Give and Take

Gr 4-6--Twelve-year-old Maggie holds on to her memories--literally. She can't stop herself from taking small items as reminders of special people and events in her life: Chinese takeout containers, milk cartons, dirt cups she used for a third grade project, gum wrappers, and a little sock that belongs to Izzie, a foster baby who is staying for "a speck of time" with Maggie's family. Maggie desperately wishes her family would adopt Izzie, but there are other things she is fearful of forgetting, especially memories of her grandmother, who died and had dementia. By hiding boxes in her bedroom, Maggie is sure she will remember every treasured moment. But when her collection is threatened, Maggie's explosive anger makes it clear to her concerned parents that she needs professional help. When her parents take her to a counselor, Maggie is initially resistant, but she learns how to let go of things and trust her heart to store her memories. Maggie is also a talented trapshooter, a sport underrepresented in books for young readers. When a boy is added to Maggie's all-girls trapshooting squad, she makes a new friend who also strengthens her bonds with her teammates. Several of the novel's strongest scenes belong to the distinctive secondary characters, including Maggie's devoted grandfather and her fact-loving younger brother. VERDICT This fast-paced and dialogue-heavy story may provide comfort and support to readers who have trouble processing their own strong emotions. A welcome addition to middle grade collections.--Shelley Sommer, Inly School, Scituate, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

*A Pernille Ripp Best Book of 2019!*
*A Mighty Girl Best Book of 2019!*
*A Hopewell Library Best Book of 2019!*
*A Lesley Roessing Best Book of 2019!*

A sensitive and affirming look at a problem not often tackled in middle-grade fiction. — Booklist

The writing is lucid and intelligent . . . pediatric hoarding, like adoption and hoarding, is portrayed sensitively. A potentially useful resource for kids struggling with loss, change, and letting go. — Kirkus Reviews

This fast-paced and dialogue-heavy story may provide comfort and support to readers who have trouble processing their own strong emotions. A welcome addition to middle grade collections. — School Library Journal

Powerful and tender, Elly Swartz's new novel is about love—the kind that's forever, and the kind you need to let go. Readers will adore Maggie, the big-hearted, strong but vulnerable heroine of this multi-layered, beautifully crafted book. — Barbara Dee, author of Star Crossed and Halfway Normal

Sweet, sad, funny and real. Swartz takes us inside a troubled child and makes us fall in love. — Barbara O'Connor, author of Wish

Readers of Give and Take will quickly become endeared with Maggie's spirit and heart. Elly Swartz has written a book where the characters love fiercely and family is forever. — Becky Calzada, Coordinator Library Services, Leander ISD