Noonie's Masterpiece by Lisa Railsback, illustrated by Sarajo Frieden (MG)
Summer vacation day 56/ Book 56
207 pages. Chronicle Books, February 2010 (review based on arc obtained at ALA midwinter, courtesy of publisher)
Fourth grader Noonie has lived with her aunt, her uncle and cousin ever since she was five. Her mother died and her too sad father left her with a "real family" and went on archaeological digs all over the world. Noonie is an artist - soon to be world famous but already misunderstood. No one but her best friend, Reno appreciates her genius and the fact that, other than art, the rest of school is just not her thing. She spends a lot of time in the principal's office.
She's also really missing her father and writes letters intent on bringing him home - usually having something to do with being seriously ill.
Noonie's Masterpiece is a cute read. There were a few parts that didn't quite ring true, such as the rapidity of her dad's responses to her letters from far-flung places or the fact that, after five years of living with her aunt and uncle, she still feels the way she does. The ending seems a bit rushed and pat as well.Then there's this scene where all her favorite artists visit her. But I liked Noonie's spirit and her passion about art. She carries around a red artist suitcase with her favorite book, Masterpieces of Art, which she practically has memorized. She organizes an impromptu performance art piece during recess that involved the younger students, lots of purple chalk and lunch refuse, which faithful Reno carted our from the cafeteria. Brilliant.
This is a book that I'd like to give to the amazing art teacher at my school. Her room is a haven for the Noonies of my school.
207 pages. Chronicle Books, February 2010 (review based on arc obtained at ALA midwinter, courtesy of publisher)
Fourth grader Noonie has lived with her aunt, her uncle and cousin ever since she was five. Her mother died and her too sad father left her with a "real family" and went on archaeological digs all over the world. Noonie is an artist - soon to be world famous but already misunderstood. No one but her best friend, Reno appreciates her genius and the fact that, other than art, the rest of school is just not her thing. She spends a lot of time in the principal's office.
She's also really missing her father and writes letters intent on bringing him home - usually having something to do with being seriously ill.
Noonie's Masterpiece is a cute read. There were a few parts that didn't quite ring true, such as the rapidity of her dad's responses to her letters from far-flung places or the fact that, after five years of living with her aunt and uncle, she still feels the way she does. The ending seems a bit rushed and pat as well.Then there's this scene where all her favorite artists visit her. But I liked Noonie's spirit and her passion about art. She carries around a red artist suitcase with her favorite book, Masterpieces of Art, which she practically has memorized. She organizes an impromptu performance art piece during recess that involved the younger students, lots of purple chalk and lunch refuse, which faithful Reno carted our from the cafeteria. Brilliant.
This is a book that I'd like to give to the amazing art teacher at my school. Her room is a haven for the Noonies of my school.