Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing the Piano: (But She Does Love Being in Recitals)

MOXY MAXWELL DOES NOT LOVE PRACTICING THE PIANO is my first experience with Moxy Maxwell; and I just loved this book! It received a Starred Review from Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2009; and I couldn't agree more with this praise. I thought this story and characters were cute and absolutely hilarious too. I definitely can see how middle grade girls (and some boys too) are going to love reading about Moxy and her antics. Moxy is a fantastic character for a number of reasons. I loved that she was unpredictable and I thought so many of her actions were too funny (unless I was her mother, of course.) I also thought the supporting characters were terrific -- from Moxy's aunt, to her grandmother, to her parents. There is no doubt that the characters in this book are entertaining and memorable. I can see how kids will definitely want more of Moxy and her family after reading one book. In fact, I'd like to go back and read the other books in the series. I think that the Moxy Maxwell books are destined to become a wonderful series for middle-grade readers! The format of this book is another thing that I really liked. The 175ish page book is made up of 85 very brief chapters. Some of the chapters were just a few words! Kids (and grown ups alike) will find that they can't stop reading this book -- you know... just one more chapter. I also liked that there were photographs (by Valorie Fisher) in this book. I thought they totally complemented the story; and since most of the pictures were "taken" by Moxy's twin brother Mark, they were just what you'd expect from a 10 year old kid. Some were blurry and some were crooked but they all made me laugh!

MOXY MAXWELL DOES NOT LOVE PRACTICING THE PIANO (BUT SHE LOVES BEING IN RECITALS) PEGGY GIFFORD Contemporary Middle Grade Schwartz & Wade Books Rating: 4 Enchantments It's the day of Moxy Maxwell's piano recital and she couldn't be more excited. She has nine things to do before her big night, including making a fake ermine trim for her cape (instructions included in the book!); trying on her crown, warming up her voice in case she gets asked to sing and most important of all--putting on her stage make up. But will a sudden case of stage fright keep Moxy from ever reaching the stage? Middle grade readers looking for a fun and entertaining read will no doubt enjoy this latest installment in the Moxy Maxwell series. Quick moving, short chapters keep the reader with Moxy as her day moves along at a rapid pace, heading all the way up to where she stands in the wings of the rehearsal, possibly having her first panic attack. Populated with hilarious characters, especially her Aunt and Moxy's best friend, Sam, and the occasional photo to document her day, courtesy of older brother Mark make this a fun, unique middle grade read. I really liked Moxy, she's one of the funniest middle grade characters I've read yet. I loved how she was so determined to make her day perfect, even though according to her piano teacher, she does not stop playing the song when she's supposed to. But how can Moxy possibly practice stopping the song when there's so much else to do? She needs to practice so much other stuff first. I thought the photographs were a nice addition to the story, highlighting key moments. My favorite scene though has to be when Moxy's mom catches her, Moxy's little sister and best friend in the bathroom, making the ermine trim for the capes. Peggy Gifford divides her time between New York City and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. [...] Lisa July 2009