In the pages of Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks, April Grace Reilly faces social challenges that are totally different from those she handled with her witty opinions in the first book in this series, In Front of God and Everybody.
Cliques in April’s middle school carry the odor of bullying, while injury slows the dramatic Isabelle. Family members are all under stress as April tried to solve the mystery of her mother’s health. April also has to take a look at her own critical opinions that may not be fair or kind. She just matures fanatically through this very empathetic book…I like her better and better as we go along.
Author K.D. McCrite brings out the best in everybody and brings tears to readers’ eyes along with the smiles April Grace’s analogies always stimulate. April Grace and Myra Sue do some major maturing as they deal with changes in their family. They get a chance to develop sensitivity both the bullied and the insecure potential of the bullies. Cliques is a book that will help the younger reader understand that there are other kids in the world working through growing up while the grown-ups can be assured of a clean, upbeat read for their kids. A read that is also a good read for grown-ups.
I’m looking forward to the next book, Chocolate Covered Baloney, scheduled for release in November, 2012. I am personally acquainted with the author and our conversations have included the points that she feels April Grace has much more to bring to young readers about issues and conditions in their lives. Now is a good time to learn that it is okay to laugh about things like this and more healthy than letting them get the best of you. Life skills stories that can be applied to their experiences. Special information, including teaching notes, are available on April Grace’s website. April Grace Reilly
I reviewed this book at Amazon.com and LinkedIn.com. April Grace’s adventures take place in the Ozarks, giving the story even more appeal to this Oxarks blogger.
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