![]() ![]() Ro is biracial (Chinese/White) Benji is White.Ĭharming, poignant, and thoughtfully woven. Readers will be drawn in by amusing and fantastical elements in the comic book theme, high emotional stakes that arouse sympathy, and well-drawn character development as the protagonists navigate life lessons around grief, patience, self-advocacy, and standing up for others. Together, they overcome technical, scheduling, and geographical challenges. ![]() They resolve to find Benji’s dad-a famous comic-book artist-and partner to finish Ro’s rocket for the science fair. An accident in science class triggers a chain of events forcing Benji and Ro, who is new to the school, to interact and unintentionally learn each other’s secrets. Along with their profound personal losses, the protagonists share a fixation with the universe’s intriguing potential: Ro decides to complete the rocket and hopes to launch mementos of her father into outer space while Benji’s conviction that aliens and UFOs are real compels his imagination and creativity as an artist. As for Benji, not only has his best friend, Amir, moved away, but the comic book holding the clue for locating his dad is also missing. Ro’s father, a fellow space buff, was killed by a drunk driver the rocket they were working on together lies unfinished in her closet. Unfolding in mid-1980s Sacramento, California, this story stars 12-year-olds Rosalind and Benjamin as first-person narrators in alternating chapters. 9-12)Īn aspiring scientist and a budding artist become friends and help each other with dream projects. The novel’s theme of friendship will appeal to fans of The Penderwicks, The Mysterious Benedict Society and Hilary McKay’s Casson Family books. Penny’s new acquaintances and the ups-and downs of their friendships provide suspense, as does the possibility that the Grays will lose their new home. The plot seems quiet, but there is actually a lot going on with the relationships among these fully drawn characters. Having changed her name to Penny, she comes to love the new house and its surrounding cottages, which are filled with a lovable and highly individualistic cast. This engaging twist on the “rags to riches” story follows Penelope’s family from their house in the city to an inherited home in a small town. When her father quits his job, her desires become real, but not quite in the way she expected. In desperation, she makes a wish for a less boring life-not knowing that wishes can come true. Not dreadful at all, this very pleasant book introduces rich, lonely ten-year-old Penelope Gray, who lives in a tightly controlled and boring world.
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