Bon Voyage, Connie Pickles

July 1, 2008
Gr 6-9 -Londoner Connie Pickles, 14, achieves her dream of a two-week exchange visit to France in this second adventure. She imagines meeting her mother's estranged parents and effecting a reconciliation. A self-styled nerd, Connie also envisions staying with a family that's more sophisticated than her chaotic one. Instead, the daughter, Pascale, is a shoplifting Goth, her father a tyrant, and quiet Madame Blanc is having an affair with a driving instructor. Although Didier, the older brother, seems kind, Connie falls for the younger one, Philippe, who emits more charm than substance. Much of the book's humor stems from Connie's wry observations as her expectations crumble. Rather than visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, she parties with her friends, their hosts, and Pascale. Her plot to reunite her mom and grandparents ends up with her mom in tears but also with hope for future developments. Connie is thoroughly relieved when her old friend William shows up even though it's at the invitation of her London neighbor and friend, Delilah. Of course, William prefers Connie. She survives her disappointments with good nature and a firm knowledge of who she really is. Even though practically nothing goes the way she wants, the teen sensibly sees the fun in it all and manages to make readers feel that way, too. Although this book stands on its own, reading "Cross Your Heart, Connie Pickles" (HarperTempest, 2007) first will add to its enjoyment. Reluctant readers may be deterred by its British tone, but middle school girls looking for a light read will find much to like in Connie."Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.