*While attending #NCTE22 in California, I had many conversations about books. This title was mentioned during a session I attended and I also heard about it from a friend during a book conversation. I downloaded the title via Audible and have been listening over the last week or so.
What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Maggie has a difficult time at school due to her pronounced stutter.
*Her parents approach the stutter quite differently. So instead of having to go to a "special" school at her father's request, she agrees to spend time with her grandfather out in Wildoak Forest.
*Maggie has always had a unique relationship with animals which allows her to speak freely to them without the stutter.
*When she comes upon a snow leopard that has escaped its own type of "capture", she finds herself more free and herself than ever before.
*After the snow leopard is discovered by the townspeople, Maggie must find the strength to not only stand up for herself, but the animal as well.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*After heading the presenter at #NCTE "book talk" this title, I was quite intrigued.
*I enjoyed the alternating chapters with the viewpoints of both the snow leopard and Maggie.
*The writing was beautiful, crisp, and the images flew off the page.
*I enjoyed reading about how Maggie was able to reach her full potential while spending time with her grandfather; who was such an endearing character.
*The theme of not only standing up for yourself, but others as well, was presented with grace, an authentic voice, and compassion.
Who Should Read It:
*The novel would be ideal for the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom. Maggie's story would lend itself to either a class read aloud and/or put in the individual hands of a reader. Middle-school readers will also find great enjoyment with the adventures of Maggie and her snow leopard. Happy Reading!
Rating: 4 STARS out of 5 Stars
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