5 stars Middle School Realistic Fiction
Writing a story is making spaghetti sauce, according to Sophie. When I read this, I knew this was going to be a story for me. Sophie Henry Winslow is eleven and her best friend is seven times as old as she is. Sophie Gershowitz, 77, is Sophie’s next-door neighbor and best friend. There’s neighbor Ralphie who lives across the street from the pair, and he goes to school with Sophie W.
I like the closeness that Sophie W. has with her friends. Ralphie and Sophie W. are close friends, yet Sophie W. says Sophie G. is her best friend. Ralphie helps Sophie W. stay grounded and since they’re the same age, they have more things in common. Sophie W. and Sophie G. share a unique bond. They’re close but I think their friendship is constructed with more maturity and compassion. These relationships are important for Sophie since her relationships at school have vanished away.
When Sophie G.’s son comes for a visit, Sophie W. discovers that it’s not just a social visit. Sophie W. hears talk that Sophie’s problem is getting worse and that he’ll be taking her to see the doctor. Sophie G. doesn’t understand what problem Sophie G. has but she knows she must do something. Sophie G. is too important for something to happen to her but what can she do?
Having a mother with dementia, I understood exactly what Sophie W. was trying to do when she talked to her parents and when she consulted the Merck. Sophie W. was determined to help her best friend and the feelings that she was having as she struggled to come to terms with the results were spot-on. Her emotions pulled at my heart as she felt powerless and small when reality started to sink in. So, Tree. Table. Book. Yup, this book hit home. I’m a huge Lois Lowry fan (The Giver is my favorite) and I felt that she created this book just for me. Thanks Lois! 5 stars ++
“Begin on the day that is different” – start your story with this day an author suggested, yet Sophie points out every day is different 😊
“And I think that learning from each other is one of the most important parts of friendship.”
One Chapter 