A Kind of Paradise

Gr 4–6—As a consequence for breaking her middle school's honor code, Jamie must volunteer in her local library all summer. Initially disappointed to miss out on her usual poolside summer plans, Jamie eventually develops meaningful relationships with library staff and patrons and feels valued for her work. Tan uses Jamie's first-person narration to illustrate the important role the library plays in the town and slowly reveals the details of the girl's past indiscretions. The frequent back-and-forth between daily activities in the library and Jamie's memories slows the pace, and the secondary characters, seen only through Jamie's eyes, can lack depth. Jamie's own development is the strongest component of the book, and her sense of self as someone who has made a mistake but is also kind and capable will appeal to readers who are growing to see themselves in a similar light.