Author/Illustrator: Ingrid Law
Plot Summary: Mibs Beaumont anxiously awaits her thirteenth birthday. Born in to a unique family, she knows that upon turning 13, her "savvy" or special power will reveal itself. She is anxious because the "savvy" tends to be unpredictable but also excited because she now be able to be home-schooled. When her brother turned 13, his came on so strong that it caused a hurricane and necessitated the family moving far inland and away from any large body of water. Mibs is distracted, however,when her father is seriously injured in a car accident. The remainder of the book focuses on an unexpected trip across the country in an attempt to reach Mibs' father. An interseting premise, a strange cast of characters and a loveable heroine make this an enjoyable tale.
Comments:
I have had a number of conversations about this book as we have a copy in our library(K-3.) It seems a bit sophisticated for this age group although I have the least experience working with precocious young ladies so perhaps this is the audience. It has an intersting cover that is a bit misleading as to the content. The focus of the book is less about the "savvy" and more about the relationships between the characters and especially between the main, female character and her courtship with a male friend/companion. It is a different variation of the theme seen in the "Charlie Bone" series.
Extensions:
1. Although I don't think this book would be interesting to every student, a writing assignment would be to have the students describe a "savvy" that they would want to have. They would describe the "savvy" and how it would affect, enhance, complicate their lives. The book could be read as part of a literature circle with a small group of students doing this assignment.
2. Similarly, the teacher could assign a "savvy" and the students would prepare a creative writing piece explaining how it would affect, enhance, or complicate their own life. The book could be read as part of a literature circle with a small group of students doing this assignment.
3. The book could be presented as a "book talk." The "savvy" could be explained as a concept with examples given as represented in the book by the main characters. The students would still do the writing assignment and those who are interested could then choose to read the book.
4. The above ideas could be used around the study of the meaning of the word "savvy." Students would be encouraged to think about the "savvy" that they already have - something about them that is special or good. They could write about this and would be encouraged to share with the group. A relevant photo could be included.
Themes/keywords: Magic, brothers and sisters, voyages and travels,
Age/Reading Level: Interest Level: 5 - 8; ATOS - 6.0; Follet - 6.5; Lexile: 1070
Standards:
ELA5R2/ELA6RC1/ELA7RC1/ELA8RC1: The student consistently reads at least twenty-five books or book equivalents (apprxoximately 1,000,000 words every year.)
ELA5R3: The student understands and acquires new vocabulary and uses it correctly in reading and writing.
Publisher's Info: Penguin Young Readers Group, New York, 2008.
ISBN-13: 978-0-8037-3306-0
ISBN-10: 0-8037-3306-2
Awards/Review Sources:
Newbery Medal/Honor 01/26/09 | School Library Journal 05/01/08 |
| Book Links (A.L.A.) 01/01/09 | Booklist starred 05/15/08 |
| Book Links starred 07/01/08 | Publishers Weekly starred 04/07/08 |
| Kirkus Review starred 04/01/08 | Horn Book 10/01/08 |
Websites:
Amazon site has questions and answers with the author:
http://www.amazon.com/Savvy-Ingrid-Law/dp/0803733062/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253027356&sr=1-1
Book's Official Website:
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/savvy/index.html
Notes for Booktalk: What would your "savvy" be? How would it change your life? Is it good or bad to have a savvy? Does everyone already have their own "savvy?"
Vocabulary: savvy
Comments