Don't Call Me Marda - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0961187239 ISBN 13: 9780961187231

Synopsis

Marsha feels apprehensive about her parents' plans to adopt a retarded child

About this title

From the Publisher

a review
This children's book is written from the viewpoint of an 11 year old girl, Marsha, whose parents decide to adopt a developmentally delayed eight year old girl named Wendy. Having been an only child, Marsha is not happy about her new sister and is especially unhappy because Wendy is "retarted". Written partially as Marsha's diary, the story is a very honest account. An appropriate vocabulary leverl for 6th grade readers is used. A good example of the honest feelings brought out in the book is the following passage from Marsha's diary: "It's strange. I've known my parents all my life, but I don't know how to tell them how I really feel. I'm kind of afraid to admit that I don't ever want a retarded sister! If I tell them, they'll be upset. They'll think I'm being selfish. But I don't care if some stupid little kid needs parents. Why does she need MY parents?" The relationship between Marsha and Wendy seems doomed. Marsha's peers make fun of Wendy at school. Marsha has to share her bedroon with Wendy and her pet cat likes Wendy better than her. Wendy intrudes on Marsha's privacy and destroy's Marsha's property. Venting her anger to her parents makes Marsha feel better. Her parents want Marsha's opinion on whether to keep Wendy or not when the 6 month adoption trial period is over. The turning point comes when Marsha has to defend her sister against name-calling new neighbors. She decides she loves Wendy despite all her faults. This book has all the elements that would make a pre-teen girl want to read it: horses, Barbie dolls, boys, best friends, and wanting to grow up yet not wanting to. I would recommend it for that age group and up. There are also nice black and white sketches at the beginning of each of the 21 chapters. Judith A Gilbert

From the Author

My book is a thought-provoking look at an unusual family.
If you're a parent, I want you to know that my book will entertain your child as well as help him or her to understand how someone can be different and still have value. Children who've read this book enjoy it while being introduced to a thought-provoking situation about a family that's not afraid to take a chance on adopting a child with problems. The book was named a Benjamin Franklin finalist.

Edition details

• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0961187239
• ISBN 13: 9780961187231
• Binding: Hardcover