Deep Down Popular: A Wish Novel: A Wish Novel - Softcover

Phoebe Stone is the beloved and acclaimed author of several novels for middle grade, including The Romeo and Juliet Code, which was hailed by the Boston Globe as “quite simply the best novel for young readers . . . since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” She received four starred reviews for The Boy on Cinnamon Street, and another star for her novel Deep Down Popular. Booklist awarded a starred review to Romeo Blue, the follow-up to The Romeo and Juliet Code, calling it “compelling, and with plenty of heart and soul.” Phoebe and her husband live in Middlebury, Vermont.

DEEP DOWN POPULAR by Phoebe Stone is a beautifully written and
> evocative novel about the world and soul of Jessie Lou Ferguson, a sixth grade tomboy.
> Anyone who has felt the loneliness and despair of standing out in all
> the wrong ways as an emerging adolescent will empathize with Jessie
> Lou and take her to their hearts. The authoršs first entries into the
> field of intermediate fiction, ALL THE BLUE MOONS AT THE WALLACE HOTEL
> and SONATA #1 FOR RILEY RED were critically acclaimed coming-of-age
> stories. Casting an even wider net over that terrain, DEEP DOWN
> POPULAR showcases Stonešs ability to create a cast of vivid characters
> and layered themes: the ache and inner conflicts of first love, family
> relationships, the impact of change and the inner workings of a
> multi-generational family. Jessie Loušs colorful speech and keen
> observations keeps the narrative crackling with energy and insight:
> ŗIšm sitting back here steaming and stewing cause that girl is about
> as reliable as a rubber raft with a hole it it floating backwards down
> the Cabanash River.˛ And, what is it, exactly, that keeps Jessie Lou
> so exasperated? For one, therešs her sister, Melinda, the family
> princess who can do no wrong. Then, therešs Conrad Parker Smith, the
> once deep down popular classmate who begins paying attention to Jessie
> Lou. Is it because he now has a leg brace and is no longer as
> popular? And, will he still like her if he gets better and regains
> his popularity? The changing local economy also comes into play when
> a big box mall, complete with an enormous do-it-yourself department,
> threatens to close the local hardware store owned by her grandfatheršs
> best friend. Every member of this colorful cast of characters has a
> back story that contributes to the richness and texture of the
> narrative. When her otherwise perfect sister, Melinda, loses the
> beauty contest, Jessie Lou shows how superficial sibling rivalry is
> and how deep her own love runs: "I donšt know anymore what I think. I
> think the moon turned purple and fell out of the sky...I think the stars dropped from the universe and are clattering all over the roof above us sounding like rain...Everybody is smiling and acting normal, but nothing is normal." W. H.
> Auden could not have pronounced a personal sorrow with any more feeling.
> DEEP DOWN POPULAR happens to be presented to the world for ages 9 to
> 12 and has a 6th grade protagonist, but I believe it has a far wider
> audience because it addresses grand themes with great compassion,
> sparkling wit and superlative writing. Even though I have to admit I
> was tearing up a little by the last page I never wanted this wonderful story to end. --Review by Burgess Needle