Mandy

by Barbara D. Booth, Jim LaMarche (Illustrator)

Mandy stared out the window and shivered, She hated the dark; it made her so alone. At night she couldn't sign to her friends or see anyone's lips when they spoke. it felt as if the world ended at the edge of her flashlight beam. But she looked at Grandma's tear-streaked face and bare collar. The silver pin Grandpa had given her so long ago was lost somewhere in the woods. And even though a stormy night was beginning, Mandy was determined to find it. Barbara Booth's beautiful text and )im LaMarche's luminescent paintings give readers a rare insight into the world of a very special deaf child.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Linda Lipko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, the artistry of Jim LaMarche is stunningly beautiful and soulful. Mandy is young and deaf. She lives with her grandmother who loves her deeply. This is a charming tale of a young girl who is deaf and her grandmother who loves her deeply.

One day, when walking through the fields, Mandy's grandmother lost her very special brooch given to her by Mandy's grandfather.

Wanting to help find the brooch, Mandy went out during a nasty evening storm. Mandy fell, but in doing so, she found the cherished item.

[Alyccia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fairly good book about the relationship between a girl and her grandmother. The story was a little lengthy but it added to the rich plot of the story. The characters in the story were very relatable and I think many children will be able to relate to thebclose relationship Mandy had with her grandmother. There was not much representation of different cultures in the story but it did not take away from the story. The illustrations were also very beautiful in the book and added perfectly to the storyline.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told from the perspective of a young girl who is deaf. It was a neat and interesting experience to get to view the world from her perspective. The art was stunning and helped the story come alive and the narration was intriguing and pulled me in with genuine interest. A great book to add to your collection or to share with others, old and young alike. ^_^

[Ashley Moser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the diversity in this book with a deaf MC. However, the story was somewhat flat. I liked the first half but the second half didn’t flow.

[Sung Baick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great fiction book about a deaf girl and her grandmother. It's a lengthy book but it can be easily split into two readings for the younger elementary grade levels. This is a good story to use to teach about inferring and even predictions. It has a heartwarming storyline that the kids are sure to enjoy.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful tastefully done, introduction to what it might be like to be a deaf child. I thought it might be a little bit beyond where my sons are, but they keep asking me to re-read it to them and teach them new signs.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy has lost her mother's ring and ventures into the stormy night to find it -- never realizing what risk she has put herself in, since Mandy is deaf. Sensitive text with striking illustrations.

[Gabriella]

Awards: none
Recommended ages: 5-8

Summary: This book shares a heartwarming story, filled with entertainment, suspense and joy. The text is a little long on some pages and the illustrations are very eye catching. The text is long on various pages.

Review: This book is suitable for the age range, but may have to be read by an adult with younger ages. The illustrations are very detailed and the story is very entertaining.

In Class uses: morning read, unit on realistic fiction books, transition.