Monday, April 19, 2021

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

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.

42 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. Natalie- I know the words "rainbow goddess" threw me off! I agree that this is an important book and one I really enjoyed. :) ~L

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  2. Sounds intriguing and a story that I would enjoy. Adding it to the TBR right now. Thanks for highlighting it.

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  3. That sounds good.
    I 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.

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    1. 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

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  4. This sounds like a wonderful story! Hugs, Valerie

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  5. I'm glad to hear that you liked it. I haven't read this author before.

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    1. Mary- This was my first by this author too! It was great! :) ~L

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  6. There 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!

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    1. Patricia- 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

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  7. I hadn't come across this one until today with your excellent review. Sounds like a story I would enjoy. Thanks for featuring on MMGM

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    1. Greg- Glad to introduce you to this great read. :) ~L

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  8. This sounds like a very good book! Thank you! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow- I thought so! Hugs back! :) ~L

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  9. This sounds fun and a good story !! xoxox

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  10. I read this a few months ago and really enjoyed it!

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    1. Jenni- I am glad you enjoyed this one too! :) ~L

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  11. I read another great review - probably Jenni's.

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  12. I 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.

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    1. Test- 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

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  13. I loved this book! I'm with on not knowing what to expect when I picked it out at the library. I was pleasantly surprised!!

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    1. Maria- I was pleasantly surprised too! :) ~L

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  14. This 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.

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    1. Rosi- I hope you were able to find a copy and that you enjoy the story. :) ~L

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  15. I 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!

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    1. Completely Full Bookshelf- It is surprising when we think we are in for one thing, but it is another! Glad you enjoyed the review. :) ~L

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  16. Hmm! 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.

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    1. Felicity- I hope your friend's granddaughter enjoys it! :) ~L

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  17. Loved the review. Thank you for it.

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  18. I don't think there are many books available for children who are hearing impaired or deaf, this sounds very good.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan- I was really happy to read a book with this topic. So important! :) ~L

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  19. This sounds good book and thanks for your review.

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