Brett McCarthy: Work in Progress
by Maria Padian

    BRETT MCCARTHY: WORK IN PROGRESS by Maria Padian
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  3/11/08
    Publisher:  Knopf
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Normally a decent student, a star soccer player, and responsible only daughter, Brett McCarthy isn’t exactly sure
    what is going wrong. First she is suspended, then earns unlimited lunchtime detentions with the middle school
    principal, and then she is suspended again. It is enough to freak anyone out.

    To complicate matters, Brett learns that her long-time best friend is not only dealing with divorcing parents, but has
    also lost her mind and decided to try out for the cheerleading squad. With her friends deserting her, Brett turns to
    her grandmother, “Nonna,” only to suspect something fishy is going on with her and some medical situation.

    Brett is an extremely likeable teen dealing with a crazy middle school year. Typical adolescent problems are
    creatively mixed with Nonna’s kooky schemes, a lot of chocolate brownie baking, and a plan to resurrect an old
    lighthouse. One adventure after another holds the readers’ attention and keeps this story moving quickly.

    Debut author Maria Padian has something for everyone in this book. Brett’s father, an English professor, provides
    countless poetry references for just about any situation. Brett’s own love of vocabulary shows up as she
    introduces a new word with each chapter. And with 45 quick-read chapters, readers are bound to increase their
    personal vocabulary whether they want to or not. There is no shortage of humor. I found myself chuckling plenty.
    Padian doesn’t shy away from heart-rending emotion, either. Be sure to have a tissue or two close at hand.