Georgia Rules

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2017

Review

Twelve-year-old Magnolia Grace's life is uprooted from her Atlanta, Georgia routine when her mother announces that her stepfather is divorcing them. The two move to a Vermont farm that Magnolia Grace (Maggie)inherited from her recently deceased father, who she doesn't remember, with the stipulation that she reside on the farm one year. Maggie slowly finds herself letting go of her "Georgia rules" as she is taken under the wing of the large, rambunctious, Parker family with their varied ethnic, disabled, adopted, foster children and their two moms. Maggie matures throughout the year as she grapples with the loss of unmade memories of her father, his art and the influences he had on the small town. Steveson evokes the fresh, free, and natural atmosphere associated with a small town in Vermont and juxtaposes it to the laundry list of difficult situations. At times, Maggie's first person narrative reads older than her twelve years. The dialogue between the children is infectious and illustrates the protected comfort their moms provide. Suggest to fans of the Penderwicks series.

Overall Book Score: good