As part of my job, I read a lot of children’s books. And every now and then I stumble across one that is really special. Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan is one of those books.
Julia Marks is very small for her age. But don’t ever call her ‘short’. She prefers ‘not tall’. Still grieving over the death of her beloved dog, Ramon, Julia’s plans for the long summer holidays include not worrying about her height and trying to get over Ramon’s death. They most definitely don’t include playing a part in a production of The Wizard of Oz.
But Julia goes along to auditions because her younger brother Randy is auditioning and is surprised when they are both cast as Munchkins. So begins the best summer of Julia’s life.
Julia makes friends with adults of all ages and proves herself to be an indispensable Munchkin and an invaluable part of the team in the production. Thanks to Julia, the Munchkins and winged monkeys have the most fabulous costumes. Throwing herself into the play, Julia even starts to ease up on grieving for Ramon.
Written entirely from Julia’s point of view, including her sometimes random thoughts, this is a fantastic book about growing up and finding yourself. It might be a cliche, but Julia eventually learns that, although she’s small on the outside, she’s big on the inside and that’s where it really matters.
I cannot sing the praises of Short enough. It is so warm, funny and likeable and I can’t wait to share it with my daughter once she’s finished reading a really boring Dork Diaries book! This is a great read for older tweens and younger teenagers.
April 7, 2017
Ooh sounds great, thanks for the recommendation Sarah! Will go hunt it out in Waterstones and see if my daughter likes look of it. Be a good end of term present. x
April 7, 2017
It’s brilliant! I can’t sing its praises enough. I’ve just started reading it with my daughter, who is always reluctant to try new things, but she is starting to enjoy it. Let me know what you think!
April 7, 2017
I’m always on the lookout for another book for my daughter as she reads so many. I’ll to see if we can find this in the bookshop over the Easter holidays.
April 8, 2017
I’m sure she will love it! We had to order it in at our bookshop, but it only took a couple of days to arrive.
April 7, 2017
Ah what a great recommendation. I like the fact that by that age they can start to get into some really inspirational books I’ll be glad to see the back of Biff and Chip!
Nat.x
April 8, 2017
I think all parents are glad to see the back of Biff and Chip! At least you can read better books than to your girls, even if that’s all Libby can read to you! x
April 8, 2017
I love that she likes being referred to as “not tall” 🙂 and it sounds like one to have on the list for when Z is a bit older!
April 8, 2017
It’s such a good book! She refuses to say the word ‘short’ 🙂
April 8, 2017
This sounds like a lovely story, Isaac struggles with being the smallest in his class so will have to get him to read this
April 8, 2017
He would probably enjoy it (if he doesn’t object to female lead characters as some boys do), especially as *spoiler alert* she finds out during the book that she has delayed growth and will actually reach a norma height in adulthood.
April 13, 2017
Oh that sounds good, my kids are ‘not tall’ so I might get it for them to read 😉
April 14, 2017
It is such a good book! I’m now halfway through reading it with my daughter and I’m pleased to say she is loving it as much as I did 🙂
May 15, 2017
Oh I love the sound of this, being short myself I already feel as though I relate to it! Thanks for sharing with #readwithme
May 17, 2017
It’s a brilliant book! Definitely one your eldest would enjoy. I didn’t realise you were ‘not tall’!
May 15, 2017
I’m always on the lookout for books for Kaycee. She’s an avid reader and I love buying her new books. This sounds like one she’d enjoy 🙂
May 17, 2017
I’m sure she would. We absolutely loved it! 🙂
May 15, 2017
Sounds a nice book, with a good theme #readwithme
May 17, 2017
It’s a fantastic book with so much warmth and humour.
May 16, 2017
I love the sound of this book! It would have been right up my street when I was younger as I was most definitely not tall! #readwithme
May 17, 2017
Ha ha, I’m sure anyone who was ‘not tall’ would love it. And even people who are tall, it’s a fantastic book.
May 16, 2017
This sounds like a fabulous book. I may buy it for my mum who may appreciate it as she’s 5ft1 😉 #readwithme
May 17, 2017
Ha ha, I’m sure she’d love it! I can’t sing its praises enough.
May 17, 2017
My daughter loves The Wizard of Oz so this would be a great book for her when she’s older :o)
#ReadWithMe
May 17, 2017
It would definitely be worth a read. My daughter isn’t so familiar with the Wizard of Oz, but has been in two professional pantos, so could relate to the story revolving so much around the theatre.