Her Blue Straw Hat - Hardcover

Adler, C. S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152014667 ISBN 13: 9780152014667

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 1997

Synopsis

Rachel realized how much she loves her stepfather, Ben, last summer when he bought her that wide-brimmed blue straw hat. Her mom thought the hat was too expensive, but Ben insisted because the color matched Rachel s eyes. Now Rachel is looking forward to a few quiet weeks at the beach again, but suddenly she learns she ll be sharing her room with Tina, Ben s biological daughter, who will join them this summer. No one can anticipate the upheaval Tina will cause, especially when she arrives with her mother s boyfriend s son in tow.

About this title

About the Author

C. S. Adler is the author of many novels for young readers, including the r

Reviews

Grade 5-7. Rachel, 12, has finally come to love and respect her stepfather, Ben, even if her relationship with her mother, MJ, is sometimes lacking. MJ doesn't understand that Rachel enjoys being alone to read, swim, and think during their annual vacation at a beachside cabin. This year, Rachel is in for a few surprises. First, Ben's daughter, Tina, has been invited (dumped, actually, by her mother, who is off to California for some massage classes). Tina is audacious and abrasive, and rubs everyone the wrong way. Even more disturbing is that Carlos, Tina's mother's boyfriend's son, has also been dumped, but without warning. Everyone walks on eggshells: Carlos tries not to be a burden, Tina tries too hard for attention, MJ and Ben each try to understand their own daughters, and Rachel tries to defend her place in her parents' hearts. In a five-way tug-of-war for affection and respect, emotions are bombarded, many are ruptured, and Rachel gets a feeling for the give-and-take in relationships, and for how to make room in your world for people you sometimes wish weren't there. Although Rachel and Tina seem almost too opposite and narrow-minded, all five characters come to life in this simply plotted novel. The antagonisms and reconciliations drive the story, not quite seamlessly, but compellingly, and set a pace that leaves room for a few heartfelt insights that ring true.?Nina Lindsay, Vista School, Albany, CA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0152014667
• ISBN 13: 9780152014667
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 112