Gifford, Peggy. 2008. MOXY MAXWELL DOES NOT LOVE WRITING THANK-YOU NOTES. Ill. by Valorie Fisher. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375842702 [Suggested Grade Levels 3-7]
REVIEW
The story’s protagonist 10 year-old twin, Moxy Maxwell’s continuing dilemma is writing Christmas thank-you notes that must be completed prior to her glamorous ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to California to visit her estranged, fabulous father. Without writing those thank-you notes, the post-Christmas trip where Moxy knows she will be discovered (therefore becoming rich and famous) and eventually ‘adopting 17 starving children from all over the world’ will not occur.
The heart of this amusing story is the adventure of the scheming Moxy and her continued attempts to quickly complete her thank-you note task. The first-person style reads much like a diary with entries to self about ‘does the ceiling need a new coat of paint’ or ‘the Volvo should get a new muffler.’ The brilliantly orchestrated story of cause and effect would be appreciated by many fans especially those of JUNIE B. JONES and JUDY MOODY. The constant adventure spans merely a ½ day, but the complex thought patterns woven within this fictional work are charming and the story has a rewarding ending as the character matures.
CONNECTIONS
Children can speculate about their own futures as Moxy and her twin brother Mark do and then present a ‘show and tell’ of their unique talents. Or kids can research the etiquette of proper thank you notes.
RELATED BOOKS
Other short novels with girl protagonists:
Gifford, Peggy. MOXY MAXWELL DOES NOT LOVE STUART LITTLE. ISBN 9780375839153
Lowry, Lois. GOONEY BIRD GREENE. ISBN 9780440419600
By Kathlene A. Goldin
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