No Place for Me - Softcover

Barthe DeClements

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0590418122 ISBN 13: 9780590418126

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 1988

Synopsis

Copper Jones is shuttled back and forth between her relatives while her mother is drying out in a rehabilitation center; but when she is sent to live with her Aunt Maggie, who is a witch, she learns that even seventh graders have some power.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-7 Copper Jones' mother is in an alcohol treatment center, and her stepfather arranges to have her stay with her Aunt Dorothy. From the beginning, Aunt Dorothy makes it clear that Copper is not really a member of the family. Copper is shipped out, eventually living with Aunt Maggie, who practices witchcraft. Maggie is the most completely drawn adult character in the book, and her developing relationship with Copper is the best part of the story. Maggie is calm in the face of Copper's lies and deception, and tells her that she can change whenever she wants to. The Tarot cards have told Maggie that a trusting relationship will come in time, and she is content to wait. She guides Copper in using her own mind to change her dreams, and, ultimately, her self-image. The end of the story sees their relationship growing and working smoothly. Running through the story is Copper's delicate relationship with her alcoholic mother. DeClements does a good job of showing the insecurity and fears faced by children of alcoholics. Copper is left with no panacea, but she does realize that she can take charge of her life and make changes in herself when she wants to. DeClements' usual fast pace is evident here, and the sensitive treatment of serious problems give the story special appeal. Candy Colborn, Cottonwood Creek Elem . School, Englewood, Colo.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

From the author of many humorous books, including Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade , comes the story of Copper, who, after being shunted from one relative's house to another, ends up with her dreaded Aunt Maggiewho turns out not to be the weirdo everyone thinks she is. Ages 12-14.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0590418122
• ISBN 13: 9780590418126
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 137