Deza Malone, who had a bit part in Bud Not Buddy, gives us a guided tour of the Great Depression in America, where she almost always tops her class. Deza, in her own words is intelligent, beautiful and humble: the perfect guide.
Jimmy, Deza's brother, who stopped growing three years ago, has a penchant for trouble. Her father, who has been out of work forever, finds trouble of his own while Deza's mother spends her energy trying to keep the family together.
From rotten teeth and a fatal boat accident to moving away from all that she knows and loves, Deza takes us with her. Her understanding of bigotry and the treachery of well-meaning putdowns took my breath away. Deza's innocent wisdom laid many hard truths bare.
I learned through Deza how hard it is to laugh out loud when you want to cry from heartbreak and how it's even harder to cry when Deza's way of seeing the world triggers the giggles.
Just like Bud Not Buddy, The Mighty Miss Malone is a rollercoaster adventure through one of the most depressing times in American history. And just like Bud Not Buddy, the journey with the mighty Miss Malone, however sad, is anything but depressing.
The Mighty Miss Malone is classic middle fiction must for anyone who loves historical fiction, a unique voice or a rattling great read.
Title: The Mighty Miss Malone
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Publisher: Random House, $15.99
Publication Date: 12 March, 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780440422143
For ages: 8 years +
Type: Middle Fiction
