Piper Reed - Navy Brat

By Kimberly Willis Holt
Illustrated by Christine Davenier

Summary: As the name suggests, Piper Reed is the daughter of a sailor in the Navy. When Piper gets the news that her father (she calls him Chief) is being reassigned to Pensacola, Florida, she and her sister, Tori, are not happy. But true to Piper's fun-loving nature, she tries not to dwell on the bad and looks at the move as an adventure. Still, Pensacola is a long way from San Diego where Piper happily enjoys life with her Gypsy Club friends and her cool tree house. Piper Reed - Navy Brat chronicles Piper's experiences in a new place from her own point of view as she tries to rebuild the life she had in San Diego.

Review: Piper Reed - Navy Brat is filled with lots of little plots that never go anywhere. It lacks a central plot, which is a shame because the author has so much to work with (new kid in a new school, parent deploying, making friends....). The military angle is detailed with authentic depictions of what it's like to make a military move (accidentally packing something important, leaving the grocery store with two carts of food because, as Piper's mom says, "It takes a lot of food when you are starting from scratch."). To be fair, Piper Reed - Navy Brat was selected as a Sunshine State Young Reader's Award book, which is based on reader's votes. So, many kids have apparently enjoyed this book despite it's undeveloped plot. I think readers deserved more, however. Recommended reading age: 8-11.

Profanity:
None

Inappropriate References:
None

Inappropriate Behavior:
Impersonating a gypsy
Lying to friends
Dog pees on Piper

Parental Concern Rating:
1

1 (Little to worry about) to 5 (A lot to worry about)