Monday, April 9, 2012

Last Summer with Maizon - Chapter Book #13

Last Summer with Maizon
Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Publisher: Scholastic Inc, New York 2003
Coretta Scott King Award

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: death, friendship, heartache, school,childhood
Primary Characters:Margaret Tory & Maizon


Secondary Characters: Mama, Ms. Dell, Hattie, Grandma

Summary:
     Margaret has everything she could wish for, for now.  As the summer continues it gets worse and worse.  First her father goes to the hospital for his heart and the look on his face makes her feel uneasy.  Then Maizon is supposed to receive a letter informing her whether or not she got into Blue Hills Private school all the way in Connecticut.  The pair go downstairs to Ms. Dell and try to get her to tell them what's to come.  Ms. Dell is a large old lady that has a gift to see the future.  She accidentally slips and tells Margaret that she won't worry about Maizon leaving because she'll be taking care of her mama.  This is after she informs them that friends don't always stay friends.  Sometimes they move and move on.  Bad news soon strikes Madison Street.  Was Ms. Dell right?  What does she mean Margaret will be taking care of her mother, why?  
     This story can be quite emotional and brought me to tears as I read it.  However, I could not put it down.  This is a great story for middle grade students as a leisure read or for someone dealing with the loss of a parent or loved one.  It is very real and relateable to many children.
   

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