Ode to a Nobody by Caroline Brooks DuBois. Holiday House, 2022. 9780823451562
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover Novel-in-verse
Genre: Realistic fiction
What did you like about the book? Quinn, 13, feels inferior to her older brother, a star student who excels at everything. Her best friend, Jack, from babyhood days seems to be preferring the company of Jade. Both Jack and Jade are also star skateboarders while Quinn flounders. Quinn’s parents are arguing much of the time with Dad going to stay at Grandma’s in the country. And then a massive tornado levels Quinn’s neighborhood while leaving some areas untouched. While school is closed Quinn helps with cleanup as her father works on fixing their house. Quinn and her Mom are forced to live elsewhere until their house is habitable again. In the new place Quinn makes a new friend who is much more positive towards her than her old ones. She begins writing her poetry portfolio with the hope of being accepted in the local arts school for high school. This story is beautifully written in Quinn’s poetic words which are perfect for this novel-in-verse.
Anything you did not like about the book? No.
To whom would you recommend this book? I would recommend this one to late-bloomers and those who feel inadequate, those who do not yet recognize where their talents and strengths lie.
Who should buy this book? Middle school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? J/YA Fiction (Middle school)
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Not quite.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Contributor, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review: January 9, 2023
Youth Services Book Review 
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