Stranded in Boringsville Book

Following her parents' separation, twelve-year-old Rain moves with her mother to the country, where she befriends the unpopular boy who lives next door and also seeks a way to cope with her feelings toward her father and his new girlfriend.

Julie Watkins - VOYA

Life is not looking promising for twelve-year-old Rain May. Her parents have divorced, her father has a new girlfriend, and she and her mother are moving into her late grandmother's decrepit Australian cottage in the middle of nowhere. Clarkson, aka "Boringsville," is so rural that it does not even have a pizza parlor. Her mother embraces the adventure, insisting that Rain call her Maggie and ridding herself of possessions in the name of simplifying her life. To top it off, their new neighbor, Daniel, is a self-described "phenomenally bright" boy obsessed with all things Star Trek. Gradually, though, the charms of the rustic home and country life win over Rain. She and Maggie grow closer, and Rain is eventually able to come to terms with the divorce. Daniel becomes a devoted friend, and when he confronts an impending health crisis, Rain realizes how much she cares for him. This entertaining story will hook readers with the engaging characters and their experiences. Its tone is refreshing and genuine, without being too cloying. Although there are serious issues such as divorce involved, they are not delved into very deeply. Those searching for a realistic portrayal of a family's typical post-divorce experience will need to look elsewhere. Everything is ultimately resolved, with a happy ending for all. And in the case of this book, this reviewer would not have it any other way. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P M J (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2005, Holiday House, 138p., Ages 11 to 15.