Shari Green brings readers a touching follow-up to her well-loved middle grade debut, Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles.
Macy McMillan feels like her life is falling apart. First her mom decides to get married, sells Macy’s childhood home and forces her to move in with her new stepfather and younger stepsisters. And now Macy’s gotten into a fight with Olivia, her best friend since transferring to Hamilton Elementary from Braeside School for the Deaf. If only Mr. Tanaka hadn’t assigned that dumb family tree project and Olivia hadn’t started asking about Macy’s dad. And to top it all off, Macy’s mother wants her to help their elderly neighbor, Iris, pack up her huge collection of books for her upcoming move. Iris doesn’t even know sign language, so how can Macy’s mom expect them to understand one another? But soon, through the sharing of handwritten notes, beloved books and message-sending cookies, Iris and Macy have developed a language—and a bond—all their own. This unlikely friendship may be just what Macy needs to make it through the trials ahead.
Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess is brimming with charm and plenty of references to other great books to appeal to the story lover in all of us. Written in verse—a format that serves to heighten the emotional potency of the novel—this heartfelt story shines with genuine hope and the promise that, no matter what challenges lie ahead of us, there is always a bright destination if we keep ourselves open to the unexpected people and opportunities that can help us get there.
