This book was sort of... meh. It was okay, even good at some parts, but I found it downright depressing. I mean, a girl with almost no friends? Come on. Everybody has at least a few. And even if you don't, moping around isn't going to get you any more. Also, I find divorce stories very depressing and sad. The mom in this book just cries all the time. I don't mean to be harsh, but get a life! Parts of this book are worth reading, but mostly, it was terrible.

How I Saved My Father's Life (and Ruined Everything Else)
By Ann Hood
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 4 - 8 | Grades 3 - 5 | n/a | 5 | 42130 |
Twelve-year-old Madeline believes she can perform miracles. And her biggest one to date is saving her father from an avalanche. But, unmiraculously, he divorces Madeline's mother after his recovery, writes a book about the avalanche, becomes a celebrity, and marries Ava Pomme, a renowned tart maker.
When he leaves, Madeline is left with her mother, who is slowly coming undone; her hypochondriac little brother, who spends his days worrying about air-bag safety; a house that is falling apart around her; and no clue how to perform the miracle that will fix it all.
Amidst ballet lessons, insufferable recipe experiments for her mother's Family magazine column, and a life-changing trip to Italy, Madeline learns the true meaning of faith and family in this moving novel by acclaimed author Ann Hood.
When he leaves, Madeline is left with her mother, who is slowly coming undone; her hypochondriac little brother, who spends his days worrying about air-bag safety; a house that is falling apart around her; and no clue how to perform the miracle that will fix it all.
Amidst ballet lessons, insufferable recipe experiments for her mother's Family magazine column, and a life-changing trip to Italy, Madeline learns the true meaning of faith and family in this moving novel by acclaimed author Ann Hood.
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN-13: 9780439928199
ISBN-10: 0439928192
Published on 3/1/2008
Binding: Hardcover
Number of pages: 224