Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Trauma Queen by Barbara Dee: Book Review & Giveaway!

Publisher: Aladdin
Author: Barbara Dee
Pub Date: April 2011
Age Rage: 9 - 12

Publisher Summary:
Every tween girl knows what it's like to have a mom who can be a little embarrasing at times. But for Marigold, it goes way beyond embarrassing. Marigold's single mom is a performance artist, meaning she stages dramatic, wacky performances to express her personal beliefs. Things like wrapping herself in saran wrap for a piece on plastic surgery, or inviting people over in the middle of the night to videotape her sleeping. In fact, Marigold's mom's performances caused such a ruckus in their last town that the two of them, along with Marigold's little sister, have just had to move. Now Marigold's starting a new school, missing her best friend like crazy, and trying to fit in all over again in the shadow of a mom who's famous for all the wrong reasons. As if that's not bad enough, Marigold's mom takes on a new job--teaching drama at Marigold's school! Now all the kids know instantly just how weird her mom is, and Marigold's worried she'll never be able to have a friendship that can survive her mother.

My Thoughts:
"I'm standing outside homeroom in yellow flannel monkey pajamas." This is the first sentence of the book, and no, the MC is not having one of those dreams where you forget to dress before leaving the house. As usual, this thirteen-year-old character, Marigold, finds herself in an embarrassing situation because of her mom.

Most of us know how difficult life can be as a teen. Like parents divorcing, moving aways from friends you've known your whole life, making new friends or  being the new kid in school. This story touches on all of that. And more. And no, it's not overwhelming or hard to believe. Barbara Dee found a way to make all of this work together in a funny, fresh, and lighthearted read, with very realistic characters.

I might not be a teen anymore (though I don't always act like it!) but I resonated with this character and so many times I found myself embarrassed for her! I couldn't wait to see how things turned out in the end and read this book in one sitting. And sacraficing sleep was well worth it!

I could go on and on about this book, about how I admire Barbara Dee's writing style, character depth, and voice. Or about the laugh out loud moments or when I almost teared up. But instead, I'll just give away a copy of Trauma Queen and let you read it for yourself.


Just follow Project Mayhem and leave a comment below to enter!



Check out these other great reads by Barbara Dee!


16 comments:

  1. This sounds like a funny book! I'd love to read it. I read Solving Zoe and really enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for sharing a copy of it. I'd love to read it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks great! What a great review, Rose!! Not fair that I can't win it! I MUST BUY!!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Don't include me in the draw unless you post internationally (I'm in England). I just wanted to say that this sounds like a fun read.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aww, thanks, Rose, for such a lovely review!!! I think we never outgrow our MG cringe-reflex...at least, I haven't!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Andrea-I'm looking forward to reading Solving Zoe next. I figured it would be a fun read too!

    Matthew-Your daughter would probably enjoy this!

    Barbara W.-You're entered to win. good luck!

    Hilary- Thanks! And yes, a definite must buy :)

    theartgirl- Thanks for reading today's post!

    Sorry Sarah, I should've mentioned it's only open to US Residents :(

    ReplyDelete
  7. Barbara Dee- You are so welcome! It's clear you can relate to this age group. Such a must for a talented writer :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love a good middle grade...oooh pick me! :b

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh I'm defiinitely getting this one for my daughter! It sounds hilarious. Any book that shows a mom weirder than me is one I want her to read, so I can point out how relatively normal I am.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This sounds like a funny book!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have this on pre-order!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I loved the descriptions on this. Sounds like a fun read!

    www.katrinadelallo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. haha the Aladdin series are great!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for adding to the mayhem!