The Sugar Mountain Snow Ball

July 15, 2015
Even when dreams do come true, they might not look exactly as imagined. When narrator and native New Hampshirite narrator Ruby and Eleanor, whose family has emigrated from Sri Lanka, visit a fortuneteller for a free reading, they are thrilled with the very nonspecific fortunes they hear and immediately embark on a plan to make those fortunes come true. Ruby's greatest wish is to go to the Snow Ball Dance with her crush, JB Knox, and Eleanor would do anything for a sewing machine. What they don't foresee, however, is how their lives will change in other ways beyond the fulfillment of their dreams. Even when their dreams look like they're never going to be realized, their close friendship saves them from hopelessness. Atkinson offers two adorable characters who are as different as they are brave and builds a sweet tale of inspiration and triumph over factors usually far beyond kids' control. The author tackles multiculturalism, socioeconomic disparity, disabilities, and healthy eating in one book, which sometimes feels like a mouthful, but Ruby is engaging enough that it's hard to be distracted from her glass-half-full enthusiasm for life. Sometimes the life lessons found here are too glaring though far from invalid: "I understood now that different families and cultures have different ways of doing things, but that didn't make one way better than the other." A pleasant romp through a winter of contentment. (Fiction. 9-12)

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October 1, 2015

Gr 3-7-Perky Ruby LaRue has lived her entire life in Paris, NH, at the foot of the ski resort Sugar Mountain. As a townie, she has never once been to the resort and doesn't even know how to ski. Her best friend is Eleanor Bandaranaike, an immigrant from Sri Lanka who leads a busy life, thanks to her mother's meddling. As different as the girls are, they share a deep friendship. When a mysterious fortune-teller encourages them to seek out their dreams, they each set out on a path toward their destiny. Ruby wants to learn to ski and attend Sugar Mountain's annual ball with her sixth-grade crush. Eleanor wants to buy a super fancy sewing machine so she can become a famous clothing designer. Together they create a method to earn money so they can realize their ambitions. Along the way, they learn a lot about each other, their families, and the value of attaining one's dreams. A feel-good story that has it all, this work touches upon topics such as blended families, cultural diversity, economics, and even physical well-being without an ounce of moralization. This delightful tale with a hint of mystery will engross readers from the first page. Realistic characters in contemporary situations add to the narrative, and a satisfying ending will charm even the most selective tweens. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers who enjoy well-paced, gentle tales.-Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH

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