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Savvy #3
Switch by Ingrid Law
Three years after Ledge's adventure in Scumble, Gypsy narrates this brand new addition of the Savvy Series.
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First published June 13, 2013
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About the author
Ingrid Law
10 books631 followersIngrid Law is the New York Times Bestselling Author of three novels for young readers - SAVVY, SCUMBLE, and SWITCH, and the picture book YOU ARE NOT ALONE, illustrated by Xin Li.
Ingrid is the recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor, and a Judy Lopez Memorial Honor. She was a finalist for the Andre Norton Nebula award and the Mythopoeic Fantasy award.
Ingrid's books have been placed on more than thirty state reading lists and have been translated into twenty languages. She's earned praise from Publishers Weekly, Oprah’s reading list, the Today Show’s Al Roker’s Book Club for Kids, and Smithsonian.
Ingrid lives in Colorado.
Ingrid is the recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor, and a Judy Lopez Memorial Honor. She was a finalist for the Andre Norton Nebula award and the Mythopoeic Fantasy award.
Ingrid's books have been placed on more than thirty state reading lists and have been translated into twenty languages. She's earned praise from Publishers Weekly, Oprah’s reading list, the Today Show’s Al Roker’s Book Club for Kids, and Smithsonian.
Ingrid lives in Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
September 23, 2015
Maybe my expectations were too high for this book, since I loved the other two so much. I loved getting to know Gypsy and Samson better, and the story was fun, but it didn't resonate with me the way Savvy and Scumble did.
September 24, 2015
Another sweet and fun addition to the Savvy series. This one takes place 10 years after the first and is about Mibs's younger sister Gypsy. The story starts when the Beaumont family finds out that their non believer grandma with Alzheimer's must come to live with them. In addition somehow all their savvys get switched for basically the opposite of what they had before. There is a lot here about learning your own true nature and a good message about learning to see your elders as whole people outside of their role as your parent or grandparent. A really sweet story, with stellar characterization for both Gypsy and all the secondary characters. Good sense of place, lovely descriptions and fun scenes involving the new savvys. If you've read the other two books you'll love this one. If you haven't read Savvy and Scumble yet, you need to get right on that.
December 4, 2023
The biggest critique I have is that Samson doesn't feel like the same character he was in the first 2 books.
January 15, 2026
Okay, this was just as good as the other two books! I love the concept of Savvy's and the crazy adventures that the Beaumonts get into...lol...
Characters:
Gyspy was such a sweet character, I loved how determined she was to protect her family, how she struggled with being herself when others told her she acted like a baby, and her arc throughout the story of accepting that not everyone would appreciate what she had to offer, others would love her for it! I loved that in the end she was once more, herself in a sense and not afraid to be herself and let life unfold as it would.
Del was so fun! I got concerned with one part for just a sec...but he's such a sweet guy and totally into Gyspy which is so cute!
Samson grew a lot in this book and I loved how protective he is of his siblings, he might be quieter but he's always got his families back, not even a switched up savvy could change that.
Nola was soooooooo fun! I loved her character!
Tuck is absolutely adorable! And I enjoyed him and his cuteness!
All the other side characters were incredible, as always! Even Grandma Pat was hilarious and just fantastic!
Themes:
Loving someone who doesn't remember you, the importance of family, the beauty of time and that despite the fact that we wish nothing would ever change...they do. And learning to roll with what life throws at us and accept it, come what may, is important. We can't choose what happens, but we can choose how we react to it.
Romance:
Light romance on the side that's cute.
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Some mentions of childbirth, someone choking, burns, dislocated shoulder, bruises, etc...nothing overly detailed.
Content:
There is one mention of Grandma Pat being in nothing but her birthday suit...which is a rather comical scene all together but thought it was worth mentioning for parents.
Overall:
This was such a fun book! So many twists and turns and wild things that happened! But I loved every moment, the characters are endearing, the plot engaging, and the only think I wish was different...was that there were more books about savvys...lol...
Recommend age 9+
Characters:
Gyspy was such a sweet character, I loved how determined she was to protect her family, how she struggled with being herself when others told her she acted like a baby, and her arc throughout the story of accepting that not everyone would appreciate what she had to offer, others would love her for it! I loved that in the end she was once more, herself in a sense and not afraid to be herself and let life unfold as it would.
Del was so fun! I got concerned with one part for just a sec...but he's such a sweet guy and totally into Gyspy which is so cute!
Samson grew a lot in this book and I loved how protective he is of his siblings, he might be quieter but he's always got his families back, not even a switched up savvy could change that.
Nola was soooooooo fun! I loved her character!
Tuck is absolutely adorable! And I enjoyed him and his cuteness!
All the other side characters were incredible, as always! Even Grandma Pat was hilarious and just fantastic!
Themes:
Loving someone who doesn't remember you, the importance of family, the beauty of time and that despite the fact that we wish nothing would ever change...they do. And learning to roll with what life throws at us and accept it, come what may, is important. We can't choose what happens, but we can choose how we react to it.
Romance:
Light romance on the side that's cute.
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Some mentions of childbirth, someone choking, burns, dislocated shoulder, bruises, etc...nothing overly detailed.
Content:
There is one mention of Grandma Pat being in nothing but her birthday suit...which is a rather comical scene all together but thought it was worth mentioning for parents.
Overall:
This was such a fun book! So many twists and turns and wild things that happened! But I loved every moment, the characters are endearing, the plot engaging, and the only think I wish was different...was that there were more books about savvys...lol...
Recommend age 9+
new-books-to-read-2014
June 22, 2014On Ingrid Law's website, she posted in the FAQ that this book will be released the summer of 2015 and she's hoping to call it Switch. I am very very excited!!!
May 4, 2018
I was so excited to discover this book on the shelf at my local library! I love the whole concept of having a savvy, and I was happy to dive right back into the Beaumont family's world to learn from their next adventures.
The main theme of this book is to not try and hide who you are. It doesn't mean that you are always good at what you love, or that you won't change along the way, but you can embrace it all and stop trying so hard to be something you think you ought to be. These ideas are beautifully portrayed and thoughtfully developed throughout the book. Each character's experiences contribute to this theme in different ways, giving every reader someone they can relate to.
The downside to this installment is that there are a couple of other themes that end up very under-developed. The whole idea of the savvy switch that the book is named for doesn't get explained or explored, making it feel more like a gimmick that allowed the author to use the same family but change their savvies to fit her story needs. Connected to this is the idea that everyone (Beaumont or not) might have their own savvy, or magical gift that is uniquely theirs. I think this idea could be so powerful to young readers, so it makes me sad to see it so shallowly mentioned.
The main theme of this book is to not try and hide who you are. It doesn't mean that you are always good at what you love, or that you won't change along the way, but you can embrace it all and stop trying so hard to be something you think you ought to be. These ideas are beautifully portrayed and thoughtfully developed throughout the book. Each character's experiences contribute to this theme in different ways, giving every reader someone they can relate to.
The downside to this installment is that there are a couple of other themes that end up very under-developed. The whole idea of the savvy switch that the book is named for doesn't get explained or explored, making it feel more like a gimmick that allowed the author to use the same family but change their savvies to fit her story needs. Connected to this is the idea that everyone (Beaumont or not) might have their own savvy, or magical gift that is uniquely theirs. I think this idea could be so powerful to young readers, so it makes me sad to see it so shallowly mentioned.
Read
August 17, 2014Can't wait !!!!!!
May 23, 2016
Okay I consider this book much better then Scumble. Gypsy can make a few mistakes here and there but I feel it's because of the heat of the moment...
But, something I really didn't like about Gypsy at the beginning was how she let her former friend, Shelby Foster, control the way she acted. I mean not literally control her like a puppet, is just that Gypsy let Shelby control her with her words and actions - By the way, I do not mean manipulation! Okay, I'll just put down what Shelby said to Gypsy and see - read - for yourself...
"This is exactly why we can't be friends anymore, Gypsy," Shelby said as she and her mother passed me and Poppa, all of us leaving the store at the same time. "You are waaaay too embarrassing." As Mrs. Foster pulled her daughter toward the parking lot, Shelby called back over her shoulder, loud enough for everyone in the store to hear:
"We're thirteen years old now, Gypsy. Teenagers! Why do you have to be so weird about some stupid bar of soap? Why do you still act like a silly, dancing, flower-picking baby?"
So yeah, that happens and Gypsy starts to try to change the way she thinks and acts. But of course, it doesn't work. Wait! I should explain what's happening in the quote.
Okay so Gypsy has a savvy that lets her look into the future and the past if she takes her glasses off. She's in the supermarket and sees Shelby and her mother. Gypsy takes her glasses off trying to see a happily-ever-after with Shelby and her, since they weren't friends anymore in that situation. However, she doesn't see a happy-ever-after, she sees Mrs. Foster slip in her bathtub with a specific brand of soap and dislocating her arm and breaking a few ribs. I just want to say before I go on that the book didn't explain if Shelby's mom was naked or not when karma turned against her... Anyways, Gypsy is trying to prevent Mrs. Foster from getting that brand of soap so that she doesn't break a few bones. She was successful but, she made a HUGE scene in the supermarket and when both Shelby and her were leaving the supermarket with their parents, Shelby said what I put above.
(SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Mrs. Foster ends up with her bones broken because she found the same kind of soap in another store... Serves her right...
Okay ignore those 3 last words... Anyways, Gypsy beats herself up trying to change her personality for a not-worth-it friend. I guess if you more thought into it, Gypsy is kind of weak minded... She let a few sentences from her ex-friend get to her... But, whatever, in the end Gypsy realized that she has more friends and her family other than Shelby. She didn't care anymore if she looked embarrassing or not and I was glad for that...
However, one more thing I want to mention is when Gypsy, her 2 brothers, Nola and Del were trying to save Grandmother Pat and all those distractions were happening on the way to her rescue. For me that seemed like a weird way to put more stuff on the book to make it 368 pages... First the police stops them, then the couple that was going to get a baby in the middle of a serious snow storm, and there's more, I just not want to mention them. And about that couple, how stupid can they be!!! Why the hell aren't in your house or in the hospital when you're going to have a baby?!?!? I remember very well that the weather channel of the book warned the people that the snow storm was going to be serious and for people to stay in their houses... I get it with Gypsy saving her Grandmother and all, but the couple!!! They were just completely stupid, endangering their almost born baby and all. But thank the lord that a 16-year-old guy that can control fire was with his sister that looked into the future and past but, that now can stop time, his little brother that got a savvy before 13 years of age and can now turn into a bigger version of Goliath, a normal guy that likes makeup - nothing wrong with that- and a normal girl that wears excessive makeup and wants to be a pop star, were on their way to save their grandmother on an SUV and they could take them to the hospital! But people!!! It is not guaranteed that this will happen to you if you have a wife that is going to have a baby in the middle of a storm!!! So be careful and be in the hospital if you know that your wife can have a baby that day!!!
Okay so yeah, the book is great. There are situations that make you think WTF?!?!? but, I guess that's what makes the book better than Scumble... Read this book. The book is not going to better than Savvy but, it is definitely going to be better than Scumble.
And once again, I really would've liked a story about Samson...
But, something I really didn't like about Gypsy at the beginning was how she let her former friend, Shelby Foster, control the way she acted. I mean not literally control her like a puppet, is just that Gypsy let Shelby control her with her words and actions - By the way, I do not mean manipulation! Okay, I'll just put down what Shelby said to Gypsy and see - read - for yourself...
"This is exactly why we can't be friends anymore, Gypsy," Shelby said as she and her mother passed me and Poppa, all of us leaving the store at the same time. "You are waaaay too embarrassing." As Mrs. Foster pulled her daughter toward the parking lot, Shelby called back over her shoulder, loud enough for everyone in the store to hear:
"We're thirteen years old now, Gypsy. Teenagers! Why do you have to be so weird about some stupid bar of soap? Why do you still act like a silly, dancing, flower-picking baby?"
So yeah, that happens and Gypsy starts to try to change the way she thinks and acts. But of course, it doesn't work. Wait! I should explain what's happening in the quote.
Okay so Gypsy has a savvy that lets her look into the future and the past if she takes her glasses off. She's in the supermarket and sees Shelby and her mother. Gypsy takes her glasses off trying to see a happily-ever-after with Shelby and her, since they weren't friends anymore in that situation. However, she doesn't see a happy-ever-after, she sees Mrs. Foster slip in her bathtub with a specific brand of soap and dislocating her arm and breaking a few ribs. I just want to say before I go on that the book didn't explain if Shelby's mom was naked or not when karma turned against her... Anyways, Gypsy is trying to prevent Mrs. Foster from getting that brand of soap so that she doesn't break a few bones. She was successful but, she made a HUGE scene in the supermarket and when both Shelby and her were leaving the supermarket with their parents, Shelby said what I put above.
(SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Mrs. Foster ends up with her bones broken because she found the same kind of soap in another store... Serves her right...
Okay ignore those 3 last words... Anyways, Gypsy beats herself up trying to change her personality for a not-worth-it friend. I guess if you more thought into it, Gypsy is kind of weak minded... She let a few sentences from her ex-friend get to her... But, whatever, in the end Gypsy realized that she has more friends and her family other than Shelby. She didn't care anymore if she looked embarrassing or not and I was glad for that...
However, one more thing I want to mention is when Gypsy, her 2 brothers, Nola and Del were trying to save Grandmother Pat and all those distractions were happening on the way to her rescue. For me that seemed like a weird way to put more stuff on the book to make it 368 pages... First the police stops them, then the couple that was going to get a baby in the middle of a serious snow storm, and there's more, I just not want to mention them. And about that couple, how stupid can they be!!! Why the hell aren't in your house or in the hospital when you're going to have a baby?!?!? I remember very well that the weather channel of the book warned the people that the snow storm was going to be serious and for people to stay in their houses... I get it with Gypsy saving her Grandmother and all, but the couple!!! They were just completely stupid, endangering their almost born baby and all. But thank the lord that a 16-year-old guy that can control fire was with his sister that looked into the future and past but, that now can stop time, his little brother that got a savvy before 13 years of age and can now turn into a bigger version of Goliath, a normal guy that likes makeup - nothing wrong with that- and a normal girl that wears excessive makeup and wants to be a pop star, were on their way to save their grandmother on an SUV and they could take them to the hospital! But people!!! It is not guaranteed that this will happen to you if you have a wife that is going to have a baby in the middle of a storm!!! So be careful and be in the hospital if you know that your wife can have a baby that day!!!
Okay so yeah, the book is great. There are situations that make you think WTF?!?!? but, I guess that's what makes the book better than Scumble... Read this book. The book is not going to better than Savvy but, it is definitely going to be better than Scumble.
And once again, I really would've liked a story about Samson...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2019
These three words is mentioned in the book a lot of times, come what may. When Gypsy got her savvy on her thirteenth birthday, she could see the future. Just after, Gypsy realized that she could stop time, and the way to start time again is to say her Gandpa's words of wisdom wrriten in her birday card, come what may. I think this is just what we have to tell ourselves sometimes. Don't think about the things you can't change, but simply just accept it. Don't think about the things that you're afraid might happen. Be ready to embrace, experience, or overcome whatever is going to happen next...and next...and next. This this is what Gypsy learned. To control the controlables.
When Gypsy had to perform with Nola Kim on stage in front of everybody in the restaurant, she realized Nola was a terrible singer. But Nola loved it, it was all she ever wished for. Gypsy was extremely embarassed for Nola, and thought of stopping time. But she felt like a traitor if she did this, and changed her mind. It states in the book that, "I stepped out of the shadows, feeling terrible from having abandoned my duties as backup singer and tambourine player. Nola was counting on her friend. I refused to become another Shelby Foster. I wouldn't turn my back on Nola Kim, no matter what." Shelby Foster used to be her friend, but when she found out about her weird powers and odd family, she avoided and abandoned Gypsy.
We all have our inner savvys that we will continue to search and experience. Gypsy's friend, Del had no savvies, but wasn't fozen when Gypsy stoped time. He was sweet and funny, a boy who had remarkable talent for transforming other people and helping them see the best in themselves. Just like how he had done so to Gypsy. He told her that she was razzle-dazzle super-Spes-tacular just the way she was, and she believed him.
Best friends are people who believe in each other, who thinks that the other deserves the the world, and who will always love you, respect you, fight for you, and stand by you. The imperfect you, the confused you, the wrong you...because they love you just the way you are.
I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it to anyone. Especially those who love realistic-fiction and fantasy.
When Gypsy had to perform with Nola Kim on stage in front of everybody in the restaurant, she realized Nola was a terrible singer. But Nola loved it, it was all she ever wished for. Gypsy was extremely embarassed for Nola, and thought of stopping time. But she felt like a traitor if she did this, and changed her mind. It states in the book that, "I stepped out of the shadows, feeling terrible from having abandoned my duties as backup singer and tambourine player. Nola was counting on her friend. I refused to become another Shelby Foster. I wouldn't turn my back on Nola Kim, no matter what." Shelby Foster used to be her friend, but when she found out about her weird powers and odd family, she avoided and abandoned Gypsy.
We all have our inner savvys that we will continue to search and experience. Gypsy's friend, Del had no savvies, but wasn't fozen when Gypsy stoped time. He was sweet and funny, a boy who had remarkable talent for transforming other people and helping them see the best in themselves. Just like how he had done so to Gypsy. He told her that she was razzle-dazzle super-Spes-tacular just the way she was, and she believed him.
Best friends are people who believe in each other, who thinks that the other deserves the the world, and who will always love you, respect you, fight for you, and stand by you. The imperfect you, the confused you, the wrong you...because they love you just the way you are.
I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it to anyone. Especially those who love realistic-fiction and fantasy.
December 8, 2024
An end to the series, and a final read to give my brain a break amidst finals this semester!
This book felt like a nice endcap to the series, particularly in the way it extrapolated the conversation about self-identity and confidence in the young characters to something that spans the human experience. Doing that while also navigating the difficult reality of Alzheimer's as seen in Grandma Pat's character, I think this book definitely proves as a companion for kids walking through life feeling a little "out of the box" while also also navigating some extremely challenging and complex family situations.
Gypsy's mom at the end of the book had a line that has stuck with me - "Maybe when faced with a situation we can't change, we find extraordinary ways to change ourselves instead." What a beautiful and simple explanation of what it means to have resilience. When the situation seems impossible to navigate, somehow a path is made in ways we would least expect. Thanks to the Beaumont family for the fun stories and unique talents that made my imagination have a heyday!
This book felt like a nice endcap to the series, particularly in the way it extrapolated the conversation about self-identity and confidence in the young characters to something that spans the human experience. Doing that while also navigating the difficult reality of Alzheimer's as seen in Grandma Pat's character, I think this book definitely proves as a companion for kids walking through life feeling a little "out of the box" while also also navigating some extremely challenging and complex family situations.
Gypsy's mom at the end of the book had a line that has stuck with me - "Maybe when faced with a situation we can't change, we find extraordinary ways to change ourselves instead." What a beautiful and simple explanation of what it means to have resilience. When the situation seems impossible to navigate, somehow a path is made in ways we would least expect. Thanks to the Beaumont family for the fun stories and unique talents that made my imagination have a heyday!
December 28, 2018
Another masterpiece from Ingrid Law.
Switch had all the fun and magic and awesomeness of the first two books with a bit more whimsicalness. I thought this main character was a lot more interesting than the first two books and I absolutely loved the idea behind it. I also enjoyed the slightly heavier feel this one had to it, while still being the lighthearted adventure that I wanted.
Even thought this book was amazing I do have a few small cons. First, there were some parts of the story that I found a bit too random and unexplained. And secondly, even though I still really enjoyed the way Ingrid Law writes romances - not overpowering but there enough to be incredibly cute - I thought one of the love interests in this one went a little faster than I would have liked.
I still highly recommend it and will definitely be rereading soon. 9.5/10
Switch had all the fun and magic and awesomeness of the first two books with a bit more whimsicalness. I thought this main character was a lot more interesting than the first two books and I absolutely loved the idea behind it. I also enjoyed the slightly heavier feel this one had to it, while still being the lighthearted adventure that I wanted.
Even thought this book was amazing I do have a few small cons. First, there were some parts of the story that I found a bit too random and unexplained. And secondly, even though I still really enjoyed the way Ingrid Law writes romances - not overpowering but there enough to be incredibly cute - I thought one of the love interests in this one went a little faster than I would have liked.
I still highly recommend it and will definitely be rereading soon. 9.5/10
December 31, 2024
I feel like the charm and magic of Savvy is completely gone in this one, unfortunately. Besides the plot being lackluster and full of holes, the writing is also noticeably worse as well as a bit try-hard. I think Savvy was wonderful, Scumble was good and this one was below average.
November 14, 2021
This is the third book in the series. It is the best chapter in the collection about the family cursed/blessed with savvy powers. In this book, the family's powers are messed up a bit, and they save their grandmother, many of the other members of the family, and a collection of citizens of the community that get together to save their family. Little Tucker (the brother who prematurely received his savvy gift) is able to save EVERYONE at the final moment.
August 18, 2020
Really good! I recommend!
January 8, 2024
My 10-year-old daughter gives this book 4.75 stars. A fun read-aloud.
March 7, 2018
It was a good book because it went with the other books with the story of peoples story
May 12, 2020
A sweet and fun addition to the book world :)
August 19, 2015
3.5
Huge thank you to Penguin Canada for this ARC!
This was an unexpected title that came in one of the packages I had received. If I'm being frank, I didn't know about Ingrid Law's Savvy series, so I felt a bit odd reading this third instalment. However, I was assumed that I should be okay reading this without having read the first to, and that statement is quite true. However, for me, having not read the prior books, there were a few things I felt like I was missing out on.
The heroine in this story, Gypsy, can see both the past and future. It's a pretty terrifying ability for a young girl, especially one as free-spirited and kind as Gypsy is. Furthermore, she has a grandmother who is not exactly friendly and is scarred by something in her past. Gypsy and her siblings don't particularly care for the grandmother because she's quote, "mean" and I get that considering her behaviour in the story.
While there's a larger adventure at play in this story, the best parts of it were Gypsy trying to come to terms with her grandmother's behaviour. It's kind of rough and sad to read at times because Gypsy understands where her siblings are coming from in their dislike of their grandmother, and yet there's also a part of her that feels like the behaviour is inexcusable. I'll give Gypsy credit, she doesn't let her grandmother get away with her behaviour for very long, but she also becomes very empathetic when she starts to put the pieces together. I also really dug the savvy (magical) elements of the story, and I thought they were a nice touch given the setting is a real world story with magical elements.
Overall, I really liked the characters and thought the story was very cute and entertaining. However, I did feel lost at times because I felt like there were parts of the world building that were already established and since this is my first book I'm reading in the series, it left me a little confused. However, given the content here, it does make me want to check out the first two books, because I do think Ingrid Law's writing is quite delightful. If you have a middle grader who has a love of magic and digs a fun adventure, this may be for you.
Huge thank you to Penguin Canada for this ARC!
This was an unexpected title that came in one of the packages I had received. If I'm being frank, I didn't know about Ingrid Law's Savvy series, so I felt a bit odd reading this third instalment. However, I was assumed that I should be okay reading this without having read the first to, and that statement is quite true. However, for me, having not read the prior books, there were a few things I felt like I was missing out on.
The heroine in this story, Gypsy, can see both the past and future. It's a pretty terrifying ability for a young girl, especially one as free-spirited and kind as Gypsy is. Furthermore, she has a grandmother who is not exactly friendly and is scarred by something in her past. Gypsy and her siblings don't particularly care for the grandmother because she's quote, "mean" and I get that considering her behaviour in the story.
While there's a larger adventure at play in this story, the best parts of it were Gypsy trying to come to terms with her grandmother's behaviour. It's kind of rough and sad to read at times because Gypsy understands where her siblings are coming from in their dislike of their grandmother, and yet there's also a part of her that feels like the behaviour is inexcusable. I'll give Gypsy credit, she doesn't let her grandmother get away with her behaviour for very long, but she also becomes very empathetic when she starts to put the pieces together. I also really dug the savvy (magical) elements of the story, and I thought they were a nice touch given the setting is a real world story with magical elements.
Overall, I really liked the characters and thought the story was very cute and entertaining. However, I did feel lost at times because I felt like there were parts of the world building that were already established and since this is my first book I'm reading in the series, it left me a little confused. However, given the content here, it does make me want to check out the first two books, because I do think Ingrid Law's writing is quite delightful. If you have a middle grader who has a love of magic and digs a fun adventure, this may be for you.
December 16, 2015
This third companion book, “Switch” by Ingrid Law is another interesting addition to the series. This book focused on Gypsy's character, and her savvy birthday. After she gets her savvy and explores people's pasts and futures with her new ability, she attempts to change some of the bad futures that she foresees but cannot change the results of the future. When Gypsy’s mother, usually savvy perfection, starts tripping and stumbling around the living room, and delivers the information that they must take care of Grandma Pat, the savvies in the room completely switch. Despite this disastrous switch, they still must pick up Grandma Pat and attempt to stop another savvy vision from coming to pass.
I enjoy the way that these companion novels fit together and work to create an image of different parts of the same family. The small mention of other characters from previous books makes you smile and helps the beginning hold meaning. Another thing that I love is the relationship between the main characters. As in the previous books, the relations between characters are well crafted, and offer a depth and intrigue that draws you through the book. The characters have very good development as well as having interesting relationships. I love that over the course of the book, Gypsy and Tucker change some of their opinion of their elderly grandmother. There was character development for each of the characters, and each of them developed in a unique way, so each development appealed. Looking back at the book, I also like that as you go through the book, the meaning of the cover is gradually revealed.
However, there were some downsides to this book. For example, I didn’t like the word choice as much as some books that I like. The plot of this book also seems to take some aspects form the other books and repeat them. There were many new aspects, but many similarities in plot especially with the first book.
This book would appeal to many readers. It has elements of action and it has emotional and thought provoking content. People who have read and enjoyed the previous books will definitely enjoy this book. This book didn’t have the best vocabulary choice, so if you are looking for a challenge, then I don't recommend this book.
I enjoy the way that these companion novels fit together and work to create an image of different parts of the same family. The small mention of other characters from previous books makes you smile and helps the beginning hold meaning. Another thing that I love is the relationship between the main characters. As in the previous books, the relations between characters are well crafted, and offer a depth and intrigue that draws you through the book. The characters have very good development as well as having interesting relationships. I love that over the course of the book, Gypsy and Tucker change some of their opinion of their elderly grandmother. There was character development for each of the characters, and each of them developed in a unique way, so each development appealed. Looking back at the book, I also like that as you go through the book, the meaning of the cover is gradually revealed.
However, there were some downsides to this book. For example, I didn’t like the word choice as much as some books that I like. The plot of this book also seems to take some aspects form the other books and repeat them. There were many new aspects, but many similarities in plot especially with the first book.
This book would appeal to many readers. It has elements of action and it has emotional and thought provoking content. People who have read and enjoyed the previous books will definitely enjoy this book. This book didn’t have the best vocabulary choice, so if you are looking for a challenge, then I don't recommend this book.
October 7, 2015
Gypsy Beaumont has been waiting for her thirteenth birthday for a long time. She can’t wait to find out what special fun her savvy, also known as her magical ability, will be. When her birthday arrives, her savvy turns out to be something she never expected; she can see visions of the past and future! Gypsy barely has time to adjust to her savvy when her grandmother comes to stay with her family, and everyone’s savvies start changing, and one rescue mission will turn into a night of mishap and adventure.
What I Loved:
Switch is an adorable story with incredibly important themes. Ingrid Law captures the complex emotions and circumstances that come with living with a grandparent with Alzheimer’s, as well as developing a touching friendship between Gypsy and a young boy who loves makeup.
Though I haven’t read Law’s previous two books in the Savvy companion series, everything is mostly explained in the beginning, so readers can easily pick this one up without having prior background information. Gypsy’s narration is sweet and humorous, and the adventure she goes on to save her grandmother is one you won’t forget.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Though the plot is dynamic and engaging, some of the nuances between major points are slow. This makes the story drag in areas, though readers who enjoy a slower unfolding should have no issue with that.
Final Verdict:
Though this book isn’t my favorite, Switch is full of delightfully sweet moments, hilarious adventures, and crucial themes. Ingrid Law has a clear talent for unique stories, and I definitely want to read more of her works.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
What I Loved:
Switch is an adorable story with incredibly important themes. Ingrid Law captures the complex emotions and circumstances that come with living with a grandparent with Alzheimer’s, as well as developing a touching friendship between Gypsy and a young boy who loves makeup.
Though I haven’t read Law’s previous two books in the Savvy companion series, everything is mostly explained in the beginning, so readers can easily pick this one up without having prior background information. Gypsy’s narration is sweet and humorous, and the adventure she goes on to save her grandmother is one you won’t forget.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Though the plot is dynamic and engaging, some of the nuances between major points are slow. This makes the story drag in areas, though readers who enjoy a slower unfolding should have no issue with that.
Final Verdict:
Though this book isn’t my favorite, Switch is full of delightfully sweet moments, hilarious adventures, and crucial themes. Ingrid Law has a clear talent for unique stories, and I definitely want to read more of her works.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
May 13, 2015
(Side note: I'm giving away my advance copy of SWITCH, so please visit my blog if you'd like to win it.)
Just when you thought you had “savvies” figured out, author Ingrid Law adds a wily twist to the Beaumont family’s gifts. Her newest novel SWITCH (Dial Books for Young Readers, September 2015) reveals what happens when savvies get topsy-turvy and—just like life—spiral upside-down and out of control.
Booklovers who enjoy Ingrid Law’s unique, Gypsy-esque perspective of the world and fresh approach to retro-language—wackadoo, rabble-rouser and collywobbles—will once again fall in love with her writing. Middle School readers are guaranteed to have a blast with the humor and escapades in SWITCH, but they’ll also be inspired by the pluck of her diverse and authentic characters. Adult readers will savor the nostalgic undertones and layers of eccentrics. But no matter your age, pages will flip faster than you can say muddy-river-magic, because the spirals in the story keep you on your toes and invested in this suspense-filled, magical adventure.
To win my copy visit www.kimscritiquingcorner.blogspot.com
Just when you thought you had “savvies” figured out, author Ingrid Law adds a wily twist to the Beaumont family’s gifts. Her newest novel SWITCH (Dial Books for Young Readers, September 2015) reveals what happens when savvies get topsy-turvy and—just like life—spiral upside-down and out of control.
Booklovers who enjoy Ingrid Law’s unique, Gypsy-esque perspective of the world and fresh approach to retro-language—wackadoo, rabble-rouser and collywobbles—will once again fall in love with her writing. Middle School readers are guaranteed to have a blast with the humor and escapades in SWITCH, but they’ll also be inspired by the pluck of her diverse and authentic characters. Adult readers will savor the nostalgic undertones and layers of eccentrics. But no matter your age, pages will flip faster than you can say muddy-river-magic, because the spirals in the story keep you on your toes and invested in this suspense-filled, magical adventure.
To win my copy visit www.kimscritiquingcorner.blogspot.com
July 21, 2017
I love the Savvy books. Although I connected the least with this one, Law did not disappoint with some beautiful and, as always, clever writing.
Great lines:
Page 8 - Shelby's barbs punctured my last bubble of confidence. Her meanness smashed all of the twinkle lights that lit me from inside. I stopped twirling.
Page 210 - having a grandmother like Patrice Beaumont wasn't exactly like riding a gravy train with biscuit wheels.
Page 226 - Grandma mumbled next to me, caught up in the monstrous brain cloud that was gobbling up her memories.
Page 234 - Grandma Pat didn't own any white flags.
Page 239 - the snowflakes hung like poetry in the air.
Page 240 - Not wanting to blink and miss a single whispery stanza of the sky's cold verse ... A crack had opened in the white vault of the sky, revealing a treasure of stars laid out on velvet strips of darkness.
Page 325 - Sometimes we survive our falls. We catch ourselves Or someone else catches us. -- if we're lucky, life goes back to normal.
Page 340 - Sometimes it just takes one person to change everything.
Great lines:
Page 8 - Shelby's barbs punctured my last bubble of confidence. Her meanness smashed all of the twinkle lights that lit me from inside. I stopped twirling.
Page 210 - having a grandmother like Patrice Beaumont wasn't exactly like riding a gravy train with biscuit wheels.
Page 226 - Grandma mumbled next to me, caught up in the monstrous brain cloud that was gobbling up her memories.
Page 234 - Grandma Pat didn't own any white flags.
Page 239 - the snowflakes hung like poetry in the air.
Page 240 - Not wanting to blink and miss a single whispery stanza of the sky's cold verse ... A crack had opened in the white vault of the sky, revealing a treasure of stars laid out on velvet strips of darkness.
Page 325 - Sometimes we survive our falls. We catch ourselves Or someone else catches us. -- if we're lucky, life goes back to normal.
Page 340 - Sometimes it just takes one person to change everything.
October 12, 2020
*3.5- Despite my rating, which is kind of low for me, I still enjoyed reading this book. It was solid and I had an attachment to these characters. However, I wonder if I feel this attachment because of the other books and how much I enjoyed them. I did like reading about Gypsy being older, and revisiting characters in the future is always nice. I think that I may have not enjoyed this book as much because of how much I loved Savvy. I definitely think that the books got worse. Savvy was amazing, Scumble was great, and this one was just good. This review makes it sound like a really disliked this book, but I did like it. I just found some parts uninteresting, and I just felt that it lacked a certain spark that both Savvy and Scumble possessed. However, I still recommend this book. It’s just that I recommend it to kids under the age of thirteen just because I think they are likely to enjoy it more than someone in their teens.
March 28, 2022
The first half of this book was interesting and captivating, but the second half went on and on. Over half the book describes the events of one evening; It was the night that never ended. Eventually I just started skimming so that I could find out what happens to Grandma Pat.
The mishaps and poor choices that occur in this book are painful to read too. A couple of poor decisions is to be expected from children/teenagers, but one after another in succession for a whole evening? Ugh. If I were any of those children’s parents, I would be FURIOUS.
Also, with the way that the Beaumonts handle their savvy’s, how does the whole world not know about savvy’s? Throughout the series the children always say that the family rule is to tell no one and yet in each book a number of people are told and/or witness their savvy’s in action.
I did enjoy the messages about accepting yourself and being proud of who you are, and finding peace with whatever comes in life.
The mishaps and poor choices that occur in this book are painful to read too. A couple of poor decisions is to be expected from children/teenagers, but one after another in succession for a whole evening? Ugh. If I were any of those children’s parents, I would be FURIOUS.
Also, with the way that the Beaumonts handle their savvy’s, how does the whole world not know about savvy’s? Throughout the series the children always say that the family rule is to tell no one and yet in each book a number of people are told and/or witness their savvy’s in action.
I did enjoy the messages about accepting yourself and being proud of who you are, and finding peace with whatever comes in life.
August 26, 2015
Loved this book so much! It's a wild, wacky, wonder-filled ride! I'm a huge fan of Savvy and Scumble, so I was really excited to dive back into this magical world. The characters are thoroughly original and lovable-- it was so much fun to get to know Gypsy, the narrator this time. The book is beautifully atmospheric, taking place mainly during a blizzard in the Denver area, with stops in all kinds of interesting and unusual places! The writing is fantastic, playful, and imaginative-- this would make a fabulous family or class read-aloud. I love how Ingrid Law deftly manages to have so much cool, unexpected stuff happening with the plot, while keeping the storied rich, multi-layered, and meaningful. There's a heap of wisdom in this book, as with the others in the series. LOVED this and will be recommending it like crazy!
September 17, 2016
Gypsy found out her savvy, which is to see into people's past and future, and Samson, her older brother, can turn invisible and then there's the littlest Beaumont, Tucker. Then, all of the sudden, their powers... Switch. Now, Gypsy Beaumont can stop time. Samson can use the power of fire and Tucker received his savvy early. He can turn big. Really, really big. How big? You don't want to know.
But before, Gypsy sees herself jumping down a giant clock on an old high school that closed down many years ago.... Or was it her?
Now, they try to save Grandma Beaumont... And keep her save. (key word "try"). But Grandma Beaumont developed "Old- Timers" and thinks that she is still a teen and tries to go to her old high school that closed down.... The one with a giant clock.
But before, Gypsy sees herself jumping down a giant clock on an old high school that closed down many years ago.... Or was it her?
Now, they try to save Grandma Beaumont... And keep her save. (key word "try"). But Grandma Beaumont developed "Old- Timers" and thinks that she is still a teen and tries to go to her old high school that closed down.... The one with a giant clock.
September 10, 2020
Although I like Gypsy as a character in the first two books, this was my least favorite of the series. Somehow the first-person perspective seemed more jarring in this book than in the previous ones. (Maybe it was that Gypsy didn't seem quite the same as the way she was portrayed in previous books.)
The characters didn't seem as rich in this book. I agree with others who said that some things that happen seem to be mostly a plot device. The one character I did like was Samson, who seemed to grow more confident and come into himself more.
This book was still enjoyable, but the circumstances were so wacky they became unbelievable (while in the previous books, the circumstances were wacky but still believable).
The characters didn't seem as rich in this book. I agree with others who said that some things that happen seem to be mostly a plot device. The one character I did like was Samson, who seemed to grow more confident and come into himself more.
This book was still enjoyable, but the circumstances were so wacky they became unbelievable (while in the previous books, the circumstances were wacky but still believable).
November 18, 2015
My 2015 Book Challenge: A Book Published This Year
I NEED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!! SO MUCH!!!! There is no way I can wait for 2015 for this book. UPDATE: Now there is a cover! I CAN'T WAIT! Although the cover doesn't really match Savvy and Scumble's covers on my screen, but when I go to her website, it does match. Also... snow... hmm...
REVIEW: I didn't like this as much as Savvy and Scumble, but it was still very very good!
I NEED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!! SO MUCH!!!! There is no way I can wait for 2015 for this book. UPDATE: Now there is a cover! I CAN'T WAIT! Although the cover doesn't really match Savvy and Scumble's covers on my screen, but when I go to her website, it does match. Also... snow... hmm...
REVIEW: I didn't like this as much as Savvy and Scumble, but it was still very very good!
May 10, 2019
Y'all. It would be an impossible feat for me to pick a favorite in this beautiful series. Suffice it to say, I LOVED this book!!!! These stories all have something to do with family, and this one is about unconditionally loving those in our lives that may be difficult to deal with. Gypsy's stubborn grandmother has Alzheimer's, and the way that Ingrid Law had Gypsy come to love and appreciate her was just one of the sweetest things I think I've ever read. With the rollicking fun along the way, how could I rate this anything less than 5?
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