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Blind Guide
Blind Guide to Stinkville
Before Stinkville, Alice didn’t think albinism—or the blindness that goes with it—was a big deal. Sure, she uses a magnifier to read books. And a cane keeps her from bruising her hips on tables. Putting on sunscreen and always wearing a hat are just part of life. But life has always been like this for Alice. Until Stinkville.
For the first time in her life, Alice feels different—like she’s at a disadvantage. Back in her old neighborhood in Seattle, everyone knew Alice, and Alice knew her way around. In Stinkville, Alice finds herself floundering—she can’t even get to the library on her own. But when her parents start looking into schools for the blind, Alice takes a stand. She’s going to show them—and herself—that blindness is just a part of who she is, not all that she can be. To prove it, Alice enters the Stinkville Success Stories essay contest. No one, not even her new friend Kerica, believes she can scout out her new town’s stories and write the essay by herself. The funny thing is, as Alice confronts her own blindness, everyone else seems to see her for the first time.
This is a stirring small-town story that explores many different issues—albinism, blindness, depression, dyslexia, growing old, and more—with a light touch and lots of heart. Beth Vrabel’s characters are complicated and messy, but they come together in a story about the strength of community and friendship. This paperback edition includes a Q&A with the author and a sneak peek at the upcoming The Blind Guide to Normal .
For the first time in her life, Alice feels different—like she’s at a disadvantage. Back in her old neighborhood in Seattle, everyone knew Alice, and Alice knew her way around. In Stinkville, Alice finds herself floundering—she can’t even get to the library on her own. But when her parents start looking into schools for the blind, Alice takes a stand. She’s going to show them—and herself—that blindness is just a part of who she is, not all that she can be. To prove it, Alice enters the Stinkville Success Stories essay contest. No one, not even her new friend Kerica, believes she can scout out her new town’s stories and write the essay by herself. The funny thing is, as Alice confronts her own blindness, everyone else seems to see her for the first time.
This is a stirring small-town story that explores many different issues—albinism, blindness, depression, dyslexia, growing old, and more—with a light touch and lots of heart. Beth Vrabel’s characters are complicated and messy, but they come together in a story about the strength of community and friendship. This paperback edition includes a Q&A with the author and a sneak peek at the upcoming The Blind Guide to Normal .
280 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
20 people are currently reading
1137 people want to read
About the author
Beth Vrabel
18 books153 followersBeth Vrabel is the author of Cyblis-nominated Caleb and Kit, ILA award-winning A Blind Guide to Stinkville, JLG-selection A Blind Guide to Normal, and The Reckless Club and Pack of Dorks series. She can't clap to the beat nor be trusted near Nutella. Beth loves traveling around the country to meet with young readers and writers, sharing a message of grit, resiliency and heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 10, 2015
LOVED IT!!! This was one of the best books I have read this year. The main character, Alice had so much spunk and heart it was hard not to like her. Alice has albinism and this follows her and her family as they move to a new town. Before the move everyone knew about Alice's condition, but now the fact that Alice has albinism and doesn't see well becomes something that needs to be explained to new people and talked about in her family. Lots of great discussion about what it means to have a disability and what it means to be successful. This story was endearing and and wonderful. I can't wait to share it with others.
November 30, 2018
There is girl named Elice and she is blind but not at all. When she move to Stinkville she came with her brother James. Then she allowed to dog is in the library so she was just around library and meet Kerica and this is my best part of book she said dog is not allowed in library so she replied that it is her seeing eye dog and then she said just don't make it poop in a library and it was her first meeting with Kerica and she is learning about this town.
August 26, 2016
4.5 stars
I can tell you this: children's fiction continues to be a roll and Beth Vrabel's work is a part of that wonderful ride. A Blind Guide to Stinkville is now the third book I have read by Vrabel in a relatively short span of time, and with each novel, I have grown increasingly impressed and fond of her writing and approach to middle-grade lit.
A Blind Guide to Stinkville follows Alice Confrey and her family as they start their new and very different life in Sinkville- aka Stinkville- South Carolina. From Alice's terrifically written first-person narrative, readers are taken immediately and wholeheartedly into Alice's life. Having moved from their beloved and relatively comfortable life in Seattle, Alice, along with her older brother James and parents, are having some troubles adjusting. In Seattle, Alice's albinism and associated blindness were never an 'issue' or something to be known about her as a person: she had her brother and friends around and helping; she attended a public elementary school with her friends; she simply lived her life and knew her world very well. But in Stinkville, Alice suddenly stands out in a way she does want to.
With James increasingly reticent to look after her (wanting to have some private time on his own), and worried that her parents will decide to have her attend a school for blind kids, Alice takes matters into her own very capable (and honest) hands. What follows is a seriously affecting string of events that not only show Alice's tremendous heart and conscientiousness, but also how Alice's actions alter her family's dynamics and their relationship to Stinkville. Alice is such a memorable character- so wonderfully developed, her young voice is so vibrant and nuanced, you just want to have the delight of actually meeting her one day! Covering a scope of weighty topics- everything from the pain of moving, loneliness, racism, parental mental illness, aging seniors, and navigating new friendships to albinism and conceptions about the spectrum of disability- Vrabel approaches every subject matter with consideration and makes it all so engrossing. There is also, I have to note here, a character by the name of Tooter in this book: an elderly Shih Tzu with a serious flatulence problem who is an essential part of the story. I mention Tooter not only because I adore the dog, but also because Vrabel shows a great skill in being able to blend unexpected laugh out moments of fart humour and serious, sudden heartache so well here.
Overall, I would definitely recommend A Blind Guide to Stinkville for any readers and fans of realistic, heartwarming and gently funny middle grade fiction. It looks as though there is a follow-up story, called A Blind Guide to Normal (from a different character's perspective) due out in October 2016, and I for one cannot wait to read more. A story that has a very sweet, slight element of small-town magic (wonderfully and appropriately, Kate DiCamillo's work is referenced in this book!), with main and supporting character bursting with unfeigned richness, A Blind Guide to Stinkville is truly a beautiful reading experience.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Sky Pony Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.
February 6, 2016
Original de: El Extraño Gato del Cuento
WoW. Durante toda tu vida de lector que espero nunca vayas a dejar de lado, encontrarás libros malos, libros buenos, libros que por alguna razón solo a ti te gustan, libros que jamás vas a mencionar haber leído porque son solo para ti. Pero luego vas a encontrar libros como A Blind Guide to Stinkville que cuando lo termines, sonreirás como si hubieras encontrado esa pieza que le faltaba a tu vida.
THAT GUACAMOLE
Ya había tenido oportunidad de leer a Beth Vrabel con anterioridad, su libro debut A Pack of Dorks fue uno de los culpables que me enamorará del Middle Grade. Pensé que su siguiente libro sería la continuación de ese, pero hace unos días la escritora tuiteó un link para preordenar su libro. Decir que casi me rompo la mano buscando si el libro estaba para reseñar, sería mentir. Y, al igual que Alice, no sabía que el libro me afectaría de esa manera.
Como siempre, fui sin saber de qué iba la historia, y lo que me encontré fue una de las historias más importantes para mí en lo que va del año.
Para empezar es la primera vez que leo sobre albinismo, ni en mis más ambiciosos sueños hubiera esperado toparme con libro como este. Alice es un personaje que te va a enamorar desde el primer instante que la conoces y si no es así ¡Qué está mal contigo! Me he conmovido tanto con su manera de narrar, me ha enamorado su personalidad. Cuando digo conmovido no me refiero que me hizo llorar cada cinco segundos, porque no, Alice es un personaje con discapacidad que no te hace sentirte mal por ella, sí, su ceguera es el tema central, pero A Blind Guide to Stinkville es sobre ella probándose a sí misma y demostrándole a los demás que su discapacidad no la define (tal y como dice la sinopsis).
THAT GUACAMOLE
En una historia tan interesante como la que nos cuenta Alice, podría decirse que Beth Vrabel lo tenía todo, solo que la escritora dio mucho más.
La escritora hizo un gran trabajo con un personaje y su depresión, no lo dulcificó, no lo hizo como si todos lo entendieran, fue realista. Sobre todo en como afecta a las personas a su alrededor, siendo quién es el personaje con depresión, para mí, una persona que tiene que vivir diariamente con esto, fue, en una manera demasiado personal, esperanzador.
Y NO ME HAGAS EMPEZAR CON LOS DEMÁS PERSONAJES
Beth Vrabel entró automáticamente en mi lista de escritores favoritos, en este libro ella te habla sobre discapacidad, depresión, dislexia, racismo, segundas oportunidades, familia, mascotas, nuevos comienzos, todo eso a través de Alice y todas las maravillosas personas que conoce en esta ciudad que huele un poco mal. Sobre todo esa escena con Ryder, nunca la voy a olvidar.
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WoW. Durante toda tu vida de lector que espero nunca vayas a dejar de lado, encontrarás libros malos, libros buenos, libros que por alguna razón solo a ti te gustan, libros que jamás vas a mencionar haber leído porque son solo para ti. Pero luego vas a encontrar libros como A Blind Guide to Stinkville que cuando lo termines, sonreirás como si hubieras encontrado esa pieza que le faltaba a tu vida.
THAT GUACAMOLE
Ya había tenido oportunidad de leer a Beth Vrabel con anterioridad, su libro debut A Pack of Dorks fue uno de los culpables que me enamorará del Middle Grade. Pensé que su siguiente libro sería la continuación de ese, pero hace unos días la escritora tuiteó un link para preordenar su libro. Decir que casi me rompo la mano buscando si el libro estaba para reseñar, sería mentir. Y, al igual que Alice, no sabía que el libro me afectaría de esa manera.
Como siempre, fui sin saber de qué iba la historia, y lo que me encontré fue una de las historias más importantes para mí en lo que va del año.
Para empezar es la primera vez que leo sobre albinismo, ni en mis más ambiciosos sueños hubiera esperado toparme con libro como este. Alice es un personaje que te va a enamorar desde el primer instante que la conoces y si no es así ¡Qué está mal contigo! Me he conmovido tanto con su manera de narrar, me ha enamorado su personalidad. Cuando digo conmovido no me refiero que me hizo llorar cada cinco segundos, porque no, Alice es un personaje con discapacidad que no te hace sentirte mal por ella, sí, su ceguera es el tema central, pero A Blind Guide to Stinkville es sobre ella probándose a sí misma y demostrándole a los demás que su discapacidad no la define (tal y como dice la sinopsis).
THAT GUACAMOLE
En una historia tan interesante como la que nos cuenta Alice, podría decirse que Beth Vrabel lo tenía todo, solo que la escritora dio mucho más.
La escritora hizo un gran trabajo con un personaje y su depresión, no lo dulcificó, no lo hizo como si todos lo entendieran, fue realista. Sobre todo en como afecta a las personas a su alrededor, siendo quién es el personaje con depresión, para mí, una persona que tiene que vivir diariamente con esto, fue, en una manera demasiado personal, esperanzador.
Y NO ME HAGAS EMPEZAR CON LOS DEMÁS PERSONAJES
Beth Vrabel entró automáticamente en mi lista de escritores favoritos, en este libro ella te habla sobre discapacidad, depresión, dislexia, racismo, segundas oportunidades, familia, mascotas, nuevos comienzos, todo eso a través de Alice y todas las maravillosas personas que conoce en esta ciudad que huele un poco mal. Sobre todo esa escena con Ryder, nunca la voy a olvidar.
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September 16, 2016
At twelve, getting uprooted and moving almost all the way across the country would be traumatic. For Alice, the experience is far worse. In Seattle, everyone knew her around the neighborhood and at school, she was liked and others knew how to accept her difference. Alice has albinism and is almost completely blind.
When her dad takes a job managing the tottering paper mill that gives Sinkville, SC its nickname of Stinkville, she's left feeling lost. Her best friend, Eliza seems to have moved on quickly back in Seattle, her father is spending more and more time at work, her older brother is angry about the move and resents having to be around Alice, but worst of all is her mother's reaction to the change. She's fallen into a depression and barely gets out of bed.
At first, Alice has a sense of panic, but after discovering the local library, she begins to suck it up and realize that if she's going to learn how to survive in her new environment, she'll need to do it on her own. After making friends with Kerica, daughter of the childrens librarian and being snubbed by Sandi, another girl who frequents the library, but for reasons she'd prefer to keep secret, Alice sets on a new path with her dog Tooter, so named because of his habit of flatulence. That road brings her confidence, more new friends and insight into her own family, but most importantly, it helps her discover that sense of community she so sorely missed after leaving Seattle. How these come about make for a really feel-good experience. It's a great book for any library to add and adults will enjoy it as much as tweens.
When her dad takes a job managing the tottering paper mill that gives Sinkville, SC its nickname of Stinkville, she's left feeling lost. Her best friend, Eliza seems to have moved on quickly back in Seattle, her father is spending more and more time at work, her older brother is angry about the move and resents having to be around Alice, but worst of all is her mother's reaction to the change. She's fallen into a depression and barely gets out of bed.
At first, Alice has a sense of panic, but after discovering the local library, she begins to suck it up and realize that if she's going to learn how to survive in her new environment, she'll need to do it on her own. After making friends with Kerica, daughter of the childrens librarian and being snubbed by Sandi, another girl who frequents the library, but for reasons she'd prefer to keep secret, Alice sets on a new path with her dog Tooter, so named because of his habit of flatulence. That road brings her confidence, more new friends and insight into her own family, but most importantly, it helps her discover that sense of community she so sorely missed after leaving Seattle. How these come about make for a really feel-good experience. It's a great book for any library to add and adults will enjoy it as much as tweens.
June 18, 2015
This review is based on an ARC provided to me by the publisher.
There's a lot going on in this excellent middle grade choice. Alice is struggling with many things in her life: albinism, blindness, a new home, a here-but-not-really mother, plus all the really lousy parts of being a teen.
The author's use of the library as a town center and a writing contest as a plot device both work well. As Alice begin researching people, places and event for her contest entry the reader gets to know all the quirky characters in the community.
There's a lot going on in this excellent middle grade choice. Alice is struggling with many things in her life: albinism, blindness, a new home, a here-but-not-really mother, plus all the really lousy parts of being a teen.
The author's use of the library as a town center and a writing contest as a plot device both work well. As Alice begin researching people, places and event for her contest entry the reader gets to know all the quirky characters in the community.
February 19, 2016
Alice's story was so engrossing that I read it in one sitting. Perfect book for fans of realistic middle grade fiction.
August 31, 2018
How do you handle moving to a new town with no friends and also are cursed with albinism. A Blind Guide to Stinkville by Beth Vrabel is a amazing well written novel that is written by the perspective by a girl named Alice. Alice moved from Seattle, Washington to Sinkville, South Carolina. Alice is a young girl who suffers from albinism. This disease affects her eye site as well as her skin in the sun. Alice spends her time going to the library to work on her essay for a competition called Sinkville success stories. While writing the story she makes friends and enemies. Alice finds herself in trouble when she has to save her dog Tutor and help her depressed mom while writing her story. All of this going on makes ALice feel overwhelmed and not wanna continue writing her essay, “‘I don’t think I’m going to finish the essay.’ I said not looking up from my menu, but she realizes the only way to overcome all of these issues she needs to continue doing what she loves, writing her story. Maybe ALice will even start to like her new home in Sinkville.
Personally, Alice's story showed me that when life brings you done there's usually a way to make it better maybe my helping people or doing what you love.
Personally, Alice's story showed me that when life brings you done there's usually a way to make it better maybe my helping people or doing what you love.
July 6, 2017
This book is a thoughtful and compassionate look at albinism, but that isn't really what it's about. Alice navigates a host of other challenges in adapting to her family's move from Seattle to small town South Carolina. With her dad's busy work schedule, her mom's struggle with depression, and her brother spending more and more time with a girl, Alice strikes out on her own. She discovers that "Stinkville," as the town is nicknamed, has a pretty interesting past and some very special people.
I really enjoyed this book and the charming characters. Vrabel deals with some tough issues: disability, racism, and depression. But seen through Alice's innocent eyes, these problems are solvable, and Sinkville, South Carolina, becomes a pretty good place to call home.
I really enjoyed this book and the charming characters. Vrabel deals with some tough issues: disability, racism, and depression. But seen through Alice's innocent eyes, these problems are solvable, and Sinkville, South Carolina, becomes a pretty good place to call home.
April 22, 2018
I was not sure about this book at first mainly because of the title. Did I really want to read a story about a town referred to as “Stinkville”? It turns out the story is less about the smell generated by the local paper mill and more about friendship and relationships and overcoming personal obstacles. You see Alice has albinism which is a condition where your body produces no pigment and as a result you are pale, have white hair and often times have eye problems. Alice can’t see very well and legally is classified as blind. Alice and her family have just moved across the country for her father’s job. Her mom is dealing with severe depression and Alice and her brother are just trying to fit in the summer of the move. I love that Alice visits the library on the daily and that there is a local writing contest going on where everyone is writing an essay about their town. Very well written and one of my favorite books this year. Makes for a great middle school read.
December 27, 2017
Even though this is a kids book, it is probably the best book I read in 2017 for many reasons. First and foremost, it address many topics that kids deal with: aging pets, sibling relationships, moving, and peer relationships. It also deals candidly with adult depression. The protagonist has albinism and is blind. So it focuses on her strength as she navigates a new move and all the above mentioned topics. It’s a feel good book, but the ending doesn’t wrap up every single thing. Love that. Can’t wait for my students to read this!
November 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book about a family who has recently moved and are all trying to figure out how to fit in, make friends and help each other. Funny, smart and good messages.
January 5, 2018
A great story about a girl who has albinism, her family move to Sinkville, NC, aka Stinkville, and her quest to belong, fit in, and encourage her family to heal.
October 7, 2015
I’m not exactly a YA reader. I like realistic fiction with protagonists my own age – I can just relate better, you know? But A Blind Guide to Stinkville reeled me in. I was laughing in Chapter One. I was invested by Chapter Three. I was bawling my eyes out in Chapter Seventeen... but that’s for later in this review.
Alice moves across the country and, like the rest of her family, is having a hard time adjusting. Besides the friend factor and the school factor, Alice has some physical challenges that were much easier to handle when everyone in her old town had known her since she was born. In Stinkville, Alice has to learn how to do things without the predictable help of those around her.
I am SO IMPRESSED with Vrabel’s consistent pace and even-keeled writing. Alice could be barely holding it together, or the girl in the library could have just revealed something astonishing, or a new friend could be just as mean as the old friend just was… and Vrabel writes it all very matter-of-factly, like none of these things are the end of the world. No melodrama, here. No way. And that’s totally refreshing in a world of melodramatic teenagers and melodramatic teenage books.
I know that when my children read Stinkville, they will accept the characters and their idiosyncrasies without batting an eyelash. They will understand that differences are No Big Deal. And maybe they’ll realize that all the things they’ve been practically fainting about in their real lives are also No Big Deal, because, hey, Alice got through much more challenging circumstances with far less indignity.
I am also excited for my children to read Stinkville so they might be eager to be more independent, be inspired to find their way around their town (literally and figuratively), and be able to navigate new situations with grace and purpose.
So, Chapter Seventeen. Well, I had just taken a break after reading the first sixteen chapters, and I was ready to settle in for two wonderful last chapters – my favorite chapters in any book. Beth Vrabel threw me for a loop and wrote something so funny and so heartbreaking that I choked out a laugh and then proceeded to cry my head off. I cried and laughed until I finished the book. I’m a mom, and I get emotional when I read about children struggling – or in this case, overcoming their struggles so well that my heart fills up.
Everything in A Blind Guide to Stinkville seems so real that I want to say You Can’t Make Up This Stuff. But Vrabel did. She put her imagination together with her experiences to create something so wonderful that I need to read it again.
Oh, and that Blind Guide that Alice wrote? Stories within a story are brilliant, Beth Vrabel. Add me to your fan club.
The publisher provided me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Alice moves across the country and, like the rest of her family, is having a hard time adjusting. Besides the friend factor and the school factor, Alice has some physical challenges that were much easier to handle when everyone in her old town had known her since she was born. In Stinkville, Alice has to learn how to do things without the predictable help of those around her.
I am SO IMPRESSED with Vrabel’s consistent pace and even-keeled writing. Alice could be barely holding it together, or the girl in the library could have just revealed something astonishing, or a new friend could be just as mean as the old friend just was… and Vrabel writes it all very matter-of-factly, like none of these things are the end of the world. No melodrama, here. No way. And that’s totally refreshing in a world of melodramatic teenagers and melodramatic teenage books.
I know that when my children read Stinkville, they will accept the characters and their idiosyncrasies without batting an eyelash. They will understand that differences are No Big Deal. And maybe they’ll realize that all the things they’ve been practically fainting about in their real lives are also No Big Deal, because, hey, Alice got through much more challenging circumstances with far less indignity.
I am also excited for my children to read Stinkville so they might be eager to be more independent, be inspired to find their way around their town (literally and figuratively), and be able to navigate new situations with grace and purpose.
So, Chapter Seventeen. Well, I had just taken a break after reading the first sixteen chapters, and I was ready to settle in for two wonderful last chapters – my favorite chapters in any book. Beth Vrabel threw me for a loop and wrote something so funny and so heartbreaking that I choked out a laugh and then proceeded to cry my head off. I cried and laughed until I finished the book. I’m a mom, and I get emotional when I read about children struggling – or in this case, overcoming their struggles so well that my heart fills up.
Everything in A Blind Guide to Stinkville seems so real that I want to say You Can’t Make Up This Stuff. But Vrabel did. She put her imagination together with her experiences to create something so wonderful that I need to read it again.
Oh, and that Blind Guide that Alice wrote? Stories within a story are brilliant, Beth Vrabel. Add me to your fan club.
The publisher provided me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2018
I bought this book for my 9 year old daughter, and she loved it so much she insisted that I read it too. We were initially drawn to this book because the main character, Alice, has albinism, just like my daughter. My daughter really enjoyed having a character that she could relate to, and felt that the descriptions about albinism and how Alice sees are very accurate. Reading the book myself, it gave me a glimpse into my daughter’s world. Though Alice has albinism, it isn’t the main theme of the story, showing readers that someone with albinism is just like other people. It’s refreshing to find a story that features a character with albinism in a positive light.
The story touches on many themes, including moving to a new town, learning independence, making new friends, depression, and understanding that everyone has their own challenges that they must overcome. It truly is a heartwarming story with a possitive message and a cast of interesting characters.
Thought the book is written for middle grade readers, I found it to be very enjoyable to read as an adult as well. We’ve already purchased the next book in the series, A Blind Guide to Normal, and I look forward to reading it next!
The story touches on many themes, including moving to a new town, learning independence, making new friends, depression, and understanding that everyone has their own challenges that they must overcome. It truly is a heartwarming story with a possitive message and a cast of interesting characters.
Thought the book is written for middle grade readers, I found it to be very enjoyable to read as an adult as well. We’ve already purchased the next book in the series, A Blind Guide to Normal, and I look forward to reading it next!
March 18, 2016
Rationale
This book has lots of diversity – a partially blind girl, a family struggling with relocating to a small town, a mom struggling with depression. This book main focus is on Alice who has albinism, a condition where the individual has very pale skin and can only see things very close.
Reflection
Text to Self A parents love is something to fear. Alice’s moms’ reaction to Mrs. Dexter calling her daughter “the blind girl” is unforgetable. Mom says, “The blind girl here? Her name is Alice. And she can hear.” I find this uplifting because parents are a child’s first warrior. As a parent, it is disturbing to see someone be unpleasant to your child.
Discussion questions
Remembering How would you describe Alice to a friend?
Understanding What can you say in how Mrs. Dexter, the librarian, spoke to Alice?
Applying If you were Alice how would you show your understanding of your relationship with Eliza before and after you moved?
Analyzing Why do you think Alice and Eliza's parents always kept them in the same class?
Evaluating Think of when Alice was bitten by “Chuck” and write about how she could have handled the situation differently.
Creating Use your imagination and draw a picture of two of the following locations: the sycamore tree, the diner, the lake, or the children’s section in the library.
This book has lots of diversity – a partially blind girl, a family struggling with relocating to a small town, a mom struggling with depression. This book main focus is on Alice who has albinism, a condition where the individual has very pale skin and can only see things very close.
Reflection
Text to Self A parents love is something to fear. Alice’s moms’ reaction to Mrs. Dexter calling her daughter “the blind girl” is unforgetable. Mom says, “The blind girl here? Her name is Alice. And she can hear.” I find this uplifting because parents are a child’s first warrior. As a parent, it is disturbing to see someone be unpleasant to your child.
Discussion questions
Remembering How would you describe Alice to a friend?
Understanding What can you say in how Mrs. Dexter, the librarian, spoke to Alice?
Applying If you were Alice how would you show your understanding of your relationship with Eliza before and after you moved?
Analyzing Why do you think Alice and Eliza's parents always kept them in the same class?
Evaluating Think of when Alice was bitten by “Chuck” and write about how she could have handled the situation differently.
Creating Use your imagination and draw a picture of two of the following locations: the sycamore tree, the diner, the lake, or the children’s section in the library.
May 29, 2016
Alice and her family have moved to Sinkville, South Carolina from Seattle, Washington the summer that she was twelve years old. In her old town, everyone knew her and she was able to get along well even though she was legally blind due to her albinism. Now, in a new town she has to learn to get along without her friends helping her and even without her mother's help because her mother is suffering from depression. Alice's older brother, James, will at least take her to the library before he disappears for the day. Despite her family problems, Alice manages to make friends in town as she takes her old dog, Tooter with her everywhere she goes. She even manages to convince one of the librarians that Tooter is a seeing eye dog. The story is well written with humor and pathos and I think middle grade kids will enjoy it.
April 24, 2018
Olivia Pelletier
Ms.Buckler
ELA 7
24 April 2018
Review or A Blind Guide to Stinkville
A Blind Guide to Stinkville by Beth Vrabel was a heartwarming, realistic fiction novel. Young Alice was born with albinism and is almost completely blind. Her family moves to Sinkville, South Carolina where she is new and has trouble with telling people she is blind. She ends up making friends at the library and even wins a writing contest! This book is written from Alice, the main character’s, point of view and the setting is Sinkville, South Carolina. Alice changes throughout the story by a big leap in her maturity and in her skills in making friends and in herself as a person. Alice was a one friend girl with no area to expand in herself and really acted as though if she was younger than she is now. Through an indirect characterization of actions, Alice seems kind and sweet. When Mr.Hamlin told Alice about his sunken house, she had a reaction of kindness and showing she was thoughtful. After the story, “This time I was surprised to find myself crying. I scooted over and put my hand on Mr.Hamlin’s shoulder.” This shows kindness because even though Alice barely knew Mr.Hamlin, she still cared for him as if he was her brother or best friend. She is also strong and stands up for what she believes in. When Anthony Hamlin was the families lawyer Alice had turned him down because he knew the offer that Mr.Hamlin gave him if he were to do this for Alice’s family. She had said, “I know the favor Mr.Hamlin- the older Mr.Hamlin- had to make. He agreed to let you sell the farmland. He’s going to let you put him in an old folks home. I can’t let you do that. He needs that land for Sarah. He needs the wood and the whittling and the sunset and no creamed carrots! We don’t accept.” This shows that Alice is strong because even though she knows that this man could take the sue off of her parents, she will not let him do it because she is standing up for what she believes is right. The second main character is Tooter, Alice’s dog. Tooter is an odd dog who is loving, caring and hilarious to the family. Tooter is always doing something gross like pulling his butt across the floor or farting as in his name. Although all of this is true, Tooter is the glue that holds his family together, and helped Alice as a seeing eye dog although he really is not a good one. The third main character is Kerica, Alice's friend from the library. Kerica is forgiving, nice and always helps Alice no matter what. She is also very supporting and was Alice's first friend when she came to Sinkville. The main problem in this story is that Alice has to cope with a new environment and she has to deal with everyone knowing that she is blind. This is a character vs self conflict and it is mostly internal and only some external when she deals with her problem on the outside. Alice has to deal with her problems mostly by herself but with occasional help from her mom and mostly from meeting Kerica. The theme of this story is to never let any of your problems get in your way as there is always a way to get through them. Alice is mostly blind and is albino so she has to deal with people looking at her funny and with not being able to see. But she does not let that get in her way. She still does not let that get in her way and lives the first part of her life to the fullest. The tone of the author changes very fast and frequently through the story. From emotions to fun and happiness, there is a wide variety of tone with this book. The mood was usually happy and sometimes emotional but you usually feel sympathetic and happy for Alice and it almost never changes. The author's word choice and writing style were exquisite and always seemed to make me want to keep reading the novel as there was almost never a dull moment. The author did very well on their writing elements and made sure to keep the reader excited and eager to find out what's next. Beth Vrabel is a wonderful writer ana always picks the right words to write and describe the story and what is happening. The only critique I would give is to maybe use less characters that are not as important in the story. I would recommend this book to someone who knows the feeling to move to a new town and not know anyone. Also to someone who can easily feel sympathy and gets caught up in exciting and heartwarming books.
Ms.Buckler
ELA 7
24 April 2018
Review or A Blind Guide to Stinkville
A Blind Guide to Stinkville by Beth Vrabel was a heartwarming, realistic fiction novel. Young Alice was born with albinism and is almost completely blind. Her family moves to Sinkville, South Carolina where she is new and has trouble with telling people she is blind. She ends up making friends at the library and even wins a writing contest! This book is written from Alice, the main character’s, point of view and the setting is Sinkville, South Carolina. Alice changes throughout the story by a big leap in her maturity and in her skills in making friends and in herself as a person. Alice was a one friend girl with no area to expand in herself and really acted as though if she was younger than she is now. Through an indirect characterization of actions, Alice seems kind and sweet. When Mr.Hamlin told Alice about his sunken house, she had a reaction of kindness and showing she was thoughtful. After the story, “This time I was surprised to find myself crying. I scooted over and put my hand on Mr.Hamlin’s shoulder.” This shows kindness because even though Alice barely knew Mr.Hamlin, she still cared for him as if he was her brother or best friend. She is also strong and stands up for what she believes in. When Anthony Hamlin was the families lawyer Alice had turned him down because he knew the offer that Mr.Hamlin gave him if he were to do this for Alice’s family. She had said, “I know the favor Mr.Hamlin- the older Mr.Hamlin- had to make. He agreed to let you sell the farmland. He’s going to let you put him in an old folks home. I can’t let you do that. He needs that land for Sarah. He needs the wood and the whittling and the sunset and no creamed carrots! We don’t accept.” This shows that Alice is strong because even though she knows that this man could take the sue off of her parents, she will not let him do it because she is standing up for what she believes is right. The second main character is Tooter, Alice’s dog. Tooter is an odd dog who is loving, caring and hilarious to the family. Tooter is always doing something gross like pulling his butt across the floor or farting as in his name. Although all of this is true, Tooter is the glue that holds his family together, and helped Alice as a seeing eye dog although he really is not a good one. The third main character is Kerica, Alice's friend from the library. Kerica is forgiving, nice and always helps Alice no matter what. She is also very supporting and was Alice's first friend when she came to Sinkville. The main problem in this story is that Alice has to cope with a new environment and she has to deal with everyone knowing that she is blind. This is a character vs self conflict and it is mostly internal and only some external when she deals with her problem on the outside. Alice has to deal with her problems mostly by herself but with occasional help from her mom and mostly from meeting Kerica. The theme of this story is to never let any of your problems get in your way as there is always a way to get through them. Alice is mostly blind and is albino so she has to deal with people looking at her funny and with not being able to see. But she does not let that get in her way. She still does not let that get in her way and lives the first part of her life to the fullest. The tone of the author changes very fast and frequently through the story. From emotions to fun and happiness, there is a wide variety of tone with this book. The mood was usually happy and sometimes emotional but you usually feel sympathetic and happy for Alice and it almost never changes. The author's word choice and writing style were exquisite and always seemed to make me want to keep reading the novel as there was almost never a dull moment. The author did very well on their writing elements and made sure to keep the reader excited and eager to find out what's next. Beth Vrabel is a wonderful writer ana always picks the right words to write and describe the story and what is happening. The only critique I would give is to maybe use less characters that are not as important in the story. I would recommend this book to someone who knows the feeling to move to a new town and not know anyone. Also to someone who can easily feel sympathy and gets caught up in exciting and heartwarming books.
April 25, 2018
In the novel, “A Blind Guide to Stinkville” By Beth Vrabel, the author tries to express and explain here life as a teenage girl with the passages she has crossed. Though this is not an autobiography it is an improvised version of Beth Vrabel’s life in a paper town. This novel is fictional due to some events in the story seeming unnatural and not how many would experience living in the paper town. The main character, Alice was described as a girl with albinism who tries to make her way through her new life crossing paths with enemies but making new friends. Life in Stinkville wasn’t the same for Alice as it was back at Seattle, her old hometown, it had a strange vibe to it with the paper factories leaving a stench that was unbearable for newcomers. As Alice’s family tries to adjust to moving to the new town they are having a hard time communicating with others and exploring their new home. Due to this Alice decides to head to the Stinkville library where she meets a friend. This girl seems to be a bookworms but is nice to Alice because she is the newcomer of the town. But as the girl looks around the library she spots Alice’s dog, Tooter. The girl is later known as Kerica and knows that dogs are not allowed in public facilities, before realizing that Alice has albinism, Kerica questions Alice with some rude remarks. As the questions die out Kerica leads Alice to one of the other girls who stays at the library most of the time, Sandi. After meeting and exploring with her new friends, Alice FaceTimes her old friend from Seattle. After finally getting ahold of Eliza, her old friend, Alice had noticed change in her old friend who had been with her for many year. She noticed her wall had been painted a dark blue color that represented a gothic version of Eliza. This was not normal and Eliza offended Alice so the only thing that Alice could resolve to was hanging up the Facetime because it was awkward. As the novel goes on after this incident Alice is now insecure and has a secret that she has not told her parents. She had not wanted to put her family in her situation and get into stopping Eliza for making her own choices because her family was not well adjusted with a depressed mother and a brother who didn’t enjoy living in the town. After many visits to the library they had announced the first annual Stinkville History Writing Competition where one student of Stinkville’s school wrote a success story about Stinkville and the events that occured years ago. Alice was confident when entering the contest thinking she had a chance of winning the grand prize. But as the competition goes on Kerica is not in a good mood due to her experiences with helping others and not achieving the earned respect after all of her work. Her attitude had changed after learning that her mother knew her competitive thought. This character vs character conflict did not last long after Kerica felt bad for what she had done and apologized for the mean words and remarks she gave to Alice. Kerica was a big move in Alice’s growth as a better person, making Alice more apologetic and polite. The theme of this story is friendship and kindness. This is because even though Alice was fighting with both of her new friends she made the most out of it and tried to make a nice adjustment waiting for the pending apology given to her by Kerica and Sandi. Though they didn’t apologize as quick as Alice had hoped, nonetheless Alice decided to help Sandi with her book report due to the disease, dyslexia making Sandi unable to write her report. This was an excellent idea at the time after Sandi and her mom had been suing Alice’s family after the family dog, Tooter had “assaulted” Sandi by being on her. When Elizabeth McAllister, Sandi’s mom figured out of the kind act she decided to drop all charges on the family and make them live normally in Stinkville once again. As the novel trails on the reader soon learns a true cliffhanger to the novel. As the news broke that all charges had been dropped Kerica had notified Alice that Tooter may have a life threatening brain tumor, with no cure. Alice finds this information hard to believe but as she steps home, her mother seems sad, but not depressed sad, so Alice exclaims, “It’s a brain tumor isn’t it” and her mom nods her head with her hugging gesture.
I believe the author did an amazing job writing this novel with brief details on her life events and other amazing thrilling events that not many have heard of. There is also many controversies and drama that goes on through the story making the readers want to carry on with the novel like I did.
The saddest part in this novel was when the funniest character in the story, Tooter, had a brain tumor and risked death. I didn’t like how after all the joyful events the author chose to end the novel in a sad, dramatic way. Most of the chapters the author had jumped around settings not really having a trail of how the characters had achieved that destination.
My recommendation is to have those who dislike sad stories back away from “A Blind Guide to Stinkville” due to the sad ending event and some of the other parts of this novel. Some of those who choose to read drama related novels would truly enjoy this one. Although there is lots of drama this novel is also a thrill to read after having many rising actions and conflicts.
I believe the author did an amazing job writing this novel with brief details on her life events and other amazing thrilling events that not many have heard of. There is also many controversies and drama that goes on through the story making the readers want to carry on with the novel like I did.
The saddest part in this novel was when the funniest character in the story, Tooter, had a brain tumor and risked death. I didn’t like how after all the joyful events the author chose to end the novel in a sad, dramatic way. Most of the chapters the author had jumped around settings not really having a trail of how the characters had achieved that destination.
My recommendation is to have those who dislike sad stories back away from “A Blind Guide to Stinkville” due to the sad ending event and some of the other parts of this novel. Some of those who choose to read drama related novels would truly enjoy this one. Although there is lots of drama this novel is also a thrill to read after having many rising actions and conflicts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2022
What it's about: Alice's family just moved to Sinkville, a town with a paper mill - which makes the the entire place smell terribly.
As Alice tries to adapt to her new circumstances, she finds challenges aplenty. This is partly due to the fact that Alice is an albino, someone born with no pigment in their skin, hair, or eyes. One side effect of this is that Alice's eyesight is quite bad - she's legally blind.
Alice has always relied on her family and best friend to help her navigate their old hometown. But now she doesn't have a best friend - or any friend. Alice's dad spends all his time either at the paper mill, where he's the new manager, or talking on the phone to people about the mill. Her brother is angry and starts spending time by himself. And Alice's mom hasn't been the same since they moved. She spends much of the day in bed, with the curtains closed. She doesn't get up much, or clean up much, or do much of anything.
The only one Alice has to rely on is her dog, Tooter - and he's not much of a help, unless you need some dog farts.
When Alice realizes how dependent she's been on others, she becomes determined to figure out how to be more self-reliant. It's scary at first, but eventually, she starts to learn how to get around on her own. And she starts to find that maybe Stinkville isn't so bad after all. Now she just hopes she can get her family to see it, too.
What I thought: This story had lots of great messages. This is pretty much a straight-up drama. There are some happy moments, but pretty much every character in the book has problems they are trying to overcome. Alice faces most of her challenges with good humor.
Why my chosen shelves: trigger, mental health, dark: Alice's mom has severe depression that is quite realistically portrayed - even when she starts to get help, it takes time and effort for her to start to get better; physical impairment, marginalized: Alice is legally blind, and that makes her stand out and get underestimated; illness, dark:
Why I rated it like I did: This was an enjoyable story. It does a nice job of moving through time to give some history - and shows that history is stories, and stories are engaging. It might introduce some readers to some new aspects of history. It's also a nice example of a protagonist with a physical impairment who doesn't let it bring her down or slow her down. This could provide some very valuable windows for student readers.
As Alice tries to adapt to her new circumstances, she finds challenges aplenty. This is partly due to the fact that Alice is an albino, someone born with no pigment in their skin, hair, or eyes. One side effect of this is that Alice's eyesight is quite bad - she's legally blind.
Alice has always relied on her family and best friend to help her navigate their old hometown. But now she doesn't have a best friend - or any friend. Alice's dad spends all his time either at the paper mill, where he's the new manager, or talking on the phone to people about the mill. Her brother is angry and starts spending time by himself. And Alice's mom hasn't been the same since they moved. She spends much of the day in bed, with the curtains closed. She doesn't get up much, or clean up much, or do much of anything.
The only one Alice has to rely on is her dog, Tooter - and he's not much of a help, unless you need some dog farts.
When Alice realizes how dependent she's been on others, she becomes determined to figure out how to be more self-reliant. It's scary at first, but eventually, she starts to learn how to get around on her own. And she starts to find that maybe Stinkville isn't so bad after all. Now she just hopes she can get her family to see it, too.
What I thought: This story had lots of great messages. This is pretty much a straight-up drama. There are some happy moments, but pretty much every character in the book has problems they are trying to overcome. Alice faces most of her challenges with good humor.
Why my chosen shelves: trigger, mental health, dark: Alice's mom has severe depression that is quite realistically portrayed - even when she starts to get help, it takes time and effort for her to start to get better; physical impairment, marginalized: Alice is legally blind, and that makes her stand out and get underestimated; illness, dark:
Why I rated it like I did: This was an enjoyable story. It does a nice job of moving through time to give some history - and shows that history is stories, and stories are engaging. It might introduce some readers to some new aspects of history. It's also a nice example of a protagonist with a physical impairment who doesn't let it bring her down or slow her down. This could provide some very valuable windows for student readers.
March 16, 2023
Have you ever heard of 20/20 vision being normal?
However Alice’s vision is 20/200 in her left eye, 20/210 in her right eye. If a normal person could read something from two hundred feet away that she’d have to be twenty feet from in order to read. Of course she can read but it just that she have to be really close and also when she is nervous, it made her eyes move faster. Alice is blind because she has albinism. Well, she's not exactly blind but kind of visually impaired. Everyone who has albinism is visually impaired that called nystagmus which makes their eyes always move back and forth.
Since Alice and her family moved to Sinkville, South Carolina, her life changed. When she was in Seattle, she feels like home but not here in this small papermill town which she called it “Stinkville”. People will stare at her eyes when they meet her and talking out loud as if she’s deaf. The new ‘home’ was not only hard for Alice but her mother as well where she has to deal with depression. Depression isn’t easy. For every two steps forward, there’s one step back. Like any sicknesses, it takes time to heal. But all she can do is make things as easy as possible for her so she can get strong again. That’s was what Alice’s father told her.
Despite her disability, she enjoys reading. She spend most of her summer in the small-town library and lose herself in the pages of the book. Since she can't really see clearly, a Shih Tzu which is about the size of a loaf of bread, named Tooter has been Alice's Seeing Eye Dog. Tooter has not only been guided Alice to the library throughout the summer but he is also has been her partner in Sinkville. One day, when the veterinar, Dr. Ross, finds out about the tumor inside Tooter's brain, she has to start be independence. Even though it was quite difficult for her to use the walking cane to go everywhere, yet she tells herself that she needs to do it so.
Although Alice has been in turmoil, the Sinkville Success Stories essay competition has been the turning point in her life which enable her to get to know the new community and their stories. Sandi, a rich girl who is struggling with dyslexia, Ms Gretel’s story about her diner, Mayor Hank’s teen’s life, Sycamore and many more.
Every story about a person is important. To someone, that story is everything.
This is her story.
How about yours?
However Alice’s vision is 20/200 in her left eye, 20/210 in her right eye. If a normal person could read something from two hundred feet away that she’d have to be twenty feet from in order to read. Of course she can read but it just that she have to be really close and also when she is nervous, it made her eyes move faster. Alice is blind because she has albinism. Well, she's not exactly blind but kind of visually impaired. Everyone who has albinism is visually impaired that called nystagmus which makes their eyes always move back and forth.
Since Alice and her family moved to Sinkville, South Carolina, her life changed. When she was in Seattle, she feels like home but not here in this small papermill town which she called it “Stinkville”. People will stare at her eyes when they meet her and talking out loud as if she’s deaf. The new ‘home’ was not only hard for Alice but her mother as well where she has to deal with depression. Depression isn’t easy. For every two steps forward, there’s one step back. Like any sicknesses, it takes time to heal. But all she can do is make things as easy as possible for her so she can get strong again. That’s was what Alice’s father told her.
Despite her disability, she enjoys reading. She spend most of her summer in the small-town library and lose herself in the pages of the book. Since she can't really see clearly, a Shih Tzu which is about the size of a loaf of bread, named Tooter has been Alice's Seeing Eye Dog. Tooter has not only been guided Alice to the library throughout the summer but he is also has been her partner in Sinkville. One day, when the veterinar, Dr. Ross, finds out about the tumor inside Tooter's brain, she has to start be independence. Even though it was quite difficult for her to use the walking cane to go everywhere, yet she tells herself that she needs to do it so.
Although Alice has been in turmoil, the Sinkville Success Stories essay competition has been the turning point in her life which enable her to get to know the new community and their stories. Sandi, a rich girl who is struggling with dyslexia, Ms Gretel’s story about her diner, Mayor Hank’s teen’s life, Sycamore and many more.
Every story about a person is important. To someone, that story is everything.
This is her story.
How about yours?
July 17, 2017
Before Stinkville, Alice didn’t think albinism—or the blindness that goes with it—was a big deal. Sure, she uses a magnifier to read books. And a cane keeps her from bruising her hips on tables. Putting on sunscreen and always wearing a hat are just part of life. But life has always been like this for Alice. Until Stinkville.
For the first time in her life, Alice feels different—like she’s at a disadvantage. Back in her old neighborhood in Seattle, everyone knew Alice, and Alice knew her way around. In Stinkville, Alice finds herself floundering—she can’t even get to the library on her own. But when her parents start looking into schools for the blind, Alice takes a stand. She’s going to show them—and herself—that blindness is just a part of who she is, not all that she can be. To prove it, Alice enters the Stinkville Success Stories essay contest. No one, not even her new friend Kerica, believes she can scout out her new town’s stories and write the essay by herself. The funny thing is, as Alice confronts her own blindness, everyone else seems to see her for the first time.
This is a stirring small-town story that explores many different issues—albinism, blindness, depression, dyslexia, growing old, and more—with a light touch and lots of heart. Beth Vrabel’s characters are complicated and messy, but they come together in a story about the strength of community and friendship. This paperback edition includes a Q&A with the author and a sneak peek at the upcoming The Blind Guide to Normal. Amazon review
Loved. Alice is quite inventive, kind and full of spunk. She's takes life in stride. Delightful characters. Reminiscent of Because of Winn Dixie.
For the first time in her life, Alice feels different—like she’s at a disadvantage. Back in her old neighborhood in Seattle, everyone knew Alice, and Alice knew her way around. In Stinkville, Alice finds herself floundering—she can’t even get to the library on her own. But when her parents start looking into schools for the blind, Alice takes a stand. She’s going to show them—and herself—that blindness is just a part of who she is, not all that she can be. To prove it, Alice enters the Stinkville Success Stories essay contest. No one, not even her new friend Kerica, believes she can scout out her new town’s stories and write the essay by herself. The funny thing is, as Alice confronts her own blindness, everyone else seems to see her for the first time.
This is a stirring small-town story that explores many different issues—albinism, blindness, depression, dyslexia, growing old, and more—with a light touch and lots of heart. Beth Vrabel’s characters are complicated and messy, but they come together in a story about the strength of community and friendship. This paperback edition includes a Q&A with the author and a sneak peek at the upcoming The Blind Guide to Normal. Amazon review
Loved. Alice is quite inventive, kind and full of spunk. She's takes life in stride. Delightful characters. Reminiscent of Because of Winn Dixie.
January 16, 2018
I'll admit that this was one of those books that I kept putting off reading because the title wasn't speaking to me like some of the other books I had on my table at home. Once I got into this book, though, I couldn't put it down. It's no wonder they put it on the Louisiana Young Reader's Choice list for 2017.
The main character has just moved into a new town, Sinkville, SC. Because of the Paper Mill in town that her dad now runs, the town stinks, hence the name "Stinkville." Not only is she new to town, but she's also suffers from albinism. She's legally blind and has to stay out of direct sunlight. This was something that everyone just accepted in Seattle, but this new town is full of new challenges.
With a contest for young journalists in town, Alice makes new friends and learns more about what makes her new city great. She also learns more about herself as she pushes her own boundaries and steps way out of her comfort zone.
I love this book. It's not your typical "new kid in town" story. It gets down and dirty and tells the story of a girl that has a exceptional situation that she deals with. It has heart and humor and I'm going to recommend this book to my students.
The main character has just moved into a new town, Sinkville, SC. Because of the Paper Mill in town that her dad now runs, the town stinks, hence the name "Stinkville." Not only is she new to town, but she's also suffers from albinism. She's legally blind and has to stay out of direct sunlight. This was something that everyone just accepted in Seattle, but this new town is full of new challenges.
With a contest for young journalists in town, Alice makes new friends and learns more about what makes her new city great. She also learns more about herself as she pushes her own boundaries and steps way out of her comfort zone.
I love this book. It's not your typical "new kid in town" story. It gets down and dirty and tells the story of a girl that has a exceptional situation that she deals with. It has heart and humor and I'm going to recommend this book to my students.
July 17, 2017
A really charming story about Alice, a girl with albinism whose family moves across the country from Seattle to a small papermill town outside Columbia, SC. With her father working constantly, her mother sunken in what looks like an impenetrable depression, and her 15 year old brother angry, Alice - who is legally blind - has to fall back on her own initiative to get to know her new home. Spending time in the library she makes steps towards what may be a new best friend, and makes an accidental enemy. Students will admire Alice's pluck, and root for Alice and her dog Tooter. Best for students who like realistic fiction, and probably has it's sweet spot with grades 4-6. Might make a good companion to Golden Boy for those students who'd like to compare what a child with albinism might encounter in different countries.
September 2, 2017
Twelve-year-old Alice is not happy with her move across country from Washington state to South Carolina. The town stinks, literally. Her father busy at work and never home, her mom is well...not really acting like her mom, and her brother has become sulky and angry. At home, Seattle that is, everyone knew Alice. They accepted her. Her albinism and near blindness wasn't a factor. Now, she couldn't get around with help and had to explain herself to people. It just wasn't the same. But she certainly isn't ready to go to a special blind school! Vrabel hooked me into her story by not focusing on Alice's disability, but on Alice's strength of character. She brought me along to the library, down to the lake, into the diner, under the shade of the Sycamore tree.
July 10, 2018
I read "A Blind Guide to Normal," and then found out about this one. I think that is the wrong order, but it still made sense, and was fun in a way too, to have read them backward or whatever, because I get to meet Richie (Ryder) and, well, I already know some of the answers and outcomes. But there was a whole lot I didn't know this book would have in it, like information about Tooter and the interesting essay contest stuff, and even civil rights and depression. This book is loaded, but not at all too overloaded. It's definitely a good read!
August 14, 2017
I loved this book. I think it was really funny and also quite serious at the same time. My favorite part would have been when she would sit with Mr.Hamilton and talk. I also really liked the part where she went to visit him in a senior home, I thought that it was really sweet of her. I also really liked her dog. Because it was an old shih-tzu, like my dog. So I felt a connection through this book. I really liked how the author had this town that seemed to be a boring town with not a lot of people or things. And I loved the story of the tree and how at the end the tree was really able to connect to the overall meaning of the book. And that in my point of view the tree was able to help everyone in the book. And I rate this book 5 stars because of that.
July 5, 2017
Realistic humorous fiction. Good middle school read. Personal connection: I attended school with three children with albinism, so I found this personally interesting. Didn't know some of the difficulties they faced.
December 8, 2021
THIS is the kind of book I wish I'd grown up reading.* It is wonderful, fun, deeply felt, and effortlessly instructive about difficult, relevant topics.
I find it incredibly comforting and encouraging to read as an old-lady-in-training too 😸
I find it incredibly comforting and encouraging to read as an old-lady-in-training too 😸
June 18, 2017
What a comfortable, interesting story. Characters have albinism and depression, yet those characteristics aren't what the whole story is about. Each of several characters is working through their own difficulties and manage to help each other. No preaching necessary.
Well done!
Bluestem Nominee 2018
Well done!
Bluestem Nominee 2018
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