From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Lorna
Yes, the mighty Miss Malone is aptly named. She is amazing indeed, but then so is the whole Malone family. Such a good book. I recommend the audio format for those who like to listen.
Mary
A busy but believable story with lots of plot twists and action. A terrible accident on Lake Michigan causes Deza Malone's father to be badly hurt and to lose his job. He sets out for Flint, Michigan to find work there and Deza, her mother, and her brother follow suit. They hope to catch up to him, but bad luck stops them in a shanty town for a while. While there, Jimmie decides to run away to try his luck at singing for money. He doesn't write so Deza makes the journey to Detroit alone to find ...more
Mary Klepper
I love this book and the characters in it! Two of the many reasons why I enjoyed it so much was number one, I met Christopher Paul Curtis and he is one of the nicest men I ever met. I just loved his story about how he became an author. The second reason is it starts out in Gary which was where began my teaching career! The characters in this book are so unforgettable.

While the book is historical fiction, it definitely applies today with the current economic situation that is going on in our cou
...more
Angela
Jan 27, 2018 rated it it was ok
Shelves: audiobook
I'd forgotten many details of this book from my first read and it was probably for good reason. Don't get me wrong, Christopher Paul Curtis writes extremely important stories with humor and warmth. But it took every bit of me to get through this one. I listened to Bahni Turpin narrate the audiobook, so she basically got me through it. Deza's character didn't have much agency and I was just bored. Might be me. I don't read as much middle-grade as I should for my profession, so perhaps I'm looking ...more
Brandy
Apr 25, 2012 rated it really liked it
LOVED this book!! Curtis is an excellent writer. This should be one that is read in grade school. I think kids will really love the characters and it is so nice to have a book that can teach a little about our nations history at the same time.

I don't want to spoil the book, but I will say you should put this at the top of your to read list!
...more
Krystal
Mar 15, 2012 rated it really liked it
I think I enjoyed this one more than Bud, Not Buddy. Maybe I connected to Deza more than Bud, because I was more involved with her story. I thought the characters of Deza and Jimmie were distinct and unique and not easily forgettable. The adults mostly blurred together for me, but it was driven by the siblings anyway.
Peggy
Jan 22, 2012 rated it really liked it
Shelves: kids-books
Another great character from Curtis. Historical fiction with a strong, lovable heroine, loving family, hard times, and lots of the author's signature humor. May appeal more to girls than boys. Grades 4 and up. ...more
Natalie  Harvey
Surprised by how much I liked this book - and how much my students could relate to it. Perhaps I'll blog about it sometime. ...more
Becky Barrier Nelson
I read this in audio CD. The reader's voice was just perfect for Deza--pert and upbeat/sweet. ...more
Lou Hunley
Sep 16, 2012 rated it liked it
I loved t
Marie
Jun 21, 2013 rated it really liked it
Loved this story!
Elisabeth
Jan 02, 2012 marked it as to-read
Sarah
Jan 09, 2012 rated it liked it
Shelves: read-2012
Cori  Grady
Jan 11, 2012 rated it really liked it
Wendy Garland
Mar 07, 2012 rated it really liked it
Buettner
Jul 01, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Michelle
Sep 26, 2012 rated it really liked it
Elayne
Sep 28, 2012 marked it as to-read
Christi
Nov 27, 2012 marked it as to-read
Julie
Nov 28, 2012 rated it liked it
Jan
Dec 25, 2012 rated it it was amazing
Dana
Jan 01, 2013 marked it as listened-to
Sherry Holland
Jul 26, 2014 rated it it was amazing
Linda
Sep 22, 2014 marked it as to-read