Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

I finished Terri Libenson’s Invisible Emmie tonight, which means that my older girls now get to decide who gets to read it first.  (I used to get a copy for each of them if they were on the same book in a series–it didn’t happen often–but when the book is newer and popular that just feels selfish.  Besides, I don’t need the same book taking up space on two library cards.  My library issues make that, well, undesirable.)  My older girl is feeling emotional tonight, which meant a discourse on how she can’t think of more than one book she’s ever gotten first–her younger sister always grabs it!–except, of course, for the last one.  I’m not so inclined to care, honestly, because Girlie #2 offered that last one to her older sister first, and her older sister’s only a third of the way through a big fat mystery anyway.  I might have to remember who gets this one first, though.  Taking actual official turns really might have to be a thing.

Anyway.  Invisible Emmie was a lovely debut, sort of a highly illustrated novel with graphic novel interludes, about middle school and friends and feeling invisible and learning how to talk to people and speak up for yourself.  It’s beautifully safe for younger readers on higher reading levels–like Girlie #2–and would be a perfect fit for anyone struggling with shyness or social anxiety.  OR anyone that isn’t but could use help understanding people who do.  OR, well–anyone!  If you’ve got a latter elementary or middle schooler, this ought to go over well, especially with girls.  I’m looking forward to Libenson’s next book!*

*It’s apparently due out in May.