Patricia MacLachlan's exquisitely tuned pen has delivered another story to reach the innermost part of our hearts and most importantly, the hearts and little quivering places in our children where their deepest fears, sadnesses and hopes lie.

Robbie is an only child of musician parents who peer at him from a safe and distant platform. They are about to head off on a musical tour and will be leaving him with his grandmother, Maddie, with some trepidation.

Maddie, you see, has special gifts. Robbie loves her dearly. In his confusing, disappointing world she stands firm.

What unfolds is the story of a boy, his dog, his grandmother, her doctor friend Henry, and all of the truths of who they are deep in their innermost hearts. Where there is truth and trust, wonderful things connect and love resides. It's a beautiful place we all seek within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

All of these powerful bonds are felt and grown through the eyes of a boy. Just as in Edward's Eyes, this story shows us how pure the deepest feelings are for children. These feelings are mysterious and undefined for the most part but it is our job to sort them out, bring them into the light to be named and clarified, and to show every child their own precious truth and the truths in the world around them.

Woven of magic, love, the unknown, the might of believing, this is a great gift for a generation wading into an ocean of corporate messages and values consigned to the trash heap.

Highly recommended for Joan of Arc and Seeker. Could be read aloud for Belonger and Heart/Home/Friends Forever for discussion and clarification. The words will be easily read but the deep feelings will need some big people translation. So great that this magnificent woman keeps reaching deep... she and Kevin Henkes with his THE YEAR OF BILLY MILLER.

9780061998591 114 pages Ages 7-10 Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins) 2013

Cheers,

Barb

Robbie is the son of musician parents (burden enough), and he's going to spend the summer with his somewhat-eccentric Grandmother. But is she really eccentric, or does she have special gifts that draw simple truths out of people. As a musician, I can relate to what Robbie goes through, knowing that there is an instrument that, in his perception of life, means more to his mother than he does. (Talk about a guilt trip reading a children's book!) But it was an incredibly sweet, touching book.
As far as readability, AR has it as a 2.8; Follett has it as 3.1; Lexile 420; and Scholastic Book Wizard doesn't have a listing.
A quick read, that would make a great read aloud with natural places for discussion (or not!). ( )

A quiet, short story, more of a small moment really. Robbie wants to know he is loved and needed but the communication dynamics of his family don't completely provide that for him. Only Maddy, his grandmother and best friend, seems to understand. ( )

A gentle story that is easy and quick to read. ( )

Disclaimer: I won a free proof copy through Good Reads First Reads.
Review: The Truth of Me is cute story of self and family discovery with some fantasy elements.
Robbie and his dog “Ellie” spend the summer with Maddy and Henry while his parents are touring with Allergo Quartet in France. Robbie learns how to be an Alpha and many small truths. One of these truths are about his mother and her father left her. While camping Maddy falls and breaks her ankle, so Robbie must find a way to get help.
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