Written by Kate DiCamillo
What a fun and quirky story. Ferris and her sister, Pinky, live with their parents and Grandmother Charisse. Uncle Ted has moved into the basement and Aunt Shirley has not. Charisse has seen a ghost and she is convinced the ghost wants her to accomplish a difficult task. Pinky is on a rampage and her parents can’t figure out what to do with her. These are just a few things that happen as Ferris begins her summer before entering fifth grade.
The theme of “Every good story is a love story” underscores most of the events in the plot of this book. I love the vocabulary that Ferris and her best friend, Billy, use thanks to their fourth-grade teacher. The beautifully illustrated jacket cover pulled me right into the pages.
Ferris was the perfect airport read as I was traveling over spring break. I was super excited that this shorter read would be appealing to my student’s, but I don’t know if Ferris’ intended audience, 8-10 years old, are going to like it as much as adults. If you have students that love books by Kate DiCamillo this would be a great addition to your library.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in April 2024
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-6
Ferris
Written by Kate DiCamillo
Candlewick Press
226 pages
Release Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-5362-3105-2
A review copy was provided by the publisher.