Karma Bites

November 8, 2010
Twelve-year-old Fanny is stressed: her parents are divorced, her father is already dating, and her freaky New Age grandmother, who serves yak butter tea and talks about her past lives, has moved in. Franny also feels caught between hyper-segregated social groups (her two best friends have chosen different sides) at Jefferson Middle School. When Franny learns about Granny's "Hindi help box" of spells that she acquired from a lama she met during her world travels, despite Granny's warnings to be prudent, Franny tries to fix her problems using the spells, which end up working a little too well. Franny and Granny share a strong chemistry, and the book is peppered with deadpan humor and amusing hyperbole, though Franny's habit of comparing her problems to those of people in developing nations ("I live in suburban Fall River, New Jersey, not Gaza. Must my life be so difficult on a daily basis?"), might provoke eye rolling. The plot unravels from parody into implausible slapstick with the appearance of a hip lama and a Justin Timberlake cameo. A few too many ingredients sour a promising recipe. Ages 10–up.

October 1, 2010

Gr 4-6-A breezy narrative and likable characters keep this book fresh, even while it leans on timeworn conventions. Magic, absurd situations, unforeseen consequences, a mean girl, and celebrities all play a part. Trouble begins when Franny's hair gets dyed orange. The 12-year-old's Granny counteracts the color with a recipe from a box acquired from a monk in Bhutan. Despite Granny's warnings, Franny asks the box to generate ideas for a smoothie, facials, and more to solve problems. She shuttles between best friend Joey, who hangs out with the pompom crowd, and her other BFF, Kate, a band geek. Her middle school is stratified, its hierarchy played out on the front stairs. At the top, Elodie won't let others in the door. After Franny applies her recipe, goodwill and then chaos ensue. Joey and Kate become so buddy-buddy that they leave her out. Her attempt to get her dad back with her mom instead of his girlfriend ends with him slumped into depression. It takes a visit from the monk to straighten things out. The message-to discuss problems with those involved-is admirable. But the conclusion-that kids need cliques in order for middle school to run effectively and smoothly-is a bit disconcerting. Better not think about the plot too much. If you need another lightweight read, this one's fun.-Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

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