Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner
Author: Dalya Moon
Publisher: Dalya Moon (Smashwords)
4½ out of 5 stars
My pen hovers over my elective sheet for my first year of high school. I have two choices. I can either fill in one of the boxes for the girl’s electives, like Sewing and Cooking, or I can take a dive into the unknown and sign up for the boys-only shop classes. I mean why not? If a boy can do it why can’t I? All I have to do is fill in that little box. That’s it. That’s all it takes for me to be known as the girl who took the forbidden shop class. That girl is me, Charlie Woodchuck.
It’s 1988, and in the midst of the chaos and confusion of high school, Charlie is just trying to survive. To make it out alive, and do so without drawing any attention to herself would be Charlie’s ideal plan. But it’s hard to stick to the plan when you go out and deliberately cause a stir. In Charlie’s defense, she just didn't want to take Sewing.
*I received Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner from the author, Dalya Moon, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much Dalya!
Charlie takes a risk by signing up for one of the forbidden, boys-only, shop classes. She figures why not, if a boy can do it, so can she. But being the only girl in Woodworking is a lot harder than Charlie had thought it was going to be. Not only do the boys love to play pranks on her, but the teacher’s got it out for her as well. Charlie has no idea how she’ll ever pass the class, let alone finish the year. But she has to, in order to bring justice to the boys and girls of Snowy Cove High. If she doesn’t, who will?
But as parents and the school board start to take notice, Charlie’s impulsive decision to take Woodworking is disturbing the natural order of things. Now Charlie has to prove that a girl can do anything a boy can do, otherwise they’ll never let a girl take a shop class again. But how is Charlie supposed to do that while dealing with her best friend, her crush, and the fact that she might be adopted? Does Charlie have what it takes to change Snowy Cove history? Could she be the start of a revolution, or is she just a meager minor niner? All is revealed in Dalya Moon’s heart-warming story of one girl who just wants what’s right in, Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner!
Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner is a delightful read that had me smiling the entire time. Whether it was Charlie’s crazy antics or her embarrassing moments, there was always something to look forward to. Filled with humor, Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner is definitely entertaining, and bittersweet as well. Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner was given to me by the author, Dalya Moon, for review.* Thank you so much Dalya! I suggest this book for younger teens, as they will be able to relate to Charlie’s uneasiness as she tries to navigate the strange waters of being a teen and starting high school. Adults who would like to revisit the 1980’s will also enjoy this blast to the past.
Charlie is one of those characters that I couldn’t help but adore with her geeky awkwardness, and the way in which she never took no for an answer. Charlie truly felt like a teen, and I would love to travel back in time just to meet her. Over the course of Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner Charlie truly did grow into such a strong, independent young lady. In the beginning of the book we are introduced to a girl who isn’t quite sure what she wants in life, but she does want to have a voice and be heard. By the end, Charlie knows how to use her voice and has found where she fits in.
There is a sprinkling of humor throughout the entire book, and I really enjoyed how this gave a much lighter feel to the story, even throughout the heavier scenes. The banter between Charlie and her friends and family shows what a strong relationship they have with one another, and I loved reading about their interactions. Charlie’s supportive family and endearing friends were wonderful additions to the storyline, and it wouldn’t have been the same without them.
It would have been nice to have seen this book be a bit longer, so I could have seen both sides of the story played out more. Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner seemed to be split between Charlie finding her voice and standing up for what is right, and discovering whether she was adopted or not. If the book had been longer I would have loved to read even more about both. However, I felt that this book was a nice length for a fun, entertaining read with well-developed characters that I won’t soon forget.
Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner is a lovely little book that will light up your day. Filled with humor, and touching on important issues, this is a fantastic read for any teen trying to find themself. Join Charlie, as she struggles to find her voice when everyone seems to be against letting her speak in, Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner!
-This is T.B. with Another Book Back on the Shelf…
Until Next Time, Keep Reading!
Check out Dalya's website at www.dalyamoon.com.
For a limited time Dalya is offering FREE e-book copies of Charlie Woodchuck is a Minor Niner. Go to Dalya's website here to learn more!
This sounds like a great read. It is amazing that she is the only girl to have the audacity to take an all-boys shop class and it seems that this book has a very empowering and real story that kids even today face in various situations. Sounds like a story that we can relate to, as you said Tessa. Thanks for the review!
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