Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis

How I Heard About It:
*After seeing so many online friends raving about this new novel, I had to order it and see what all the hype was about.  I had a four-day weekend for fall break which was the perfect time to sit down and read.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*The reader is taken into the world of twelve-year-old Fud who lives with her mother and her mother's boyfriend.

*At first life with Larry was ok, but when he is injured and loses his job, he becomes more and more angry and aggressive toward both Fud and her mother.

*Fud is a bit of an outcast at school at the hands of Ava and her popular crew and when Leigh moves into the trailer next door, Fud is sure she will become part of the "in crowd".

*As Fud and Leigh try to figure out if they can be friends, they both enter a local pageant with a cash reward.

*Fud isn't a pageant kind of girl, but she believes the reward money could be the ticket to freedom for both her mother and herself.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*As difficult as this story was to read, Vitalis wrote it beautifully and full of heart.

*I loved the connection Fud had to the wild coyotes near her home and how that connection helped her navigate some really difficult situations.

*As much as I loved Fud, Leigh, and Leigh's mom; I equally disliked Larry and Fud's mother.  You will know why when you read the story.

*The author didn't shy away from difficult situations, but wrote those scenes with care and taking into consideration the readers that will experience the story.

*The conclusion of the story caught me off guard, but I do think it was a realistic and authentic ending.  We can't always have the "happily ever after" Disney ending.  


Who Should Read It:
*I would recommend the book for readers in grades five and above.  There are some mature and difficult sections of the story which I think are geared toward an older audience.  Middle-school readers would be appropriate for Fud's story.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:
   4 STARS out of 5 Stars


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