MOLLY MCGINTY HAS A REALLY GOOD DAY
by Gary Paulsen
Wendy Lamb Books/Random House
ISBN: 0385325886
Ages 8-12
112 pages

What a day Molly McGinty is having! She lost her notebook that contained everything she needs to live. She tore her skirt and got a black eye. And she finds out that her crazy grandmother, Irene, will be spending the day at school with her. How can her day get any worse?

Well, it does. Her grandma is caught smoking in the girl's room, and Molly gets detention for skipping Science class to bail her out. Irene is a free spirit who teaches Molly how to live in the moment. Our Lady of Mercy Middle School will never be the same again after her visit. Will Molly ever change and learn to be more flexible?

Gary Paulsen is the author of many critically acclaimed books for young people. THE WINTER ROOM, HATCHET and DOGSONG were all Newbery Honor books. With MOLLY MCGINTY, he has stepped out of his comfort zone and written a light, funny and entertaining novel.

Early middle school and late elementary students will giggle all the way through this fun romp of a book. I hope Mr. Paulsen writes a sequel to this amusing story.

   --- Reviewed by Renee Kirchner

Back to top.