Ida B by Katherine Hannigan

The Locale: Odessa & AiYing’s home

The Book: As an only child, Ida B has had plenty of time to indulge her creative bent. She makes miniature rafts, to which she attaches notes with questions such as, "What is life like in Canada?" Acres of apple trees are her friends, and she enjoys long conversations with Beulah, Pastel, Henry VIII, and other trees. She lives life to the fullest, firmly believing there is never enough time for fun. When her mother develops cancer, her parents sell part of the orchard and send Ida B to public school rather than homeschooling her. The changes leave her feeling fiercely angry and betrayed. With the help of a wise and caring fourth-grade teacher and the enduring love of Mama and Daddy, the girl slowly begins to heal. Ida B is a true character in every sense of the word. Through a masterful use of voice, Hannigan's first-person narration captures an unforgettable heroine with intelligence, spirit, and a unique imagination. The rural but otherwise undefined setting works well in taking a backseat to the characterization. With just the right amount of tension in the plot, a spot-on grasp of human emotions, and Ida B's delightful turns of phrase.

The Fun: Since the author used a lot of similes in her book, the girls broke into groups and did a worksheet. They went out to the porch and planted apple trees, and then had a great discussion of the book, including how much they liked the book, Ida B’s inappropriate behavior at times, how funny she could be, what it would be like to be home schooled--and which girls in the group would like to be home schooled.

The Food: Cream puffs, Chocolate Cake, Strawberries, Watermelon, and more

The Vote: In order to avoid influencing others with their votes, the girls decided to cast their votes with their heads down. Up for vote, presented by Inkary, was Lily B. on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, No Dogs Allowed by Bill Wallace, and Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. Harriet the Spy won. Meeting to be held on May 8th at Inkary & Mala’s house.

Up Next: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi at Megan & Dawn’s house on March 20th.