The Melting of Maggie Bean by Tricia Rayburn

Audience: 9 and up

Rating: B+

Synopsis:

Things haven’t been going well for Maggie Bean lately. Her dad doesn’t have a job and money’s tight. The only things that bring her relief are micromanaging her schedule on her laptop and chocolate. But all that chocolate is bringing her new problems, in the form of clothing that doesn’t fit, weekly meetings at humiliating Pound Patrollers, and increased self-doubt. So when her best friend Aimee suggest that the two of them try out for the Water Wings, the elite synchronized swim team, Maggie’s not so confident. Can Maggie conquer her fears, the chocolate, the scale, and the swimsuit and show everyone what she’s made of?

Chatter:

(Spoiler Alerts! ) I liked this book; it reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones Diary, but for a younger audience. Maggie seemed like a realistic character, and who can’t empathize with her wanting to fix a bad day with a candy bar. Of course, one snickers is good… a whole bag… that’s where Maggie’s problems begin.

I liked how Maggie had to fix her problems by herself. She wasn’t going to let her parents push her into it, or Pound Patrollers, or even well-intentioned Aimee; Maggie had to get herself together when she was ready and in her own way. Of course, her way ended up being a dangerous combination of not-eating and over exercise, but eventually Maggie seemed to be able to strike a balance and find a method that worked for her.

One bit of a problem I had with this book is that the characters are supposed to be seventh graders, but they don’t really act like it. They all seem older. Also, if they don’t have their licenses, how are they getting to all of these places, like the out-of-the-way lake house, without their parents? After Maggie passes out and Peter rescues her, Arnie shows up (with dinner), but how did he get there? How did all of them get from the country club to the lake house? And won’t the parents eventually notice that they’re gone? Did anyone else wonder about this?

As for Julia and Anabel, didn’t you just hate them? Julia especially. It makes you wonder why she goes out of her way to be so cruel to Maggie. Could it be because despite her perfect body and popular image, Peter prefers to hang out with Maggie? Or is she just selfish and mean? Does Julia finally get what’s coming to her? (and does Maggie care that she’s not on the Water Wings?)

Hopefully some of these questions will be answered in May when the Rayburn’s sequel Maggie Bean Stays Afloat is published. You can pre-order the book from Amazon now.

Questions:

Is Maggie a better match with Peter or Arnie?

Should Maggie have chosen to join the swim team or the Water Wings?

Should Aimee have joined the Water Wings after the way they treated Maggie?

Keep reading!

-Paige

Buy The Melting of Maggie Bean from Amazon