While Greg’s positive about the move, he’s not completely uncaring about Rowley’s action. Left with only enough inheritance to patch and repair the exterior of the house-and with the school’s dismal standardized test scores as a final straw-Greg’s mom steers the family toward moving, opening up house-hunting and house-selling storylines (and devastating loyal Rowley, who doesn’t want to lose his best friend). Once the professionals are brought in, the problems keep getting worse: angry neighbors, terrifying problems in walls, and-most serious-civil permitting issues that put the kibosh on what work’s been done. Before bringing in the construction crew, the Heffleys attempt to do minor maintenance and repairs themselves-during which Greg fails at the work in various slapstick scenes. Greg’s mom calls a family meeting to determine what to do with their share, proposing home improvements and then overruling the family’s cartoonish wish lists and instead pushing for an addition to the kitchen. When Great Aunt Reba dies, she leaves some money to the family. The Heffley family’s house undergoes a disastrous attempt at home improvement. (Halloween costume craft ideas, author Q&A)
Olive and Nat read as White the supporting cast is inclusive and diverse. Although this is the fourth installment, each volume is mostly self-contained, making this equally accessible for established and new readers. Though consistent in tone with its predecessors, in this entry Olive does have some moments of anger (albeit quickly reconciled) her portrayal here is the most human she’s been throughout the series. Olive’s appeal is in her unceasing Pollyanna-like sunniness and her ability to be accommodating and find the best in every situation.
Olive and Nat’s relationship is highly idealized, bordering almost on wish fulfillment Nat’s backstory offers some explanation for her behavior, but she is accepted back into the fold more easily than may seem realistic. When Nat finds herself consequently ostracized, empathetic Olive has a change of heart and extends her an olive branch (groan). Relentlessly optimistic Olive tries to stay genial despite Nat’s overt jibes, but when Nat takes it to a new level and ruins Olive’s carefully planned Halloween party, Olive finally confronts her. In her fourth adventure, sixth grader Olive Branche is on top of the world until new girl Natasha begins to encroach on her friendships, slowly and methodically freezing her out of her many different social circles. Can Olive stay positive when a social-climbing bully moves to town?
0 kommentar(er)
