Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

It’s true I didn’t manage a post yesterday, although I did do errands and laundry and dishes and things; last night, however, I finished reading Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, which is one of this year’s Newbery Honor books. (And I already had it checked out of the library, so go me!) I’m going to say up front that I don’t love the art, but the story is thoroughly enjoyable. The premise of two (new) friends trying to solve the mysteries of lone socks left at the laundromat–which is owned by Magnolia’s parents–is entertaining enough, but the execution is fantastic. Magnolia and Iris learn new things about all sorts of people, and when they start to flounder with each other, author Chanel Miller maneuvers them deftly through their difficulties with just the right amount of sentiment.

It’s not just that the plot is entertaining and the emotional notes are spot on, though. Possibly the best part of the whole book is the gradual expansion of how Magnolia perceives people that she thinks she already knows. Everyone can still surprise us, right? At any rate, this is a lovely gem of a story, and I’m glad it (and therefore Miller) won a Newbery Honor award.

I’m afraid I have to run, since my hubby and I are subbing for a children’s class in church tomorrow–have a great weekend, everybody!