Joanne Rossmassler Fritz
Holiday House, 2021
246 pages
Grades 5-8
Narrative Poetry
If seventh grade weren't confusing enough, Maddie's brother walks off his college campus and disappears. Where did he go--and why? As Maddie's family falls into chaos and confusion, she feels neglected and overlooked. Always an obsessed counter, her OCD kicks into high gear and she becomes consumed with playing her Oboe and possibly getting a solo, thinking that this will bring Strum back. Mom leaves to try to track Strum down, eventually joined by Dad. Teen sister Aria is distracted and starts to fall in with an unhealthy group of friends. As Maddie's continued feeling of helplessness continues, new relationships take hold and offer her guidance and support. A new club brings unexpected connections and slowly she starts to get a hold of herself. The police think Strum is dead, but Maddie and her family refuse to believe it. By book's end the truth behind Strum's disappearance is revealed and the family starts the healing process.
Family dynamics can be very tricky-especially when navigated by a twelve year old who does not understand everything that is happening. Debut author, Fritz, tells the story of this family's tragic struggles through verse. This lyrical form is a perfect way to convey the story, since Maddie and her family are musical. The book reads like music. It is beautifully and carefully written, yet still tells a story and never loses the narration or voice. The mystery of what happened to Strum is solved, perhaps a bit too neatly, but certainly satisfyingly and a clear-cut motive is offered. Readers will identify with Maddie's fear and frustration and experience first-hand what life with OCD feels like. Though finding solace through her Oboe, this also becomes a further vehicle of compulsion. The Environmental Club that Maddie joins to please her best friend becomes a saving grace and a healthy outlet. A well meaning friend suggests counseling for this family and after first reacting negatively, this seems to be the path they are thankfully willing to take, offering hope by book's end.
No comments:
Post a Comment