Judy Moody

Judy Moody
by Megan McDonald
illustrated by Peter Reynolds

Candlewick Press, 2000




Genre:  Realistic fiction, Humor

Honors:  ALA Notable Children's Book, New York Public Library 100 Best Children's Books of the Year, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Review:  Judy is starting third grade and is in one of her sour moods because she's sure she'll sit next to gross Frank Pearl instead of her best friend Rocky. To make Judy's mood even worse, not only does her premonition come true but Frank invites her to his birthday party at his house. Judy and her classmates have to complete a special 'me' collage assignment. It's through this assignment that Judy learns a lot about herself, her friends, and her family, all alongside her constant change of moods.

Opinion:  Although I was perturbed by Judy's bad mood at the start of the book, I realized that this was simply an introduction to the many moods of the main character. I thought that the author did a brilliant job of developing Judy and her showing the audience her growth throughout the plot, as well as incorporating fantastic humor seamlessly.

Ideas:  This would be a great book for a reluctant girl tween reader, as it's short, has a linear plot, and is riddled with humorous incidents. Also, it would work well as a Judy Moody display to celebrate ten years of Judy Moody's and their new series reprinted covers.