Callie's Rules

Callie has started middle school and it's turning out to be an interesting year for her. She comes from a family of seven children, including siblings Andromeda and Melpomene, and is considered to be a bit "odd" by her classmates. She doesn't care, though; she's got her best friend, Alyce, and her list of rules to help her get by. She creates her list of rules about life based on what she herself thinks is true. However, Callie soon learns that rules can be frustrating and confusing. She doesn't agree with all of them, especially the one that's going to change Halloween in her town. Some citizens feel that the holiday has taken on a bad meaning and want to create a fall festival theme instead. Callie's family loves Halloween and make plans for it all year long. Can Callie find the courage to speak up and justify her rules without compromising her true self? Does it really matter what others think of her? This is a very enjoyable book about being accepted no matter what our differences are. Callie is a strong, independent young woman who tries not to let others influence her. I highly recommend this book! Reviewed by: hoopsielv

Callie wants to be liked by her peers, but who also wants to live life her own way, much like her artistic mother who makes strange sculptures called Weirdos. When a local woman declares Halloween a holiday celebrating Satan, and gets the town to substitute "Autumn Fest" and "American Values" for trick or treating and scary costumes, Callie finds ways ariound the rules, just as she tries to do at school. She's a wonderful role model for children - especially girls - who are learning to value conformity, and she's soon going to be in each of my granddaughters' personal libraries. Hurrah for Callie -- and for Naomi Zucker!

Eleven-year-old Calliope Jones, "Callie" for short, has just started middle school. This creative child is trying to understand unwritten social rules that don't make much sense, rules like "girls don't go over to the boys' side of the cafeteria." Callie can't help being "different"--and each day of school seems to bring fresh embarrassment. Even her best friend calls her a "weirdo" and doesn't want to be seen with her. Callie sets down her observations in writing, coming up with "Callie's Rules," such as "If you want to stay out of trouble, take a vow of silence." I won't spoil the plot by telling you what happens; I'll just recommend this book. Anyone who has ever felt the pain of being mocked for who they are will find a friend in Callie and feel delight as she eventually discovers her courage. Callie learns that although it may be risky to speak up, it's even more risky to hide yourself away.