Savvy

This book has been on my reading list for a while now, but had gotten buried in my pile of “to be reads.” I am so glad I uncovered it.


Summary: Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont is looking forward to her magical 13th birthday – the birthday when her savvy will make itself known, as it has for everyone else in her family. Her brother Rocket is electric (literally), Fish’s moods affect the weather, and her mother is perfect in everything she does. Everyone in her family has some special gift that makes them unique, and Mibs is anxious to discover hers.

When her father has a car accident just before her big day, landing him in the hospital unconscious, Mibs prays that her savvy will be something that can bring him back to them. Her birthday goes from bad to worse when a well-meaning neighbor insists on having a birthday party for her (a big no-no, since her savvy could be anything!) Mibs escapes, planning to go to the hospital and wake her father.

What follows is a hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking road trip involving a henpecked Bible salesman, a waitress, and a handful of kids, all of whom have unique talents, secrets, and reasons for going on the run.

After reading it, I totally understood why this is a Newbery Honor book.

Themes:
Self-esteem
Family
Friendship


Age Appropriateness:
Grades 3 and up

Areas of concern (content):
Foul Language: none
Nudity/Adult Content: none
Violence: none