Abby Carnelia’s One & Only Magical Power

Pogue, David. Abby Carnelia’s One & Only Magical Power
Roaring Brook Press see Macmillan children's pub 2010 277p 15.99
978-1-59643-384-7 ms/jr Conflict E-BN


Abbey Carnelia was a typical sixth grader. During diner preparations, she discovered pulling on her ears would make a hard-boiled egg spin. Although the power was wimpy at best, Abbey wanted to discover what other powers she might possibly possess. After much discussion, her parents send her to camp where she meets others with a variety of magical abilities. Abbey was also selected to attend a “Special” camp for those kids who had unique powers. However, special gifts don’t always work out for the best. Abbey and her friends find themselves in a really weird situation. When they come to the realization that they have been setup as guineas pigs, they literally “hatch” an idea for an escape. Readers will frantically turn the pages as they urge the characters (Abbey, Ben, Ricky, and Eliza) to the end of the book.

This engaging and whimsical action book is an exciting adventure. It offers both realistic and suspenseful action in a well-paced plot and with engaging characters. The story is engaging and full of interesting details, the locations are believably described, and the characters are very three-dimensional. The author once again mixes adventure, intrigues, realistic surroundings, and a little stress into this very well done novel for young readers. Lastly, kudos to David for working himself into the novel (similar to how Clive Cussler puts himself somewhere in his novels) as the man who picks the kids up on a deserted road (as the drug company staff is running after them) and reports their experience to the world.
This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any middle or elementary library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil(3), Linda magic, families, conflict

The jigsaw puzzle of life.

Ephron, Delia. Frannie in Pieces.
Harper Teen, 2007. 374p $17.89 978-0-06-074717-6
Realistic Fiction

Frannie in Pieces by Delia Ephron is the story of a fifteen-year old girl, Frannie, whose father has recently died. Her parents are divorced and Frannie had cherished her time with her dad and identified strongly with him. When she goes though her dad’s studio after his death, she finds a fancy wooden box with her own name on it hidden away. Inside it is a handmade jigsaw puzzle. She believes it is a present for her and keeping it hidden from her family, she begins putting the puzzle together. In the wee hours, sleep deprived after working on the puzzle for hours, Frannie finds herself in the puzzle. By the conclusion of the story, she has sorted out some things pertaining to the puzzle and to her life.
Ephron writes in a fairly realistic young teenage voice. The story holds the reader’s attention and entertains. The story contains humor, mystery, romance, and some magical realism. Lessons about relationships with family and friends are sensitively presented. It is a quick and easily read.
CFM