Discovering Martha [Library Binding]

Joanne Rocklin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1991 | Age Level: 9 and up

Does the mysterious purple guitar possess magic or does learning to play it merely motivate Martha, a sixth-grader going through an awkward stage, to change her life a little?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Eleven-year-old Martha Green knows what it's like to be famous, since she starred in two TV commercials when she was five. But now, bragging about her former "career" has earned her a reputation as an exaggerator and a show-off. Martha's wish to be discovered is nearly granted when a guitar arrives in the mail, accompanied by an instruction manual and an offer of a free home trial period. Defying her parents, the girl secretly studies to become a singing, strumming sensation in "six short weeks." Her musical proficiency is hardly astounding, but Martha is convinced that the guitar's magic has made her more friendly and responsible than ever. When the trial period ends, however, she must face the music and return her only hope for fame and fortune. Rocklin ( Jace the Ace ) poignantly captures the dreams and fears of her audience through this spunky, honest heroine. A breezy style moves the plot along swiftly without making light of the characters' emotional quandaries. Middle readers will be heartened by Martha's discovery that the ingredients for true success are found within. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- A sincere, yet unfocused story about the power of positive thinking. As a 5-year-old, Martha Green appeared in two TV commercials, but now at 11, she's just a lonely, slightly overweight, latch-key child. So when she receives a "free" guitar in the mail, she sees it as her ticket to being rediscovered and resolves to learn to play it during the six-week trial period. Martha plunges into the lessons with gusto and, seemingly through the magical powers of the guitar, the rest of her world improves. Her parents are more cheerful; her friend Winston, an equally lonely, gifted boy with a heart condition, is more interesting than she imagined; her grandfather's memory loss doesn't seem as bad; and even her schoolwork improves. But she still has the dilemma of the guitar to resolve, which she has hidden from her parents. That issue is soon decided in the most far-fetched scene in the book. Martha seems to have an overwhelming number of problems to deal with and several of them are left dangling, frustrating readers. Many will probably want to know, for example, how Winston comes through his surgery. Reality takes a beating at times, as well, as the younsters seem free to roam the city almost at will, despite their ages and his heart condition. Many books deal with the problems of growing up with more depth, flair, and humor than found in this one. --Jane Marino, White Plains Public Library, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 137 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (November 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027774449
• ISBN-13: 978-0027774443
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,908,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

JOANNE ROCKLIN is the critically acclaimed author of several books, including ONE DAY AND ONE AMAZING MORNING ON ORANGE STREET, an Indie Bound book; STRUDEL STORIES, which was a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and an American Library Association Notable Book, and FOR YOUR EYES ONLY!, which was a School Library Journal Best Book and a Bank Street Best Book. Her early readers THREE SMART PALS and THIS BOOK IS HAUNTED will soon be e-books, the latter also to be released as an App.

Her latest middle grade novel is ONE DAY AND ONE AMAZING MORNING ON ORANGE STREET, also published as an audiobook. "Fully realized characters and setting definitely make this one morning on Orange Street amazing." KIRKUS, starred.

She has a doctorate in psychology and is a former elementary school teacher, presently writing children's books full-time. For several years she taught a popular class in writing children's books at UCLA Extension. She gives presentations in schools, libraries and bookstores and has been a speaker for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the California Reading Association, and other organizations.

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Joanne lived in Los Angeles for many decades. She now lives in Oakland, California.

Her website is www.joannerocklin.com and she welcomes comments.