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Latasha and the Little Red Tornado
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado tells the story of Latasha Gandy, a precocious and inventive third-grader who lives in Pittsburgh with her hardworking mother and a naughty puppy named Ella Fitzgerald. At eight years old, Latasha cannot wait to grow up. Ella, on the other hand, absolutely refuses to! When Ella's antics push the Gandy's landlady, Mrs. Okocho, to her wits' end, Latasha realizes that she must turn her mischievous mutt into a model dog. Latasha enlists the help of a classmate and neighbor, Ricky, in her efforts to train Ella. Their friendship grows as Ricky joins the girls on their adventures in the park. But after Latasha and Ricky have a falling out, Latasha decides to take Ella out on her own, a choice that proves to have grave consequences. At turns hilarious and heartbreaking, this tale of friendship and maturity follows Latasha as she struggles with Ella, school, and her mother's absence from home.
- GenresAnimalsMiddle Grade
133 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
115 people want to read
About the author
Michael Scotto
33 books37 followersMichael Scotto has worked as a filmmaker, a saxophone player and an engineer's assistant, but his true passion has always been writing. He is the author of the "The Tales of Midlandia" picture book series, as well as the middle-grade novels, "Latasha and the Little Red Tornado," "Latasha and the Kidd on Keys," and "Postcards from Pismo." When not writing, he enjoys cooking and photography.
In 2011, Scotto was honored as one of the "Pittsburgh 40 Under 40," which recognizes difference makers in the Western Pennsylvania region. He currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife.
In 2011, Scotto was honored as one of the "Pittsburgh 40 Under 40," which recognizes difference makers in the Western Pennsylvania region. He currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 30, 2018
Latasha and the little red tornado is a funny but sad book written by Michael Scotto. It is about a girl called Latasha who adopted a dog called Ella. She was named afterLatasha's favorite singer, Ella Fitzgerald. Ella wants to grow up and be mature when Ella wants to act like a yr old. Latasha's mom is a hotel cleaning lady but then got her dream job at the children's hospital. On day Ella nearly died.
I think they added lots of descriptive languages, emotive and figurative language.I like how Ella is an acute dog with lots of perseverance and has a great owner. I LOVED how Ella kept getting zoomies and making Mrs. Olcocho, Latasha's landlady annoyed. it was funny that a turkey was on the road. I laughed so hard I snorted. I should stop reading books like these. I think the book would be more interesting if there were a dad and Mrs. Olcocho was their grandma. I would never say this book is bad but it would be more interesting for me.
I would rate this book 6 out of 5. IT'S JUST SO GOOD. It really made a picture in my mind and a great perspective of what there world was like.
I think they added lots of descriptive languages, emotive and figurative language.I like how Ella is an acute dog with lots of perseverance and has a great owner. I LOVED how Ella kept getting zoomies and making Mrs. Olcocho, Latasha's landlady annoyed. it was funny that a turkey was on the road. I laughed so hard I snorted. I should stop reading books like these. I think the book would be more interesting if there were a dad and Mrs. Olcocho was their grandma. I would never say this book is bad but it would be more interesting for me.
I would rate this book 6 out of 5. IT'S JUST SO GOOD. It really made a picture in my mind and a great perspective of what there world was like.
October 5, 2011
When I started drafting this novel, I knew exactly two things: that I wanted to write about a girl and her dog, and that I wanted to write about my adopted hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. Of course, as I wrote, the book (which remained untitled until the very last moment) became about quite a bit more.
It became a book about maturity, about friendship -- and of course, about improvisation, in jazz and in life. Perhaps most importantly, it became (I hope) a book about the conflict between one's desire for independence, and one's need to be cared for. I believe this struggle to be fairly universal -- and certainly not limited to childhood.
This book is for my wife and for my dog (the original "little red tornado"), who both know when to give space, and when to take care.
It became a book about maturity, about friendship -- and of course, about improvisation, in jazz and in life. Perhaps most importantly, it became (I hope) a book about the conflict between one's desire for independence, and one's need to be cared for. I believe this struggle to be fairly universal -- and certainly not limited to childhood.
This book is for my wife and for my dog (the original "little red tornado"), who both know when to give space, and when to take care.
December 19, 2016
This middle grade novel from Michael Scotto takes place in Pittsburgh, and tells the story of a third grader named Latasha, who lives with her single mother and a dog named Ella Fitzgerald. Latasha loves Ella, but she also feels a certain amount of shame about her, because she isn't a very well-behaved dog. Not only does she eat food that isn't intended for her, she also destroys the landlady, Mrs. Okocho's flowers, and has daily attacks of something called "the zoomies," which cause her to run wild around the apartment, letting off extra steam. Latasha's mom and Mrs. Okocho are both as understanding as they can be about Ella, but Latasha can't help but wonder if she will ever mature from a puppy into a dog.
Throughout the book, Latasha also deals with her mother's new job as a nursing aide at nearby Children's Hospital, which forces her to spend every afternoon after school with Mrs. Okocho, and a new, somewhat rocky friendship with a boy in her class named Ricky.
While I'll admit that I had trouble getting into this book at first, I'm glad I stuck with it, because from the halfway point all the way to the end, I truly enjoyed reading it. I've read several books about girls and their dogs - most notably, the Julia Gillian trilogy, and Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo - and I think Latasha's story easily holds its own with them. Like Opal in Winn Dixie, Latasha finds comfort in her dog in a new and unfamiliar situation, and must contend with the dog's occasional bad behavior. And like Julia Gillian, whose dog Bigfoot is her best friend, Latasha worries about her dog's feelings and well-being in a way that is really touching and sweet.
This book is more character-driven than plot-driven. There is a story arc involving the evolution of Latasha's relationships with her mother, Mrs. Okocho, Ricky, and Ella, but the chapters read like episodes, and what the book really provides is a window into the life of one interesting little girl. As I read, I kept finding myself comparing Latasha's story to Sunny Holiday and Sweet and Sunny, by Coleen Murtagh Paratore. This is partly because both girls are African-American, with single mothers, but it was also the tone, voice, and attitude of both Sunny and Latasha that made the comparison feel so natural. Neither girl is in an ideal situation, but a positive and hopeful attitude make everything turn out okay in the end.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is definitely worth reading, and worth sharing with girls in grades 3 and up. The writing is solid, the characters well-crafted and diverse, and the illustrations by Evette Gabriel add a rich visual layer to the story that I really enjoyed. I especially liked the drawing of Latasha's teacher, Mr. Harvey. I also enjoyed the sub-plot in the latter half of the book involving the reading contest at Latasha's school. Latasha's interest in reading and vocabulary makes her an especially appealing heroine for kids who are already book lovers and ready to learn some new words themselves.
Throughout the book, Latasha also deals with her mother's new job as a nursing aide at nearby Children's Hospital, which forces her to spend every afternoon after school with Mrs. Okocho, and a new, somewhat rocky friendship with a boy in her class named Ricky.
While I'll admit that I had trouble getting into this book at first, I'm glad I stuck with it, because from the halfway point all the way to the end, I truly enjoyed reading it. I've read several books about girls and their dogs - most notably, the Julia Gillian trilogy, and Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo - and I think Latasha's story easily holds its own with them. Like Opal in Winn Dixie, Latasha finds comfort in her dog in a new and unfamiliar situation, and must contend with the dog's occasional bad behavior. And like Julia Gillian, whose dog Bigfoot is her best friend, Latasha worries about her dog's feelings and well-being in a way that is really touching and sweet.
This book is more character-driven than plot-driven. There is a story arc involving the evolution of Latasha's relationships with her mother, Mrs. Okocho, Ricky, and Ella, but the chapters read like episodes, and what the book really provides is a window into the life of one interesting little girl. As I read, I kept finding myself comparing Latasha's story to Sunny Holiday and Sweet and Sunny, by Coleen Murtagh Paratore. This is partly because both girls are African-American, with single mothers, but it was also the tone, voice, and attitude of both Sunny and Latasha that made the comparison feel so natural. Neither girl is in an ideal situation, but a positive and hopeful attitude make everything turn out okay in the end.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is definitely worth reading, and worth sharing with girls in grades 3 and up. The writing is solid, the characters well-crafted and diverse, and the illustrations by Evette Gabriel add a rich visual layer to the story that I really enjoyed. I especially liked the drawing of Latasha's teacher, Mr. Harvey. I also enjoyed the sub-plot in the latter half of the book involving the reading contest at Latasha's school. Latasha's interest in reading and vocabulary makes her an especially appealing heroine for kids who are already book lovers and ready to learn some new words themselves.
November 24, 2011
I was very excited when I learned about this book. In the past few years there have been more early chapter series with a Black female protagonist. Like Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes or Keena Ford by Melissa Thomson. But it's nearly impossible to find stories just beyond that early reader stage with a Black girl as the main character.
At first glance at the cover and summary, I thought Latasha and the Little Red Tornado, would help this unnecessary gap. When my review copy arrived I was not dissappointed. It was exactly what I thought it would be and a wonderful debut. On the second page I learned Latasha is biracial.
Scotto doesn't delve into this but its nice to see the author create a character that many young readers will be able to relate to and who probably don't get that chance enough.
8 yr old Latasha lives with her mom and puppy Ella. Latasha is doing her best to train two year old Ella who is still getting into everything. Latasha spends the afternoon with their landlady/downstairs neighbor Mrs.Okocho and hears how loud Ella can get. Afraid that she might lose Ella, Latasha get serious about puppy training.
From the beginning I was really into this story and loved Latasha's voice.
The first paragraph.
"Momma told me that there is a time in a puppy's life right around its second birthday - when it just starts to get it. The puppy starts to listen to you all the time and not just some of the time. She stops crying for food under the table and just patiently waits for a scrap. She realizes that yes, her tail actually is part of her body, and no, she'll probably never catch it. Basically, the puppy stops being a puppy and becomes a dog. Momma said it happens very quickly, like someone flipped a switch in the animal's brain. I wish someone would hit that switch for Ella."
There's so much to like about this story from Latasha's relationship to her mother to Latasha new friendship at school. And of course all that puppy enegry that is Ella. This was so much fun to read. I enjoyed the ending but was bit surprised by it. Don't worry it wasn't in the style of Old Yeller and everyone is smiling inculding Ella.
The chapters are short, about 6 pages per. Evette Gabriel's beautiful illustrations are great and make this story a little more fun for young readers who are in search of novel that are just beyond the early chapter book level. 3.5 out of 5.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is slated to be released in November by the newly formed imprint, Mildlandia Press.
At first glance at the cover and summary, I thought Latasha and the Little Red Tornado, would help this unnecessary gap. When my review copy arrived I was not dissappointed. It was exactly what I thought it would be and a wonderful debut. On the second page I learned Latasha is biracial.
Scotto doesn't delve into this but its nice to see the author create a character that many young readers will be able to relate to and who probably don't get that chance enough.
8 yr old Latasha lives with her mom and puppy Ella. Latasha is doing her best to train two year old Ella who is still getting into everything. Latasha spends the afternoon with their landlady/downstairs neighbor Mrs.Okocho and hears how loud Ella can get. Afraid that she might lose Ella, Latasha get serious about puppy training.
From the beginning I was really into this story and loved Latasha's voice.
The first paragraph.
"Momma told me that there is a time in a puppy's life right around its second birthday - when it just starts to get it. The puppy starts to listen to you all the time and not just some of the time. She stops crying for food under the table and just patiently waits for a scrap. She realizes that yes, her tail actually is part of her body, and no, she'll probably never catch it. Basically, the puppy stops being a puppy and becomes a dog. Momma said it happens very quickly, like someone flipped a switch in the animal's brain. I wish someone would hit that switch for Ella."
There's so much to like about this story from Latasha's relationship to her mother to Latasha new friendship at school. And of course all that puppy enegry that is Ella. This was so much fun to read. I enjoyed the ending but was bit surprised by it. Don't worry it wasn't in the style of Old Yeller and everyone is smiling inculding Ella.
The chapters are short, about 6 pages per. Evette Gabriel's beautiful illustrations are great and make this story a little more fun for young readers who are in search of novel that are just beyond the early chapter book level. 3.5 out of 5.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is slated to be released in November by the newly formed imprint, Mildlandia Press.
February 26, 2012
This is such a heart warming, wonderful story for younger readers. It's a story kids will be able to relate to, and one they'll enjoy spending time with as they get to know Latasha, the story's main character. Young Latasha, who's now eight years old has a lot to deal with. She has an unruly faithful pup named Ella Fitzgerald (named after Latasha's favorite singer) who likes to do things puppies do like get into things they're not suppose to... meaning the trash and the down stairs neighbor/landlord's flowerbed. Not only does Latasha do the best she can to teach her friendly dog manners, she also tries to be a huge help to her single mother who's recently started a new job, and keep a good attitude about spending more time their elderly down stairs neighbor Ms. Okocho.
Latasha is such a wonderful, likable character to get to know. I adore her and her voice in this story. She felt like a realistic young girl, and she's someone I often times found myself wanting to give a hug to her and tell her everything would turn out all right. One of the things I loved in this story is the way author Michael Scotto wrote about Latasha's different situations. I was able to remember being eight and wanting to be looked at as a young lady vs a little kid, much like Latasha does. There's real life situations like dealing with school, being an only child, learning to raise a dog, being from a single parent home, friendship, honesty and being brave that are apart of this story. Each of these situations not only helped Latasha grow and mature as the story goes along, they're also real scenarios readers will be able to identify with.
Michael Scotto's writing in this book is fabulous! The voice for Latasha is honest, real and down right wonderful. I loved each of the characters that are introduced in this story and getting to know them. It wasn't hard for me to fall in love with each of them. Over all this is an enjoyable read with lovable, realistic characters. Though I adore Latasha tremendously, I think her pup Ella won me over the most. What a fabulous character this loyal campion is and I love that Latasha got her from the shelter (even if she didn't I still would have loved her just the same). If you're looking for a book for readers to connect with, one that teaches important life lessons, and offers a realistic voice, I highly recommend picking this one up. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Michael Scotto.
Latasha is such a wonderful, likable character to get to know. I adore her and her voice in this story. She felt like a realistic young girl, and she's someone I often times found myself wanting to give a hug to her and tell her everything would turn out all right. One of the things I loved in this story is the way author Michael Scotto wrote about Latasha's different situations. I was able to remember being eight and wanting to be looked at as a young lady vs a little kid, much like Latasha does. There's real life situations like dealing with school, being an only child, learning to raise a dog, being from a single parent home, friendship, honesty and being brave that are apart of this story. Each of these situations not only helped Latasha grow and mature as the story goes along, they're also real scenarios readers will be able to identify with.
Michael Scotto's writing in this book is fabulous! The voice for Latasha is honest, real and down right wonderful. I loved each of the characters that are introduced in this story and getting to know them. It wasn't hard for me to fall in love with each of them. Over all this is an enjoyable read with lovable, realistic characters. Though I adore Latasha tremendously, I think her pup Ella won me over the most. What a fabulous character this loyal campion is and I love that Latasha got her from the shelter (even if she didn't I still would have loved her just the same). If you're looking for a book for readers to connect with, one that teaches important life lessons, and offers a realistic voice, I highly recommend picking this one up. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Michael Scotto.
November 15, 2011
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is a cute, heartwarming tale of a young girl and her puppy. Latasha is only eight years old, yet she is pretty mature for her age. She carries a pocket dictionary around with her, so she can use “big” words. I thought this made her unique and unlike most young female heroines. Latasha is a very likeable and realistic character and I found myself relating to her in many ways. Her puppy, Ella Fitzgerald was cleverly written as well. Ella does things like my own puppy does, like getting the “zoomies” and going a bit crazy when left alone. That’s just another great aspect of this story.
The scenarios in Latasha’s life were very believable. Having issues with friends, getting babysat, and living with a single parent. The characters like Ricky, Latasha’s friend (and neighbor) are all well developed. Throughout the story, Latasha matures and so does her pup in a way. I love how Michael Scotto added a unforeseen ending that left me wanting more.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is a fun read with an unexpected twist.
Tomorrow at our blog we will be posting a guest post from Michael Scotto as well as my review:
http://readergirls.blogspot.com/
The scenarios in Latasha’s life were very believable. Having issues with friends, getting babysat, and living with a single parent. The characters like Ricky, Latasha’s friend (and neighbor) are all well developed. Throughout the story, Latasha matures and so does her pup in a way. I love how Michael Scotto added a unforeseen ending that left me wanting more.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is a fun read with an unexpected twist.
Tomorrow at our blog we will be posting a guest post from Michael Scotto as well as my review:
http://readergirls.blogspot.com/
October 8, 2011
This was a wonderful book. Kids will definitely be able to identify with Latasha and some of the problems she has. Not only does she have a puppy full of energy, but she has to worry about the puppy bothering their landlady. She worries about her mother’s new job and about not spending a lot of time with her mother. Latasha learns a lot about friendships both with the old and young. There are subtle lessons all throughout the story. The problems in the story such as a single parent home, and Latash staying with the landlady as her babysitter are some of the same problems my very own students face. The characters are all very believable and well developed.
I am proud to put this book on my shelves at school. I am sure this book will be enjoyed by my sixth graders no matter what their reading level. I’ve head the name of the author before and will definitely check into his other books. After all, addition to students who need quality books, I have nine grandkids that need quality books to read.
I am proud to put this book on my shelves at school. I am sure this book will be enjoyed by my sixth graders no matter what their reading level. I’ve head the name of the author before and will definitely check into his other books. After all, addition to students who need quality books, I have nine grandkids that need quality books to read.
September 22, 2014
Life is complicated for a girl living in a small apartment with a working mom and a wild little dog. Latasha is handling it though, and even when she gets down and worries about her mom or her dog or her friendship troubles, she always bounces back with new energy and a new plan. I like how the story presents life for a third grader as it is; full of troubles and uncertainty, but also full of new ideas and friends (and grown ups) around to help out in a difficult moment. This is a great book for second and third graders. I think it would make a great book club selection, especially for kids who love dogs.
Scotto has a sequel coming out next year titled Latasha and the Kidd on Keys. Can't wait to see it!
Scotto has a sequel coming out next year titled Latasha and the Kidd on Keys. Can't wait to see it!
January 21, 2012
If you are looking for a book to give to a puppy-loving girl, this is a very good bet! The relationship between Latasha and her "little red tornado" is lovingly and realistically portrayed, both the good and the bad. There's more to it than just "girl and puppy," though--over the course of the story, eight-year old Latasha has to deal not just with her rambunctious dog, but with accepting her mother's new job and her new after school baby-sitter, the elderly landlady downstairs, with all the good grace she can. Scotto ups the stakes at the end, adding nail-biting tension to the story, but it ends happily, as (I think) books about children and their beloved dogs should!
November 24, 2011
I was very excited to receive this as a Goodreads giveaway. It's a lovely story about a little girl and her very young, energetic puppy. She applies her "parenting" ideas to taking care of the puppy. Through a series of short chapters, we get to know her, her friends and those around her. It's an endearing book.
It was written for young readers, for those that are reading the mid-chapter books. Maybe 3rd or 4th grade.
The only down side is that I wanted to read more about the escapades of the duo!
It was written for young readers, for those that are reading the mid-chapter books. Maybe 3rd or 4th grade.
The only down side is that I wanted to read more about the escapades of the duo!
February 26, 2012
This is a sweet and moving story about a girl and her not so well behaved dog. Latasha wants to prove to her mom that she wasn't a baby anymore and could be responsible by training her dog to behave more often and not be such a disaster.
She didn't quite succeed but both the girl and the dog learned some valuable lessons along the way including one that will change their lives.
I can't much without spoiler, but trust me this is a contemporary middle grade that your little girl will love. I think boys can read it and relate to the character too, especially if there is a loving pet involved.
She didn't quite succeed but both the girl and the dog learned some valuable lessons along the way including one that will change their lives.
I can't much without spoiler, but trust me this is a contemporary middle grade that your little girl will love. I think boys can read it and relate to the character too, especially if there is a loving pet involved.
March 18, 2014
This book came at a very opportune time. My granddaughter had just gotten a new puppy. It was going through some of the same issues as Ella. This was humerus and poignant at the same time. It touches many issues that children and families experience today. My granddaughter and I read the book together, alternating pages. She is 7 yrs old in 2nd grade and was able to read most of the content and understand all of it. I enjoyed reading it with her.
August 5, 2011
Great book about a girl who carries around a pocket dictionary. My dictionary as a girl was a little too thick to sit in my pocket, but I loved mine just the same.
Well written dialogue/story about a girl living in the Friendship neighborhood of Pittsburgh. I live fairly close to this neighborhood and found the descriptions accurate.
Would recommend.
Well written dialogue/story about a girl living in the Friendship neighborhood of Pittsburgh. I live fairly close to this neighborhood and found the descriptions accurate.
Would recommend.
July 16, 2011
A great new character with some spunk! This is a good new series for transitional readers. A good length with a good storyline. Looking forward to more about Latasha. Review next week on blog.
August 5, 2011
Latasha is a wonderful character! This is a great story for the middle school reader. I can't wait to read more about Latasha and her adventures.
August 13, 2011
Review to come. Big fan of this book.
June 10, 2012
Great beginning chapter book for kids who love dogs.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews