Judy Moody declares independence

Review by Booklist Review

Gr. 2-4. Judy Moody's family vacation to historical Boston prompts an epiphany: If the founding fathers didn't want some grumpy old king to be the boss of them, why should Judy put up with dictatorial parents? Back at home she campaigns for her alien rights, among them a higher allowance and freedom from brushing her hair. Staging a bathtub Boston Tea Party backfires, but shortly after Judy learns about Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington--Paul Revere's female counterpart--she finds herself instinctively performing a gutsy act that earns her parents' trust. A subplot involving a British acquaintance seems mostly a vehicle for humorous misinterpretations of slang (Judy assumes two pounds of allowance means a very heavy load of money), and not all the factual references are fully explained. But Judy's petitioning for parental concessions will spark recognition in many readers, and in both McDonald's charismatic narrative and Reynolds' line drawings the characterization of a dauntless, endearingly notional third-grader is as spot-on as ever. --Jennifer Mattson Copyright 2005 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Favorite characters and unfolding plot lines will draw kids into a host of summer titles. Celebrating the 4th of July, Judy Moody Declares Independence by Megan McDonald, illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. Where else to set a tale about our nation's beginnings than in "Bean Town... the Cradle of Liberty, Birthplace of Ben Famous Franklin and Paul Revere.... `Boston rules,' " says Judy. Fans get a history lesson delivered with humor, as Judy petitions for her own freedoms-such as more allowance. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 2-4-Judy Moody and her family follow the Freedom Trail in Boston and learn cool facts about the American Revolution in this novel by Megan McDonald (Candlewick, 2005). Judy has a great time and makes friends with a girl from England. Judy wants more freedoms like her new friend, so when she gets home she writes her own Declaration of Independence, insisting on certain "alien rights" like more allowance and getting to stay up later. Her parent's won't go along with it, so Judy tries to show that she is more grown up and responsible by doing her chores and being nice to her brother, Stink. When that doesn't work, she has her own Boston Tea Party in the bathtub which only results in a mess and more trouble. Stink falls asleep on the school bus and Judy makes a heroic bike ride to rescue him. Her parents are finally convinced that she has earned a little more freedom. Actress Kate Forbes narrates all the characters' voices with humor, giving them distinct personalities. Youngsters will enjoy Judy's exploits and her quest for the "purse of happiness" while they learn a little bit about the American Revolution along the way.-Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by Horn Book Review

After a trip to Boston's Freedom Trail, Judy proclaims her own independence; meanwhile, her parents question her maturity and Judy struggles to prove she's responsible. When her brother Stink forgets to get off the bus, Judy's quick thinking saves him and earns her the increased freedom she wants. The comical, fast-paced story includes bits of Revolutionary War history. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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When Judy got home, she dragged her tote bag upstairs to her room. Thwump, thwump, thwump. She dragged her backpack, her blanket, her pillow, and her sock monkey. And her stuff from the gift shop. She shut the door and climbed up into her secret hideaway (her top bunk). She, Judy Moody, was supposed to be writing her makeup book report, as in not waiting till the very, very last minute. Instead, she declared freedom from homework. Then she, Judy Moody, had an idea. A freedom idea. A John Hancock idea. A Declaration of Independence idea. She did not even stop to call Rocky and tell him about the Boston Tea Party Ship and the Giant Milk Bottle that sold star-spangled bananas. She did not even stop to call Frank and tell him about Mother Goose's grave and the musical toilet. That could wait till tomorrow. But some things could not wait. Judy gazed in awe at the copy of the Declaration of Independence she'd gotten in Boston. It was on old-timey brown paper with burned edges that looked like tea had been spilled on it. Judy squinted to try to read the fancy-schmancy handwriting. When in the bones of human events . . . blah blah blah . . . we hold these truths . . . more blah blah . . . alien rights . . . Life, Liberty, and the Purse of Happiness. She, Judy Moody, would hereby, this day, make the Judy Moody Declaration of Independence. With alien rights and her own Purse of Happiness and everything. _____________________ JUDY MOODY DECLARES INDEPENDENCE by Megan McDonald. Copyright (c) 2005 by Megan McDonald. Published by Candlewick Press, Inc., Cambridge, MA. Excerpted from Judy Moody Declares Independence by Megan McDonald All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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