Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank-you Notes

August 1, 2008
Gr 3-5-Eager to avoid the procrastination problems that occurred in "Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little" (Random, 2007), this resourceful protagonist has promised her mother that she'll finish her holiday thank-you notes by the day after Christmas. Part of the rush is due to the fact that she and her twin, Mark, have been invited to visit their father in California and to attend a Big New Year's Eve Star-Studded Hollywood Bash. Moxy is a year older, but not necessarily wiser, than in the first book, and finds plenty of activities to distract her from her task. As time grows short, she concocts a wild plan to get the notes done on timeone involving her stepfather's brand-new copy machine and a can of gold spray paint. Understandably, disaster ensues, and Moxy must face the consequences, as well as handle some disappointing news. Through it all, the spunky heroine perseveres and even gains a new appreciation for her mother. This sequel continues in the same unusual format as the first book: humorous chapter titles, some chapters with little or no text, and photographs (purportedly taken by Mark). The short chapters, which jump from topic to topic just like Moxy's thoughts, help establish the frenetic mood. Give this to students who are fans of the first book (though it stands on its own) or those who enjoy stories of spirited girls like Sara Pennypacker's Clementine (Hyperion)."Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2008
Ten-year-old Moxy, a champion procrastinator who put off her summer reading in Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little (2007), here avoids the chore of writing thank-you notes. While laugh-aloud funny in places and blink-back-the-tears sad in others, the books humor and pathos may appeal more to adults than to kids. Still, all will enjoy the storys fresh narration and flawed heroine. And the good-size type, generous line spacing, short chapters, and use of photos will please other procrastinators looking for a read that is at least 150 pages long and doesnt look babyish.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)