Addy's Race

January 1, 2012

Gr 4-6-Sixth-grader Addy, who happens to wear hearing aids, doesn't want pity. Her sarcastic tone comes through from the first line: "You would not believe how many people expect me to be like Helen Keller." The presence of a new girl with a cochlear implant and Addy's newfound passion for running spurs her to deal with her resentment of her mother's obsession with her hearing loss. She also faces universal concerns: wanting to run even though her best friend won't run with her, and dealing with bullies Stephanie and Emma. ("My grandmother would say they're like two peas in a pod. I hate peas.") Firmly set in Canada, the story contains some references that are likely to sail right over the heads of U.S. readers (Becel margarine, anyone?). Copious references to contemporary brands and entertainers (lululemon, Aritzia, Lady Gaga...) may quickly date the book-and that's a shame, because Addy's voice makes for a readable, relatable tale.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.