Against the Odds

November 1, 2009
Gr 2-4-This short episodic novel has won major Dutch and Flemish children's book awards. Kiki's father is traveling to a war zone as a doctor, and the child and her mother worry that he won't return. As soon as he leaves, Kiki starts planning to increase the odds that he will be safe. Her innocent reasoning is precious. She doesn't know anyone with both a dead father and a dead pet. Her plan is somewhat creepy since it involves having her dog die to ensure that her father doesn't. Finally a stranger gently assures her that she can't control the odds. Father doesn't die, but he isn't completely safe, either. The setting is present day, but the language and writing style are a bit old-fashioned, yet comforting. The story is engaging and gives readers a chance to develop empathy as they follow Kiki's reasoning and emotional journey. Kiki's mother and grandmother have different ways of dealing with their worry for Father."Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2009
Grades 3-5 Young Kiki never likes to see her father leave, but being a doctor, he goes where he is most needed. This time, it is to a war zone in an unnamed conflict. As the days pass without word from her dad, Kikis fears increase, and she uses a startling bit of kid logic to ensure her fathers safe return. Some people she knows have a dead pet, but most dont have a dead father. She doesnt know anyone with both a dead pet and a dead dad, so she brings home an ailing mouse from the pet store, hoping to better the odds of anything happening to her dad. Kikis thought processes may be shocking, but the delivery is anything but sensational. Kiki grapples with her fears, knowing that in such an uncertain time, everyone is scared, even moms and grandmas, and not everyone knows how to react in a comforting way. Unusual in its straightforward treatment of the difficult issues children face, this book packs a powerful punch, addressing hefty subjects that, though never presented gratuitously, may be worrisome for more sensitive readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)