My Life in Dioramas
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Kate Marino knows very well that home is where her heart is, and if she had any say in the matter, her heart would stay put in Big Red. The old, rambling farmhouse has withstood the test of time with her family, but now Kate's parents have decided to sell it from under her feet.
The preventative solution: sabotage the realtor's tours with the help of best friends and a plan that has maximum stinkage potential.
The back-up plan: hang on to at least a little bit of life at Big Red by creating shoebox dioramas of each room.
But even with a full-scale assault, will her mission be a success? And if not, what will the diorama of Kate's future look like?
With a keen eye for capturing the moments that matter, acclaimed author Tara Altebrando explores the pain-and promise-of letting go.
CCSS-aligned curriculum guidecan be found online at http://www.rpcurriculumguides.com/curriculum_guides.html
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In a thoughtful story about making the best of unwanted change, 12-year-old Kate Marino adores her family's Hudson Valley farmhouse, "Big Red," and it's inconceivable that her parents have decided to sell it with little explanation. Kate may not be able to stay at her current school or participate in an upcoming dance competition. Instead of sulking, Kate gets creative, making intricate shoebox dioramas to preserve her memories at Big Red while carrying out giggle-worthy schemes to drive away potential buyers, aided by her imaginative friend Naveen. But the realtor gets wise to Kate's plots, and soon the house is on its way to being sold. Altebrando (The Battle of Darcy Lane) packs the pages with details about Big Red's quirks and Kate's memories growing up there, making it easy for readers to see how much it means to her. The financial and other pressures affecting Kate's parents also register strongly, and Altebrando's conclusion is hopeful and realistic without coming across as too pat. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8 12.
