October 2023

Positively Izzy by Terri Libenson

From now until the year's end, the IW Book Club has set its sights on a selection of children's books designed to introduce young girls to powerful female characters.

Our first choice is "Positively Izzy," authored by Terri Libenson.

Izzy and Bri's narratives unfold along parallel tracks, cleverly distinguished by distinct typography and styles, ensuring a seamless reading experience. The book masterfully portrays the struggles of middle schoolers torn between embracing their true selves and avoiding disappointing their families. It's a delightful and easily digestible novel, with moments that had me bursting into laughter.

While the stories are brimming with humour and captivating illustrations, the revelation of how the two girls' lives intersect left me initially perplexed. It wasn't until the very last page of the book that the connection between Izzy and Bri became clear. Intrigued, I promptly revisited the tale and discovered subtle hints I had overlooked during the initial reading. This second reading, armed with the knowledge of the twist, was a vastly more enjoyable experience.

In summary, this engaging story offers unexpected depth and is definitely deserving of a closer examination. This book is recommended for readers aged 8 to 12.

This book is recommended for readers aged 8 to 12.