Keeping Secrets

Journals of the Big Mouth Bass #1

by Debbie Williamson

Debbie Bass just celebrated her ninth birthday. While she thought most of the presents were kind of lame, she loves the journal that her mother gave her. Debbie has always had trouble keeping secrets so she has decided to write all of her secrets in her new journal, addressing every entry to God. She figures that there is a good chance that God won’t tell anyone what she is writing! Join the fun as Debbie lives up to her unfortunate nickname and shares the trials and tribulations of growing up. From trying to be more girly (and failing miserably) to exciting adventures with her brother and the neighborhood kids, to facing humiliation at school, Keeping Secrets is a heartwarming, funny, and very real book about growing up female. Kids everywhere are falling head over heels for Debbie, a girl who is as honest about her red hair and freckles, lack of girlfriends, and getting picked last for dodgeball as she is about her first crush and the fact that she just can’t keep a secret.

156 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2011

About the author

Born in SLC, Utah. Raised in Southern California. Has four children and eleven grandchildren.

Married Gary Williamson October 2000.

Lives in California. Has four schnauzers, loves to travel, golf, read, garden and scrapbook.

Reviews

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journals of the Big Mouth Bass by Debbie Sue Bass Williamson is the first volume in the series based on the life of the author growing up in California in the 1960s. First Mia's review: The book is about a mischevious girl. I think it has a sad ending. The main character is Debbie Bass. She does a lot of naughty things and gets in a lot of trouble. She has a dog named Chopper and a brother named Dell. She hangs around with a group of friends called the Sunnyside Gang. She tells too many secrets, so her brother calls her the Big Mouth Bass, and pretty soon, everyone else started calling her that too. My favorite part about the book was when Dell bombed the fish with marbles in the neighbor's pond, instead of babysitting them. I thought that was funny, and it made me laugh. I wish the author had ended the book with a happy or funny part so that children reading it won't be crying. Now my review: Debbie Bass has just turned nine years old, and her mother gave her a journal to record her thoughts as she grow up. Debbie addresses each entry to God and tells Him about the day-to-day activities of her life, including her most private thoughts. Debbie plays with a group of boys from her neighborhood and struggles with not feeling girly enough and isn't quite sure how to fit in. Her entries are humorous and revealing, bringing to life this vulnerable little girl trying to understand the world around her and how she fits into it. Debbie has a crush on her friend Jesse and when she grows up plans to marry him and be astronauts together. Debbie and her world feel very real, which makes scenes like when she and her brother crash a party to get revenge on their mother who put together at Ronald Reagan's ranch to kick-off his gubernatorial campaign impossible to turn away from, even when it feels like an impending train wreck. Mia and enjoyed reading this book together each night and really came to fall in love with Debbie, which is why the ending was a tremendous shock to both of us. Debbie witnesses the tragic death of a friend, and it is described in heart-rending detail. Obviously the author experienced this herself and wanted to share the tragedy along with the humor of her childhood. But it didn't quite fit in with the rest of the book, it was such a shock. My daughter actually wanted to skip the entire chapter, it was so painful for her to read. I couldn't skip ahead, because the book ends shortly after the death, leaving the reader feeling traumatized (as I'm sure poor Debbie did). I wish the author had included just another chapter or two giving some resolution to the pain, and offering some hope for readers. My one other caveat is that Debbie's mother calls a Lyndon B. Johnson a jacka**, and Debbie makes prolific use of that word in the next couple of chapters. I wasn't comfortable swearing while reading to my daughter and ended up trying to gloss over it. Parents should be aware of that word and the tragic death before reading. That said, I know that Mia and I would both like to read the next book in the series. Debbie portrays all of the anxiety of a girl who doesn't quite fit in to her world with humor and grace.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Review: There was so much packed into this little journal of nine year old Debbie Bass. It takes place in the early 1960’s and it was fascinating to view some of the politics of the time through the eyes of a young girl! There was the Kennedy assassination and subsequent ‘election’ of Johnson; the beginning of Ronald Reagan’s career; the confusion over her mother’s change from Democrat to Republican (the only difference she sees is there’s an elephant now instead of a donkey). Throughout the whole story we enjoy the candid voice of a child who just can’t understand why things don’t always happen the way she has planned! She has red hair and freckles and thinks she’s ugly, she is picked last for dodge ball, and worst of all, the whole town knows of her nickname: The Big Mouth Bass. We find out why she has that nickname, and furthermore, why it sticks! One of the fun things about ‘journal based’ books is we are able to see many little everyday occurrences, such as magical tea parties, building forts, explorations of hills and pits, surprise parties, visits from grandparents, ‘fish-sitting’ (that was hilarious!), political party crashing (also hilarious) and even auditions for a big commercial in Hollywood! Debbie gets grounded for life a few times, makes friends, falls in love, and even experiences horrendous heartbreak. ‘Keeping Secrets’ is a charming and tender little book that can be enjoyed by everyone. I look forward to reading more of Debbie’s adventures! Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!



Content Review:

PROFANITY: A few mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

VIOLENCE: A very mild instance

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

The main character starts off by mentioning that her mom writes her journal to God, so she’s going to do the same. So, of course, she addresses God in each and every entry. I thought it was sweet, and didn’t feel it to be a mockery at all. Sometimes a character is quoted as using a ‘bad word’, and she’ll go on using the word wondering why it’s bad when it’s really an animal. The only act of violence is when a character throws marbles at fish to try to hit them (he kills them—and gets in trouble). A character dies and it is very sad. It’s not because of an act of violence, just a sad accident. Some of the themes would be the existence of magic, friendship, acts of destruction, and death. This is definitely a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+!

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by The Cadence Group for a review

To see this and other fantastic books on review, visit us at Squeaky Clean Reads!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom: What was the book about?

M: A girl named Debbie Bass who writes to God in her journal.

Mom: Do you think Debbie was a good character?

M: Yes, because she's different in her own way and she has spunk.

Mom: Can you tell me about some of the other characters in the book?

M: Debbie is the main character. There is also the Sunnyside Gang (Dell her brother, Bro, Jesse, Beamer), her Mother and Father, her dog Chopper, and Margaret a new girl from NYC.

Mom: What was your favorite part of the book?

M: My favorite part was when she made friends with Margaret because she found someone like her.

Mom: Why was that part special?

M: She finally had a girl to hang out with instead of boys all the time.

Mom: What did you learn from this book?

M: You can trust God with your secrets, and always love even if you don't like the person.

Mom: Is there any part of the story you would change?

M: No, it was too good the way it was.

Mom: Who do you think this book was written for?

M: Girls that have a broken heart and girls that are tomboys.

Mom: Why a broken heart?

M: Because at the end of the story something happens to Debbie. I can't tell you because it will ruin the story.

Mom: Anything you want to share about the book?

M: It definitely relates to me because she has a crush on someone.

Thanks dear for sharing your thoughts on this!

From an adult perspective, I've read a few chapters and I think this is written for the older elementary school student. It's written in a child's language and it's easy to get drawn into the story. There are some sad parts and your child should be able to handle emotional stories if they read this book. I really like how comfortable Debbie feels communicating with God. The one thing I have noticed though is that while the family seems to be of a faith that believes in God, there's not talk of bible reading, church or any type of fellowship. That could very well be because of the manner the book is written. The book teaches a lot about friendship, disappointment and choices. I highly recommend it!

I received this book from the Cadence Group for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

[Tina Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this endearing middle grade book kids follow 9 year old Debbie on her adventures with The Sunny Side Gang which is made up of ALL BOYS and her dog "Chopper". There are numerous groundings for Debbie and her brother, Dell in store and that should give you an idea of how adventurous this group of kids are! Some of the adventures are dangerous and include an education on the danger of fires and when you "SHOULD" tell secrets.

The book takes place in the 1960's and it's FUN to see kids being kids. Not sitting in front of the TV all day playing games or watching shows they shouldn't be watching. Parents are parents and kids are kids. These kids take pride in winning the right to get the baseball field in the morning before the day gets hot, digging a fort big enough for all 5 kids and their dog and reading a book for the afternoon.

The book does have a few "swear" words but it's not "in your face" like it would be in a book set nowadays. Debbie is careful to tell us she can use "jack----" because it's an real animal not just a bad word. The children in the book are very "innocent" and childlike which was wonderful to see. As a caution for parents - there is a death of a child in the book due to drowning - so you may have questions to answer.

Debbie (the author) hopefully will add another book to this one making it a series. I think it would be a great series for kids in 3rd/4th grades (or ages 9-12). The author was born in SLC and grew up in California where she spent time surfing and swimming. She has 4 children, 11 grand children, 4 Schnauzers (WOW!) and loves to garden, said, golf, travel and read.

Summer Brain Drain - Suggestion:
Why not provide your daughter with this book along with a diary or journal. Encourage your daughter to journal each day - even for just 15 minutes. She can share her thoughts, her joys or upsets, the lyrics to her favorite song. Remember it's not the number of books - but the time spent reading & writing that helps prevent Summer Brain Drain!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping Secrets promises to be the first in a series of novels told in the first-person by Debbie “Big Mouth” Bass for young to middle-grade readers. Nine-year-old Debbie is growing up in Southern California in the 1960s. Her voice has that honest earnestness that characterizes pre-teen girls, jumping from place to place but somehow always staying—almost—on topic. Her dog is delightful. Big brother’s a pain. The gang are all guys—oh, how well I remember that time, trailing around after my big brother’s friends. And Mom and Dad are the caring, mistake-making, mistake-mending geniuses that all parents hope to be.

Debbie’s not very good at keeping secrets, hence the nickname her brother gave her. But she’s working hard on telling them only to God in her diary, in the expectation that He won’t let her down. She’s finally found a friend who’s a girl. She’s got a crush on a boy. And she really, really, really wants to be accepted.

With historical references to events of the 60’s, a delightful sense of a safer age that was still in its own way fraught with danger, and some well-told timely reminders of secrets good (Mom’s surprise gift) and bad (a brother’s foolish plans), the story combines laughter and tears into a really endearing read. I hope Mom gets another notebook for Debbie. I’m sure she has much more to tell. And I definitely recommend this book to young readers anywhere, especially girls facing all those problems of trying to be someone in a world that pretends it already knows who they are.



Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review from Rebecca at the Cadence Group.

[William Bentrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book to Rachel, a 10 year old, a 5th grade friend of mine who was kind enough to read and review it from the target market perspective. The blue highlights are my additions or corrections.

In her exact words: This book is about nine years old Debbie Bass, who thought most of her presents were stupid or lame. She had a hard time keeping secrets so she wrote entries in the journal. She gets the nickname big mouth bass from her brother. (Who tries to be really girly but just can’t do it. ) (She is referring to Debbie here.)

I liked this book because it’s a ture, funny and heart warming story. In the story she tries (attempts) to feed her dog whatever she does not like, set the C on fire and become more girly. But they all backfire.

I did not have complaints. (about the book)

I think 3rd -5th graders. (would like the book.)

It is interesting that although Debbie’s journal entries are addressed to God, that point was not even commented on by Rachel. It didn’t seem strange to her. I was struck by the author’s reaction to President Kennedy’s assassination. I suspect that most of us who were alive that day have an equally clear and vivid memory or where we were and how we heard. That part struck me but again, it didn’t seem to mean as much to someone in the target age group as it is, to them, ancient history. I found this to be a very touching book.

I recommend the book too.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Debbie Sue Bass Williamson

Web Site: none found

[Cherise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding it impossible to keep secrets, Debbie Bass is soon named the Big Mouth Bass by her brother. The nickname sticks and haunts the young girl as she lives her life as a 4th grader in 1963.

The story is a year in Debbie's life as chronicled in her journal. She addresses her musings to God and fills the pages in her journal with every day, humorous and sometimes heart breaking tales.

I read this book, easily, in one afternoon. It's short and sweet and a hard book to set aside. Once upon a time I had boxes of journals, and in a cleaning frenzy I threw them all away. Reading this book made me wish I hadn't, made me wish I could go back and read all the little things I found so important that I had to write them down.

I can see this book appealing to all ages. Kids around the 4th and 5th grade ages could relate easily to her stories. Debbie's character is flawed and feels a little awkward in her shoes. A common feeling at that age, I am sure. Adults might appreciate the history in this book a little more than the kids. Most adults who were around in the 60's know exactly where they were when Kennedy was shot. Debbie journals about the day and the impact that it had on her and her family. It's really a fascinating little story.

It's amazing the changes that can occur in one year of a lifetime and this book narrates one girls journey, beautifully. This looks to be the first book in a series of Debbie's journals, I would love to read more!

Cherise Everhard, June 2011

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Journals of the Big Mouth Bass
Book 1 – Keeping Secrets

Author: Debbie Sue Bass Williamson

What do you do if you are a nine-year-old girl and can’t keep a secret? Your brother nicknames you big mouth bass and you know he is painfully right. You check out your birthday presents and cling to a gift that brings you hope. What is the best gift that you received? It is a journal from your mom and you decide to post your secrets to God because God won’t tell anybody. Your secrets are safe with God right?
Debbie, our precocious main character, pours out her heart and dreams to God and she is correct, the secrets stay bound between the pages of her journal. Her entries include reflections of her red hair and freckles (she hates them), her tomboyish ways (she aspires to be more girly) and her sad lack of girl friends at school. She explores her feelings and emotions through her writing and exposes her first real crush on Jesse, one of her brother’s good friends.
Keeping Secrets will draw you in as you observe how a little girl struggles to fit into her world and witness how she is maturing into a lovely young lady.
This book is also a great tool to use in the classroom. A teacher could use it as a stepping-stone to encourage her class to start journals of their own.

[Kim]

Put this on my list for Avery