Mandy the Outsider

Oh, this probably has to be my favorite book of the "Sisters in Time" series! It was an EXCELLENT story, in every way. Mandy, at ten years old, has a lot to face. The girls at school tease her because she is smart, and enjoys reading so much. She knows her older brother faces similar problems and she wants to help him too. The worst thing in her life has to be the beginning of the war. It's everywhere---on the radio, in people's constant chatter, and even at the movies. Everything is a reminder of the war. She can't even be sighted with her Japanese friends---the taunts will never end. In the end, she'll learn an important life lesson. I just loved this book. I could hardly tear myself away!

Reviewed by Sara McGinn (age 9) for Reader Views (9/08) "Mandy the Outsider" by Norma Jean Lutz is about a 10-year-old girl named Mandy who has moved to Seattle with her family right before World War II begins. At her new school the other kids tease Mandy. This story is about how she deals with this problem. At first, she pretended to be dumb when they made fun of her for being smart. This did not make the kids stop bothering her so she eventually works it all out. The book was a really fast read. The author did a great job making the story very exciting! My favorite part of the book is when Mandy's Japanese friends use Jujitsu to protect themselves from two kids who were chasing them. This part was surprising to me because I did not realize that kids can defend themselves that well. The lesson I learned reading this book was to not care what others think and not to care what my skin color is. I can do anything I want! I liked everything about this book. I would not change anything about the story at all. It is definitely great for 8-12 year olds that are interested in learning about history. Norma Jean Lutz is now one of my favorite authors! I am so glad I read "Mandy the Outsider."