Customer Reviews

Going to See Grassy Ella

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I've always heard that one of the tests of an excellent children's book (or young adult book) is that it appeals to, and holds the attention of adults as well. This book passes that test with flying colors and then some. It's a fast-moving story about two sisters who have some amazing, yet entirely believable adventures, which all begin when Peej (the younger sister, who has cancer) announces that she has made plans to go on a trip to see a faith healer, and talks her older sister into going with her.

Now does this sound like a slightly crazy idea for a book? I secretly thought so--that is, until I started reading it and could not put it down. The story draws you in; the plot is intriguing; and the action scenes are realistic. Best of all though, are the main characters. Two, more likable girls would be hard to find.

It's a book which touches on the difficult subject of cancer in a hopeful and positive way. I am sure that if I had read it aloud to my two daughters (as was my custom when they were growing up) they would have demanded that I finish it in two or three days, rather than our customary week. And then they would have read it again to themselves. MANY times. --Chatty

There is a message in the back of this book from or by the author, which explains the reasoning behind the story. I think it should be at the front, because it gives this childrens/YA book a different frame of reference when you realise this is what the author wishes it had been like.
As a story it is suited for younger children also, because there is no use of bad language and/or scenes. It is about a child searching for hope and a miracle. On the way she bonds with her sister and makes a few odd friends along the way. Miracles can and do happen, just not for everyone, but the message in this story is to find the positivity within you and in return it will find you. I received a free copy of this book for my review.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.

As a lifelong lover of books, I tend to read quickly. So when this story came across and I realized I was finished, I was upset that it was shorter than normal because I would have enjoyed the further exploits of the girls in the story. As an adult, I still enjoy reading young adult or teen fiction because it can be a story that is simpler or focused on ideals instead of heavy drama. Not so with this story.

Peej and Annie are sisters living in Columbus, Ohio. Peej, a cancer patient and not quite a teenager, reads of a faith healer in New York and researches ways to go see her while her parents are at a conference. She talks her older sister, Annie, into going with her. Through a series of exploits they manage to take in a Mets game, bust up a drug ring (not a spoiler, it says this on the first page of the book), and have the adventure of a lifetime.

In some ways, this book really reminded me of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by e.l. konigsberg. While Peej and Annie were not running away permanently, they were on a secret adventure. They made friends. They were in a bit of a mystery. Mixed-up was and remains a favorite of mine, and the nostalgic comfort and similarity just made this book more endearing.

I loved the sisters in this book, and the day after reading it, I wondered what they might be up to. Then I remembered they were not girls that I had met. The girls are very well drawn characters with lots of depth. The dialogue is very natural. The story is compelling and upbeat at the same time. I feel that I know these girls, and I'd love to read more about them. Although this is classified as a young adult book, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story. The book addresses cancer and realistic adolescent issues while being neither cloying nor crude.