Book Review: The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist

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Book: The Charming Life of Izzy Malone
Author: Jenny Lundquist
Recommended Age Range: 8 - 12

Charm school?  At first Izzy isn't too excited about the prospect.  Combat boots, rowing, and shooting basketball with the neighbor doesn't exactly mesh with Izzy's idea of Charm School: walking in high heels and minding your pinky while drinking tea.  She's all spunk while her idea of charm school would better suit her sister (who clearly doesn't need it).  Luckily, Mrs. Whippie's charm school is different.  Izzy must complete tasks and earn actual charms, as in, charms for a charm bracelet.  While earning her charms she earns a prize "unlike any other".

Sound interesting, but not quite ready to buy the book?  Check out Jenny's blog, she has an excerpt available to read online.

Obviously I'm a bit older than the intended audience for this book, in fact it's much closer to being a book for my daughter, however, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Charming Life of Izza Malone.  In fact, I finished it in less than 24 hours.  All 280-ish pages of it. There are a few themes that are hugely important for the recommended age range, such as self esteem, bullying, crushes, and family relationships.  I give this book a thumbs up!

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Random Notes

I do have one gripe.  Grey doesn't have to be boring.  During the 24 hours that I was reading through this book I was also working on painting my living room, kitchen, dining area, and library.  I'm doing it two tone -- and one of the colors is a lovely grey.  Of course, I'm pairing it with a vibrant blue and having lots of splashes of color . . . so maybe it really isn't the same thing . . . but grey does not necessarily mean boring!  (I do have to admit, grey throughout an entire school would be a bit much.  It might even be enough to make me "beautify" a wall or two as myself, just like Izzy.)

I was curious if people really do race pumpkins-turned-into-boats, and yes that is a real thing.  Don't believe me, check the internet!

{Spoiler alert} Can I just say?  I love that Izzy had a crush and made the conscious decision to not do anything about it.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a little romance, but let's see more about forming friendships and adventure (especially for this age group)!

For my header photo for this post, that's the top one, I wanted to evoke Izzy's personality through my own stuff.  I have my favorite jacket -- a lightweight army green blazer.  My version of a charm bracelet -- my Origami Owl necklace.  A fun, but somewhat funky, hat -- my Sterling Unicorn Hat.  Of course, I also had to include the book itself!

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