Review: Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Synopsis: Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways. (from the back of the book)

Review: Ten-year old Raymie faces one of the hardest events that can occur to a child - when a parent leaves. Particularly when that parent doesn't say goodbye. DiCamillo writes this with authenticity - the complex emotions, the uncertainty, the strange plans we pin our hopes on, As an adult reader, I can see what Raymie doesn't about Beverly and Louisiana - see how both are in the same place, emotionally, that Raymie is. Vulnerable and hurting, as only kids can. While the resolution in the end didn't make this a happy ending, but made it a realistic ending - for all the girls. As with all DiCamillo stories, this is excellent and worth reading.

Note: I received this free through LibraryThing's Early Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. 

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-7636-8117-3
Year Published: 2016 (April)
Date Finished: 3-20-2016
Pages: 263