by Hilary McKay

Rose is the youngest of a crazy family. But lately, it seems that everyone is gone, and she’s alone in the dark, dark house: nobody knows where Caddy is; Saffy and Sarah and Indigo are always busy; Mummy’s in the shed, finishing her paintings; and Daddy’s in London.

And at school, there’s mean Mr. Spencer, who tortures everyone and says Rose can’t read—which gets Sarah started on a project to get Rose addicted to books. And on top of all that, there’s Rose’s friend Molly, who has come up with an idea and has gotten Rose to agree to do it—without knowing exactly what the idea is.

This book was so fun. Told in first-person narrative by Rose, it was funny and intelligent and brimming with honesty. Rose is a compelling character, sarcastic and unaware and sensitive. More than once I found myself laughing because of an unexpected remark. It takes some time to get used to Rose’s creative and dramatic way of writing (and exaggerating) but not a lot and it’s worth it when you do.

This is a completely funny story of family life, and I couldn’t help but enjoy it. Rose was marvelous.