The Missing Pieces of Me

by Jean Van Leeuwen

More than anything, ten-year-old Weezie wants to please her momma. She babysits her spoiled half-sister, Ruth Ann, and little Jackson. She makes tea for Momma in Gramma Emmeline’s beautiful teapot. She even tries to cook dinner. But nothing turns out quite right. And Momma is never pleased. Hard times and a daddy who ran off before she was born seem to have stolen all of Momma’s love.

If only Weezie could find her daddy, she’s sure her life would be happier. Tired of making up stories about a parent she knows nothing about, Weezie teams up with her bike-riding buddy, Calvin, and new friend, Louella, to find her mysterious father. Does he drive a truck? Sing country and western songs? Why, her real daddy might even be better than the made-up father she’s been telling lies about at school! Now, all she has to do is find him.

Jean Van Leeuwen’s poignant, powerful novel introduces a feisty heroine whose brave search proves that even a life that’s missing important pieces can be chock full of things that matter.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Family, Fiction, Juvenile, Childrens, Contemporary

MP3 CD

First published September 2, 2014

About the author

Jean Van Leeuwen was an American children's book author, of over forty children's books, including the Oliver Pig series, and Bound for Oregon.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I’m a trailer kid and my momma says I’m a bad kid too, but I try not to get too hung up on these issues. I like to hang around with Calvin as he’s the nicest person you’ve ever met and he takes me places on his bike. Momma seems to cast her anger out on me more than my siblings Ruth Ann and Jackson and why? I don’t know. All of us siblings have different daddies, with Jackson’s daddy trying his best to be a good daddy but in momma’s eyes, it will never be good enough so she hollers at his attempts and they fight constantly. I just wish I knew my daddy, anything about my daddy. When Ruby at school pesters me about my daddy, I have to lie, I just do because I don’t know the truth and lying makes him sound so good. When I ask momma questions pertaining to my daddy, she either gets upset or the subject gets changed. I guess I need to take matters into my own hands if I want answers.
I felt so sorry for Grace Louise reading this story, she just wanted answers about her daddy but her mother was so burned over him that she just didn’t want to talk about him. She just wants the truth, a name, a picture, anything but her momma is tight-lipped and no one else knows anything. Being the oldest, Grace’s daddy left a sore spot in her momma’s heart and she has never gotten over it. Its hard being a single mother with three children and her momma seems to take it out on Grace. Grace is a happy, adventurous child with a few questions on her mind that just need answering. Grace’s relationship with Calvin, I adored. He truly enjoyed her excursions and he would do anything for her. When she became friends with Louella, I was worried about their friendship; as I read, I thought something horrible would result as they came from such different households. Louella was relentless and I loved how she seemed to push Grace forward, they did so much together. Grace has a knack for finding great friends. There were so many wonderful moments in this book, so many outstanding parts that I could point at and say, that was a piece of Grace but it’s the art show the captured my heart. It had me, I was there with Grace from sunrise to when she finally laid her head on her pillow that evening, exhausted and charged.
I received this book from NetGalley and Amazon Children’s Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten year old Weezie just can't seem to please her Momma. She babysits her half-sister and brother every night and all day Saturday, cleans the trailer even though Momma never notices, even cooks dinner. Momma never even says thank you. More than anything, Weezie wants to find her Daddy, but she doesn't even know his name and Momma isn't telling. Ruth Ann's father died a war (well in training camp) and baby Jackson's knows who his Daddy I'd, why won't Momma tell her? With the help of her best friend from the trailer park, and her new friend who lives in one of the big houses on the other side of town. Weezie just may find her Daddy.

Weezie is a creative, bright, optimistic, determined young girl, strong and kind with a bad habit of lying to stay out of trouble and so no one will know she doesn't have Daddy. Her persistence, kindness and sense of morality make her a likable role model both boys and girls will enjoy. I love that Weezie is poor, lives in a trailer park with a single-mom, and has siblings with different fathers, a reality for many kids in not in their own lives, then among their peers. Weezie's voice is strong, unique and authentic.

Depending on reading level kids between the ages of 7-11 will enjoy THE MISSING PIECES OF ME, older children may also enjoy this delightful book and relate to the themes of non traditional families, poverty, friendship, emotional abuse/neglect, frienemies, and growing up.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a story starts out with the young narrator, 10-year old Weezie, stating that her mother says she is a bad girl, it seems like the rest of the book might be an uphill battle. And it is, for Weezie. For the reader, Weezie's upbeat and hopeful outlook is just on the right side of believability without being too saccharin sweet.

So many books for children begin with a character who lives in a decent (or better) home, with at least one loving parent. Weezie lives in a run-down trailer. Her mother never hugs or kisses her, never compliments her or thanks her for watching her two younger siblings or cooking meals. The one place where Weezie could find a bit of shelter from the storm of her young life was her grandmother's arms, but now she is dead and gone. When she asks about her father, Weezie's mother can only offer hateful words, and no other information.

Weezie is love-starved, and while she does find other adults who are kind and willing to show her kindness, she begins to go about finding her dad on her own, secretly hoping that she will find someone to fill the hole in her heart.

I read this book in just a few hours -- when I had to put it down, I found myself thinking about Weezie, her friend from school, her mama. Kids are pretty adaptable, but aside from clothing, shelter and food, what they really need is a parent to love them unconditionally. While there were parts that tugged at my heart, this book is not a sad story. Instead, it feels real, unvarnished, and honest. Refreshing.

The copy I read was provided by the publisher as an unedited proof, but I have already recommended it to friends (and strangers) as a book to watch for.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a first chapter titled "Broken" and a first sentence that reads "Momma says I'm a bad girl," I wondered how this story would unfold. At times, it made my heart ache, but I appreciate a book that gives an honest, unapologetic look at how life is for some children. Grace Louise is 10 years old and her life is far from easy, but she's learning lessons as she tries to find out who her daddy is. Her two younger half siblings know who their daddies are, but Grace Louise's momma won't tell her who her daddy is. So, she decides to find out with a little help from her friends. The story follows her "investigation" and let's you see inside the life of a little girl who lives in a trailer with her single mom and two half siblings, and all Grace Louise wants is to feel loved. Many of my middle school students would connect with Grace Louise and how she feels. And for students who have an easier life than the girl in this book, it would help teach them to be more empathetic toward others.

[Galilea Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book the most. Because I feel like I related to her because she describes how her mom comes home from work tired and complains, she tries to help her but instead ruins things. This book is a mysterious book because she first tries to find information about her father who she doesn’t know about, tracks him down but finds out he died. Her story is heartbreakingly sad. Overall, I do recommend this book.

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weazie's mother's bitterness against life in general and men in particular has hardened her and and makes it impossible for to show love for her daughter, who reminds her too much of the girl's teen-aged father who ran and off and abandoned her when he found out she was pregnant. Weazie struggles with self-esteem and questions about her father, about whom her mother has told her nothing, not even his name. Already more responsible than most kids her age, Weazie is forced to accept that she will have to depend on herself and the friends and support in her community.
The first person narration of Missing Pieces of Me will speak to the hearts of many unfortunate children and hopefully help them on the painful but positive road that Weazie has started down.

[Courtney McLean · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Weezie wants to do is impress her working mother by making her tea, taking car of her siblings, or making dinner, but nothing turns out right. She is sure though that if she could find her daddy, everything would become better. After some shocking news though she realizes that what she's got is going to have to be good enough.
I gave this book four stars because I think that it tells that you can find an answer to anything even if it's not the answer you were looking for. I would recommend this book to people who like adventure and mystery books.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. So well written and pulls you right into Weezie's life. Her momma is not nice to her. She tells her that she reminds her of her no good father that she never met, nor knew his name. She investigates and finds out who he is, only to find out he was dead. She found some closure to that part of her life. There is more to the story, and I have given some away. You won't be disappointed in this book.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten-year-old Grace Louise Dawson (Weezie) is missing so many pieces of her heart. She's lost her beloved Gramma Emmeline and she's never known her father--not even his name because her mother won't tell her.

The worst part is that not matter how hard Weezie tries to help make life easier for her waitress mom by cooking simple meals; cleaning their trailer; and caring for her two younger siblings (with different fathers); and being responsible, Weezie's mom doesn't show any love for her first born.

Weezie is resilient and thankfully has an encouraging neighbor, art teacher, and two friends--Calvin and Louella, who join Weezie to search for her father with one photographic clue.

This is a story which will stir your heart and disturb it, but that's what needs to happen to call attention to children who fall through the cracks because they are resilient.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little book that a lot of young readers will find relatable.
Weezie's life is hard, her home is broken and she believes her mother hates her. Weezie's mother tells her she is bad and this story tells Weezie's journey to understanding that she is not as she discovers all the pieces that make her special and talented and human.
The book does not sugar coat things and I wouldn't say it has a happy ending, but it does show the importance of friendship, role models, encouragement, and determination. It deals with issues of loss, abuse, family, and what can happen when we make poor choices in life.
A good book for the elementary/middle school reader.

[Gina (My Precious Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a somewhat sad, but hopeful, coming of age story about and 11 year old girl searching for her absent father. There is a component of mystery, some engaging art talk (encouraging creativity in girls), mild child neglect and oh - a big stray cat named Marmalade. I read this book hoping to feel compassionate towards the young narrator Wheezie and her impoverish, single parent situation. It worked. Overall, I found the story engaging and emotionally intense. In the end, I just wanted to give Wheezie a big ole hug!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems like no matter what Grace Louise, aka Weezie did or not do, she could never please her mother. Weezie's father ran off before she was born and it seemed that her mother resented her because of that. Weezie is determined to find out about her father even though it was against her mother's wishes. It was tough going up against her a mother who apparently didn't love her but Weezie has some very special friends who makes her life easier.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire book was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every minute of it. Even reading this book as an adult, I can appreciate the inner turmoil that Weezie must have went through. I know exactly how it feels to believe that one of your parents hates you, and I found myself relating to her quite frequently while I read this book. This was a definite page-turner, and I appreciate the author allowing me to get to know Weezie and learn of her adventures.

[Dave Archer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this as it was a book that one of my reading groups chose from a set of options. I now regret giving it to them as an option because it really doesn't have any redeeming qualities. Fortunately, kids are much easier to please than I am so some of them did actually enjoy it. I believe I'll focus on better titles for them next go around though.

[Melissa e Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito bom

Eu gostei muito do livro, eu gostei do mistério de tentar descobrir que aconteceu com o pai dela, mas o final achei que podia contar, se ela ia para o aula de artes? ,se ela e a mãe dela se dão bem no final?, se o marmelada realmente vai visitar ela por causa da comida ou porque ele gosta dela? Eu daria 4 estrelas muito bom o livro.

[Rishima Parekh]

I really liked this book. This books keeps me reading it everyday because of how interesting it is. This book makes me feel bad for Weezie because of all the hard work she does for her mom, bu then her mom still does not appreciate it. This is a great book to read.

[Carolynn Markey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slightly depressing read. I loved the characters, it was real, it was honest. But it ended on both a hopeful and a sad note that left me thinking for long after I closed the book.

[Genna Robertz · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was my third time reading, and it still seems to amaze me at how amazing the writing is.

[Dalton Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sad that her dad dies and she ends up being so sad

[Toni L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just OK

[TheReadingKnitter/ Kasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall just sad but okay. I realize this was a middle grade book but I still waited for it to go somewhere.

[Pia Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book about a girl who is trying to find her father, but ends up finding herself.

[Samira Barakaeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book!

[Emily Kush · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good book and i though it was kind of sad too!

[Payton Purcell]

IT WAS SO GOOD

[Jordan Seelig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the book because it had a lot of problems that everyone could relate to.

[Sandra Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story... I feel bad for the little girl and all she has to put up with.

[Katie Proctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and tender middle grade read, and I felt for Weezie, but I think I wanted more resolution, more development of minor characters.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really intriguing, well-written book. I really enjoyed it and I would give it 4.5 stars.

[erica joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will forever be my comfort book, I read it in elementary school and I still love it as a freshmen.