Mick Harte Was Here

Only on page 3 and I've already been moved emotionally.  Twice.  That's the art of Barbara Park.  Yes, the author of Junie B. Jones.  She published this book for middle school readers in 1995 and to my knowledge, at least one teacher has used it with her students each year since.  It's the story of Phoebe as she deals with her brother Mick's accidental death. And, as always, Park offers a valuable lesson to be learned... always wear a helmet.  That's what I know from reading the blurb on the back of the book...

"When her brother, Mick, is killed, Phoebe Harte's world is suddenly turned upside down.  How could someone like Mick die?  Mick was one of the neatest kids you'd ever want tot meet.  He was the kind of kid who freaked his mom out by putting a ceramic eye in a defrosted chicken.  And who would ever forget the wild dance solo he performed in front of the whole school because "the music got in his pants."  Mick was the kind of kid everyone liked...the kind of kid who, if he'd only worn his bicycle helmet, would still be alive today.  If only."

Reading this in hopes of offering my daughter another short, wonderful reading experience next year.  

Happy Reading...
RC