Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day

Rating:
Summary: My Sis and I had a Good Day with Molly McGinty
Review: My little sister and I started our own book group (right now we're the only two members!) and "Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day" by Gary Paulsen was our first selection. This book is targeted to the fourth to sixth grade level (my sister is in fifth grade) and proved to be not only a fun book to read, but also taught some good value lessons.

The title is a little deceiving at first, because when we meet Molly McGinty, she appears to be having the worst day of her life. She has lost her binder that contains everything of importance to her (her addresses, her homework, etc.) What could possibly happen to make things even worse? Her grandmother is coming to talk at school for Senior Citizen's Day and she's wearing purple suede pants! Grandmother Irene has Molly carry around her humongous purse, which she promptly trips over, causing her to get a black eye. And that's not all... Molly is mortified as Irene is caught smoking in the ladies room and teaches vocabulary in French class that sound just like cuss words.

What turns this day into a really good day in my opinion is that by the end of the book Molly has come to see her grandmother in a new light. This bad day has also shown Molly that she needs to take things as they come.

We both give this wonderful book five stars. It kept us interested, it was unpredictable and made us laugh out loud. My sister was able to relate to Molly and this book was a jumping off point for us to discuss some of the wackier members of our family. It made for a great bonding experience. Thank you Gary Paulsen!

Rating:
Summary: A funny, entertaining departure from Paulsen's usual style
Review: What a day Molly McGinty is having! She lost her notebook that contained everything she needs to live. She tore her skirt and got a black eye. And she finds out that her crazy grandmother, Irene, will be spending the day at school with her. How can her day get any worse?

Well, it does. Her grandma is caught smoking in the girl's room, and Molly gets detention for skipping Science class to bail her out. Irene is a free spirit who teaches Molly how to live in the moment. Our Lady of Mercy Middle School will never be the same again after her visit. Will Molly ever change and learn to be more flexible?

Gary Paulsen is the author of many critically acclaimed books for young people. THE WINTER ROOM, HATCHET and DOGSONG were all Newbery Honor books. With MOLLY MCGINTY, he has stepped out of his comfort zone and written a light, funny and entertaining novel.

Early middle school and late elementary students will giggle all the way through this fun romp of a book. I hope Mr. Paulsen writes a sequel to this amusing story.

--- Reviewed by Renee Kirchner

Rating:
Summary: I'm still guffawing over this hilarious tale...
Review: When overly organized, straight-laced sixth-grader Molly's completely disorganized, outgoing grandmother, with whom she's been living since her parents died in a car crash, comes to her school on Senior Citizens' Day, Molly is embarrassed by her grandmother's hilarious escapades such as befriending the school's social misfits, being sent to the office for smoking, having her French class find words that sound like swear words, etc. (M) (RR) I'm still guffawing over this hilarious tale, filled with love as much as laughs!