrissa sits down, Gwen says she's finished eating, and leaves. Despite the class knowing that she was coming and Chrissa taking the time to make Valentines for everyone by hand, Chrissa gets none. That night, one of the girls at her table, Sonali, comes by with a stack of Valentines--the mean girls stole them, and when Sonali's mother found out, she forced Sonali to bring them back with an apology (she's also grounded for a week). Chrissa decides to join the school swim team in hopes of having some fun, but the mean girls keep at it. They "lose" her permission slip for swimming, and constantly make catty comments. The leader of them, Tara, even intimidates Chrissa into throwing a swim race, letting Tara win.
Chrissa's determined to not let the mean girls ruin things for her. She invites people to come over on the weekend to paint ceramic bowls her father's making for a homeless charity fundraiser. Sonali signs up, despite, Tara, the leader of the mean girls, telling her not to. She and Chrissa start to get along, but Sonali's clearly still under Tara's influence. Chrissa reaches out to Gwen too, having realized that Gwen isn't mean, but shy. Gwen is polite, but remains closed-off. It's not until they're setting up for the fundraiser that Chrissa learns Gwen is homeless, and living at the homeless center. Gwen swears her to secrecy, and Chrissa says that even though Gwen can't reciprocate, she's still invited to spend time at Chrissa's house.
One day at school, Tara overhears Gwen mention that she and her mom are moving into an apartment and will no longer be homeless. When Gwen asks Chrissa to help her cut bangs, Tara butts in and says that she can do it. She purposely does a terrible job, declaring that now Gwen really looks homeless. The principal is furious, and demands to know what happened. Tara expects her friends to support her version of the story (that is, the lie that Chrissa told them Gwen's secret and then cut her hair badly), but Sonali stands up to her. The principal suspends Tara for three days and the other two girls for a day each.
When they're all back, the teacher moves the group around so that the mean girls are broken up. Tara and the other girl, Jayden, put up cruel posters mocking Chrissa: they're getting revenge. Gwen and Sonali stand by Chrissa's side, but it gets worse. Soon there are vicious rumors being posted on the swim team's website. The coach, unable to figure out who's responsible, punishes the whole team. Tara makes some mean comments and the coach benches her for the rest of practice. Angry, Tara taunts Chrissa's brother while he's on the high dive, even climbing up onto the board to do so. Chrissa tries to stop her, but Tara throws off his balance, and he hits his head, falling unconscious into the water. He's going to be okay, but he'll have to sit out the rest of the season. Tara is punished with being on towel duty for the rest of the season. Chrissa quits, unwilling to go on without her brother (she's on classroom cleaning duty for climbing the ladder instead of immediately telling the coach, because people never panic).
After a talk with her art teacher, Chrissa finally decides to talk with her parents about the bullying. With encouragement from her parents, Chrissa suggests that the class picks school bullying for its fourth grade project. After an impassioned speech from Chrissa, the whole class agrees--even Tara. Chrissa rejoins the swim team too, confident that her brother can cheer her on from the sidelines no matter how loud the bullies might get. She wins her race, refusing to let Tara bully her into not doing her best. Chrissa talks with Tara briefly, explaining that she doesn't expect to be friends, but they are teammates and together they can help their relay team win, thus winning the whole meet. They put aside their difference for the race, with Tara even giving Chrissa tips. Their team wins!
The movie ends with the class unveiling its mural, about the importance of friendship, to a thrilled school audience.
Misc
Filmed in Los Angeles.
Chrissa has a lot of funny spots when she imagines the mean girls getting their comeuppance in very melodramatic fashion.
I'm sad that Jayden doesn't end all her sentences with questions, like in the books? You know, like this? Also, Chrissa's right-handed instead of left-handed. Why specify that in the book if you're already making the movie and know your actor is right-handed, or if you can't guarantee you'll find a left-handed girl to play her?
At dinner on Valentine's Day, Chrissa and her brother give their grandmother a special card, as it's her first Valentine's Day in decades without her husband. It's really sweet.
The movie way underplays the horror of lutefisk. It's not just "air-dried whitefish." It's dried cod that's been soaked in lye (yes, the poison), washed in cold water, and served when it's the consistency of gelatin. Mmm, fish Jello.
Yes, you can join local school teams if you're homeschooled (at least in the US). You typically compete at the public school you would have attended, or the school that you're doing your homeschool curriculum through.
Way to bury the lede, Nana. "Oh, what do you kids want to name the baby llama?" several days later "Hey, your grandpa had a named picked out. Oh yeah, I guess it is perfect!"
Chrissa's dad wears really nice clothes when he's working with pottery. Good thing that's not a messy endeavor or anything.
In the book, Gwen and her mother lost their house after Gwen's father took off. In the movie, he died.
Chrissa's mom is annoyingly competitive and judgmental. Not everyone has to the best at everything. Sometimes just trying hard and doing well is plenty!
No! Don't mess around with your relay order seconds before the race! You need to be able to practice at least once!
The relay is the 200 meter medley--one swimmer does the butterfly, one backstroke, one breaststroke, and one freestyle (more reason to not screw with your relay order). In the movie, all four swimmers do the butterfly.
Cast
Chrissa Maxwell - Sammi Hanratty
Meg Maxwell - Annabeth Gish
Paul Maxwell - Timothy Bottoms
Nana Louise Hanlon - Michael Learned
Tyler Maxwell - Austin Thomas
Tara James - Adair Tishler
Sonali Matthews - Ariela Barer
Gwen Thompson - Kaitlyn Dever
Jayden Johnson - Shelby Harmon
Mr. Beck - Don Franklin
Mrs. Ziminsky - Joanne Baron
Joel - Christian Pikes
Mrs. Rundell - Jennifer Tilly
Janine Thompson - Jennifer Parsons
Alexandra - Kaylin Stewart
Swimmer - Ashley Ausburn
Lifeguard - Trevor Brunsink
Swim Meet Official - David J. Law
Additional Voice - Grace Rolek
Student - Preston Strother
Student - Tyler Strother (Preston's brother)
12/11/14
Girl of the Year 2009: Chrissa Stands Strong
Author: Mary Casanova
Illustrator: Richard Jones
Summary
Summer's wrapping up. Chrissa, Gwen, and Sonali have had a great time getting to know each other the last few months, spending lots of time swimming in a nearby lake. While back-to-school shopping, Chrissa sees Tara, who acts uncharacteristically friendly and even sort of apologizes for the previous school year. She says she wants to be friend. Sonali doesn't believe Tara for a second, and Gwen is skeptical too. When an unknown number sends a mocking text message about Chrissa, Sonali says it must be from Tara. But there's no proof, and Tara seems genuinely nice at swim team tryouts. Maybe she deserves a second chance.
Tryouts go well: Chrissa and Sonali make the diving team (so does Chrissa's brother, and Tara and Jadyn). Gwen will the manager for the dive team, and hears the coach saying that Chrissa might be good enough to swim on a relay team. But then cruel messages get posted on the team's online board. Sonali is accused of having a contagious disease that can be spread through water. Chrissa still maintains that they don't know Tara is behind the messages. Gwen and Sonali can't believe Chrissa doesn't see the truth when she knows first-hand how mean Tara can be, and say they need a break from Chrissa for a while to cool off. With no one else to turn to, Chrissa calls up Tara, taking her up on her offer of friendship.
Tara comes over a couple days later, just in time to see the newborn baby llama. The two girls have a fun time swimming, although Chrissa finds herself snapping at her brother more than usual--is Tara poisoning her like Sonali thought she might? Later that evening, Sonali calls and Chrissa mentions that Tara came over and was nice. Sonali is hurt that Tara saw the baby llama first. And the next day there are more malicious emails and board postings about Gwen and Sonali. Sonali points out that there's nothing about Chrissa, and that she knows Tara can be persuasive. Chrissa confronts Tara directly, and she denies any part in any of the messages. The next day there's one about Chrissa.
Then something worse happens. Chrissa and Tara are grousing about how much Chrissa's brother brags, and Tara decides to play a joke. She climbs up to the diving board where Tyler is, despite Chrissa's protests. It culminates in Tyler hitting his head on the board and falling unconscious into the water. At the hospital, Chrissa and her parents learn he has a concussion, but no fractures or spinal injuries. He's released from the hospital the next day. Chrissa apologizes for being so short with him lately, and they agree that they're not only siblings; they're friends too.
That same day, Chrissa's parents tell them some recent developments. Because Chrissa didn't call for the coach as soon as she saw Tara on the diving board and instead also climbed up, she's suspended for two weeks (so is Tara). Jadyn's parents are tech experts, and they've uncovered the person behind the messages: Jadyn herself. Chrissa and her parents are invited over so Jadyn can apologize. She sent the text messages because she was trying to get Sonali back, and then posted the other messages trying to keep Tara from drifting away. Jadyn ends up suspended from the team as well.
Gwen and Sonali approach Chrissa at the next swim practice, which she has to watch from the sidelines (Jadyn isn't even allowed to come). Tara's with her, and they apologize for suspecting her of sending the messages. Tara says she can see why they did, and apologizes for her own behavior. The four girls might all get along in the end. A short time later, the school holds a meeting to discuss bullying and how to fight it. Chrissa sees Jadyn for the first time since the apology then, and extends an olive branch. The book closes with Chrissa, Gwen, Sonali, Tara, and Jadyn all playing cards with Tyler and his best friend.
Real Girls, Real Letters
"Not Laughing" is encouraged that being different doesn't mean being wrong or bad, and that she should talk to a responsible adult about the harsh teasing she's enduring, agreeing with her that ignoring or laughing it off doesn't work. "Bored But Can't Admit It" is told that it's okay to politely decline invitations to play even with close friends, and advised that she and the friend who it's no longer fun to hang out with can investigate new activities together. "Divided" is told not to let her old friends decide whether she can make new friends. "Confused" is advised to give her relationship with her good friend a breather since they've been fighting, and maybe they'll be closer later, but it is possible they've outgrown the friendship. "Wondering" has her concerns confirmed that her supposed best friend is actually trying to control her, and no friend at all. "Sorry" is advised to follow her heart and apologize for being mean to a former friend, with the understanding that they might never make up, but at least she'll have finally done the right thing.
Misc
Dedicated to "my daughter, Kate, who continues to inspire and teach me."
Special thanks are given to Patti Kelsey Criswell, MSW; Dr. Micahel Obsatz, and Susan Kovacs.
Illustrator: Richard Jones
Summary
Summer's wrapping up. Chrissa, Gwen, and Sonali have had a great time getting to know each other the last few months, spending lots of time swimming in a nearby lake. While back-to-school shopping, Chrissa sees Tara, who acts uncharacteristically friendly and even sort of apologizes for the previous school year. She says she wants to be friend. Sonali doesn't believe Tara for a second, and Gwen is skeptical too. When an unknown number sends a mocking text message about Chrissa, Sonali says it must be from Tara. But there's no proof, and Tara seems genuinely nice at swim team tryouts. Maybe she deserves a second chance.
Tryouts go well: Chrissa and Sonali make the diving team (so does Chrissa's brother, and Tara and Jadyn). Gwen will the manager for the dive team, and hears the coach saying that Chrissa might be good enough to swim on a relay team. But then cruel messages get posted on the team's online board. Sonali is accused of having a contagious disease that can be spread through water. Chrissa still maintains that they don't know Tara is behind the messages. Gwen and Sonali can't believe Chrissa doesn't see the truth when she knows first-hand how mean Tara can be, and say they need a break from Chrissa for a while to cool off. With no one else to turn to, Chrissa calls up Tara, taking her up on her offer of friendship.
Tara comes over a couple days later, just in time to see the newborn baby llama. The two girls have a fun time swimming, although Chrissa finds herself snapping at her brother more than usual--is Tara poisoning her like Sonali thought she might? Later that evening, Sonali calls and Chrissa mentions that Tara came over and was nice. Sonali is hurt that Tara saw the baby llama first. And the next day there are more malicious emails and board postings about Gwen and Sonali. Sonali points out that there's nothing about Chrissa, and that she knows Tara can be persuasive. Chrissa confronts Tara directly, and she denies any part in any of the messages. The next day there's one about Chrissa.
Then something worse happens. Chrissa and Tara are grousing about how much Chrissa's brother brags, and Tara decides to play a joke. She climbs up to the diving board where Tyler is, despite Chrissa's protests. It culminates in Tyler hitting his head on the board and falling unconscious into the water. At the hospital, Chrissa and her parents learn he has a concussion, but no fractures or spinal injuries. He's released from the hospital the next day. Chrissa apologizes for being so short with him lately, and they agree that they're not only siblings; they're friends too.
That same day, Chrissa's parents tell them some recent developments. Because Chrissa didn't call for the coach as soon as she saw Tara on the diving board and instead also climbed up, she's suspended for two weeks (so is Tara). Jadyn's parents are tech experts, and they've uncovered the person behind the messages: Jadyn herself. Chrissa and her parents are invited over so Jadyn can apologize. She sent the text messages because she was trying to get Sonali back, and then posted the other messages trying to keep Tara from drifting away. Jadyn ends up suspended from the team as well.
Gwen and Sonali approach Chrissa at the next swim practice, which she has to watch from the sidelines (Jadyn isn't even allowed to come). Tara's with her, and they apologize for suspecting her of sending the messages. Tara says she can see why they did, and apologizes for her own behavior. The four girls might all get along in the end. A short time later, the school holds a meeting to discuss bullying and how to fight it. Chrissa sees Jadyn for the first time since the apology then, and extends an olive branch. The book closes with Chrissa, Gwen, Sonali, Tara, and Jadyn all playing cards with Tyler and his best friend.
Real Girls, Real Letters
"Not Laughing" is encouraged that being different doesn't mean being wrong or bad, and that she should talk to a responsible adult about the harsh teasing she's enduring, agreeing with her that ignoring or laughing it off doesn't work. "Bored But Can't Admit It" is told that it's okay to politely decline invitations to play even with close friends, and advised that she and the friend who it's no longer fun to hang out with can investigate new activities together. "Divided" is told not to let her old friends decide whether she can make new friends. "Confused" is advised to give her relationship with her good friend a breather since they've been fighting, and maybe they'll be closer later, but it is possible they've outgrown the friendship. "Wondering" has her concerns confirmed that her supposed best friend is actually trying to control her, and no friend at all. "Sorry" is advised to follow her heart and apologize for being mean to a former friend, with the understanding that they might never make up, but at least she'll have finally done the right thing.
Misc
Dedicated to "my daughter, Kate, who continues to inspire and teach me."
Special thanks are given to Patti Kelsey Criswell, MSW; Dr. Micahel Obsatz, and Susan Kovacs.
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