Lucy Rose, Here's the Thing About Me (Book)

Kelly, K. (2004). Lucy Rose, here's the thing about me. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 0-440-42026-1

Interest Level: Ages 8 to 11
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Subjects/Themes: 8 Year Olds, Diaries, Divorced Parents, New School, Moving,

Plot: Lucy Rose has just moved to a new city and started at a new school after her parent's divorce.  She is struggling with all the changes in her life.  At first Lucy Rose doesn't think her life will get any better, but little by little she makes new friends and starts to find school enjoyable.  After one attempt and another to babysit the class guinea pig, she finally gets to take it home over the break.  She even makes friends with the other new boy that kept teasing her.

Personal Thoughts: A refreshing first person narrative.  What I really like about this novel is that a lot of the emotional struggles revolve around Lucy Rose personally.  Her parents seem to be having a relatively calm divorce (no fighting or mean remarks).  Both parents are also reaching out to Lucy Rose and trying to help her with this transition.  The family setting is believably realistic with grandparents regularly babysitting and her mother busy with work. Lucy Rose is struggling with the fact that she misses her old home, her dad, and her dog as any 8 year old in the same situation might be. 

Series Info: Book One of the Lucy Rose Books
Sequel: Lucy Rose, big on plans (2005) 

Other Books by the Author: Lucy Rose Series; Melonhead Series

Author's Website: Katy Kelly Website