Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was published in 1979, so I was nervous that the story wouldn't still be appropriate for students of this generation. I was wrong, though! Somehow thirty years has not aged this book at all. I am twenty years old, and I enjoyed reading this book. Lowry is a very talented writer in that she has created a story that people all ages can enjoy! I believe that children like Anastasia will love this book, and the parents and teachers of children like Anastasia will enjoy it as well! At first, I struggled with the fact that the book doesn't have your typical beginning, middle, and end. There is no specific rising action or climax; however there is a distinct resolution. But after reflecting on the book, I've decided that it's part of what makes the book so great.

All of the characters are very realistic and believable. Anastasia Krupnik is a very honest, indecisive, sassy ten-year-old girl. She kind of reminds me of Junie B. from Barbara Park's series! The book basically takes you into her mind and goes deep into the thought processes of Anastasia. The book is very well written, and it introduces some wonderful vocabulary for students. I love the relationship that Anastasia and her parents have. It's one of mutual respect, and her parents talk to her as if she is an adult. Hopefully this relationship in the story would reflect my classroom. My favorite part about Anastasia is her green notebook, and the "lists" that she keeps in it!

I have heard  that this book is controversial, and I understand why. The words "shit" and "damn" are used more than once. Also, Anastasia asks her parents if they have ever had a "love affair," which may bring up some issues with parents. There is also a presence of alcohol in the book, although I think it isn't presented in a negative way. These aspects of the book could be easily overlooked, though, and it did not bother me much. Another thing that may be controversial is that Anastasia deals with the death of her grandmother. I think that Lois Lowry approached this beautifully, though, and could even help students cope with the loss of a family member. I found no part of this book condescending.

This is a great coming of age book that I think many students, especially girls, can relate to. I thought that Anastasia was hilarious, but I can see how students reading this book would just find her thoughts and actions to be nothing but normal.

This book would be great to cover different topics, I believe:

• Diversity; It's okay to be different
• Identity
• Death
• Family

I kept a list of words that I might need to explain to students if I read it aloud to them. These words are astigmatism, turpentine, "fait accompli," dispensation, catechism, platonic, and ostentatious.

My favorite quote from the book is something that Anastasia's father says to her whenever they are talking about his "love affairs" that he experienced before he married her mother. He says, "Love is just about the hardest thing to understand. Maybe that's why there are painters and musicians and poets."

I'd give this book an 9 out of 10!

The Puffins Are Back! by Gail Gibbons