It's time to get my rear back in gear and review some more books. I just finished Neil Armstrong is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me, a cute yet meaningful story about a girl named Tamara who is odds with "Muscle Man" McGinty, a foster child who moved in with one of her neighbors, Mrs. Kutchner. Tamara's best friend Kebsie, also a foster child, had been living with Mrs. Kutchner and moves away suddenly without saying goodbye to Tamara. Tamara feels betrayed and lonely and simply will not give "Muscle Man" a break. In fact, Tamara, not the most tactful character I've ever met (sometimes I felt like she was being such a spoiled brat), believes everything he says is a lie. When he claims he can beat the neighborhood kids at a game of kickball, Tammy holds him to it - even when the score is 43-0 and the other kids would like to go back to regular teams. However, certain events within the neighborhood force Tammy to focus on someone other than herself, allowing her a chance to grow up the summer before her 6th grade year. I chose to purchase the book from Scholastic based on the description but now realize that - though it is a quick, enjoyable read - it might be a little "young" for my 7th graders. Still, it held my attention and gave me some insight into life during the summer of '69. Students may like to learn more about some of the events mentioned: the Neil Armstrong, the moon walk, and the Vietnam War.
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