Finding Normal

Gr 4-7–The story of a sixth grader who overcomes adversity by taking charge and helping those in her neighborhood begins with Temple asking to attend a sleepover and her mom denying her request. At this point, readers might expect a typical coming-of-age novel about strict parents and family disagreements. As the book quickly progresses, Temple and her family experience a natural disaster in the form of a home-destroying flash flood. Temple’s family relocates first to a hotel and then to their neighbor’s house. The tween is dealing with changing schools, mean girls, and feeling left out. She decides to plan a benefit for the flood victims and contacts the news, and then a popular band to make the event successful. At this point in the novel, there is too much going on to keep up with, and the tasks Temple is taking on seem a bit unrealistic. Despite this, the plot is engaging and the book will be helpful for kids who’ve experienced something similar.