CYBILS REVIEW: Chocolate-covered Baloney by K.D. McCrite
ABOUT THE BOOK
The last thing April Grace wants is more change in her life--but that's exactly what she gets! Plus, April has a new mystery to solve when Myra Sue starts sneaking around and acting very suspicious!
From snooty new neighbors to starting junior high to getting a new baby brother to having her "grandmother" get a boyfriend, April Grace has had enough change to last until she is at least 87 years old.
But when it rains, it pours, and April Grace is in for the ride of her life when her prissy, citified neighbor Isabel becomes her gym teacher and a long-lost relative suddenly reappears and throws everything into a tizzy. On top of that, April's sister, Myra Sue, has been hiding something and sneaking around. April needs to find out what is going on before her silly sister gets herself into trouble again. More important, will April find the grace she needs to handle her topsy-turvy life and forgive past wrongs?
Girls will fall in love with April's humor and completely relate to her as she deals with family, friends, drama, and both the humor and the heartache that are part of growing up.
REVIEW
April Grace has a big mouth. She isn't afraid to say what she thinks, even if comes out rather rude. And she has definite opinions about things including her sister, Myra Sue's strange behavior. Having gotten in trouble previously she decides that she won't tell anyone about it until she has some concrete proof as to what her sister is doing. But the unexpected arrival of a relative throws all her plans into chaos, making her wonder what her life is coming to. Throw in a disagreement with her best friend, a surprise birthday party, and her neighbor as her new P.E. teacher and April Grace has a lot to sort through. Can she figure it out in time? Or will things just explode?
Strengths: April Grace is one of those characters that makes you sigh in exasperation yet laugh at her brashness. She has a strong voice and her 'quaint' expressions help create a believable setting. The other characters are also interesting each with his/her own problems and perspectives. The author does a nice job of showing how real relationships sometimes work and sometimes don't work based on those perspectives which may or may not be accurate.
Weaknesses: Much of this book takes place at April Grace's home, which is interesting, but some young readers might find a tad boring, but April Grace's narration is anything but boring. The mystery with Myra Sue isn't too hard to figure out.
I loved this book too! I bought the first two books in the series after I read this one. :)
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