Written by Holly Schindler
This is a good story that well defines the social class separation among adolescents. It rang true for me as a kid, and I have watched the same social situations with my own children. Sadly, Auggie Jones (the main character) is a poor girl who has no control over her situation of being abandoned by her mother and left to be raised by her grandfather. Her grandfather loves her dearly as is evident by their relationship and she feels the same towards him. She misses her mother and sends her letters on a regular basis. She has a support system of neighbors and friends, including the Reverend who was good friends with her mother. The characters are developed very well in the book, especially the beastly Victoria Cole, who sees Auggie as inferior. I liked the way the author related the way this mean girl treated Auggie to tangible feelings and situations.
Auggie is able to rise above the bullying by Victoria and her father who serves on the “House Beautification Committee” and in the meantime discovers her hidden talent. This is a story of courage and persistence, and of course a happy ending. :)
Review by Denise Aguilar, Farnsworth Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-12
Author Website: http://hollyschindlermiddles.weebly.com/
The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky
Written by Holly Schindler
Dial Books for Young Readers
240 pages
Release Date: February 6, 2014
ISBN: 9780803737259 (hardcover)
