StandTallMollyLouMelon

Lovell, P. (2001). //Stand tall, Molly Lou Melon.// New York, NY: Putnam Publishing.

Molly Lou is an extremely unique little girl. She is the same size as her dog, has large buckteeth, sounds like a bullfrog, and was very clumsy. Despite these differences, Molly Lou’s grandmother gives her advice to believe in herself. When her family moves to a new town, Molly Lou is given the opportunity to see her grandmother’s advice in action.
 * Summary:**

** Grade Level: ** K-3 ** Reading Level: ** 3.5   ** Curriculum Connections: **  //Stand Tall, Molly Lou Mellon// provides a wonderful platform to teach the story elements problem and solution. Molly Lou Melon’s problem within the story is extremely clear, just as her solution is. This text provides an example of a problem and resolution in a story that young children should easily grasp. This book would also be great to teach the reading strategy connecting/schema. A discussion about personal connections to being bullied and persevering and believing in who you are would be great for students to be able to open up and talk about their experiences. Spunky Molly Lou Melon isn't going to let anything get in her way, including the fact that she is short, clutzy, buck-toothed, and has a voice like a frog. Newcomer Lovell's heroine follows her grandmother's sage wisdom to walk proudly, smile big, sing out, and believe in herself. And Molly has never needed that advice more than when her family moves. At her new school, Molly immediately becomes the target of Ronald Durkin, the bully. But leave it to Molly to transform all her "faults" into marvelous talents that get the best of Ronald Durkin, as hilariously illustrated by Catrow (Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, p. 499, etc.). His pictures fill the pages with wild perspectives, goofy-looking kids, and hilarious details. Readers will have no trouble imagining themselves a part of the action, and Lovell makes it easy for children to chime in with several repetitive phrases. Even if Molly Lou Melon's tale is a little too good to be true, she leaves readers with the feeling that anything can be accomplished if you are the best person you can be and make the most of your gifts.
 * Kirkus Review 2001: (from Mackin) **