Shout Out for the Fitzgerald-Trouts

May 1, 2019

Gr 3-7-In this third and final book of the series, Toby, age six; baby Penny; Kim, age 12; Kimo, age 12; and Pippa, age nine, all are left homeless after Kimo's father steals their boat. The children have learned that grown-ups foil most everything and are good for nothing. Their parents refuse to parent, leaving their own children homeless with only one another to rely on. When Kim learns of a ruined castle, she gets the idea to make this their new home, but the castle may be haunted. With stunning clarity and deep resolve, the children set out to make their lives better and vanquish their fears. They have an endearing chant: " 'cause we're Fitzgerald-Trouts. We don't give up and we don't give in. We eat chocolate radishes and chicken skin!" They live on an island of enchantment filled with lush moss, dazzling orchids, and bromeliads. They bathe in waterfalls, eat wild fruit, and cook on hot volcanic stone while mynah birds chirp overhead. Gatlin's illustrations are artfully done. VERDICT Readers will be tickled by the industrious Fitzgerald-Trouts' good humor and independence while they encounter challenge after challenge. Can be read as a standalone but is recommended for purchase as part of the series.-Lisa Gieskes, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.