Switcher

Diane Mayer Christiansen
Helm Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780980178036
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (10/08)

 

In this witty tale, Diane Mayer Christiansen, lets the reader know that it is indeed okay to be different.  In fact, everyone is different in their very own way.

During the daytime, Samantha Schmealy is a normal little girl who spends her days playing alone as the closest neighbor is a mile away.  As night comes, she wanders about the house and the woods, often visiting the neighbors….as a cat.  One evening after roaming about, she returns home and is discovered by her parents.  From this point on her world is torn upside-down and inside-out.  She is quickly whisked off to the St. Levitius to begin her “readjustment.”  While there she learns she is not alone, that individuality is alright.  The story twists and turns, keeping you drawn in.  With a visit from the kindly neighbor, Samantha learns her life is not as it seems and thus begins her journey to find herself, as different as she may be. 

Greatly recommended, this book teaches a much-needed character lesson in the form of an eccentric tale of a girl who is a cat.  With creative characters and lots of action, it is a sure bet for the entire family.  In fact, “Switcher” is going to be the very next book my family of six read aloud together.  For her first book, Diane Mayer Christiansen has hit a home run!

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