Summary
Though the family has been penniless and has shuffled from one cramped apartment to another since Mr. Cornwallis's death, what will 11-year-old Binny do all summer while she balks at living in her late Aunt Violet's house...the mean woman who gave away Binny's beloved dog...
Summary of Professional Reviews
Horn Book Guide states that eleven-year-old Binny, her sister, brother, and mum move into a seaside cottage left to them by Aunty Violet. Gareth, the boy next door, becomes Binny's best frenemy, and their final adventure of the summer nearly ends in catastrophe. Horn Book Guide believes McKay's masterful control of the mayhem is ingenious.
My Review
This chapter book is a great story to read. It deals with death, losing pets, moving, family, and having best friend/frienemies. I believe this story can relate to various children for different reasons. The story has fun black and white drawn illustrations and visuals that help the readers to engage in the story more. At first, the story is confusing to read as it goes back and forth through time, but wraps up in the end to make everything come together.
This book would be good when teaching...
students who may be going through rough times. For example, if a student loses a family member, pet, or is in the process of moving, as a teacher, it is important to try to understand what the student may be going through and help them the best they can.