Beholding Bee

December 17, 2012
Eleven-year-old Bee is sensitive about the prominent diamond-shaped birthmark on her face, which she hides with her hair. Ever since her parents’ death, Bee been raised at a traveling carnival, working the hot dog stand with a young woman named Pauline (between chopping onions and cruel comments from fairgoers about her face, Bee spends much of the book’s early chapters sobbing). When Bee’s future with Pauline is jeopardized, Bee runs away (“I do not have much of a plan except we need a home that will take a girl with a diamond on her face, a funny-looking dog... and a baby pig”). Two strange women, Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Potter, take her in, and Bee’s life improves dramatically, but her “aunts” barely eat, and no one else can see them. Fusco (The Wonder of Charlie Anne) has a strong handle on her WWII-era setting, and she delicately describes the stress of being viewed as different. But while Bee has suffered mightily, the magic- and coincidence-driven events of the second half result in an ending that’s too good to be true. Ages 8–12.

January 1, 2013
Ever since her parents died, young Bee has had two protectors: Pauline, who runs the hot dog cart with her in Ellis' traveling show, and the old lady in the flappy hat, invisible to all but Bee. In a distinct, heartfelt voice, Bee explains how both provide comfort when superstitious, often mean, townsfolk stare at the diamond-shaped birthmark on her face. When Ellis threatens to put her in a "look-see booth" to boost wartime ticket sales, then forces Pauline and Bee apart, Bee runs away and finds herself on the old lady Mrs. Potter's doorstep. The setup is slow-moving and feels more coincidental than supernaturally driven, but the scenes of Bee adjusting to life with not one but two ghosts (a Mrs. Swift occupies the house, too) offer humor and inspiration. The spirited ladies are determined to make sure Bee is standing firmly on her own two feet before they disappear. A disabled schoolmate and her family help to ground Bee, too. Bee works hard, forges friendships and learns her family history. In a turn of events, she also rescues Pauline. If the parts are a bit disjointed and the ending pat, readers will still feel the magic when Bee finally holds her head high and lets her diamond shine. Not quite a flawless gem, but there are plenty of moments that sparkle. (Historical fiction. 8-12)

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May 1, 2013

Gr 4-6-In this blend of magical realism and historical fiction set in 1942 New England, 11-year-old orphan Bee travels with a carnival, assisting her guardian at the hot-dog stand and shielding the diamond-shaped birthmark on her face from stares and taunts. She longs for a real home to share with Pauline, who taught her to read and keeps a notebook about Bee's childhood. When Pauline and her new boyfriend are sent away by the sinister carnival owner to establish another show, Bee runs away with runt pig Cordelia and stray dog Peabody. She comes upon an inviting old house and is welcomed by two elderly women only she can see: Mrs. Potter, whom Bee has "glimpsed" before when in need of comfort, and Mrs. Swift, a prickly suffragette. Settling in, Bee starts school, is placed in a class for the disabled, makes a friend in leg-brace-wearing Ruth Ellen and an enemy in bully Francine, discovers startling secrets about her own family, and gradually develops self-sufficiency even as her old "aunts" begin to fade. While many of the motifs are derivative and the plot is predictable, the elements come together in a satisfying story, narrated in the unique voice of a spunky and endearing heroine. The writing is often lyrical, chapters are short, and details of the time period add interest and texture. Fans of Kate DiCamillo, Jennifer Holm, and Polly Horvath will find this an enjoyable and engrossing read.-Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2013
Grades 4-8 Bee goes to great pains to hide her facial birthmark from the world. And no wonder: people are overly curious or just outright mean. Take the menacing Ellis, who uses the orphaned child in his traveling carnival as a potential freak-show attraction. Bee, meanwhile, helps run the show's hot-dog stand and lives in a hauling truck. Just as the sheer bleakness of Bee's situation threatens to overwhelm the plot, allies emerge among the traveling crew to help her find strength. The story then takes a fanciful turn as two feisty ancestors, whom no one else can see, empower Bee and lead her to a real home. Fusco's unique WWII-era coming-of-age tale delicately balances the cruel challenges flung at Bee with the resilience and fight she gradually develops. Whether it be everyday bullies, a school system that fails her, or abandonment and loss, Bee's supporters stand with her, one challenge at a time. A unique feel-good story about an appealing heroine, her rallying angels, and the search for love and home.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)