Diary of a Parent Trainer

May 1, 2012
Thirteen-year-old Katie is certain she has the grown-ups in her life figured out. Organizing her findings as a guide to understanding grown-ups, self-proclaimed "parent trainer" Katie decodes their behaviors within the pages of her diary. With a keen eye, Katie identifies the various "modes" in which grown-ups operate--ranging from "Embarrassing Mode" to "Annoyed Mode"--including the modes' potential causes and possible solutions. Interspersed among the observations and advice are Katie's diary entries. Smith reveals the myriad emotions that Katie experiences as she perches on the edge of young adulthood: feeling bereft as friends Hannah and Loops begin dating boys, while spurning the attention of a boy she truly likes. Other diary entries delve into the aftermath of Katie's beloved father's death. Katie is appalled that her mother is dating a new, younger man and determines to discourage him. As she reflects on her father's final days and his words of hope and encouragement, Katie must decide whether she can accept the impending changes in her life. While Katie is often exasperated by her eccentric but loving extended family, Smith conveys a powerful message about family connections. Alternately funny and heartbreakingly poignant--a memorable tale. (Fiction. 10-13)

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July 1, 2012

Gr 5-8-Although this humorous novel starts slowly, it picks up as 13-year-old Katie Sutton plots to ruin her mother's relationship with her boyfriend, Stuart. Set in an English village, this novel, presented as a "User's Guide" to adults, is almost entirely populated with Katie's relatives. Katie fancies herself the world's leading expert on grown-ups and describes all their behaviors from "Angry Mode" or "Depressed Mode" to "Delirious Mode" and how best to manage them. "Familiarization with these is essential before difficult maneuvers are attempted," she advises. The tone is definitely British, but it will not be off-putting to American readers. When Katie and her sister hatch a plot to get rid of Stuart, extended family members get in on the act. Meanwhile one of Katie's best friends has started hanging out with Katie's ex-boyfriend, and Katie realizes she still likes him. Her younger brother adds some bright bits of humor. Readable and funny but not remarkable, this novel makes a good choice for any collection that needs more girl-centered humor.-Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

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