Standing for Socks

April 1, 2009
Gr 3-6-Fara wore mismatched socks to school in fifth grade and caused such a ruckus that she started mixing them on purpose so that others would notice her. Now in sixth grade, she's known as "that sock girl," and she uses this attention to launch a campaign for class president. Once elected, she hopes to establish a recycling program and be known for something worthwhile. Unfortunately, the sock craze has a momentum all its own, and Fara struggles to keep it under control while launching her campaign, navigating a misunderstanding with her best friend, and sparring with the class villain. The writing is clear, and the kids' voices are realistically silly. Never have so many sock puns been compiled into one volume. The third-person narration increases suspense by giving readers information hidden to Fara. She matures realistically throughout the novel and ends up content with the outcome, even though it isn't all she had hoped for. The story is sometimes far-fetched, but it consistently comes back down to earth with likable characters, unexpected twists, and a bit of whimsy."Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2009
Grades 4-6 When Fara Ross accidentally wears mismatched socks to school one day, everybody talks. But, she realizes, continuing to mismatch is a fun way to promote her ideals: freedom of expression, originality, and celebrating differences. However, as her sock fame spreads from the classroom to the community, she worries that the novelty is overtaking her purpose. When she runs for sixth-grade president, the attention backfires and impacts both the election and her friendships, and Fara wonders if shell ever be known as more than sock girl. Faras appealing, lively, third-person narrative occasionally highlights other characters experiences and includes local newspaper articles. Readers will appreciate the familiar scenes at home and school, from dealing with a class nemesis to feeling pigeonholed and working through friendship issues. Though the sock theme, carried out in frequent puns (Sockinental Congress), occasionally seems forced, this enjoyable debut novel includes diverse characters and thought-provoking ideas that will engage young people. Readers will recognize Faras growing awareness of herself and the rewards of working with others for support and positive change.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)