Ida B by Katherine Hannigan

 From Goodreads: Ida B. Applewood believes there is never enough time for fun.

That's why she's so happy to be homeschooled and to spend every free second outside with the trees and the brook.

Then some not-so-great things happen in her world. Ida B has to go back to that Place of Slow but Sure Body-Cramping, Mind-Numbing, Fun-Killing Torture—school. She feels her heart getting smaller and smaller and hardening into a sharp, black stone.

How can things go from righter than right to a million miles beyond wrong? Can Ida B put together a plan to get things back to just-about perfect again?

My Two Cents: Ida B is such a compelling character with such a darling, distinctive voice. I don't often re-read books (too many new ones to try!), but I read this one again. And it was every bit as funny and sweet and touching as the first time around. A great example of how kids can be kind and strong and vulnerable all at once.

Grade Level: 3-6

Additional Resources:

• Visit Katherine Hannigan's website, including this reading group guide for Ida B
• Ida B's dad tells her to take care of the earth. Learn ways you can help take care of the earth here.
• If Ida B were an apple, she'd be a McIntosh--"tangy with a thin skin." Check out this directory of apples and decide which kind you'd be and why. (Who knew there were so many?)
• Id B has some tricks for helping Ronnie remember his multiplication tables. Check out some more multiplication memory tricks here and here.
• One of the characters in this book has cancer but fights it really well. See how you can help the fight against cancer here and here.

More to Read:

• Another remarkable book about a kid making the change from home schooling to public schooling: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
• Another great middle grade pick by Ida B's author: True (...Sort Of) by Katherine Hannigan
• Another book about a girl who has to start school while her family is changing: Prairie Evers by Ellen Airgood