Koss, Amy Goldman The Not-So-Great Depression
Roaring Brook Press see macmillan children's pub 2010 266p 9.99
978-1-59643-613-8 ms/hs Realistic Fiction VG-BN
Jacki’s life is fabulous. Then the economy crashes, her mom loses her savings, her dad grows vegetables, and everything changes. Readers will live the struggle Jacki’s family has to go through to create their own happy ending. This is the story of a divorced family who when faced with catastrophe manage to pull their lives together and move on to better things.
Jacki’s mother is the breadwinner of the family. While her father lives with his mother, grows vegetables and bakes for some money. Jacki and her sister are used to having things pretty much the way they like with all of the amenities money can buy. Her sister has plans for a $600 prom dress and college in a high priced school. Jacki simple wants a hamster and her mom to come to her recital.
Her mom does come to the recital and as a result looses her job. Then the economy and her stock portfolio can’t keep up with the finances. The financial change causes a family upheaval in which everyone must make changes. It is how everyone manages those changes that provide the tragic, enlightening, and somewhat realistic story line.
Readers will be able to see the way people positively face a crisis and adapt their wants and lifestyle to meet their resources. This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any upper middle/high school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil, Linda
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