Book Review: The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt
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What Parents Should Know
The biggest thing to talk about here is they way these
people treat each other -- their love and kindness, acceptance
of eccentricity, the blithe way they romp through life. Is it
possible for people to be like this?
Common Sense Media Review
MacLachlan's stories are a rarity in today's children's
books; simple, gentle tales of children who manage to be
reasonably nice kids without being insipid.
Minna Pratt is a amazingly delightful book, a book
that makes you smile all through it, a book that makes you want
to know all of the characters in real life.
MacLachlan doesn't seem to believe in villains, and her books, especially this one, will make you wonder why anyone ever thought they were necessary. In the world of Minna Pratt, people can be good and kind and thoughtful and still, amazingly, likable and real and fascinating. The book is wonderful for all children who can enjoy a story without a lot of action and adventure, but for budding musicians it will be a special treat.
From the Book:
Next to Minna, leaning against the seat, is her cello in
its zippered canvas case. Next to her cello is her younger
brother, McGrew, who is humming. McGrew always hums. Sometimes
he hums sentences, though most often it comes out like singing.
McGrew's teachers do not enjoy McGrew answering questions in
hums or song. Neither does the school principal, Mr. Ripley.
McGrew spends lots of time sitting on the bench outside Mr.
Ripley's office, humming.
Minna smiles at her brother. He is small and stocky and compact like a suitcase. Minna loves him. McGrew always tells the truth, even when he shouldn't. He is kind. And he lends Minna money from the coffee jar he keeps beneath his mattress.
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