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My Deal with the Universe
Maybe “normal” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
All twelve year-old Daisy Fisher wants is to be normal — or at least to not stick out like a sore thumb. But growing up in the house disparagingly referred to as the “Jungle” makes that pretty much impossible. When your parents’ activism brands them as a nuisance and your house is overrun with vines and critters, it’s not so easy to fit in. And it definitely doesn’t help when the neighbours declare your family public enemy number one. Or when your best (and possibly only) friend leaves for summer camp and forgets you exist. Or when your twin brother’s cancer might be growing back.
Will this be the summer Daisy changes things for the better? She can’t help where she lives, but if she could find a new friend, cultivate some courage, and figure out a way to keep her brother healthy, maybe life will finally be normal. Or will it?
An extraordinary new novel from acclaimed author Deborah Kerbel.
All twelve year-old Daisy Fisher wants is to be normal — or at least to not stick out like a sore thumb. But growing up in the house disparagingly referred to as the “Jungle” makes that pretty much impossible. When your parents’ activism brands them as a nuisance and your house is overrun with vines and critters, it’s not so easy to fit in. And it definitely doesn’t help when the neighbours declare your family public enemy number one. Or when your best (and possibly only) friend leaves for summer camp and forgets you exist. Or when your twin brother’s cancer might be growing back.
Will this be the summer Daisy changes things for the better? She can’t help where she lives, but if she could find a new friend, cultivate some courage, and figure out a way to keep her brother healthy, maybe life will finally be normal. Or will it?
An extraordinary new novel from acclaimed author Deborah Kerbel.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2018
4 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Kerbel
46 books216 followersDeborah Kerbel was born in London, England, but grew up in Toronto, Canada.
A finalist for the 2012 Governor General's Literary Award, the 2010 Canadian Library Association YA Book of the Year Award, 2019 Blue Spruce Award Honour Book, and winner of the 2020 IODE Jean Throop Book Award, Deborah is the author of ten books for young readers of all ages.
Currently, Deborah lives and writes in Thornhill, Ontario, with her husband, two book loving teens, and a schnoodle named Fred.
Visit her at www.deborahkerbel.ca
A finalist for the 2012 Governor General's Literary Award, the 2010 Canadian Library Association YA Book of the Year Award, 2019 Blue Spruce Award Honour Book, and winner of the 2020 IODE Jean Throop Book Award, Deborah is the author of ten books for young readers of all ages.
Currently, Deborah lives and writes in Thornhill, Ontario, with her husband, two book loving teens, and a schnoodle named Fred.
Visit her at www.deborahkerbel.ca
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 16, 2018
I loved Daisy and her offbeat family. A wonderful book about learning to love and celebrate your differences.
July 4, 2018
As the owner of the home that grows all the dandelions in the neighbourhood, I enjoyed the premise of the jungle house--the Fishers are worse gardeners than we are!--and how it makes Daisy Fisher's life even more miserable especially with the anal next door neighbours. Their vendetta against the Fishers' grows out of proportion and even when a clear winner in the battle emerges, a change of fortune and a compromise makes life turn around for all. A feel good story about a quirky family in crisis.
December 18, 2018
This book was so heart-warming and moving. I couldn't put the book done it was so good
October 23, 2018
The wonderful My Deal With The Universe by Deborah Kerbel was one of my vacation reads this year and it was absolutely perfect. Published by Scholastic Canada it's the story of Daisy and her brother Jack and their house, lovingly referred to as The Jungle.
Daisy and Jack are twelve year old twins, living with their parents, Nate and Frieda, in a house that is so covered in vines it looks "like the plant version of Cousin Itt". It's the end of the school year and summer is just beginning. Things are seemingly looking down for Daisy. Jack, who is in remission, has had to go back to the doctors for some mysterious appointments. Daisy's best friend Willow is headed off to camp for the entire summer and the miserable neighbours are making life difficult again. With unexpected friendships, a lot of love, and a whole lot more strength, Daisy soon discovers the power of being different.
This story is full of colourful and eclectic characters. There is the house which stands as a character in its own right. From the evil Pitt's to biker Grappa and everyone in between, there is not a "normal" character in this story making it accessible and relatable to a wide audience. Some of my favourite parts are the swear words Daisy has created for herself: "fajizzling" just love it! Deborah Kerbel has absolutely nailed the voice in this story. Daisy comes across as any twelve year old girl, with her own language and fierceness. At it's heart My Deal With The Universe is a touching story about owning your differences and appreciating the colourfulness of the world we all share. Without the colourful characters we meet everyday, our lives would be dull and unimaginative. Through Daisy, Deborah Kerbel show us it's okay to let the world know our true selves and to be proud of who we are and where we come from, whether that's in a perfectly manicured property or an overgrown jungle. Put My Deal With The Universe on your summer reading list.
Daisy and Jack are twelve year old twins, living with their parents, Nate and Frieda, in a house that is so covered in vines it looks "like the plant version of Cousin Itt". It's the end of the school year and summer is just beginning. Things are seemingly looking down for Daisy. Jack, who is in remission, has had to go back to the doctors for some mysterious appointments. Daisy's best friend Willow is headed off to camp for the entire summer and the miserable neighbours are making life difficult again. With unexpected friendships, a lot of love, and a whole lot more strength, Daisy soon discovers the power of being different.
This story is full of colourful and eclectic characters. There is the house which stands as a character in its own right. From the evil Pitt's to biker Grappa and everyone in between, there is not a "normal" character in this story making it accessible and relatable to a wide audience. Some of my favourite parts are the swear words Daisy has created for herself: "fajizzling" just love it! Deborah Kerbel has absolutely nailed the voice in this story. Daisy comes across as any twelve year old girl, with her own language and fierceness. At it's heart My Deal With The Universe is a touching story about owning your differences and appreciating the colourfulness of the world we all share. Without the colourful characters we meet everyday, our lives would be dull and unimaginative. Through Daisy, Deborah Kerbel show us it's okay to let the world know our true selves and to be proud of who we are and where we come from, whether that's in a perfectly manicured property or an overgrown jungle. Put My Deal With The Universe on your summer reading list.
September 2, 2019
This latest story by Deborah Kerbel had me laughing out, griping pages and sighing hugely at the end! Adventure, corny-Dad quotes and a leather-wearing ‘Grappa’ will keep any reader engaged until the page!
Five stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Highly recommended for MiddleGrade readers....and beyond!
Five stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Highly recommended for MiddleGrade readers....and beyond!
June 16, 2022
A weirdly beautiful and unique story, that could probably be enjoyed at any age. I loved reading this, it's so different and intriguing!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews