FlumeAward – Cashing In Comment Page for "Cashing In"
Danielle/Chesley Memorial, Northwood – Though pretty much a "girl book," Cashing In could appeal to boys, if they can get past the cover. I must say that the cover really doesn’t go with the story at all. The cover shows the bottom half of a very girly-girl, and Reggie, the main character is not girly at all. The main feature of the story is something that all kids think about – winning the lottery, but it also shows that winning isn’t always as good as you think. The main character also isn’t one who has everything- she has to work and help support her family, while trying to decide if she should continue school or drop out. Something I think many kids could relate to in this economy. It also accurately relates to how much kids have going on. Reggie has a ton of projects going on, and as we all know- kids have a ton going on. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It isn’t the usual "chick-lit" and everything isn’t wrapped neatly up with a bow at the end.
I agree with Danielle that this is not a light girly read. The characters are well fleshed out and the tension builds through the book until several lines of plot are resolved or not. The main character fights with herself over being a pushover and not wanting confrontations, as well as always second guessing other people’s intentions. There is so much here for readers. I also don’t like the cover because the two male characters are more than just filler, and this wouldn’t encourage a male readership. I thought the girl on the cover represented the blackmailing cousin who was easy to hate but doesn’t belong front and center. I would like to see this on the final list. Chris Tarrio, Stephenson ML, Greenfield
I absolutely agree. I would like to see it on the list. Unfortunately, I think the cover will limit it in the same way Waves has been limited by its appearance.
Sally Nelson – Leach Library, Londonderry