Book review: Deza of 'Bud, Not Buddy,' gets tale of her own
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"The Mighty Miss Malone" by Christopher Paul Curtis.
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Deza Malone is a smart, strong and savvy 12-year-old growing up in Gary, Ind., during the Great Depression, and she has amazing things to share. This strong female character shines gloriously in "The Mighty Miss Malone" (Random House Children's Books, $15.99, ages 9-12), written by Christopher Paul Curtis.
Readers became briefly acquainted with Deza in Mr. Curtis' Newbery Medal winner, "Bud, Not Buddy" (Delacorte, $16.95, ages 9-12). Bud met her in Hooverville, where she gave him some good advice and his first kiss.
As in Mr. Curtis' earlier work, the author makes his characters and their setting come alive. Deza is a part of a loving family. Even though the Great Depression weighs heavily on them and unkindness and bigotry surround them, they remain strong and hopeful.
The family shares dinner-time conversations filled with harmonious alliterations. Her handsome, engaging father, who is a storyteller at heart, calls her his "Darling Daughter Deza," and she replies with "Dearest Delightful Daddy."
Her beautiful "Marvelous Mammalian Matriarch" always demonstrates determination and fortitude when it comes to keeping her family safe and united. Jimmy, or "Jimmy the Genuine" to his family, is well-known in his community for his beautiful singing voice and stage presence.
Unfortunately, Jimmy has also stopped growing. And at 17, being shorter than your baby sister invites the worst kind of bullying.
When Deza steps in to defend Jimmy and beats up the neighborhood bully, it takes a very loving brother to see beyond this embarrassing moment to understand Deza's good intentions and steadfast love.
In "The Mighty Miss Malone," Deza's story begins as the school year is ending and the summer of 1936 is beckoning full of adventure and promise. She and her best friend Clarice are like "two girls sharing one heart," anticipating their summer adventures.
Mr. Curtis has created a character in Deza, who like himself, has a passion and talent for the written word. He blends humor and the dramatic flair of a 12-year-old girl in Deza's writing. She loves telling her stories with the help of her beloved dictionary and thesaurus.
Her teacher, Mrs. Needham, tells her, "you are the richest person I have ever had the honor of teaching." It is a testament to the prejudice faced by African-Americans in Deza's world that she is shocked by Mrs. Needham's kindness.
Mrs. Needham gives her a pair of patent leather shoes and a "soft blue gingham dress." She offers to tutor Deza in the fall and wants to arrange for her to see a dentist.
First Published January 3, 2012 12:00 am
