Meet the Malones: Special Anniversary Edition (Beany Malone Series)

Meet the Malones by Lenora Mattingly Weber was a wonderful book. When I first read this sentence; "Gosh, Johnny, what happened?" (pg. 14) I thought that this book would be dorky and boring. I was wrong; not for the first time. It turned out to be a sweet, and interesting story of young people struggling with everyday life during the World War II era. The book is jammed packed with good sound morals it doesn't hurt to read a book like that once in awhile.

If you want to read a great story, read the Beany Malone series. It's all about the Malones and their sorrows, joys, and everything in between. Some of them are going to Harkness High, so read about their experiences there. Mary Fred buys a horse, Mr. Chips, read about her caring for him! The whole series is a great collection.

This first book of the Beany Malone series actually focuses on Beany's older sister, Mary Fred, but it's a nice introduction to the entire Malone family. The book begins with Mary Fred's distracted older brother, Johnny, causing a car accident, and the plot maintains an exciting pace thereafter. Several new additions to the household, including a lame horse, older sister Elizabeth, and her newborn son Martie, add warmth to the story as the siblings rally around to help them. Beany has a minor but still important role in the story, especially in her fiercely independent plan to redecorate her bedroom.The most compelling theme was Mary Fred's struggle between wanting to selfishly take things easy and her independent desire to take care of her family. We see this when she pretends to be a glamour queen for the high school basketball star, and it's most evident when Nonna, the imperious step-grandmother, shows up to run the household after Mr. Malone is called away on business.In fact, the independent nature of the children keeps the story fresh and up-to-date. While certain details make it clear this story is set in the 1940s, such as the fifteen dollars Mary Fred intends to spend on a formal gown, the story itself is modern and easily related to by today's standards. Not only are they in a single-parent household, the Malone children must take responsibility for themselves and for each other. This timeless tale, with its mix of humor and melancholy, will appeal to children and adults alike.

I was first introduced to the "Beany books" as a teen. My mother had read them as a teenager and thought I would enjoy them. She was right. The books are enjoyable, clean fun. Set During World War II, the readers first meet the Malone family, a fun-loving somewhat chaotic household, and Mr. Chips, a horse who was purchased with prom dress money. If you find a copy, grab it and enjoy!