The Curse Of Addy Mcmahon
If you ask Addy, sixth grade would be a whole lot easier if she wasn't cursed. No matter how many food offerings she left smoldering in her room, there was always something to go wrong. At school it was Marcia Pittel, her self-declared arch enemy. Then there was Jackie; the person who encouraged her writing and whose lifelong friendship Addy destroyed in a single email. And don't forget home! Her Mom's new boyfriend Jonathan had (in Addy's estimation) overstayed his "temporary" residency in the guest room.
Teens (including reluctant readers) will devour this fast-paced book and quickly find themselves a spot in Addy's world. The smattering of comic-like illustrations will make this attractive for reluctant readers, too.
None.
Student 1: This book is cool because of how it is written. I liked how the book used comics to tell the story. In fact, I picked it because of the comic book pictures. I would buy this book and read it again. I would also buy it for my friends. I like Manga and this was like Manga.
Very clever! The story is engaging, with great characters. The author has done an incredible job allowing Addy to lead the story, but leaving plenty of room for the other characters to be equally rich and offer their views of the events. That opens it up for kids to see themselves. I LOVE the autobiograstrip. I sure hope she trademarked that!
Student 2: It is easy to imagine what happens in the story. It's like Harriet the Spy. It is worth reading.
Readers are up close and personal middle grade novel about a sixth grade girl as she learns that life is about choices, not curses.
Teens will see this largely as recreational reading. Still, there is plenty to talk about, and teachers/parents/counselors, can craft some wonderful discussions about writing styles and genres; reading directions/following the rules (a la the Chanticleer contest); the advantages and perils of technology to express emotions; friendship; family dynamics, particularly as it relates to grief/loss of a parent; and life.
4.7
9 and Up
10 to 12
Read by students at the Woodside High Magnet School for Arts and Communication. (Newport News, VA)
Borrow, at least. This is a great read-together story, as well as a read-alone book. The story offers humor and images that pre-teens are likely to return to a time or two.
| Title | The Curse of Addy McMahon |
| Author | Katie Davis |
| Publisher | Greenwillow Books, Imprint HarperCollins Publishers © 2008 |
| ISBN | 9780061287114 |
| Material | Hard Cover |
| Cost | $16.99 |
| Genres | Family, Friendship, Comics | Graphic Novels, Life Lessons, Growing Up, Realism | Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Fiction |
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