Savvy

2009 Newbery Honor
Law, I. (2008). //Savvy.// New York, NY: Puffin Books.


 * Summary:** On their thirteenth birthdays, the Beaumont children get their "savvy," or magical power. Mibs cannot wait to find out what hers will be, but the festivities come to a screeching halt when her father is in an accident. Mibs, her siblings, and their neighbors go on a journey so that Mibs and her savvy can help.


 * Grade Level:** 4-7
 * Reading Level: 6**

4.1.4 Seek information for personal learning in a variety of formats and genres 4.1.7 Use social networks and information tools to gather and share information 4.3.1 Participate in the social exchange of ideas, both electronically and in person 4.3.2 Recognize that resources are created for a variety of purposes 4.3.3 Seek opportunities for pursuing personal and aesthetic growth 4.3.4 Practice safe and ethical behaviors in personal electronic communication and interaction
 * Standards for the 21st Century Learner:**
 * 4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth**


 * Booklist Review 2008: (from Mackin)**
 * Starred Review* Upon turning 13, each member of the Beaumont family develops a supernatural ability, or savvy, which must then be tamed. Well aware of the problems savvys can bring (the family had to relocate when one child had difficulty controlling his storm-producing savvy), 12-year-old Mississippi (Mibs) awaits her birthday eagerly but with a bit of trepidation. Then Poppa is seriously injured in an accident far away, and Momma goes to his side, leaving Mibs and the rest of the family to cope with Mibs' 13th birthday on their own. Initially believing that her savvy is the ability to restore life, Mibs sets her course for Poppa. Joined by her brothers and the local preacher's kids, she sweet talks her way onto a traveling Bible salesman's bus. On the journey, however, Mibs realizes her savvy isn't what she thought, which opens the way for a number of lively adventures both geographic and emotional. Law's storytelling is rollicking, her language imaginative, and her entire cast of whacky, yet believable characters delightful. Readers will want more from Law; her first book is both wholly engaging and lots of fun.--Goldsmith, Francisca