Book Review: Savvy by Ingrid Law

ISBN: 978-0803733060
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Hardcover: 342 pages
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
First Line: When my brother Fish turned thirteen, we moved to the deepest part of the inland because of the hurricane and, of course, the fact that he had caused it.
One Word Review: Empowering

Publisher's Description:

A vibrant new voice . . . a modern classic.

For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a magical secret. They each possess a “savvy”—a special supernatural power that strikes when they turn thirteen. Grandpa Bomba moves mountains, her older brothers create hurricanes and spark electricity . . . and now it’s the eve of Mibs’s big day.

As if waiting weren’t hard enough, the family gets scary news two days before Mibs’s birthday: Poppa has been in a terrible accident. Mibs develops the singular mission to get to the hospital and prove that her new power can save her dad. So she sneaks onto a salesman’s bus . . . only to find the bus heading in the opposite direction. Suddenly Mibs finds herself on an unforgettable odyssey that will force her to make sense of growing up—and of other people, who might also have a few secrets hidden just beneath the skin.

At first glance, Savvy is a cute and entertaining yarn about a small band of misfits who overcome numerous obstacles in the journey to help Mibs' dad. But it's actually a great deal more than that. There are subtle moments throughout the story that reinforce how one should never doubt their own worth. It also sends a strong message that what we want and what is best for us are often different things. Middle grade and young adult readers will enjoy the story - it's fun and lighthearted, and Mibs is a great little heroine. The plot moves at a relatively quick pace, making it an easy read. I think this is a must read especially for young girls, who have a tendency to overlook their own special gifts and talents.

I have a tendency to select books because I am struck by their lovely cover art. Often, the substance of the book doesn't live up to the packaging, but Savvy definitely does.

Book Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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