Title: Sarah Simpson’s Rules for Living
Author: Rebecca Rupp
Age range: grades 4-6
Genre/Theme: realistic fiction; family problems; diary
Sarah receives a blank journal for Christmas and decides to keep a journal. Sarah is a list keeper – covering everything from Things I Do Not Like about Kim (her dad’s new girlfriend) to When Lying is Justified. The journal takes us through a year in Sarah’s life during which she adjusts to living without her dad, who is now living in Los Angeles with Kim, a blonde tennis instructor who “looks like Barbie.” Back in Vermont Sarah also deals with her mother’s “good friend,” Jonah, and his 5-year-old son George. Add typical 6th-grade angst and a school play to the mix and no wonder Sarah needs a few “rules for living.” But Sarah is wise beyond her years – and not immune to making a few wisecracks and strong comments in her journal. This slim volume covers a lot of ground over the course of the year.
Title: Turtle in Paradise
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Age Range: grades 4-6
Genre/Theme: historical fiction; family problems
Turtle is the practical, voice of reason in her family, despite being only 11 years old; this is a useful trait as Turtle’s mom Sadie Bell, is a slightly dreamy and overly optimistic live-in housekeeper. Sadie Bell is beautiful and romantic, which sometimes causes problems with her employers, so Turtle and her mom have a somewhat nomadic existence. When a new employer refuses to let Turtle live-in, Sadie Bell sends Turtle to live with relatives in Key West. Taking place in 1935, during the Great Depression, the book tells the tale of Turtle meeting new people – some of whom are close relatives – and discovering secret treasures buried by pirates and family members. Turtle in Paradise offers humor – the Diaper Gang babysitting business – and adventure – a hurricane rages while the kids are stuck on an island. Lots of period details are included such as regular references to the comic strips Little Orphan Annie and Terry and the Pirates. In addition to receiving a 2011 Newbery Honor for this title, Holm has received the same award for Penny from Heaven (2009) and Our Only May Amelia (2000); she is also the author of the very popular Babymouse graphic novel series.
