Close to Famous

Twelve year old Foster and her mother have to leave Memphis, TN in a hurry. On their tail is her mama's boyfriend and Elvis impersonator, Huck. They find a great spot to land in small Culpepper, WV, where Foster's love of baking helps her make an indelible mark on the town. Foster's struggles with reading and life are handled adeptly. Bauer always creates such great young heroines and Foster is no exception.

I started reading the book, which we are using in class next year, only to discover that the story takes place in Culpeper, West Virginia. Culpeper is in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I can't imagine how educated people can continue to mistake one state for another. West Virginians are sick of this, and I wish that we had not chosen this book.

I was very interested in reviewing this book. I had recently finished "Almost Home" and was hopeful that this book was of the same vein. The beginning chapter or two was very shocking. Foster and mother were running away from the mother's old boyfriend because she wouldn't be in his band anymore. He came storming into their place, verbally abused her and then punched her in the eye. Yes, the message of the trials and success of Foster was good, but there was no real reason to write this shocking incident for young readers to read. Fortunately, I had checked out the book from our public library to review before I purchased for our church library. There was no need for this situation to escalate to this degree. I actually found the email address for the author and wrote her a note. She was good enough that she wrote back. She offered her explanation of the shocking incident. It may not be shocking to many, but in this day and age of violence being in the news every day, kids need positive communication and not "running away" from bad people. I will not purchase for my church library.

What are horrendous book for a forth grader to read. I personally don't believe my daughter needs to be reading about domestic violence, running from a psych ex-boyfriend and moving to a prison town. I was very disappointed to find this on the Caudill book list for 2014. Can we truly not find good wholesome literature anymore?!?