Gr 4-7 Eleven-year-old Violet Raines is no "shrinking violet," especially when it comes to girlie girl Melissa Gold, whose family has just moved to her small Florida town in the 1970s. Violet is a worthy ally for readers navigating their own stormy evolution. Haworth deftly explores Violet's ambivalence toward growing up with an authenticity that will resonate with readers, who will appreciate her competent management of such crucial tween issues as best friends, fidelity and impending maturity. Rumblings of romantic changes in her friendship with Eddie also add to Violet's confusion. Caught in this transformation is Violet's relationship with Lottie, which is complicated by the upheaval caused by newcomer Melissa, who has one foot firmly planted in adolescence. However, just like the ominous atmospheric changes occurring prior to turbulent weather, Violet's growing awareness of a developmental shift among her peers leaves her unsettled and unsure. She remains very much a child, reveling in hollowed-out tree trunks and playing Barbies with her best friend's little sister. At 11, Violet is caught betwixt and between childhood and adolescence.
A coming-of-age tale that is as full of sass as its uniquely named protagonist.
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