By: Linda Sue Park
SUMMARY
Sylvia Firth - Children's Literature
Seventh-graders Julia and Patrick are fast friends who do almost everything together. After joining a new club they are determined to come up with an outstanding project that will enable them to win at least one blue ribbon at the state fair. Usually they have good ideas and work well together. But this time they face several hurdles and cannot seem to agree on a plan. Julia's mother's idea of raising silkworms is enthusiastically accepted by Patrick. Julia thinks it reflects only her Korean heritage and is not "American" enough. When Mr. Maxwell, their advisor, approves the concept, Julia reluctantly goes along even though she secretly keeps putting obstacles in the way of success. Soon Julia gets totally caught up in the project. Along the way she and Patrick learn a great deal about silkworms, friendship, patience and tolerance. A unique addition to the novel is conversation between the author and Julia. It appears as dialogue in between the chapters. This is a funny and well-written story that should appeal to middle schoolers. 2005, Clarion Books, Ages 9 to 13.
REVIEW
Some books have strong character development, and Project Mulberry is one of those books. As the silkwork project progresses, Julia goes from hating the worms, to loving them. She also goes from being uncomfortable with her Korean heritage to embracing it. I especially enjoyed the "conversations" between Julia and the author after most chapters. This was a writing technique that I had never seen before.
I found the relationship between Julia and Patrick to be realistic. Sometimes they would fight and other times they would agree. In the end, the project seemed to make their friendship stronger.
The ending was somewhat predictable, but I enjoyed it just the same. The kids continued their relationship with Mr. Dixon, the man who gavem them mulberry leaves for their silkworms. The silkworm project won Second Place at the fair and Julia's embroidery won Fourth Place. Despite not winning First Place, Julia and Patrick understand why other projects did.
I recommend this book to fifth grade through middle school readers.
RATING
4 Plot
5 Characters
5 Attention Grabbing
1 Girlie-Meter
3 Ending
18 TOTAL
4 STARS
Have fun reading!
Melina
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