Mibs Beaumont is about to turn thirteen, which in the Beaumont family means her "savvy"-her special power-is about to strike. Her brothers' savvies let them create hurricanes and spark electricity, but Mibs has yet to learn what her savvy is. Then, two days before her birthday, her father is in a terrible car accident. He is sent to a hospital two hours from their isolated small town, and Mibs determines that she must get there, adamant that her savvy is going to help save him. She ends up on a traveling bible salesman's pink bus with all her siblings and the preacher's children, including the preacher's son, Will, who has a crush on her. The story chronicles the ups and downs of their journey to the hospital-where, in the end, Mibs's savvy (she can hear the thoughts and feelings of people with ink on their skin) helps her hear Poppa's tattoo speak and, ultimately, save his life.
Ok I'll be honest - at first I only read this book because it was a Newbery Honor book, and I had shown it to my students so I thought I'd better read it. I wasn't sure I'd really enjoy it. Sometimes (well a lot of times) Newberry books aren't really for me. I could NOT have been more wrong! This was the sweetest book, and I fell in love with all the characters -the bus driver, the lady they give a ride to, Mibs's youngest brother who doesn't speak and Will the preacher's son. All of them dug themselves into my heart. I was wishing I could be on the bus with them. But most of all I wanted to meet Mibs. She's a strong determined young lady that won't quit.Along with this being a sweet story of a young girl growing up, it's also funny. I did literally LOL (yes!) at points in the book - especially when Mibs's savvy "speaks" up! I didn't expect that at all.
The ending, when she finally reaches her destination, is a mix of happiness and sadness, and I wouldn't have wanted it anyother way. The book ended just as it should have.
Final thought - I am so glad I read this book. It will be one I cherish. Read it - it's an absolutely wonderful book!
I've never even heard of this one. If I'd seen it in the bookstore, though, I probably would have been drawn to the cover. Thanks for the review! I'll have to have a look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI loved Savvy. It was one of the best children's books I've read in a while.
ReplyDeleteNice review. :) I'll definitely have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI have the option to read this one this semester for children's lit. I may have to pick it-looks good!
ReplyDeleteGreenBean - you should pick it! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteWow - this book has a very interesting premise. And anything that has the Newbery seal of approval MUST be good, right? :-)
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I can't wait to read this. It's has such a beautiful cover and I keep hearing such great things.
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