Eggs

Eggs by Jerry Spinelli, 2007
David (9 years) is living in a new town with his grandma and dad after his mom has died. He has no friends and intense anger, which he takes out against grandma by never obeying her, not even talking to her civilly. He meets a psychic's daughter Primrose (13 years) who would do anything to have a regular mom, a regular home with her own room. David believes if he obeys enough rules (except for grandma's), his mom will come back; Primrose likes to pretend and take risks and breaks rules as often as possible. They bicker but seem to meet each other's need for acceptance and friendship. They are watched over by Refrigerator John, the neighborhood's handyman. They go trashpicking; hunt nightcrawlers; hike along tracks to get a glimpse of skyscrapers and possibly even the waving man. Primrse has a photo of her dad that is really Clark Gable. David refuses to ever see a sunrise without his mom.

This is a fast read. I read it on a short flight from SLC to Reno. I found it enjoyable. The squabbling rang true to my ears as a mom.

Some memory-jogging tags: Grief. Dead mom. Grandparents. Easter. Friendship. Family life. Realistic fiction. Anger. Running away.

MS Rating: OK. Good story. I really enjoyed it, but I don't know how much kids will like it.