Stung

Out of place and invisible at school and, apparently, at home, where she is in charge of most chores and the family bead store, 12-year-old Emma rues her excessive height and skinniness, her red hair, and, most of all, her name. Never having known her father, she is surprised by an invitation to a family reunion in Wisconsin, where she discovers she shares these characteristics with members of a family she never knew she had. Over the weekend, she also learns that there can be too much order and supervision, that she can make friends, and that the independence her quirky, freewheeling mother allows is something to value. This rich story of self-acceptance offers readers much to think about: contrasting family patterns, appropriate schooling for very bright children, conformity, and respecting differences. The first-person narrative moves along briskly, with believable dialogue and plenty of humor. Gently poking fun at the Wisconsin Frekes, the author also shows why Emma appreciates them. Readers will certainly sympathize with and root for Emma and celebrate the story’s satisfying ending.

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