Not only is Becky Citra one of my favourite BC children's book
authors, she's probably one of my favourite kid lit authors anywhere. She's a
former primary school teacher with considerable knowledge of what kids want to
read. It shows in every book she's written. Her beginning chapter book series,
Jeremy and the Enchanted Theatre, if you can still find it, is perfect for
young readers just starting to read novels.
And then there is her middle
grade fiction. I can't begin to count how many middle grade students I have
bonded with over one or more of her books. Grade four readers who became hooked
her stories, are still reading her work when they are in grade seven.
In Duke's Den, she does it all
again.
Following her parent's
separation, Amelia and her mother, Dianne, moved into the east side bungalow
that they inherited from one of Dianne's aunts. They fix up the basement into a
suite and rent it out, sight unseen, to Gabrielle and Duke. Amelia soon
discovers that this young couple operate an animal rescue service out of their
basement. When Dianne discovers it, she gives them their notice to move out.
Amelia comes up with a plan to
convince her mother to change her mind. I leave it for you to read and find out
if she is successful.
What I liked about this novel:
The book is set in my neck of
the woods here in East Vancouver. Sadly these older bungalows are being torn
down to build huge homes, but they still exist. There is something profound
about reading a novel set in your own world, where you recognize streets and
schools and neighbourhoods and can imagine the characters walking down your
block.
I loved the diverse group of
characters and their relationships with each other. Amelia's mother embodies
the very best in all the single moms I've met and worked with over the years.
Amelia's two friends, Liam and Roshni, represent the cultural diversity that is
the community I live in. The culturally mixed community with its quirky
characters is completely authentic. I love how Amelia, through cutting out
coupons and sharing them with these neighbours, is able to consolidate this
group into a supportive community. That they all come together in defence of
the animal rescue service, is just icing on the cake.
I appreciated the authenticity
in Amelia's relationship with her father, his new wife, and their children. Her
initial resentment and anger feel reasonable as does the beginning of their
mending of their relationship.
Thank you Becky for making my
reading life so splendid!
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