A Family Project

Excited by the unexpected prospect of a baby, eleven-year-old Jessica and her family eagerly prepare for the changes the new arrival will bring to their lives

Grade 5-8 A new baby is the Robertson Family Project, and this Canadian nov el deals realistically with the expecta tions and emotions of the event. Ellis paints a sure picture of the 11-year-old protagonist, Jessica, as she happily faces the changes that her new sister brings into her life. She successfully fo cuses on the details of change, and in so doing creates an honest portrayal of family life. When the baby dies of crib death, Ellis is also effective in showing the family's response and gradual re covery. Certain chapters, such as the description of a theme birthday party, are hilarious. The quirky natures of Jes sica's parents are unusual, and all char acterizations are ably handled. It is re freshing that all members of this family really care about each other. The pac ing of this book is erratic, in keeping with the priorities in the Robertsons lives: meandering as they await the birth, hectic following the baby's death. In her telling, Ellis presents a credible depiction of important family events, in turn funny and sad. David Gale, ``School Library Journal''
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.