Gilda Joyce Psychic Investigator

Gilda Joyce Psychic Investigator

Author: Jennifer Allison

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z. 

Summary: During the summer before ninth grade, intrepid Gilda Joyce invites herself to the San Francisco mansion of distant cousin Lester Splinter and his thirteen-year-old daughter, where she uses her purported psychic abilities and detective skills to solve the mystery of the mansion's boarded-up tower.

Review: This book sparked my interest because I was wondering how the idea of a psychic investigator would be geared towards young readers. I think Jennifer Allison did a great job of keeping interest for both the young and old reader. This is a mysterious and funny book with a loveable and relatable main character that young girls can relate to and appreciate. The book is quite well-written and is a great alternative for a young reader who enjoys mysteries and the paranormal or loves reading Harriet the Spy books. I would recommend this series for ages 10 and up.

Out of My Mind

 Out of My Mind

Author: Sharon M. Draper

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Out of My Mind is a story about a young girl living with cerebral palsy and how she conquers her disability.

Review: In this book is a lifetime filled with lessons. We meet Melody Brooks, a child who is born with cerebral palsy. She describes how it feels to not be able to speak, be in a wheelchair, and live her day-to-day life. Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson does a wonderful depiction of Melody’s thoughts and the feelings she has that goes with them. All of these intricate and intelligent thoughts Melody has are inside of her, but she isn’t able to express herself. Many, from doctors to teachers, don’t understand that cerebral palsy only affects her body and not her mind. Melody is smart and should not be underestimated, and her parents and a loving neighbor know this and are filled with compassion. To hear how Melody describes her constant struggle with her disability, I find myself even more thankful that I am able to communicate in so many ways. This will tug at your heartstrings and you’ll also gain a better understanding of those with a disability. (Award Winner)