The Big Apple Effect by Christy Goerzen (Victoria, Orca) $9.95
You can judge a book by its cover (in this case a photo of a well-dressed teenage traveller) as this reviewer did exactly that and was not disappointed.
The Big Apple Effect is part of the Orca Currents series, which targets reluctant teen readers with high-interest themes, straightforward vocabulary and fast-paced plots, according to the publisher's website.
This title is a sequel to Farmed Out, which introduced Maddie and her New Age spaced-out mom. Now Maddie is about to travel to New York City as a result of becoming runner-up in an art contest. She is beyond excited, especially since her best friend will be accompanying her and the prospect of a week away from her mom is a bonus.
Maddie's enormous list of must-do's causes the first rift between the two girls but the final straw is the unexpected (and unwanted) arrival of Maddie's mom. Maddie feels her holiday has been ruined and her misery is doubled when Anna accuses her of selfishly hijacking what was to be a holiday for both girls.
All is resolved when Maddie finally realizes she has ignored her friend's wishes. Goerzen has successfully captured the relationship between the two girls and the dialogue between them is absolutely true-to-life. And while the mom is a pretty over-the-top character, her care for her daughter is evident.
Readers will relate to Maddie's enthusiastic approach to life and her excitement about her big week in New York. They will also look forward to another Maddie adventure.
Fran Ashdown was the children's librarian at the Capilano Branch of the NV District Library. She has been to New York exactly once. For more information check your local libraries.
