Friday, February 23, 2018

The Mighty Miss Malone

“…some people have kindness and gentleness wrapped around them like a blanket and there’s no doubting who they are.” ~Christopher Paul Curtis, The Mighty Miss Malone

Deza Malone is the smartest girl at her school in Gary, Indiana. She loves everything about school and checks out books from her local library regularly. Deza’s older brother, Jimmie, excels at singing and has a voice like an angel. Sadly, he hasn’t grown since he was twelve, and now people think he's her younger brother. Unfortunately, the Great Depression has hit the Malone family hard and they don’t have the money to take Jimmie to a special doctor to find out what’s going on. Mr. Malone has been out of work and Mrs. Malone works as a housekeeper, but this barely keeps a roof over their heads and a small amount of food on the table. After a tragic accident, Father seems different, until the big fight between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling is about to take place. Deza doesn’t understand it, but there’s hope everywhere. She thinks the fight is stupid until her father explains it to her and how important it is that there is an arena in which the color of skin doesn’t matter. Everyone is certain they know how the fight will end, and after it is over Mr. Malone decides he needs to leave Gary and look for a job in Flint, Michigan. It isn’t long after when their landlord kicks the rest of the Malones out of their house. Leaving behind her school, her best friend, and the only life she has ever known is painful for Deza. Still, she moves with her mother to a Hooverville in Flint hoping to find her father and be united as a family again. Will they ever find Deza’s father? Is it possible to survive without money for food or shelter? Does Deza have enough hope and perseverance to continue on? Don’t miss this trip back in history, because you won’t be able to put it down!


I read Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis and fell in love with it. I couldn’t wait to read The Mighty Miss Malone and I was not disappointed. Deza is an inspirational character because she keeps trying and does her best to stay positive no matter what. Whenever I read about the Great Depression I am amazed that people survived, especially with so many struggles. My heart went out to Deza and her family and all that they went though. Reading about the Malones was so much fun because of their relationship with each other. Seeing how hard life was for Deza made me think about all the things I take for granted and how lucky I am to have food, shelter, clothes, and even frivolous items. Sadly, there were people in the book who were prejudiced against Deza and her family because of their skin color, and when they said things to her like, “You are a credit to your race” they didn’t realize they were letting Deza know they were someone judgmental who couldn’t be trusted. I especially like how the author showed us that we often misjudge people or situations because we think we know what's going on, but really we bring our own bias with us. Reading the “Afterward” I was surprised at the information I learned and how I had misjudged a situation in the book. It’s awesome when you can read a book, fall into another time and place, and learn an important lesson. I would recommend this book to people in grades four and up who like historical fiction and characters with heart. I will certainly read anything by this author! 

Has anyone else read The Mighty Miss Malone? Or have you read another book by Christopher Paul Curtis? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

32 comments:

  1. Sounds like one to read that will make you appreciate what you have indeed. Not sure I'd have survived the great depression.

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    1. Pat- It definitely makes you appreciate what you have. I am impressed by everyone who survived the great depression! Wow! :) ~L

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  2. Sounds like a wonderful read, teaching things which are unfortunately still not always seen as 'normal'. Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Valerie- It really is a wonderful read! :) ~L

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  3. Looks like a good read. Thanks for the intro.

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  4. Very interesting looking read.... Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Michael- It is great! Glad to share it with others. :) ~L

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  5. That seems a fascinating read and thanks for bringing such awareness. And no, I wont state something like they named a city after me.

    Gary

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    1. Gary- You crack me up. Deza does love her hometown though. :) ~L

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  6. This sounds like a gentle story that everyone should read. I, too, take so many things for granted.

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    1. Beverly- It certainly made me think about how nice our lives are today and how much easier we have it than people did back then. :) ~L

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  7. Great post, thanks for sharing! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  8. I haven't read it but it does sound good.

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  9. I have seen this book around but haven’t read it. Glad to know you enjoyed it. It’s always good to read stories that remind us to be grateful for what we have.

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    1. The Armchair Squid- It will make you stop and reflect on life for sure. :) ~L

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  10. Would be good to read this story too. It's been a while since I got lost in the pages of a book.

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    1. Lux- This is a good one and it helps put life in perspective! :) ~L

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  11. Hi, thanks for the review. It does sound like a good book. I love traveling back in time and reading historical fiction.

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    1. Janet- Historical fiction is so much fun! :) ~L

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  12. Sounds like a wonderful book! Love the cover!

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    1. Magic Love Crow- Isn't the cover something! :) ~L

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  13. That bit of the book at the beginning was a good indication of just how fine this story is. Beautifully written.

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  14. I've never read this one, but I have read Bud, Not Buddy and definitely enjoyed it.

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    1. Kelly- I loved Bud, Not Buddy. This was a great read and definitely told from a different voice. I would love to see Deza and Buddy meet up. :) ~L

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  15. This one sounds like it deals with very complex and sensitive situations and concepts, but that it handles it well. It is possible to misjudge moments when reading and also learn from it yourself! You know an author writes well when that is achieved. Thank you for introducing this one to me :) I'm going to investigate this one a bit more.

    My recent post: http://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/02/5-mini-movie-reviews/

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    1. Olivia-Savannah- I hope you get to read this book or another book by this author. The interesting thing is I misjudged something that had to do with the boxers. So- don't forget to check out the "Afterwards" if you read it. :) ~L

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  16. This book seems important and a bit sad too. It looks gorgeous :) I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. <3

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    1. Carina- It is sad and hopeful too. A beautiful story. :) ~L

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