Gr 5–8—When Sugar Mae Cole is given a small, discarded puppy named Shush, she decides that he will become a helper dog. And help he does throughout her ordeal of losing her house, her mom's spiraling depression, moving from a small Missouri town to Chicago, and living in foster care. Sugar appreciates the importance of writing, which she learned from Mr. Bennett, her slightly eccentric but astute and talented sixth-grade teacher and from her mom, who has always emphasized the importance of writing thank-you notes. Her narration effectively includes her poetry, emails, thank-you notes, and reflections to reveal a resilient, thoughtful girl. As her name suggests, she tries to bring "a little sweetness into people's lives… [but, she knows] sweet doesn't mean stupid." Her philosophy, that if one "looks hard enough, there's always something to be grateful for," is especially hard to abide after her grandfather dies and her father takes off again, leaving a huge gambling debt. The conclusion is hopeful and satisfying. Though Sugar is still in a foster home, she and Shush become catalysts that empower Reba to stand up to her twice-ex-husband, help friends revitalize a business, and more. In her correspondence with Mr. Bennett, Sugar begins to feel ready to start a new life in seventh grade. Told with humor and pathos, the narrative is full of quirky, likable characters, all of whom are three-dimensional. Sugar's writing is sophisticated and touching, appropriate for a child who is thrust into an adult role. Altogether, a memorable novel that is sure to have broad appeal.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library
Twelve-year-old Sugar Mae Cole has had to act older than her age ever since her beloved grandfather died, and her father abandoned Sugar and her mother, Reba, yet again. But when they lose their house, Sugar must summon additional strength as she and Reba face homelessness. “Before all this happened/ I wasn’t brave like I am now./ I didn’t know I could take care of my mother/ or pee by the side of the road/ and not get my underpants wet,” writes Sugar, a talented poet. She relies on her poetry, along with support from a loving foster family and a favorite teacher, when the stress of their circumstances drives Reba to a serious breakdown. Bauer (Close to Famous) explores a timely issue through the eyes of a resilient girl—the kind of heroine so familiar to Bauer’s fans. Sugar’s anger, fear, humility, and resolve are portrayed with insight and compassion. Bauer also brings moments of levity and hopefulness to the story, which she peppers with a cast of thoughtfully crafted personalities. Ages 10–up. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Sept.)
Close to Famous: Winner of the ALA Schneider Family Book Award, Christopher Award, Judy Lopez Memorial Prize, An Amazon Top Ten Middle Grade Book, a YALSA/ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults pick; Hope Was Here: Newbery Honor Book, Christopher Award, ALA Notable Book; Rules of the Road: Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Golden Kite Award, ALA Notable Book, Best Book for Young Adults.
Bauer has hit a home run with Sugar Mae Cole, who—in spite of homelessness and her mother’s breakdown—meets life’s challenges with grit and determination. Narrator Brittany Pressley gives mom Reba the accent of a Southern belle, with a hint of grit even at her lowest points. When Sugar quotes words of wisdom from grandfather King Cole, Pressley’s gravelly voice reflects the experiences of a life well lived. As Sugar struggles to maintain her natural sense of gratitude and optimism, Pressley’s tone sounds slightly fearful yet amazingly confident and kind. Thanks to her teacher, the extraordinary Mr. Bennett, whose support supplies another lifeline, and Shush, a special dog with a calling, Sugar overcomes overwhelming odds and sadness. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
Bauer has hit a home run with Sugar Mae Cole, who—in spite of homelessness and her mother’s breakdown—meets life’s challenges with grit and determination. Narrator Brittany Pressley gives mom Reba the accent of a Southern belle, with a hint of grit even at her lowest points. When Sugar quotes words of wisdom from grandfather King Cole, Pressley’s gravelly voice reflects the experiences of a life well lived. As Sugar struggles to maintain her natural sense of gratitude and optimism, Pressley’s tone sounds slightly fearful yet amazingly confident and kind. Thanks to her teacher, the extraordinary Mr. Bennett, whose support supplies another lifeline, and Shush, a special dog with a calling, Sugar overcomes overwhelming odds and sadness. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
Through months of homelessness and her mother's breakdown, sixth-grader Sugar Mae Cole and her puppy, Shush, demonstrate what it means to be sweet. Newbery Honor winner Bauer (Hope Was Here, 2000) has created one of her strongest young women yet in the character of Sugar, writer of thank-you notes and poetry, dog-walker, parent-educator and trust-trainer. Her chronological first-person narration works, with notes, emails and poems to document the pain of dealing with an unreliable father, the difficulty of leaving a familiar home and beloved teacher, and the conflicted feelings of a child in a good foster-care situation. Sugar's mother, Reba, has trusted her gambling husband too many times. Can Reba develop the strength to resist him? Luckily, this resilient child has always had the support of other adults: first her grandfather, King Cole; then Mr. B., the sixth-grade teacher who encourages her writing and stays in touch; and, finally, Lexie and Mac, experienced foster parents who provide a safe haven but know when to let go. Sugar's voice is convincing, both as storyteller and young writer; her natural good humor shines through what could be a sad story indeed. Quirky supporting characters--both human and dog--add to its appeal. Sugar, with her natural gift for rubbing down imperfections, will win readers' hearts. (Fiction. 9-13)