Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge

January 9, 2017
In this sensitive and uplifting coming-of-age journey, nine-year-old Vilonia Beebe wants two things: a dog and for Mama to recover from the depression brought on by the death of Vilonia’s grandmother. When she learns that pets can help cure depression, she begins the Great Pet Campaign, combining the two goals. Because Vilonia’s parents are concerned that she isn’t responsible enough for a pet, she volunteers to care for her classroom goldfish over spring break. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to anyone, she has also taken over her mother’s job writing obituaries for the local paper, and in so doing finds the perfect puppy: the runt of a litter whose owner has died. When Vilonia accidentally kills the class goldfish, she has to come up with a new plan before the puppy is adopted by someone else. Debut author Gray brings Vilonia’s small Mississippi town to vibrant life, creating a cast of warm, eccentric inhabitants and traditions, including the annual Catfish Festival. Vilonia’s amusing scrapes serve to counterbalance the seriousness of her mother’s condition. Ages 8–12. Agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary.

January 15, 2017
Fourth-grader Vilonia takes on more than she bargains for trying to prove she's responsible enough to adopt a dog.Freckle-faced white tomboy Vilonia has a "reputation for taking in destitute creatures" and wants a dog. When Vilonia's beloved Nana died a few weeks ago, her grieving mother withdrew in "one sad funk." With her father overloaded running the house, Vilonia has been secretly handling her mother's job writing obituaries for the local paper. A poster at the animal shelter convinces Vilonia a dog would be great therapy for her mother. When she hears about a litter of new puppies needing homes, Vilonia volunteers to take care of the school librarian's pet goldfish, Max, during semester break. If she can take care of Max for a week, surely her father will agree she's responsible enough for a dog. When Max dies unexpectedly (and inevitably), Vilonia must find a replacement goldfish quickly or lose her chances of adopting a puppy. Vilonia narrates her story with a colloquial Mississippi twang, punctuating self-effacing descriptions of her well-meaning but oft ill-fated actions with worry about her mother, desire for a dog, and longing for her grandmother. Textual references to Because of Winn Dixie resonate. A humorous, poignant, realistic debut story about a very responsible little girl who's a "force of nature." (Fiction. 8-12)

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February 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Ten-year-old Vilonia realizes that responsibility has its limits. Her life has been uprooted following the recent death of her beloved grandma, Nana. Vilonia's mother has fallen into a deep depression and has left the family to manage for themselves. Her father and brother are doing what they can, but Vilonia steps up in a colossal way. She takes over her mother's job writing obituaries for the local newspaper, cares for the school's pet fish, and inadvertently burns down a neighbor's chicken coop, all in the name of convincing her family she is responsible enough to get a puppy. She believes a dog is the key to her family's happiness, like in her favorite book, Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie. Yet Vilonia learns that one can only do so much. This contemporary tale is full of humor. Readers may have a hard time keeping up with Vilonia's various exploits, as some plot lines receive more attention than others. But what sets this tale apart is how Vilonia learns the lessons of love and friendship. She strikes a smooth balance between self-indulgence and caring. The text is wordy, but the prose is clear. The character development is top-notch.

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