copyright date: September 2011 (2010 in UK)
primarily marketed for: intermediate readers (5th
grade and up)
Growing up, I was familiar with Roddy Doyle. My sister read his books for grown-ups and
convinced me to watch a couple of her favorite movies, which were based on
those books.
Years ago, I discovered his hilariously clever book for
younger readers, The Giggler Treatment,
a story about creatures called Gigglers who place dog poop in the paths of
adults who’ve done wrong.
So, when I saw he had a new book out for young readers, I
couldn’t wait to read it. A Greyhound of a Girl is a book unlike
any other I’ve read. Roddy Doyle is a
genius.
Life is a bit of a struggle for the protagonist,
twelve-year-old Mary O’Hara. Her granny
is dying and she lost her best friend when her family moved away. Now, she has to walk home down the hill from
the bus stop alone before heading home to join her mother on a visit to the
hospital. One day, on her lonely walk
she meets Tansey. Tansey’s old-fashioned
appearance surprises Mary, but not so much as the fact that Tansey seems to
know her. It does not take Mary long to
discover that Tansey is the ghost of her granny’s mother.
Through chats with Tansey, her granny, and her mother, Mary
uncovers the story of her family’s past. She is charged with delivery of a
message from Tansey to her granny and a wonderful journey through the memories
of four generations of Irish women unfolds.
Roddy Doyle’s writing is delightful and his dialogue is just
as clever and witty as it is in his lighter stories. This is a story to read as much for the craft
as for the story. It is a short read
and is sure to be worth every moment.
Reading Threads:
I really liked this one but am unsure of how the average 12 year old will do with it. Have to see.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of these books, Christy. They sound really interesting, a little like the David Almond books. I'll check them out!
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