The Missing Pieces of Me

Gr 4–6—In a small Oklahoma town in the 1980s, 10-year-old Weezie lives in a trailer her half siblings, Ruth Ann and Jackson, and their Momma. Weezie's father left before Weezie was born. Gramma Emmeline and Tommy, Momma's husband and Ruth Ann's father, have died, and Jackson's father, Roy, doesn't have a job. Momma is broke, tired, and mad, and frequently blames Weezie for her troubles. Weezie tries desperately to please Momma, but nothing works. Using an old photo, Weezie begins a search for her father. A friend, Calvin, rides Weezie around on his bike, and new school friend Louella helps, too. Natalie Ross brings an admirable heroine to life and also credibly voices the other characters. This story will hold the interest of middle graders as Weezie gains the ability to stand up to her mother and learns that even though her mother may not love her, other people do.—Mary Lee Bulat, Harwinton Public Library, CT