After All, You're Callie Boone

June 21, 2010
In this affable, sweet story, 11-year-old Callie Boone is devastated after her best friend inexplicably abandons her just before summer break. Her family, "officially the weirdest family on the block," with her former drill sergeant mother, ferret-loving uncle, and absentminded grandmother, doesn't make life any easier. When "total skateboarder" Hoot moves in next door and is determined to hang out with her, Callie thinks her summer can't get any worse. But Hoot turns out to be a supportive sidekick, as Callie trains with her father to make the diving team. Mack does an admirable job of making Callie realistically self-absorbed and dramatic, leaving readers both sympathetic toward and frustrated with her as a result. Callie's story moves along in a leisurely fashion—until the last few chapters, in which a heated argument erupts between Hoot and Callie and Callie's father suffers a heart attack. Young female readers should be attracted to Mack's earnest characters and hopeful message. Ages 9–12.

August 1, 2010

Gr 4-6-Eleven-year-old Callie's summer has gotten off to a bad start. Her large extended family, "the weirdest family on the block," embarrasses her in full view of the neighbors and her ex-best friend, Amy, who has dumped her in favor of snotty Samantha, leaving Callie feeling hurt and betrayed. Callie loves to swim but a humiliating belly flop finds her banned from the community pool. She yearns for a friend who still prefers riding bikes to mooning over boys. Then Hoot moves in next door and becomes an unexpected pal. The summer turns out to be an eventful one after all, with diving lessons with her dad, the chance to try out for an elite diving team, and a near-tragedy at home. Callie is a well-limned child with recognizable flaws and a rueful inner voice. The novel sometimes feels overfull of characters and story lines, but Mack's well-drawn personalities and lighthearted touch keep the narrative lively and engaging. Youngsters will find themselves laughing at Callie and her colorful family, even as they recognize themselves in her story.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

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