Sure Signs of Crazy (Paperback)
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Staff Reviews
Ages 9-13
Sarah, 12, an articulate, captivating narrator, survived an attempted murder by her mother 10 years earlier; her twin brother did not. Her father, an alcoholic, moves the two of them to a new town whenever their story becomes known. Afraid of following in the footsteps of either of her parents, Sarah struggles to define herself, drawing courage from a number of sources. She seeks out neighbors who can provide guidance, formulates a plan to meet her institutionalized mother, and writes letter to Atticus Finch, her idealized parent, as she explores and analyzes herself and those around her.
- Banna
— From Banna's Recs
Description
A poignant and powerful coming of age story perfect for fans of Wonder and The Thing about Jellyfish
You've never met anyone exactly like twelve-year-old Sarah Nelson. While most of her friends obsess over Harry Potter, she spends her time writing letters to Atticus Finch. She collects trouble words in her diary. Her best friend is a plant. And she's never known her mother, who left when Sarah was two.
Since then, Sarah and her dad have moved from one small Texas town to another, and not one has felt like home.
Everything changes when Sarah launches an investigation into her family's Big Secret. She makes unexpected new friends and has her first real crush, and instead of a "typical boring Sarah Nelson summer," this one might just turn out to be extraordinary.
About the Author
Karen Harrington was born in Texas, where she still lives with her husband and children. Sure Signs of Crazy is her first book for young readers. You can visit her online at www.karenharringtonbooks.com.
Praise For…
* "Don't think this will be a hard sell to readers...for Harrington has created a protagonist who is, in her own way, as clear-eyed, tough-minded, and inspiring as any dystopian hero."—Booklist, starred review
"Sarah Nelson faces her life squarely, with a heroism that makes us cheer for humanity's courage, wit, and guts. Hers is a compelling journey that takes us into that most fragile place: Hope. You will be glad you journeyed there with her."—Gary D. Schmidt, author of the Newbery Honor book The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now
* "Sarah is an introspective protagonist whose narrative, interspersed with letters and word definitions, keeps readers absorbed...Secondary characters add interest and texture to this compelling novel."—SLJ, starred review
* "Readers intrigued by the premise of this moving story will sympathize with the plucky protagonist and rejoice in the way her summer works out."—Kirkus, starred review
"An engaging, warm-hearted story. Beautifully written, Harrington creates a fearless and resilient heroine."—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor book Ninth Ward and Sugar
"Sure Signs of Crazy is knowing, hilarious, and tender. Karen Harrington's character portrait of Sarah Nelson is one for the ages."—Pat Conroy, bestselling author of The Prince of Tides and My Reading Life
"Extraordinary heart."—The Horn Book
