The Not-So-Great Depression
Grade 6–9—The Great Recession has hit YA fiction. Jacki, a lovable middle schooler who dreads her piano recital as much as gym, is finally starting to see the effects of the financial crisis she keeps hearing about. When her Mom gets laid off, her family has to consider making some major changes by reevaluating Jacki's private schooling, her sister Brooke's college tuition, their big house, and even their presence in Los Angeles. While this background is serious, the story has a lot of humor and a bit of romance. Jacki's relationship with her supportive friend Emily is both realistic and admirable, but the interactions between Jacki and her family members take center stage. This novel offers readers likable characters and a personal narrative of economic woes. It will keep them turning the pages.—Emily Chornomaz, West Orange Public Library, NJ(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.