Mermaid Mary Margaret

by Lynn E. Hazen

Mary Margaret is a spunky ten-year-old girl with a tough mission. Her mother has asked her to accompany her recently widowed grandmother on a cruise to the Greek Islands. Mary Margaret wonders if she'll really be able to help her grandma get the rest, relaxation, and recuperation she needs, or if she'll just be in the way on this seniors-only cruise.
But in time Mary Margaret makes new friends, helps her grandmother say good-bye to Grandpa, and finally has a chance to fulfill her being-a-mermaid dream by joining in a beachside wedding dressed as a mermaid. Along the way she learns a little about the ancient world, a little more about herself, and a lot about delighting some grown-ups who need a little red-headed mermaid in their lives. A smart and sensitive story told through the journal entries of a very precocious mermaid-in-training.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens

Hardcover

First published June 12, 2004

About the author

Lynn E. Hazen writes books filled with humor, heart and hope. SHIFTY, her young adult novel, was praised by Kirkus Reviews as “a realistic story that resonates. Smart writing and an engaging narrative keep the story fresh, while an interesting plot will keep readers turning the pages.”

SHIFTY was chosen for VOYA’s Top Shelf Fiction, as a CCBC Choice, and as a Smithsonian Notable.

Lynn’s books for younger readers include: two young chapter books, Cinder Rabbit and The Amazing Trail of Seymour Snail, Mermaid Mary Margaret (middle grade novel), hailed "a winner" by Kirkus Reviews; and Buzz Bumble to the Rescue (a picture book).

Lynn earned an M.F.A. in Writing For Children and Young Adults at Vermont College, and an M.A. in Education at San Francisco State University.

Lynn E. Hazen enjoys giving presentations at schools, libraries, conferences, and literary events. She teaches classes in Writing for Children & Young Adults at UC Berkeley Extension & Stanford Continuing Studies.

Lynn lives with her family in San Francisco, CA.

Lynn blogs at The Imaginary Blog:
http://LynnHazenImaginaryBlog.blogspo...

http://www.ShiftyTheBook.com
http://www.CinderRabbit.com
http://www.MermaidMaryMargaret.com
http://www.myspace.com/ShiftyTheBook

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read MMM in one go. simply because I fell in love with Mary Margaret from the beginning. She is so likeable, with so much depth. Many times throughout the book, I thought back of when I was a little girl spending time with my grandmother. Good books take us to other places and this book did just that for me.
I loved especially how Mary Margaret is so open with us in the book as she shares her worries, fears, guilt, dreams, crushes and hopes. The diary style gives us a chance to get to know MMM in a way we often do not get to know characters in books a lot longer than this one. Lynn Hazen is a gifted writer and I cannot wait to read more of her books in the future!

[Mary Taitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought it for my ten-year old granddaughter and I think she will enjoy it very much.

It is a quick easy read with sadness and fun and lots of childish questions. A ten=year old and loses her grandfather and goes with her grandmother on a trip to Greece that was planned for Grandma and Grandpa, meets people, has some adventures. She loves mermaids and pretty things and attends a wedding in a special way.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book! This is a great read for kids, especially girls, 10 and under. Mary Margaret is a wonderful and vivid character, with a strong voice, and the reader is easily pulled into her adventures. The author deals with big issues such as death and guilt and mourning with a kind and gentle touch, making for a very accessible and lovely read, for kid or adult alike.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book little girls will love.