Remarkables by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Remarkables by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Realistic Fiction, Some Fantasy Elements

age- 10-12

grade - 5-8

292 pages, hardcover

c. 2019

There are many “remarkable” elements in this book. One element that is often missing in current literature is the positive portrayal of an intact family that have a real faith in God. Haddix isn’t preachy and realistically shows the struggles of different family members but the overall tone is positive and hopeful. She deals with some serious topics, such as bullying, and the impact drug addiction can have on all family members.

            The story begins when 11-year-old Marin and her family move from Illinois to Pennsylvania due to her mother’s new job as a professor of nursing. Her dad, a physical education teacher, is still looking for work and for now is the primary caregiver of their new baby, Owen. Marin has some unresolved issues with two girls back home, one of whom used to be her best friend. Still angry at the way they bullied her, she is also uncomfortable at the way she acted toward them at their last meeting. All this is making her anxious about her ability to make new friends when she starts middle school in the fall.  

            While exploring the area around her house she notices a group of teenagers who seem very happy. Suddenly they all disappear. In her attempts to solve this mystery she meets Charlie, who lives next door with his grandmother and two younger brothers. Charlie is living with his grandmother because both his parents are drug addicts, resulting from a tragic accident that his father was involved in. Charlie also sees these teenagers who he calls “The Remarkables.” Charlie has been studying them for a while and he believes they are time travelers. He is also convinced that one of them is his father before the terrible accident occurred that he feels responsible for. Together Marin and Charlie try to figure out if they can change the past and prevent Charlie’s father from turning to drugs to escape his guilt feelings. As they consider different options, they also begin to realize that changing the past could change some of the good things that have happened as a result of the accident.

            Once again Haddix present some thought - provoking ideas about how to deal with the past, present and future. Marin realizes that she and Charlie can’t change the past but then she comments, “Isn’t it better to think about working toward a good future than trying to change the past? … Because the present and the future are the only things you can do anything about . … You can have a good future because the past is over. All you can do is learn from it.” Thus, Charlie comes to realize he is not doomed to follow the mistakes of his father, that he can have a future full of hope. Marin finds the courage to reconcile with her old friends. The effect of that realization and hope is truly remarkable.

Stuffed by Liz Braswell

Stuffed by Liz Braswell

Realistic Fiction, Some Fantasy Elements

age- 9-11

grades 4-6

244 pages, hardcover

c. 2019

From the very first day the sun rose over the world there have been shadows,

For where there is Light, there is always Darkness.

Humans and their friends always play in the Light of the sun.

But there are monsters who lurk in the Darkness waiting to grab them.

What follows is one tale in the eternal war against the Dark.

It is the story of a small boy, and his even smaller guardian.

So, by the grace of the Velveteen, our story begins.

            Do you believe stuffed animals are only for very little kids or sissies? Clark and his friends know better. So, begins Stuffed. Clark is almost 11 and his Mother and the bullies at school think he is too old to be still playing with stuffed animals. Every night Clark strategically positions his army of stuffed animals around his bed. Sometimes in the morning they seemed to have moved and some of them look as if they have been in a fight. Even more alarming, after a package arrives from his grandmother containing things from his Dad’s childhood, there seems to be more darkness in the house, especially in his parent’s room. His Dad is getting weaker and weaker and it looks like there are little fang marks around his neck. Clark is convinced that an evil monster is attacking his Dad and when he meets D. A., a boy his age who also plays with stuffed animals, his thoughts are confirmed. D. A. knows even more about stuffies and monsters than Clark. He explains the MPF, Monster Protection Factor, of each of Clark’s animals according to the point values given for each attack feature, fangs, horns, claws, teeth, size, etc. Being handmade and loved adds extra points.

            Things take a dramatic turn for the worse for his Dad when Clark’s Mother makes him go to a sleep-away camp and, while away, places all his stuffed animals in a big garbage bag in the basement. Fortunately, while at camp Clark meets more kids who understand how the battle between stuffies and monsters work. He comes home prepared to save his Dad. Without his army of stuffies he is greatly handicapped. However, his grandmother presented him with a small, handmade sock animal as he was leaving for camp named Foon. The last and final battle will take place between the powerful, shadowy monster called a King Derker and the recently made Foon.

              This is truly a fun read and the author includes detailed directions and pictures of how to make your own stuffies. The last part of the book is told from Foon’s perspective. He may be small and newly made but his heart and courage are big. A classic tale of the ongoing fight between good and evil and the importance of friendship, loyalty and courage. Highly recommended.

           

Full Ride by Margaret Peterson Haddix

                                  

                     Full Ride byMargaret Peterson Haddix

Realistic Fiction

Age – 12 and up

Grade – 9 and up

352 pages c. 2013

           Fourteen year old Becca's relatively uncomplicated life is suddenly turned upside down when her father is convicted of embezzling many people. The case gets national attention and the fact that her father doesn’t seem at all sorry for his crimes, “How else is a guy like me supposed to put his kid through college?”, makes life unbearable for Becca and her mom. The fact that Becca had always been closer to her father than her mother adds to her anguish. Encouraged by their lawyer they decide to leave their Home in Georgia by night and settle in a small town in Ohio with new identities.

            Finances are very tight and afraid that someone will recognize her; Becca spends the next three years trying not to attract attention, making few friends and keeping them at arm’s length, and studying more than is normal. As senior year approaches Becca and her competitive, nerdy friends are experiencing the anguish of college applications. The situation is compounded for Becca because her mother tells her she cannot apply for financial aid because that will reveal their true identities. She discovers a full-ride scholarship but while applying accidentally reveals the truth of her identity. This may have put her and her mother’s lives in danger. There are many plot twists and suspense mounts as the story continues.

            Becca’s character continues to develop through the story as she finds herself having to make a lot of hard decisions on her own. The story presents many thought-provoking ideas about friendship, communication and forgiveness. I found the ending satisfying and hopeful as Becca takes the risk of being truthful with her friends and continues to deal with her conflicting feelings about her father. As Becca continues to discover new facts about her father’s situation she comments on page 224, “What is grace? Being saved - and forgiven for everything, even when you don't deserve it, especially when you don't deserve it.”

Chester and Gus by Cammie McGovern

Chester and Gus by Cammie McGovern

Realistic Fiction, Autism, Service Dogs

Age 10-12

Grade 5-7

249 pages

c. 2017

This is both an inspiring and humorous middle grade novel about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. Chester has always wanted to become a service dog. When he fails his certification test, though, it seems like that dream will never come true—until a family adopts him. They want him to be a companion for their ten-year-old son, Gus, who has autism. But Gus acts so differently than anyone Chester has ever met. He never wants to pet Chester, and sometimes he doesn’t even want Chester in the room. Chester’s not sure how to help Gus since this isn’t exactly the job he trained for—but he’s determined to figure it out., because after all, Gus is now his person.

An inspiring, sad, funny story told from the dog’s perspective. Also a realistic picture of autism and the challenges and rewards it presents in a family. As Chester says, “you meet your person and you connect. You know that you’re meant to be together. Then you learn what that person needs and you do it for them. I can’t imagine anything else quite so fulfilling.”

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Realistic Fiction, War and Peace, Pets, Fathers and Sons, Perserverance
Age 10-13
Grade 5-8
 288 pages
c. 2016

Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have been very close since the time Peter found him as a baby. Peter is a sensitive boy, unlike his father, who has enlisted in the war that is going on and requires Peter to move into his grandfather’s house and leave Pax behind. This is devastating news to Peter and although he goes the many miles away to his grandfather’s house, he quickly decides he must go back and rescue Pax, who doesn’t know how to survive in the wild.

            Chapters alternate between Peter’s point of view and Pax, who is learning how to survive in the wild but also hoping that Peter will return for him. Both Peter and Pax have many adventures, trials and help as Peter makes the 300 mile journey back to Pax. Much has happened to both of them during this time. Peter has grown into a confident young man and Pax has become part of a new family of foxes. Spoiler Alert: Peter decides it is better for Pax to remain where he is but takes home with him the young fox that lost his back legs from a land mine.

            The violence and ugliness of war is clearly shown but not in a graphic way. There is sadness but also hope. It is a thoughtful book that clearly shows the consequences of war but also the courage, determination, and sacrifice that can bring about peace.