MS. RAPSCOTT’S GIRLS by Elise Primavera is a quirky middle grades boarding school fantasy.
A group of reluctant 8-year-old girls arrive at the Great Rapscott School for Girls of Busy Parents to find one child missing. While in search for their missing classmate, they learn important lessons about bravery, self-reliance, and friendship. Although the premise is absurd, some readers will empathize with the characters who have absent parents. Although the clever, sophisticated humor will be lost on some younger children, older readers will find the humor appealing.
Primavera’s interesting characters, easy-to-read writing style, and balance of descriptive versus dialogue segments were just right for lower, middle grade readers.
The book begins and ends with beautiful illustrations showing the isolated, but fascinating lighthouse setting. Numerous black-and-white drawings are then woven throughout the story.
Intended to be the first in a new series, librarians will find this to be a pleasing addition to the collection. With mostly female characters, it’s likely to appeal to young girls rather than boys.
Learn more about the author at http://www.eliseprimavera.com/.
Published by Dial on March 10, 2015.
