Genius Jolene (Orca Echoes)
by Sara Cassidy (Author) Charlene Chua (Illustrator)
On her annual trip in her father’s 18-wheeler, Jolene is ready for some new adventures.
Eight-year-old Jolene is headed to Los Angeles on a six-day road trip to deliver some newsprint with her dad. Just like last year, they tell each other stories and listen to music. They also keep up their favorite tradition: critiquing one type of food at every stop. This time it’s onion rings.
But this year is also different. Unlike last year, Jolene’s parents are no longer together. They split up when her father came out as gay. These are big changes for Jolene, but she is spunky and smart and has a good heart. She’s ready to stand up for what’s right―both on and off the road.
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-5--Every year eight-year-old Jolene travels with her truck driver father on one of his deliveries. This year is a little different. Jolene's father and mother are no longer married. Instead of Jolene's mom wishing them safe travels, it's her father's boyfriend, Joey. Yet much remains the same. Jolene and her father continue their tradition of acting as unofficial food critics, evaluating onion rings at each eatery they encounter, and share deep ruminations about the origins of words and phrases. The climax of the book occurs when Jolene must confront a stranger's homophobia. She learns from her father to respond with kindness. This is a valuable lesson but feels somewhat unresolved, and as if the conflict was not fully thought out. The worth of this title lies in the representation of a multicultural cast of characters. VERDICT This approachable, representative, middle grade chapter book focusing on father-daughter relationships would be suitable as an additional purchase.--Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary Coll., Newburgh, NY
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV013020 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Marriage & Divorce
JUV013090 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Alternative Family
