Macy McMillan is finishing up 6th grade, and everything is changing. Her mom is getting married, so they’re selling Macy’s home and beloved garden to go live somewhere else. Macy worries her new bedroom won’t be “hers” and that she won’t have the fabulous garden she's worked so hard to create. Plus, now she will have two new step-sisters who don’t even know sign language. How will she know what they are saying? Although Macy is supposed to be working on centerpieces for the upcoming wedding, she is sent next door to help eighty-six-year-old Iris pack up her house because she’s moving too. Macy doesn’t know Iris and, since Iris doesn’t know sign language, Macy thinks that won’t change. But, Iris won’t let the fact that Macy is deaf stop her from sharing stories and cookies with her. People can learn to communicate, and you can feel people’s kindness. Maybe Iris can even help Macy with all the problems in her life. Is it possible to stop the wedding? What will she do about a garden? Macy has a summer full of surprises, and you’ll discover what problems can be solved, and which just have to be dealt with.
Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by
Shari Green was a completely different book than the one I was prepared for
when I started reading. Because of the title, I thought I was reading a fantasy
book, with ties to mythology. This was a realistic story told in verse! Once I
realized that magic wasn’t about to start happening, I laughed and settled into
the story. Macy is a kid who is struggling with the changes in her
life. She worries about her family and friends. I could understand Macy’s
concerns, and I thought about how hard it must be for her to meet new people who
don’t know sign language. I only know a little sign language, but reading the
book motivated me to learn more. I would recommend this book to anyone in fourth grade and up who likes books
with characters and settings that are realistic. I was extremely nervous during one
scene in the book, and anyone that has ever gotten in trouble with their parents
will be able to relate to Macy’s dilemma. The fact that this story is told in verse makes it a fast read that has a lot of heart.
Has anyone else read Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess? Or have you read another book by Shari Green? We’d love to
hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~ L
For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.
Funny that you thought this was a fantasy. This sounds like a fantastic story, and I'm sure that kids who are deaf are glad to have a story where they can see themselves in the main character.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- I know the words "rainbow goddess" threw me off! I agree that this is an important book and one I really enjoyed. :) ~L
DeleteSounds intriguing and a story that I would enjoy. Adding it to the TBR right now. Thanks for highlighting it.
ReplyDeleteBrenda- I hope you enjoy it too! :) ~L
DeleteThat sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it but it reminded me of another verse book which touches on sign language - Hate that Cat by Sharon Creech. I must reread it. And the segment in it where Jack signs a poem to his mother made my eyes leak.
EC- I haven't read Hate that Cat- but I did read Love that Dog. I will have to check out the other book. Sounds like it will touch my heart. Both books are about Jack. :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful story! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteValerie-Jeal- It really is! :) ~L
DeleteI'm glad to hear that you liked it. I haven't read this author before.
ReplyDeleteMary- This was my first by this author too! It was great! :) ~L
DeleteThere are so few books out there for kids who are hearing impaired or deaf. Am delighted to see an MG book. My daughter, who is hearing impaired, would have enjoyed being able to identify with the story. Looks like a must read for my website. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeletePatricia- I wish this book had been around for your daughter. I am glad it is out in the world to help kids who are hearing impaired to see themselves in books. So important! :) ~L
DeleteI hadn't come across this one until today with your excellent review. Sounds like a story I would enjoy. Thanks for featuring on MMGM
ReplyDeleteGreg- Glad to introduce you to this great read. :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds like a very good book! Thank you! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow- I thought so! Hugs back! :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds fun and a good story !! xoxox
ReplyDeleteGloria- It really is! :) ~L
DeleteI read this a few months ago and really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteJenni- I am glad you enjoyed this one too! :) ~L
DeleteI read another great review - probably Jenni's.
ReplyDeleteAlex- Awesome! :) ~L
DeleteI looked at this one, but magical realism is a hard sell in my library. I'd like to see more books with characters with hearing challenges, but would prefer realistic fiction.
ReplyDeleteTest- This is realistic fiction. :) I thought it was magical realism- but it just has a magical sounding title. It would be a good realistic fiction addition to your library. :) ~L
DeleteI loved this book! I'm with on not knowing what to expect when I picked it out at the library. I was pleasantly surprised!!
ReplyDeleteMaria- I was pleasantly surprised too! :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds so, so good. I am putting it near the top of my TBR list. Thanks for telling me about it. I'll be looking for a copy.
ReplyDeleteRosi- I hope you were able to find a copy and that you enjoy the story. :) ~L
DeleteI do hate when I go into a book (or TV show or movie, for that matter) thinking it is one thing, and it's something else! I had a copy of this book that I believe I got rid of, and it's been interesting to see it making the rounds again lately! I should try to get a new copy. Thanks for the wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteCompletely Full Bookshelf- It is surprising when we think we are in for one thing, but it is another! Glad you enjoyed the review. :) ~L
DeleteHmm! Not necessarily the sort of story I would have thought would be told in verse. It does however sound like a wonderful read that I shall be sure to recommend to a friend of mine who has a deaf granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteFelicity- I hope your friend's granddaughter enjoys it! :) ~L
DeleteGreat review. Should be a fun read!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteIt does sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteRomance Book Haven- It really is. :) ~L
DeleteLoved the review. Thank you for it.
ReplyDeleteLee- You are welcome! :) ~L
DeleteI don't think there are many books available for children who are hearing impaired or deaf, this sounds very good.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Jan- I was really happy to read a book with this topic. So important! :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds good book and thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteNas- You're welcome! :) ~L
Delete