D, My Name Is Danita [Library Binding]

Norma Fox Mazer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1991 | Age Level: 11 and up

When Danita finds out that she has an older half brother, she must reexamine the way she sees her father and her family.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Danita Merritt, 14, has the perfect family--at least her best friend, Laredo, thinks so. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt adore each other and dote on their two daughters, while Laredo rarely sees her divorced father. The picture changes when Danita meets the ubiquitous D.T. Goodman. The 19-year-old Californian is in town to locate his father, who is unaware of his existence. D.T. ultimately tells a shocked Danita that he is her half-brother, the offspring of Mr. Merritt's teenage romance with a schoolmate who chose to move west rather than disclose her pregnancy. Danita's first-person narrative reveals all the anguish and turmoil expected of someone in her situation, which she handles with remarkable maturity. Mazer's skilled writing allows her main character to be perceived in very human terms. Although the dialogue is syrupy at times, the compassion evoked for the offspring of unhappy alliances gives the novel considerable impact. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8-- Mazer continues her alphabetical journey through some shallow waters of adolescence as, once again, in this companion volume to the series. Thirteen-year-old Danita's image of her family as nearly perfect is exploded by the arrival of a previously unknown older half brother, whom she first meets at the mall (where else?). Her life changes from fairy tale to soap opera, complete with a younger sister's getting lost in the woods. The ease with which the family, particularly the mother, accepts its new addition seems a bit too wonderful and the ending too pat. However, Mazer's ear for dialogue; her uncomplicated, accessible style; and her insight into adolescent girls will attract readers, particularly those who are familiar with the previous books. --Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 163 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Trade (April 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590436554
• ISBN-13: 978-0590436557
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,524,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

NORMA FOX MAZER is the award-winning author of many novels for young people. She has been honored with the Christopher Award, a Newbery Honor, the Edgar Allen Poe Award, and a National Book Award nomination. She and her husband, novelist Harry Mazer, divide their time between Jamesville, New York, and New York City.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to Danita's World!, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: D, My Name Is Danita (Library Binding)

Like 'The Dark Card', 'D, My Name Is Danita' expresses the feelings of a young teenage girl, only this book doesn't have a dramatic plot to it. In a way, it does talk about friendship and family. It looks boring when you read the plot and look at the cover, but never judge a book by it's cover! This isn't an excellent book and I must confess that, but it's good!