Rating: I Like It, but Some Families May Not; Needs Parent Supervision

Clarice grapples with difficult worries such as bullying, jealously over a new girl, the meaning of life, infinity, moving, parents arguing and possibly divorcing, loss of a dear friend, and having a teacher that seems to have you pigeonholed as a trouble maker. I don’t know why these books aren’t more popular because they are hilarious and honest and I utterly love them.

Some potential issues:

  • This is *no* Leave-it-to-Beaver family. They are honest, fallible, they argue, complain, and sometimes name call: “maggot” or “twit.” (Or was it “twerp?”). I appreciate the transparency of a family that gets angry but that doesn’t mean they don’t get over it and move on together.
  • Bullying.  There is some bullying that eventually is wonderfully resolved but before that involves some intimidation, blackmail, etc.
  • Depression & worry. A big theme of the book is worry, and Clarice shows strong signs of depression. If your child struggles with depression, it admittedly might be helpful to see someone else go through it.  On the other hand, it might make the burden heavier.
  • Attitude. This girl has sass. I find it wildly entertaining, but if my kid has too much attitude when it comes to respecting adults— particularly parents—then I’d proceed with caution.

Admittedly, some more tightly wound families might not approve.  But I just loved this and others in the series.