Out of Sight, Out of Mind
From ChildLitWiki
Contents |
by Marilyn Kaye
Series Title: Gifted
Number in Series: 1
Buy from Kepler's, an Independent Bookseller
Notes
Bibliographic Data
Original Publication Date: June 2009
Publisher: MacMillan
Imprint: Kingfisher Books
ISBN 9780753462836
Hardcover Price: $
Paperback Price: $7.99
Number of Pages: 229
Best for ages: 9 up
Library of Congress Descriptor: Amanda Beeson, the meanest, most popular girl at Meadowbrook Middle School, learns a lot about herself and others when the unacknowledged sympathy she feels for Tracy Devon, a girl who is so timid she sometimes seems invisible, causes her to somehow take over Tracy's body.
Categorization
Type of Book: Chapter/Fiction
Topics and Themes: Fantasy, Fantasy Series, ESP, Supernatural, Schools, Bullies, Kids with Secret Powers
Summary
Amanda Beeson, the well-named queen bee of her middle school, maintains her position by being mean to everyone else. But there's a reason for her meanness: if she allows herself to sympathize with anyone, she finds herself inhabiting their body. In the past she has returned to herself fairly quickly, but when she inhabits social outcast Tracy, she finds herself stuck there, and discovers a secret class in her school for children with supernatural gifts.
Reviews
Series books often follow a different literary standard, especially those, like this one, that go straight to paperback. It reads like something written by a bright college student: a bit clunky, obvious, beating the reader over the head with the Point, relying on caricature instead of character, and often violating the cardinal rule of writing class -- show, don't tell! This can happen even to a good writer when he or she churns out books on a series schedule, which values speed over subtlety.
That's not to say that this isn't enjoyable -- it is. It's easy and fluid to read, with an engrossing plot and a few original ideas, including turning the middle school queen of mean into a relatable, sympathetic heroine whose spoiled brashness may actually be a healthier approach to life than the social outcast's self pity. Unfortunately, improving the outcast's life predictably involves getting her better clothes, hair, and makeup. But it also involves getting her to stand up for herself, especially to her own neglectful parents. So, not great literature, but a fun read. -- Matt Berman
Excerpt
From her prime seat at the best table, Amanda Beeson surveyed the chaotic scene with a sense of well-being. The cafeteria was noisy and messy and not very attractive, but it was part of her little kingdom --- or queendom, if such a word existed. She wasn't wearing any kind of crown, of course, but she felt secure in the knowledge that in this particular hive, she was generally acknowledged as the queen bee.
On either side of her set two princesses --- Sophie Greene and Britney Teller. The three of them were about to begin their daily assessment of classmates. As always, Amanda kicked off the conversation. "Ohmigod, check out Caroline's sweater! It's way too tight."
Publisher Info and Jacket Copy
Relateds
Other Books by Marilyn Kaye
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
Kids with ESP
Matilda by Roald Dahl
The Gift by Peter Dickinson
Escape to Witch Mountain by Alexander Key
The Haunting by Margaret Mahy
I’ll See You in My Dreams by Ilene Cooper
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Related Websites
Author's Site
Official Site
Other Editions
Concerns
Sex: A mention of boobs.
Violence: A man hits his wife, a child is hit by a car.
Commercialism: Handbag, clothing, toy, bookstore, department store brands mentioned.
Drugs: A mention of teens using drugs and another of smoking, a mother is a drunk whose daughter has to clean up after her.
Behavior: The main character is mean to other children and even her own mother but learns to see things from their points of view.
