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The Melinda Zone
Having grown up with divorced parents, 14-year-old Melinda (called Mindy by her mother; Linda by her father) is weary of being caught in the middle of her warring adults. She finds relief during a summer spent with her aunt, uncle, and beloved older cousin, Sharon. She also meets Paul, the boy who helps her find the “Melinda Zone.” But her cousin’s household is in turmoil and Melinda learns more than she dreamed about standing up for herself and being fair to the people she loves.
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
3 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Willey
18 books17 followersI am the author of 9 Young Adult novels, 6 picture books & more on the way in both genres. I have also published reviews, essays and poetry. My best known books are the CLEVER BEATRICE picture books, for which I received many awards and prizes, including the CCBC Charlotte Zolotow award for best writing in a picture book. Recently, I was given the Gwen Frostic Award by the Michigan Reading Association for my contributions to literacy in my home state of Michigan. I have two grown children and live in Grand Haven with my husband Richard Joanisse.
I am the author of FOUR SECRETS,a book about the aftermath of a school bullying incident with graphic novel-inspired illustrations by Bill Hauser.
I am currently promoting my new title with Carolrhoda Lab, BEETLE BOY, about a different kind of bullying, the parental kind, and one boy's long journey out of childhood to escape it. Kirkus called the book "Disturbing and riveting" in a starred review. Starred review Publishers Weekly. Cited as a book of week for Sept 1 from PW.
I am the author of FOUR SECRETS,a book about the aftermath of a school bullying incident with graphic novel-inspired illustrations by Bill Hauser.
I am currently promoting my new title with Carolrhoda Lab, BEETLE BOY, about a different kind of bullying, the parental kind, and one boy's long journey out of childhood to escape it. Kirkus called the book "Disturbing and riveting" in a starred review. Starred review Publishers Weekly. Cited as a book of week for Sept 1 from PW.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 4, 2024
3.5 stars.
I find Melinda's parents and situation extreme. She spends every weekend of her life on her dad's farm. Really? They never switched off to have a weekend with her mom in Milwaukee? The parents also really need therapy. Even with that, I like Melinda, who is 15. Her cousin Sharon, 17-almost-18, and in love with a 23-year-old in a band is wholly believable, as are Sharon's parents and their reaction to their daughter's choices.
Melinda and Paul's friendship is really nice too. I love the way they actively do nothing for the summer, but have really meaningful and supportive conversations with each other, while still also sometimes saying and doing the wrong thing.
Altogether a fast, enjoyable read.
I find Melinda's parents and situation extreme. She spends every weekend of her life on her dad's farm. Really? They never switched off to have a weekend with her mom in Milwaukee? The parents also really need therapy. Even with that, I like Melinda, who is 15. Her cousin Sharon, 17-almost-18, and in love with a 23-year-old in a band is wholly believable, as are Sharon's parents and their reaction to their daughter's choices.
Melinda and Paul's friendship is really nice too. I love the way they actively do nothing for the summer, but have really meaningful and supportive conversations with each other, while still also sometimes saying and doing the wrong thing.
Altogether a fast, enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review