Tracking Daddy Down

Just a few days before Billieanne Wisher's eleventh birthday her Daddy steals $10,000 from the Henderson County Bank in Millerstown, Indiana. "He did it in broad daylight with his older brother, Warren, and from what I heard, they never even bothered to disguise themselves. All they did was tie checkered bandanas over their mouth, so of course they were recognized right off." While everyone is Billie's tiny home town of Myron is all agog with the news, she realizes two things: first, and most importantly, she has a good idea where Daddy and Uncle Warren are hiding; and second, she has to get to them before anyone else does and convince Daddy to give the money back and turn himself in. This is all easier said than done. Her cousin Tommy (Warren's son) is strangely reluctant to help Billie carry out her plan. On top of that, Billie's stepfather, Daddy Joe, keeps turning up at exactly the wrong moment to foil Billie's plans. I loved this sweet funny story about a very smart young lady and her unexpected discoveries about what makes a family.

I read this book aloud to my awesome 7th grade English class. Most of the students really enjoyed it. Here are some of the reactions from my class. "This book was very descriptive and I understood all of it XD" --Mar (12) "This book kept me on the edge of my desk because I never knew what was going to happen next"--Marj (13) "This book is a blend of mystery and charisma. It was awesome" Mimi (12) "Awesometastic" Kylie (13) "It was a fail :(" Blake (13) "It reminds me of cheesecake because I really like cheesecake and it is awesome." Kylee (12) "It was supercalifrigalisticexpialidocious" Megan (12) "This book was different from most things I read. It had a great flow. It never left me bored." Calvin (13) "Good book, they spoke using incorrect grammar" Natalie (12) "This book was beast. It was not an epic fail" John (12) "I liked it" Abby (12)

I mean, if I were still in elementary school.... But as it is, all I can do is recommended to kids who read independently to get their hands on Tracking Daddy Down by Marybeth Kelsey. This author has created the perfect female character that can be admired by both boys and girls. Billie is spunky, fun, brave, loyal, a daredevil, and vulnerable besides. She's everything I would've liked to have been at that age, and you know that the daddy she's looking for, she's much too good for. ;-) When Billie's daddy is accused of robbery, Billie can't deny the truth behind it, but that doesn't mean she wants to see him behind bars. Having vilified her step-dad, the only dad she's got has got to get away. Unless... Unless Billie can convince her dad to turn himself in! Now you may think you've got this story pegged, but Billie's path is far from predictable and well worth the journey! Thanks for an excellent read, Ms. Kelsey!!!!

There are characters we meet in books that flee from our minds before the last page of the book is turned. There are other characters that stay with us, that in some way become part of us, of our subconscious thought. Billie Wisher is that character. Marybeth Kelsey has crafted an amazing story that will touch your heart, make you laugh, and make you think. Billie Wisher could be any of us--we all want to be loved and accepted, and her journey reminds older readers of their own childhoods, while giving younger readers a safe passage and "friend" in print. If you're looking for a book that you or your child will keep tucked safely in a special spot after reading, then this is it. Joining Billie Wisher on her journey to find her dad and to escape the antics caused in her small town will send you reeling with laughter and drying your eyes with emotion. This is a must buy. Marybeth Kelsey has an intoxicating way with words. I'm so glad I got to join Billie's world, if only for awhile. Catherine Ipcizade

When Billie Wisher's daddy robs the bank in the next town and then flees to hide, Billie is determined to find him before the police do. She figures that if she can convince him to give the money back nicely that he won't have to be imprisoned in Pendleton. But Billie is only eleven and a resident in small town Myron, Indiana, where everyone knows everyone else's business. With the police on her daddy's trail, an annoying girl who's always trying to get Billie into more trouble, and some other mishaps, it's getting more difficult for Billie to find her daddy first and save him from being caught. I was surprised with how much I liked this book. Billie's character is adorable, stubborn, and brave all at once. She knows what she wants and is determined to get it. Billie seems like such a good character through the other characters that contrast her, such as her mother, her little sister Carla, and various neighbors. I thought it was funny, but fitting, that Billie always saw injustice in pretty much everything an adult made her do; after all, she's only eleven-years-old. I was a little disappointed in the ending of the book. While Billie does reconcile her relationship with her stepfather, her relationship with her mother and her real daddy are left up in the air. For me, that almost defeated the purpose of the book. Nevertheless, though, watching Billie mature was what made Tracking Daddy Down such a great story. I recommend Tracking Daddy Down for the middle grade audience, though older readers may enjoy this novel too.