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Savvy #1
Savvy
For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a magical secret. They each possess a "savvy" -a special supernatural power that strikes when they turn thirteen. Grandpa Bomba moves mountains, her older brothers create hurricanes and spark electricity . . . and now it's the eve of Mibs's big day.
As if waiting weren't hard enough, the family gets scary news two days before Mibs's birthday: Poppa has been in a terrible accident. Mibs develops the singular mission to get to the hospital and prove that her new power can save her dad. So she sneaks onto a salesman's bus . . . only to find the bus heading in the opposite direction. Suddenly Mibs finds herself on an unforgettable odyssey that will force her to make sense of growing up-and of other people, who might also have a few secrets hidden just beneath the skin.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,199 reviews
December 16, 2013
The book Savvy by Ingrid Law is a fantastic fantasy novel.It's about a girl named Mibs who is turning thirteen, and in her family, turning into a teenager means that she will receive her special ability called a Savvy. It's a great novel filled with a bunch of fun adventures.
In the book Savvy Mibs lives between Nebraska and Kansas, she is no ordinary girl. In her family at the age of thirteen everybody gets their Savvy. On her older brothers thirteenth birthday his savvy was to control electricity, and her other brother named Fish, is able to control the weather. Everybody in her family seems to have a Savvy except her dad, but her thirteenth birthday is coming soon and she is very excited about her Savvy. What will Mibs's Savvy be? Will she be strong enough?
Ingrid Law is mind blowing! She's a great storyteller. Her characters are very delightful and Interesting. Ingrid Law handled this story perfectly,there were so many twist's in this story and great imagery.I could NOT put this books down, it was mesmerizing . In the end this book left you wanting more! The message of this book is, don't be in a hurry to grow up.I agree with this because, us as young students can't wait to get out of school, but we should stop trying to grow so fast and enjoy being young. We should just enjoy the little fun things before we have to grow up get jobs and pay bills, that's no fun!
In conclusion this book really interested me, and raised multiple questions in my mind, such as "What would my Savvy be?" and "Would my Savvy be life changing?" I would really recommend this book to elementary students and above. This book will change your perspective on how you view life as a young child, and maybe you'll end up having a great journey along the way.
In the book Savvy Mibs lives between Nebraska and Kansas, she is no ordinary girl. In her family at the age of thirteen everybody gets their Savvy. On her older brothers thirteenth birthday his savvy was to control electricity, and her other brother named Fish, is able to control the weather. Everybody in her family seems to have a Savvy except her dad, but her thirteenth birthday is coming soon and she is very excited about her Savvy. What will Mibs's Savvy be? Will she be strong enough?
Ingrid Law is mind blowing! She's a great storyteller. Her characters are very delightful and Interesting. Ingrid Law handled this story perfectly,there were so many twist's in this story and great imagery.I could NOT put this books down, it was mesmerizing . In the end this book left you wanting more! The message of this book is, don't be in a hurry to grow up.I agree with this because, us as young students can't wait to get out of school, but we should stop trying to grow so fast and enjoy being young. We should just enjoy the little fun things before we have to grow up get jobs and pay bills, that's no fun!
In conclusion this book really interested me, and raised multiple questions in my mind, such as "What would my Savvy be?" and "Would my Savvy be life changing?" I would really recommend this book to elementary students and above. This book will change your perspective on how you view life as a young child, and maybe you'll end up having a great journey along the way.
December 14, 2008
Meh. I wanted to like Savvy, but it felt manipulative and overwritten to me... the same vibe I got from The Underneath and The Higher Power of Lucky. This one, not surprisingly, is a Newbery contender as well. A florid style, faux vernacular, and over-the-top alliteration (and cutesy vocabulary) does not equal literary merit! I felt like it lacked both strength and authenticity.
The story itself could have stood on its own, and with a different writing style I might have enjoyed it. I like stories of adolescents coming into a hereditary talent or power, though that's hardly an original idea. And I enjoy stories with strong families. But the bulky writing had me rolling my eyes the whole time, keeping me from enjoying the potentially exciting plot.
I can't think of a single child I can give this to. I can think of some parents who might luxuriate in it as a read-aloud, and children perhaps enjoying it that way.
I've heard only good reviews of this, though, and from friends and colleagues I greatly respect -- so my dislike of it is probably a matter of taste.
The story itself could have stood on its own, and with a different writing style I might have enjoyed it. I like stories of adolescents coming into a hereditary talent or power, though that's hardly an original idea. And I enjoy stories with strong families. But the bulky writing had me rolling my eyes the whole time, keeping me from enjoying the potentially exciting plot.
I can't think of a single child I can give this to. I can think of some parents who might luxuriate in it as a read-aloud, and children perhaps enjoying it that way.
I've heard only good reviews of this, though, and from friends and colleagues I greatly respect -- so my dislike of it is probably a matter of taste.
July 24, 2017
یه فانتزی دلنشین با شخصیت هایی دوست داشتنی.
داستانی آموزنده برای بچه ها. فكر كنم تمام خواننده های هفت الی چهارده ساله از این كتاب لذت ببرن و كسانی هم كه دلشون برای كودكی و نوجوانی تنگ شده، از خواندن ماجراهای میبز و برادرهاش خسته نشن. از دغدغه های بچه ها، راه حل هاشون برای مشكلات، احساساتشون، دعاهاشون :))
شاید ایرادی كه بشه از این كتاب گرفت این باشه كه خطرات موجود در جهان بیرون رو اصلا نشون نمیده و شاید به صورت ناخودآگاه، بچه ها رو به داشتن اعتماد بی چون و چرا به غریبه ها تشویق كنه. گرچه نحوه ی برخورد بچه ها در واقعیت همینه، اونا اعتماد میكنن، اونا به بزرگسال ها پناه میبرن هر چقدر هم خطرات بیرونی بهشون گوشزد شده باشه. بنابراین به جای اینكه دنیایی سیاه براشون تصویر بشه كه همه توش بدطینت و دزد و خلافكارن ؛ خوبه بدونن ادم های خوش قلب هم توی دنیا هستن. بنابراین توصیه من اینه كه اگه این كتاب رو به كوچولویی دادین یا براش خوندین، حتما براش توضیح بدین كه با وجود اینكه ادم های خوب زیادن اما اونا نباد هرگز سوار ماشین غریبه ها بشن یا با اونا جایی برن.
داستانی آموزنده برای بچه ها. فكر كنم تمام خواننده های هفت الی چهارده ساله از این كتاب لذت ببرن و كسانی هم كه دلشون برای كودكی و نوجوانی تنگ شده، از خواندن ماجراهای میبز و برادرهاش خسته نشن. از دغدغه های بچه ها، راه حل هاشون برای مشكلات، احساساتشون، دعاهاشون :))
شاید ایرادی كه بشه از این كتاب گرفت این باشه كه خطرات موجود در جهان بیرون رو اصلا نشون نمیده و شاید به صورت ناخودآگاه، بچه ها رو به داشتن اعتماد بی چون و چرا به غریبه ها تشویق كنه. گرچه نحوه ی برخورد بچه ها در واقعیت همینه، اونا اعتماد میكنن، اونا به بزرگسال ها پناه میبرن هر چقدر هم خطرات بیرونی بهشون گوشزد شده باشه. بنابراین به جای اینكه دنیایی سیاه براشون تصویر بشه كه همه توش بدطینت و دزد و خلافكارن ؛ خوبه بدونن ادم های خوش قلب هم توی دنیا هستن. بنابراین توصیه من اینه كه اگه این كتاب رو به كوچولویی دادین یا براش خوندین، حتما براش توضیح بدین كه با وجود اینكه ادم های خوب زیادن اما اونا نباد هرگز سوار ماشین غریبه ها بشن یا با اونا جایی برن.
July 2, 2012
Kids, please don't hitchhike aboard a stranger's bus...
I actually had to look up the criteria for a Newberry Medal after reading this. Even as an "honor" medal, I couldn't believe that it deserved the title of "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." But I guess that's not really up to me, it's up to 15 people to decide.
But...if it were up to me, this book would probably get a medal for "best concoction of invented and real words...without saying much." I fully admit that it's unique prose caught my eye in the beginning but after a while the story was so full of word fluff that when digging around for the story, I realized there wasn't very much there.
Word Fluff:
I appreciate beautiful prose but it just got to be too much. Much of the prose sounded like this:
"...next to the pushing-pulling waves."
"...broody Samson was a dark and shadowy seven..."
"...my palms burned like fire from all of the hurt just under the skin."
"Girls only get quiet, polite savvies--sugar and spice and everything humdrum savvies."
...etc. etc. etc.
Now, don't get me wrong. I fully enjoy adjective-saturated imagery...but when the focus is more on the word usage than on the plot, I begin to wonder what was the point of the story in the first place?
Plot:
In case you're wondering, the plot basically goes like this:
The End.
Obviously, the message here is one we've heard over and over again. Mibs, who is somewhat of a social outcast, is initially disappointed in her ability (i.e., Savvy) but ends up appreciating it, and through her adventure she develops friendships with other kids. Unfortunately, there is nothing awe-inspiring of this message. And for an honor book, I expected to be blown away.
Instead, all I could think about was:
1) Why would a group of teenagers along with a 7-year-old go hide in the back of school bus with a stranger driver. Did they not consider that their parents would be frightened to death by their disappearance? Furthermore, couldn't one of the townsfolk or even her Grandpa drive them to Salina to be with her dad? (Oh, but then we wouldn't have a story now would we?) And couldn't Mibs have told her Grandpa or left a note before they drove off?
2) Then when the bus driver, Lester, finally discovers them, does he insist on calling their parents? Is he the responsible adult he should be? Oh no, he lets them stay on the bus while he continues making his deliveries.
3) When the bus happens upon a broken down car with a lady (Lill) waiting by the side of the road, Lill decides to join them on the bus...because that's just what you should do when your car breaks down...climb aboard a bus of full of kids with a strange man. (Btw kids, it's really okay to hitchhike because it's a pink Bible Bus.)
4) But Lill is more of a responsible adult because she makes them call their parents...but isn't clever enough to know that the kids trick her by not really calling their parents. (And would any parent that had missing kids tell Lill to just wait until the next day to bring them home?)
5) And when the kids were finally found, when would a police officer ever say this: "I know how easy it is to make wrong choices and end up in difficult situations, but things don't always turn out badly. There will be consequences, of course, but no one got hurt, and no hurt was meant. So, as far as I know, no one's pressing any charges against those folks out there. [Lester] and [Lill] may have made some ill-advised decisions, but they did do a good job of looking after you and keeping you all safe."
6) So I guess the real message here would be: "Kids, if you make really bad choices, but nothing bad comes out of it, it's okay then."
I still can't believe this is what is considered a contribution to children's literature. If you are interested in a Newberry Medal read, there are much better choices out there: try Holes or A Wrinkle in Time or The Giver.
Should you read? Sorry but I have to say, "Skip it."
For this review and more check out: Little Zombies: Book Reviews for Sleepless Children.
I actually had to look up the criteria for a Newberry Medal after reading this. Even as an "honor" medal, I couldn't believe that it deserved the title of "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." But I guess that's not really up to me, it's up to 15 people to decide.
But...if it were up to me, this book would probably get a medal for "best concoction of invented and real words...without saying much." I fully admit that it's unique prose caught my eye in the beginning but after a while the story was so full of word fluff that when digging around for the story, I realized there wasn't very much there.
Word Fluff:
I appreciate beautiful prose but it just got to be too much. Much of the prose sounded like this:
"...next to the pushing-pulling waves."
"...broody Samson was a dark and shadowy seven..."
"...my palms burned like fire from all of the hurt just under the skin."
"Girls only get quiet, polite savvies--sugar and spice and everything humdrum savvies."
...etc. etc. etc.
Now, don't get me wrong. I fully enjoy adjective-saturated imagery...but when the focus is more on the word usage than on the plot, I begin to wonder what was the point of the story in the first place?
Plot:
In case you're wondering, the plot basically goes like this:
The End.
Obviously, the message here is one we've heard over and over again. Mibs, who is somewhat of a social outcast, is initially disappointed in her ability (i.e., Savvy) but ends up appreciating it, and through her adventure she develops friendships with other kids. Unfortunately, there is nothing awe-inspiring of this message. And for an honor book, I expected to be blown away.
Instead, all I could think about was:
1) Why would a group of teenagers along with a 7-year-old go hide in the back of school bus with a stranger driver. Did they not consider that their parents would be frightened to death by their disappearance? Furthermore, couldn't one of the townsfolk or even her Grandpa drive them to Salina to be with her dad? (Oh, but then we wouldn't have a story now would we?) And couldn't Mibs have told her Grandpa or left a note before they drove off?
2) Then when the bus driver, Lester, finally discovers them, does he insist on calling their parents? Is he the responsible adult he should be? Oh no, he lets them stay on the bus while he continues making his deliveries.
3) When the bus happens upon a broken down car with a lady (Lill) waiting by the side of the road, Lill decides to join them on the bus...because that's just what you should do when your car breaks down...climb aboard a bus of full of kids with a strange man. (Btw kids, it's really okay to hitchhike because it's a pink Bible Bus.)
4) But Lill is more of a responsible adult because she makes them call their parents...but isn't clever enough to know that the kids trick her by not really calling their parents. (And would any parent that had missing kids tell Lill to just wait until the next day to bring them home?)
5) And when the kids were finally found, when would a police officer ever say this: "I know how easy it is to make wrong choices and end up in difficult situations, but things don't always turn out badly. There will be consequences, of course, but no one got hurt, and no hurt was meant. So, as far as I know, no one's pressing any charges against those folks out there. [Lester] and [Lill] may have made some ill-advised decisions, but they did do a good job of looking after you and keeping you all safe."
6) So I guess the real message here would be: "Kids, if you make really bad choices, but nothing bad comes out of it, it's okay then."
I still can't believe this is what is considered a contribution to children's literature. If you are interested in a Newberry Medal read, there are much better choices out there: try Holes or A Wrinkle in Time or The Giver.
Should you read? Sorry but I have to say, "Skip it."
For this review and more check out: Little Zombies: Book Reviews for Sleepless Children.
November 18, 2008
Savvy is the new book from up and coming author author: Ingrid Law]. The book is an intriguing look into the life of an extra special family known as the Beaumont's. The Beaumont's are endowed with what they refer to as their own personal "Savvy," some type of supernatural power that they develop on or around their thirteenth birthday. The story focuses on the young protagonist Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont who is rapidly approaching this fateful date. When her father is involved in a car accident, Mibs and her two brothers (along with a few tag-alongs) set out on a journey to visit their father in the hospital.
Savvy is a wonderful book aimed primarily at young adults, but also easily accessible to an older age group. It is a refreshingly original adventure story which appeals to the inner child inside of each of us. Both boys and girls will find themselves enthralled as they follow Mibs, her two eccentric brothers, as well as a host of other wacky characters on the road trip to end all road trips! While often hilarious and zany, Savvy remains grounded in the traditional wholesome family values we have come to expect from the Walden brand. The story combines just the right amount of humor and heart to make it one of the most engaging children's books of recent memory.
Savvy is a wonderful book aimed primarily at young adults, but also easily accessible to an older age group. It is a refreshingly original adventure story which appeals to the inner child inside of each of us. Both boys and girls will find themselves enthralled as they follow Mibs, her two eccentric brothers, as well as a host of other wacky characters on the road trip to end all road trips! While often hilarious and zany, Savvy remains grounded in the traditional wholesome family values we have come to expect from the Walden brand. The story combines just the right amount of humor and heart to make it one of the most engaging children's books of recent memory.
March 25, 2021
This book really exceeded my expectations! I haven't really read books with this kind of plot, and it was interesting for me to read. It seems like such a stereotypical type of story if you read something like a summary, but reading this book on its own is kind of its own thing. I also like that even though each of the books in the trilogy is from different points of view in the same family, it can be read in any order.
This is an amazing book, and I feel like not many people have heard of it, not to mention that it's a bit underrated. I would have expected it to be an average of 4+ stars. As soon as I read this, I wanted to read the next book! Sadly, I couldn't find the book until a year after :'( At least, now I know the whole trilogy is great, and I hope anyone who is reading this loves it! NOTE: To anyone who has an older sibling who LOVES books and tells you to read something, READ IT. I regret not reading so many books earlier because I didn't listen to my sister.
This is an amazing book, and I feel like not many people have heard of it, not to mention that it's a bit underrated. I would have expected it to be an average of 4+ stars. As soon as I read this, I wanted to read the next book! Sadly, I couldn't find the book until a year after :'( At least, now I know the whole trilogy is great, and I hope anyone who is reading this loves it! NOTE: To anyone who has an older sibling who LOVES books and tells you to read something, READ IT. I regret not reading so many books earlier because I didn't listen to my sister.
November 14, 2008
"Monday through Wednesday, we called our thin stretch of land Kansaska. Thursday through Saturday, we called it Nebransas."
It's writing like this that makes Savvy fun and quirky. Law especially captures the as the main character, a young girl named Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont.
Mibs and her family share a special secret: that on their 13th birthday they get a certain power. For example, Mibs' brother Fish can cause hurricanes and thunderstorms, and her other brother Rocket can generate electricity (which, by the way, jumpstarts their ancient station wagon). (I can't wait to discover what Mib's quiet younger brother, Samson, will get!)
A few days before Mibs' special birthday, her father is in a serious car accident and in a hospital almost 100 miles a way in Salina, Kansas. Her mom goes to the hospital with Rocket in the Rocket-powered station wagon, leaving the kids (Fish, Mibs, Samson, and baby Gypsy) at home. The day of her birthday party, Mibs realizes that Samson's turtle, previously assumed dead, has come out of hibernation. Thinking that her savvy is the power to wake animals and people up, she sets off on the quest to visit her dad and cure him herself.
Mibs finds a pink bible-salesman’s bus with "Salina" on the side to hide in, but Samson and Fish find her and decide to join in the impromptu journey, along with family friends Bobbi and Will Jr.
The characters in this book are lovable. The bible-salesman is a great "adult" to add to the story. Law's sentences are full of alliteration that bounces off the tongue (and fun to read to yourself). What Mibs' real savvy is something you wouldn't expect and unique, and the sidestory of Mibs and Will Jr. is wonderful!
Savvy is a lighthearted story with a deeper meaning, but it's not preachy at all. It was quite enjoyable, actually. It was a quick read; I wish there were more pages to read when I finished it!
It's writing like this that makes Savvy fun and quirky. Law especially captures the as the main character, a young girl named Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont.
Mibs and her family share a special secret: that on their 13th birthday they get a certain power. For example, Mibs' brother Fish can cause hurricanes and thunderstorms, and her other brother Rocket can generate electricity (which, by the way, jumpstarts their ancient station wagon). (I can't wait to discover what Mib's quiet younger brother, Samson, will get!)
A few days before Mibs' special birthday, her father is in a serious car accident and in a hospital almost 100 miles a way in Salina, Kansas. Her mom goes to the hospital with Rocket in the Rocket-powered station wagon, leaving the kids (Fish, Mibs, Samson, and baby Gypsy) at home. The day of her birthday party, Mibs realizes that Samson's turtle, previously assumed dead, has come out of hibernation. Thinking that her savvy is the power to wake animals and people up, she sets off on the quest to visit her dad and cure him herself.
Mibs finds a pink bible-salesman’s bus with "Salina" on the side to hide in, but Samson and Fish find her and decide to join in the impromptu journey, along with family friends Bobbi and Will Jr.
The characters in this book are lovable. The bible-salesman is a great "adult" to add to the story. Law's sentences are full of alliteration that bounces off the tongue (and fun to read to yourself). What Mibs' real savvy is something you wouldn't expect and unique, and the sidestory of Mibs and Will Jr. is wonderful!
Savvy is a lighthearted story with a deeper meaning, but it's not preachy at all. It was quite enjoyable, actually. It was a quick read; I wish there were more pages to read when I finished it!
March 16, 2018
یک فانتزی ساده و دلنشین و در عین حال جذاب و زیبا!
مدت زمان زیادی میشد که کتابی با این تم نخونده بودم و حالا هم متوجه شدم که اشتباه میکردم که به سمت چنین داستانهایی نمیرفتم.
ساوی نظرم رو بهطور کامل دگرگون کرد.
داستان راجع به خانوادهی بومانته.
خانوادهای که بسیار خاص و شگفت انگیزن، و چیزی که اون ها رو از دیگران تمایز میده ویژگیای هست که به اون ساوی میگن،
و حالا ساوی چیه؟
ساوی یک نیرو و انرژی درونیه که در هنگام تولد سیزدهسالگی هر فرد در خانوادهی بومانت پدیدار میشه، ساوی ها هم به نوبهی خودشون متفاوتن، مثلا ساوی طوفان و الکتریسیته و ...
شخصیت اصلی داستان میبزه که در آستانهی تولد سیزدهسالگیش قرار داره و انتظار میکشه تا ببینه ساویِ خودش چجوریه.
اما متاسفانه کمی قبل از تولدش متوجه میشه که پدرش تصادف سختی کرده و در حال حاضر هم حال رو روز مساعدی نداره، مادر و پسر بزرگتر خانواده، میبز و اعضای دیگر خانواده رو ترک میکنن تا برای کمک به بیمارستانی که پدر در اونجا بستری شده برن، و حالا یک سری اتفاقات میوفته و میبز تصور میکنه که شاید ساویش قدرت بیدار کردن داشته باشه. فکر میکنه که شاید بتونه به پدرش کمک کنه، پس حرکت میکنه تا به شهری که پدرش در اونجا بستری شده بره (البته این رو هم اضافه کنم که میبز در این سفر تنها نیست و همراهانی مثل برادرانش و دوستانش هم داره) و از اینجاست که داستان شروع میشه، حول محور اتفاقاتی که در این مسیر برای میبز و همراهانش میوفته و همینطور ساویِ شگفت انگیزِ میبز :))
این رو هم بگم که نشر باژ با ترجمهی بسیار دقیق و خوب خانوم عبادی این کتاب رو چاپ خواهد کرد،
پیشنهاد میکنم تهیش کنید و از خوندنش لذت ببرید.
مدت زمان زیادی میشد که کتابی با این تم نخونده بودم و حالا هم متوجه شدم که اشتباه میکردم که به سمت چنین داستانهایی نمیرفتم.
ساوی نظرم رو بهطور کامل دگرگون کرد.
داستان راجع به خانوادهی بومانته.
خانوادهای که بسیار خاص و شگفت انگیزن، و چیزی که اون ها رو از دیگران تمایز میده ویژگیای هست که به اون ساوی میگن،
و حالا ساوی چیه؟
ساوی یک نیرو و انرژی درونیه که در هنگام تولد سیزدهسالگی هر فرد در خانوادهی بومانت پدیدار میشه، ساوی ها هم به نوبهی خودشون متفاوتن، مثلا ساوی طوفان و الکتریسیته و ...
شخصیت اصلی داستان میبزه که در آستانهی تولد سیزدهسالگیش قرار داره و انتظار میکشه تا ببینه ساویِ خودش چجوریه.
اما متاسفانه کمی قبل از تولدش متوجه میشه که پدرش تصادف سختی کرده و در حال حاضر هم حال رو روز مساعدی نداره، مادر و پسر بزرگتر خانواده، میبز و اعضای دیگر خانواده رو ترک میکنن تا برای کمک به بیمارستانی که پدر در اونجا بستری شده برن، و حالا یک سری اتفاقات میوفته و میبز تصور میکنه که شاید ساویش قدرت بیدار کردن داشته باشه. فکر میکنه که شاید بتونه به پدرش کمک کنه، پس حرکت میکنه تا به شهری که پدرش در اونجا بستری شده بره (البته این رو هم اضافه کنم که میبز در این سفر تنها نیست و همراهانی مثل برادرانش و دوستانش هم داره) و از اینجاست که داستان شروع میشه، حول محور اتفاقاتی که در این مسیر برای میبز و همراهانش میوفته و همینطور ساویِ شگفت انگیزِ میبز :))
این رو هم بگم که نشر باژ با ترجمهی بسیار دقیق و خوب خانوم عبادی این کتاب رو چاپ خواهد کرد،
پیشنهاد میکنم تهیش کنید و از خوندنش لذت ببرید.
July 28, 2008
I liked just about everything about Savvy. Interesting characters--Mibs, Fish, Lester, Lill, Will Junior, Bobbi, all well-developed. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. I had high hopes for Lester, smiled when Lill brought out the best in him, and worried when trouble met the big pink bus.
While the story concept is intriguing, it's Ingrid Law's writing that made the story shine. She has a wonderful savvy for words, if you will. Mib's description of her father, for instance: He was good and sweet and had wild black eyebrows that twisted like dancing beetle legs...." In my mind I can see those eyebrows, dancing over a big grin.
And this line rings true, I believe: Lester might not have looked the part of a hero, but I suppose you never can tell right off who might have a piece of Prince Charming deep down inside. Beautiful, and so true.
But I think my favorite thought of Mibs' from the book is this one that comes about 2/3 of the way through: Maybe we all have other people's voices running higgledy-piggledy through our heads all the time. I thought how often my poppa and momma were there inside my head with me, telling me right from wrong. Or how the voices of Ashley Bing and Emma Flint sometimes got stuck under my skin, taunting me and making me feel low, even when they weren't around. I began to realize how hard it was to separate out all the voices to hear the single, strong one that came just from me. That's good stuff, thoughtful and true. I admire Law's ability to bring all these characters to life in such a vibrant, lyrical way.
I would've liked to have seen more of Gypsy and Grandpa Bomba. I have no idea if there are plans for a sequel, but I'd be interested in reading more about Samson's savvy. In fact, whenever Ingrid Law has another novel out, I'm there.
While the story concept is intriguing, it's Ingrid Law's writing that made the story shine. She has a wonderful savvy for words, if you will. Mib's description of her father, for instance: He was good and sweet and had wild black eyebrows that twisted like dancing beetle legs...." In my mind I can see those eyebrows, dancing over a big grin.
And this line rings true, I believe: Lester might not have looked the part of a hero, but I suppose you never can tell right off who might have a piece of Prince Charming deep down inside. Beautiful, and so true.
But I think my favorite thought of Mibs' from the book is this one that comes about 2/3 of the way through: Maybe we all have other people's voices running higgledy-piggledy through our heads all the time. I thought how often my poppa and momma were there inside my head with me, telling me right from wrong. Or how the voices of Ashley Bing and Emma Flint sometimes got stuck under my skin, taunting me and making me feel low, even when they weren't around. I began to realize how hard it was to separate out all the voices to hear the single, strong one that came just from me. That's good stuff, thoughtful and true. I admire Law's ability to bring all these characters to life in such a vibrant, lyrical way.
I would've liked to have seen more of Gypsy and Grandpa Bomba. I have no idea if there are plans for a sequel, but I'd be interested in reading more about Samson's savvy. In fact, whenever Ingrid Law has another novel out, I'm there.
January 28, 2022
از همون لحظه ای که کتابو اد کردم میخواستم که ازش خوشم بیاد. یجورایی حس میکردم کتابی با این طرح جلد نمیتونه خوب نباشه!(ولی باعث شد که دیگه از روی جلد کتابو قضاوت نکنم؟...بله)
ریویو کامل و خوبی از ساوی پیدا نکردم پس حس کردم نیاز داره یه کامل تر داشته باشه...🌚
ساوی واقعا به زیبایی نوشته شده. درسته که داستان برای کودک/نوجوان بود اما کلمات و لحن نویسنده باعث میشد اون حالت کودکانش واسه یه نوجوون یا جوون کمتر به نظر بیاد.
من میگم که برای حدود ۱۰تا نهایت ۱۵،۱۴ سال میتونه کتاب خیلی خوبی باشه و اگر هم خودم اونموقع میخوندمش بیشتر باهاش حال میکردم.
چیز دیگه ای که دوست داشتم رابطه بین این خانواده(بومانت ها) بود. واسه یه بچه چیز های خوبی واسه یاد گرفتن داره. رابطه بین میبز و مامانش هم خیلی قشنگ بود☁️
ایده اولیه، اینکه توی یه خانواده روز تولد ۱۳ سالگی، هر کس ساوی خودش رو دریافت میکنه میتونست جالب پیش بره. اما یهو داستان که رفت به سمت میانه، از اون فانتزی بودنش کم شد، خیلی کش میومد و جذابیتشو واسم از دست داد. انگار تمرکز بیشتر روی کلمات بود تا روی سیر داستان.
راجب به طراحی جلد. واقعا یکی از زیباترین آرت هاییه که دیدم روی کتاب، اما گول زنندست. حس فانتزی و جادویی، اینکه توی جنگله، صورتک های روی کاغذ و لباس و موهای میبز متفاوت با اون چیزیه که توی کتاب خونده میشه و مفهموم غلطی رو میرسونه.
ساوی یه مجموعه ۳ جلدیه و جلد اول طوری نبود که بخوام جلدهای بعدی هم بخونم و صرفا دوست دارم یکی بیاد بهم بگه ساوی سمسون چیه*-*
خلاصه بگم که اگر خوندید یه تایمی با میبز و ماجراجوییش(؟) سرگرم میشین ولی اگر هم نخوندید، چیزیو از دست ندادید.
۱۴۰۰/۱۱/۳
ریویو کامل و خوبی از ساوی پیدا نکردم پس حس کردم نیاز داره یه کامل تر داشته باشه...🌚
ساوی واقعا به زیبایی نوشته شده. درسته که داستان برای کودک/نوجوان بود اما کلمات و لحن نویسنده باعث میشد اون حالت کودکانش واسه یه نوجوون یا جوون کمتر به نظر بیاد.
من میگم که برای حدود ۱۰تا نهایت ۱۵،۱۴ سال میتونه کتاب خیلی خوبی باشه و اگر هم خودم اونموقع میخوندمش بیشتر باهاش حال میکردم.
چیز دیگه ای که دوست داشتم رابطه بین این خانواده(بومانت ها) بود. واسه یه بچه چیز های خوبی واسه یاد گرفتن داره. رابطه بین میبز و مامانش هم خیلی قشنگ بود☁️
ایده اولیه، اینکه توی یه خانواده روز تولد ۱۳ سالگی، هر کس ساوی خودش رو دریافت میکنه میتونست جالب پیش بره. اما یهو داستان که رفت به سمت میانه، از اون فانتزی بودنش کم شد، خیلی کش میومد و جذابیتشو واسم از دست داد. انگار تمرکز بیشتر روی کلمات بود تا روی سیر داستان.
راجب به طراحی جلد. واقعا یکی از زیباترین آرت هاییه که دیدم روی کتاب، اما گول زنندست. حس فانتزی و جادویی، اینکه توی جنگله، صورتک های روی کاغذ و لباس و موهای میبز متفاوت با اون چیزیه که توی کتاب خونده میشه و مفهموم غلطی رو میرسونه.
ساوی یه مجموعه ۳ جلدیه و جلد اول طوری نبود که بخوام جلدهای بعدی هم بخونم و صرفا دوست دارم یکی بیاد بهم بگه ساوی سمسون چیه*-*
خلاصه بگم که اگر خوندید یه تایمی با میبز و ماجراجوییش(؟) سرگرم میشین ولی اگر هم نخوندید، چیزیو از دست ندادید.
۱۴۰۰/۱۱/۳
December 26, 2015
Wow. Just wow. This book - so disappointing. Just wow.
This was the book we read for book club and I had to force myself through it. I mean, really? On like page 150 they were still on the bus! I am not sure if this is supposed to be an adventure book or what but some, I don't know excitement would have been preferable. They only met one new person and of course everything works out just peachy. Of course the kids names have to do with their powers (Rocket-electricity, Fish-water) even though the parents didn't know what their kids savvies would be at the time of their birth. And really, I was excited to have them finally get off the bus, but then they got back on? Why? Just Why? And I'm sure Gypsy just magically appeared at the hospital as soon as the Bus Clan (that's what I'm calling them now since their life purpose is to ride that dang bus) arrived. This book was a waste of paper.
This was the book we read for book club and I had to force myself through it. I mean, really? On like page 150 they were still on the bus! I am not sure if this is supposed to be an adventure book or what but some, I don't know excitement would have been preferable. They only met one new person and of course everything works out just peachy. Of course the kids names have to do with their powers (Rocket-electricity, Fish-water) even though the parents didn't know what their kids savvies would be at the time of their birth. And really, I was excited to have them finally get off the bus, but then they got back on? Why? Just Why? And I'm sure Gypsy just magically appeared at the hospital as soon as the Bus Clan (that's what I'm calling them now since their life purpose is to ride that dang bus) arrived. This book was a waste of paper.
May 8, 2018
ارزشش رو داشت. حتی اگه شده فقط برای این که با دنیایی آشنا شیم که قدرتهای عجیب غریبش، اونقدرا هم عجیب غریب نبودن. تا باور کنیم هرکدوممون یه ساوی داریم. یه موهبت درون. فقط کسی هنوز روشون اسم نذاشته.
November 22, 2022
review later, sleep now
OKAY, so I'm back a day later on November 17 ready to write a review. Yippee-ki-yay.
I hate Mibs so much. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. I HAAAAAAAAAAAAATE HER.
She's so annoying. Like what the heck?
Also the writing...
It contained so many made-up words like "piddle-dee-dee" or "piddlum" or "blah blah blah end my misery". It was too flourished and fancy, like when you're trying to fit the word count on an essay. I read the entire thing in a southern accent, and while being southern isn't a bad thing, I still don't like it.
I got the "innocent country bumpkin" vibes from the entire family. And while it's ok to be from the country, the Beaumonts did it so bad I wanted to barf. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs.
Also, the entire family is just BEGGING for their children to be bullied. I'm convinced that the kids were bullying them because of their stupid and wild names. If you name your kid Fish, YES HE WILL GET BULLIED! Looks like Momma ain't that perfect after all.
The only characters I really liked were Lill, Lester, and Will. And Bill. If you hate Lester I hate you. I hate Mibs. If you like Mibs I hate you. I hate Mibs.
I hate the writing in this book so much. I hate it. I HATE IT. I felt like it was trying to be cutesy but instead it was not.
Also, the fusion of magic and this and that was surprisingly ok, but the stupidity of Mibs and her idea just spoiled it.
Like, listen to your family and stop screaming into your Poppa's ears??? You idiot??? Just stop??? You're so annoying??? THAT'S PROBABLY WHY HE HAS MEMORY LOSS NOW???
And her idea to almost rid Lester of his job... Mibs, you're stupid and annoying and I hate you. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs.
I <3 Lester tho.
OKAY, so I'm back a day later on November 17 ready to write a review. Yippee-ki-yay.
I hate Mibs so much. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. I HAAAAAAAAAAAAATE HER.
She's so annoying. Like what the heck?
Also the writing...
It contained so many made-up words like "piddle-dee-dee" or "piddlum" or "blah blah blah end my misery". It was too flourished and fancy, like when you're trying to fit the word count on an essay. I read the entire thing in a southern accent, and while being southern isn't a bad thing, I still don't like it.
I got the "innocent country bumpkin" vibes from the entire family. And while it's ok to be from the country, the Beaumonts did it so bad I wanted to barf. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs.
Also, the entire family is just BEGGING for their children to be bullied. I'm convinced that the kids were bullying them because of their stupid and wild names. If you name your kid Fish, YES HE WILL GET BULLIED! Looks like Momma ain't that perfect after all.
The only characters I really liked were Lill, Lester, and Will. And Bill. If you hate Lester I hate you. I hate Mibs. If you like Mibs I hate you. I hate Mibs.
I hate the writing in this book so much. I hate it. I HATE IT. I felt like it was trying to be cutesy but instead it was not.
Also, the fusion of magic and this and that was surprisingly ok, but the stupidity of Mibs and her idea just spoiled it.
Like, listen to your family and stop screaming into your Poppa's ears??? You idiot??? Just stop??? You're so annoying??? THAT'S PROBABLY WHY HE HAS MEMORY LOSS NOW???
And her idea to almost rid Lester of his job... Mibs, you're stupid and annoying and I hate you. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs. I hate Mibs.
I <3 Lester tho.
September 15, 2010
I picked this up because of a strong recommendation and when I heard some of it was set in Kansas I was sold. Since I'm a native Kansan I knew I was going to like the book even more because of that little fact.
Mississippi (most commonly known as Mibs) is just about to turn thirteen. A big step in any kid's life, but in Mib's family turning thirteen means a whole lot more than becoming a teenager, you also get your savvy. A savvy is a special power you have and for everyone it's different. Mib's oldest brother Rocket can blow out a whole grid of lights without even blinking, and her other brother Fish can make it storm even if there isn't a cloud in the sky. Now it's Mibs turn to see what savvy she'll receive on her birthday. Unfortunately Mib's father gets into an accident before her birthday, and it won't be a birthday soon forgotten. Before she knows it she's on a pink bus with pink bibles with a the timid driver named Lester, her brothers Fish and Samson, and the local preacher's kids to boot. What follows is a wild tale of how these kids will do just about anything to get to their dad, and along the way come to learn quite a few lessons.
What I appreciated the most was the dynamic between the sibilings. How they annoy you to no end, but will always have your backs regardless. You hardly ever see that in books, and it's one of the most complex and close relationships you'll see in real life. The Beaumonts are the best from Grandpa Bomba to little Gypsy. The author could have easily made this into a darker fantasy but I'm glad she didn't. It fits much better how it's shown here, and gives a chance for younger audiences to read this story of how no matter who you are things are hard; whether you have a savvy or not. It really hits on the point that it's hard to know somebody by just looking at them, and friends come from the most unlikely places.
I will definitely will be reading the sequel Scumble.
Mississippi (most commonly known as Mibs) is just about to turn thirteen. A big step in any kid's life, but in Mib's family turning thirteen means a whole lot more than becoming a teenager, you also get your savvy. A savvy is a special power you have and for everyone it's different. Mib's oldest brother Rocket can blow out a whole grid of lights without even blinking, and her other brother Fish can make it storm even if there isn't a cloud in the sky. Now it's Mibs turn to see what savvy she'll receive on her birthday. Unfortunately Mib's father gets into an accident before her birthday, and it won't be a birthday soon forgotten. Before she knows it she's on a pink bus with pink bibles with a the timid driver named Lester, her brothers Fish and Samson, and the local preacher's kids to boot. What follows is a wild tale of how these kids will do just about anything to get to their dad, and along the way come to learn quite a few lessons.
What I appreciated the most was the dynamic between the sibilings. How they annoy you to no end, but will always have your backs regardless. You hardly ever see that in books, and it's one of the most complex and close relationships you'll see in real life. The Beaumonts are the best from Grandpa Bomba to little Gypsy. The author could have easily made this into a darker fantasy but I'm glad she didn't. It fits much better how it's shown here, and gives a chance for younger audiences to read this story of how no matter who you are things are hard; whether you have a savvy or not. It really hits on the point that it's hard to know somebody by just looking at them, and friends come from the most unlikely places.
I will definitely will be reading the sequel Scumble.
January 4, 2021
There are certain things that the Beaumont family knows about secrets: they need them, they have them, and they keep them. In just a few days, when Mibs turns 13, she’ll join her mother’s side of the family and will have a secret of her very own. That’s when she’ll get her own savvy and her world—as she currently knows it—will never be the same. But before her big day, her father is involved in a terrible accident and left seriously injured. With her newly acquired supernatural power and a pink bible bus filled with a handful of misfits, Mibs encounters bikers, brawls, and plenty of banana cream pie in a race to bring her whole family together and to save her broken father.
A 2009 Newbery Honor Book, Savvy is an imaginative and heart-pounding adventure story filled with many relatable themes that are standard fare for young readers: bullying, standing out, fitting in, first love, and making friends. The first in a series of three books (Scumble and Switch are both complete stories, but make small references to the original book), Savvy is an easy-to-read, thrilling ride that introduces us to a quirky set of characters including the preacher’s daughter, a belittled bible salesman, and a waitress with a heart of gold. Each of these people allow Mibs to slowly understand that perhaps the Beaumonts aren’t the only ones that possess supernatural powers. The ability to encourage, to help, to listen, and to accept are just as powerful as any savvy and Mibs quickly realizes just how special her new friends are in their own way.
Ingrid Law packs so many wonderful lessons in this book and that alone is worth the read. Along the way, Mibs learns that sometimes a bad thing can make a good thing happen or that happy endings come in all shapes and sizes or that things don’t always happen the way you want them to. Perhaps the most valuable lesson Mibs receives was from her mother who told her, “In most ways, we Beaumonts are just like other people. We get born, and sometime later we die. And in between, we’re happy and sad, we feel love and we feel fear, we eat and we sleep and we hurt like everyone else.” Through the eyes of an awkward teenaged girl, Law reminds us of how much good can be accomplished and gained when we focus on our similarities rather than our differences.
A 2009 Newbery Honor Book, Savvy is an imaginative and heart-pounding adventure story filled with many relatable themes that are standard fare for young readers: bullying, standing out, fitting in, first love, and making friends. The first in a series of three books (Scumble and Switch are both complete stories, but make small references to the original book), Savvy is an easy-to-read, thrilling ride that introduces us to a quirky set of characters including the preacher’s daughter, a belittled bible salesman, and a waitress with a heart of gold. Each of these people allow Mibs to slowly understand that perhaps the Beaumonts aren’t the only ones that possess supernatural powers. The ability to encourage, to help, to listen, and to accept are just as powerful as any savvy and Mibs quickly realizes just how special her new friends are in their own way.
Ingrid Law packs so many wonderful lessons in this book and that alone is worth the read. Along the way, Mibs learns that sometimes a bad thing can make a good thing happen or that happy endings come in all shapes and sizes or that things don’t always happen the way you want them to. Perhaps the most valuable lesson Mibs receives was from her mother who told her, “In most ways, we Beaumonts are just like other people. We get born, and sometime later we die. And in between, we’re happy and sad, we feel love and we feel fear, we eat and we sleep and we hurt like everyone else.” Through the eyes of an awkward teenaged girl, Law reminds us of how much good can be accomplished and gained when we focus on our similarities rather than our differences.
September 1, 2009
This is one of the most engaging stories/narrators I have read in awhile. I tried hard to think of something I didn;t like, just for some balance (not because I am such a negative person), and I still have yet to come up with something. There's a great magical realism/tall-tale feel to it, which is refreshing in a ya book.
Savvy is the story of Mibs (Mississippi) Beaumont and her rather unusual family. At 13, every member of the Beaumont family discovers they have a "savvy," a special power of some sort. Mibs' brother, Fish, can manipulate the weather (he caused a hurricane on his 13th birthday), and her brother Rocket manipulates electrcity (his 13th birthday was pretty unusual, too). Mibs' father is the only member of the Beaumont family with no special powers, having married in. When he is involved in a terrible car accident the day before Mibs herself turns 13, Mibs stops wishing for a grand, mind-blowing savvy and wishes instead for something that will help her save her father. With two of her brothers and her pastors kids in two, Mibs leaves her tiny community in the middle of nowhere, between Kansas and Nebraska (or Kansaska-Nebransas, as they call it -- Kansaska Monday-Wednesday, Nebransas Thursday-Saturday) to get to her father and work her savvy. The resulting story is a discovery of self for each character, from their own talents and savvies, to their loves and feelings and inner stength.
I know I made that sound really cheesy, but it's not. Ingrid Law deals with some heavy stuff in a light and engaging manner. The language and Mibs' narration is absolutely perfect. It's charming and funny and unusual. It's addictive, begging to be read aloud. The alliteration and silliness of the language may irritate some people, but I adored it. I don't see how it's possible not to fall in love with Mibs and the Beaumonts, and all of the peripheral characters.
For more, and for some neato bonus material, check out my expanded review on my blog.
Savvy is the story of Mibs (Mississippi) Beaumont and her rather unusual family. At 13, every member of the Beaumont family discovers they have a "savvy," a special power of some sort. Mibs' brother, Fish, can manipulate the weather (he caused a hurricane on his 13th birthday), and her brother Rocket manipulates electrcity (his 13th birthday was pretty unusual, too). Mibs' father is the only member of the Beaumont family with no special powers, having married in. When he is involved in a terrible car accident the day before Mibs herself turns 13, Mibs stops wishing for a grand, mind-blowing savvy and wishes instead for something that will help her save her father. With two of her brothers and her pastors kids in two, Mibs leaves her tiny community in the middle of nowhere, between Kansas and Nebraska (or Kansaska-Nebransas, as they call it -- Kansaska Monday-Wednesday, Nebransas Thursday-Saturday) to get to her father and work her savvy. The resulting story is a discovery of self for each character, from their own talents and savvies, to their loves and feelings and inner stength.
I know I made that sound really cheesy, but it's not. Ingrid Law deals with some heavy stuff in a light and engaging manner. The language and Mibs' narration is absolutely perfect. It's charming and funny and unusual. It's addictive, begging to be read aloud. The alliteration and silliness of the language may irritate some people, but I adored it. I don't see how it's possible not to fall in love with Mibs and the Beaumonts, and all of the peripheral characters.
For more, and for some neato bonus material, check out my expanded review on my blog.
January 30, 2023
My friend recommended this book to me, and I haven’t enjoyed all her recommendations, but I LOVED this one.
It was the best “kids” book I’ve read in a long time.
“But whatever that thing was, it was still too new to feel ready to bloom; it wanted time to send down roots. Someday soon I was going to bloom like crazy, and then I’d have what I needed to keep me standing tall.”
That’s deep and I actually feel it so much.
Anyway this review sucks but the book doesn’t. I would also say while this is perfectly fine for kids, it also works for young adult/ fantasy. 5⭐️/5⭐️
It was the best “kids” book I’ve read in a long time.
“But whatever that thing was, it was still too new to feel ready to bloom; it wanted time to send down roots. Someday soon I was going to bloom like crazy, and then I’d have what I needed to keep me standing tall.”
That’s deep and I actually feel it so much.
Anyway this review sucks but the book doesn’t. I would also say while this is perfectly fine for kids, it also works for young adult/ fantasy. 5⭐️/5⭐️
September 23, 2023
تلمس القلب بشدة ❤❤❤
عائلة يتميز أفرادها بهبات خارقة تظهر بوصولهم لسن الثالثة عشرة، يتعرض الأب لحادث فيخوض أبنائه رحلة متهورة من اجل الذهاب إليه.
رواية من روايات المراهقين المشحونة بالأحداث المثيرة والمشاعر الفياضة وأسئلة البحث عن الذات ومحاولة فهم الحياة.
ترجمة متميزة من إصدارات دار هنداوي.
عائلة يتميز أفرادها بهبات خارقة تظهر بوصولهم لسن الثالثة عشرة، يتعرض الأب لحادث فيخوض أبنائه رحلة متهورة من اجل الذهاب إليه.
رواية من روايات المراهقين المشحونة بالأحداث المثيرة والمشاعر الفياضة وأسئلة البحث عن الذات ومحاولة فهم الحياة.
ترجمة متميزة من إصدارات دار هنداوي.
May 13, 2018
An challenging, but fun read. Contains the exploration of emotions, characters, and plot.
November 24, 2022
"In most ways, Mibs, we Beaumonts are just like other people...We get born, and sometime later we die. And in between, we're happy and sad, we feel love and we feel fear, we eat and we sleep and we hurt like everyone else."
—Momma, Savvy, PP. 97-98
"But as I grew up, I began to understand that a savvy is just a know-how of a different sort."
—Savvy, P. 122
Magnificent.
Honestly, I really am at something of a loss for what else to say about this book. I feel as if a review of this book should live up to the standards of the narrative itself, but how is that possible?
It has been quite a while since I have read a novel as emotionally charged and filled with strong, warm characters as Savvy. In particular, the beautifully nuanced and astonishingly real personalities of Samson Beaumont and Will Jr. absolutely leapt off the page and grabbed a hold of my heart, deeply investing me in the story right from the very beginning. Being able to go on this incredible literary journey that seemed to last a much shorter time than three hundred forty-two pages was a fascinating and pulse-pounding ride that will burn brightly in my best memories for years and years to come.
"I suppose you can never tell right off who might have a piece of Prince Charming deep down inside."
—Savvy, P. 198
"You never can tell when a bad thing might make a good thing happen. I realized that good and bad were always there and always mixed up together in a tangle."
—Savvy, P. 302
Ingrid Law is a splendid writer, whose skill with words, characters and emotions really seem to be excelled by few, if any. When an author has the ability to spin a tense, climactic story while lining the text with grace notes of warm, sapient wisdom, then that is an author to really watch. That is the mark of an extraordinary writer, and Ingrid Law most definitely has those skills.
It might be only as the years slip into the future that the full impact of this amazing book on my life will make itself manifest. I know that it has changed me in profound ways, and that just doesn't happen for me with more than a few handfuls of the most special books out there. I feel truly honored and amazed to have experienced Savvy.
2008 is a year of exceptional books; too many to all list here, in fact. Only a few of the best include Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, Guardian by Julius Lester, Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park, Outside Beauty by Cynthia Kadohata, Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. I'm surprising myself by saying this, but in this great year of literature, I think that my choice for the 2009 Newbery Medal would have to be, Savvy.
This is a tremendous piece of literature, movingly created by an author whose future offerings already have my full attention and respect. I very rarely give five stars to any book, but I give it freely for this one. Excellent performance, Ingrid Law. Bravo.
"I began to realize how hard it was to separate all the voices to hear the single, strong one that came just from me."
—Mibs Beaumont, Savvy, P. 238
—Momma, Savvy, PP. 97-98
"But as I grew up, I began to understand that a savvy is just a know-how of a different sort."
—Savvy, P. 122
Magnificent.
Honestly, I really am at something of a loss for what else to say about this book. I feel as if a review of this book should live up to the standards of the narrative itself, but how is that possible?
It has been quite a while since I have read a novel as emotionally charged and filled with strong, warm characters as Savvy. In particular, the beautifully nuanced and astonishingly real personalities of Samson Beaumont and Will Jr. absolutely leapt off the page and grabbed a hold of my heart, deeply investing me in the story right from the very beginning. Being able to go on this incredible literary journey that seemed to last a much shorter time than three hundred forty-two pages was a fascinating and pulse-pounding ride that will burn brightly in my best memories for years and years to come.
"I suppose you can never tell right off who might have a piece of Prince Charming deep down inside."
—Savvy, P. 198
"You never can tell when a bad thing might make a good thing happen. I realized that good and bad were always there and always mixed up together in a tangle."
—Savvy, P. 302
Ingrid Law is a splendid writer, whose skill with words, characters and emotions really seem to be excelled by few, if any. When an author has the ability to spin a tense, climactic story while lining the text with grace notes of warm, sapient wisdom, then that is an author to really watch. That is the mark of an extraordinary writer, and Ingrid Law most definitely has those skills.
It might be only as the years slip into the future that the full impact of this amazing book on my life will make itself manifest. I know that it has changed me in profound ways, and that just doesn't happen for me with more than a few handfuls of the most special books out there. I feel truly honored and amazed to have experienced Savvy.
2008 is a year of exceptional books; too many to all list here, in fact. Only a few of the best include Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, Guardian by Julius Lester, Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park, Outside Beauty by Cynthia Kadohata, Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. I'm surprising myself by saying this, but in this great year of literature, I think that my choice for the 2009 Newbery Medal would have to be, Savvy.
This is a tremendous piece of literature, movingly created by an author whose future offerings already have my full attention and respect. I very rarely give five stars to any book, but I give it freely for this one. Excellent performance, Ingrid Law. Bravo.
"I began to realize how hard it was to separate all the voices to hear the single, strong one that came just from me."
—Mibs Beaumont, Savvy, P. 238
November 15, 2012
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
This was a really fun book to read.
Mississippi, aka Mibs, and her family each get a magical gift, called a savvy, on their thirteenth birthday. Rocket, Mibs's brother, has the savvy of being able to control electricity. He is a lot like those comic book heroes, good-looking with electric sparks coming off of his hands. At thirteen, her other brother, Fish, found out that he can control weather, especially causing water storms. So at thirteen the kids become homeschooled and have to learn how to control their special abilities.
When the story opens, Mibs is two days away from turning thirteen herself. She is excited about her special birthday when her father is in a horrible twelve-car accident on the highway. He ends up in a coma in a hospital in Salina, Kansas.
When she gets her savvy, she is being taken care of by the minister's wife and all she can think of is how to get to her Poppa. Mibs, Fish, her little brother, Samson, and two of the minister's kids run away to find Poppa. SAVVY is the story of their adventures crossing Nebraska and Kansas, trying to control savvys, which is called scumbling, learning to see the good in people, and, of course, the courage it takes to act on your ideals and love.
I loved the writing in this book. The author uses a lot of figurative language. Besides metaphor and simile, Ingrid Law also uses a lot of alliteration in the telling of the story. Phrases such as pushing-pulling waves, itch and scritch of birthday buzz, or how about a gaggle of flat-footed goslings. It was remarkable how the author could use language to make this story even better than it already was.
So if you want to read a really good story about growing up or if you just love the sound of language, then this is the book for you. Have a really rad read!
This was a really fun book to read.
Mississippi, aka Mibs, and her family each get a magical gift, called a savvy, on their thirteenth birthday. Rocket, Mibs's brother, has the savvy of being able to control electricity. He is a lot like those comic book heroes, good-looking with electric sparks coming off of his hands. At thirteen, her other brother, Fish, found out that he can control weather, especially causing water storms. So at thirteen the kids become homeschooled and have to learn how to control their special abilities.
When the story opens, Mibs is two days away from turning thirteen herself. She is excited about her special birthday when her father is in a horrible twelve-car accident on the highway. He ends up in a coma in a hospital in Salina, Kansas.
When she gets her savvy, she is being taken care of by the minister's wife and all she can think of is how to get to her Poppa. Mibs, Fish, her little brother, Samson, and two of the minister's kids run away to find Poppa. SAVVY is the story of their adventures crossing Nebraska and Kansas, trying to control savvys, which is called scumbling, learning to see the good in people, and, of course, the courage it takes to act on your ideals and love.
I loved the writing in this book. The author uses a lot of figurative language. Besides metaphor and simile, Ingrid Law also uses a lot of alliteration in the telling of the story. Phrases such as pushing-pulling waves, itch and scritch of birthday buzz, or how about a gaggle of flat-footed goslings. It was remarkable how the author could use language to make this story even better than it already was.
So if you want to read a really good story about growing up or if you just love the sound of language, then this is the book for you. Have a really rad read!
February 15, 2016
What struck me about this book was the use of language. It is not often that you find such playful and creative words in a middle-grade novel. The plot and numerous characters may be too complex for some younger readers, but the words are not to be missed. Here's was my write-up for the bookstore:
It's chock-full of delicious words & phrases:
"hobbledehoy boy"
"fizgiggley girls"
"persnickety moment"
"niminy-piminy thing"
"razzmatazz radio"
"full hokeypokey"
"marching herky-jerky"
"becoming discombobulated"
"a jig shy of jaybird-naked"
"oom-pah-pah polka music"
"grizzled cornfields"
"heebie-jeebies"
It's illuminated with poetic sentences:
"A small black-and-white television sat on top of one of the filing cabinets, its antenna aslant and festooned with bows of crumpled aluminum foil."
It's 57th Street Kid Critic Approved!
"I really liked this book! It got scary at times and sometimes I would have to stop reading and think about something for a minute to really understand it. This book was about a girl named Mibs. On her mother's side of the family they have a "Savvy" or power or special "know how." In the book their (Mibs's and her siblings' ) dad is in an accident and Mibs just wants a Savvy that can save him. It was a great read and I think many people could enjoy it."
Reviewed by Rachel C., age 9
It's chock-full of delicious words & phrases:
"hobbledehoy boy"
"fizgiggley girls"
"persnickety moment"
"niminy-piminy thing"
"razzmatazz radio"
"full hokeypokey"
"marching herky-jerky"
"becoming discombobulated"
"a jig shy of jaybird-naked"
"oom-pah-pah polka music"
"grizzled cornfields"
"heebie-jeebies"
It's illuminated with poetic sentences:
"A small black-and-white television sat on top of one of the filing cabinets, its antenna aslant and festooned with bows of crumpled aluminum foil."
It's 57th Street Kid Critic Approved!
"I really liked this book! It got scary at times and sometimes I would have to stop reading and think about something for a minute to really understand it. This book was about a girl named Mibs. On her mother's side of the family they have a "Savvy" or power or special "know how." In the book their (Mibs's and her siblings' ) dad is in an accident and Mibs just wants a Savvy that can save him. It was a great read and I think many people could enjoy it."
Reviewed by Rachel C., age 9
April 18, 2010
This was a fun little romp. The author has a playful way with words that just tickles me.
Mississippi "Mibs" Beaumont is awaiting her 13th birthday with both eagerness and trepidation. In the Beaumont family, a 13th birthday activates your "savvy," giving you a special power that is uniquely yours. Each person's savvy is always a big surprise, so the family always gets a little nervous as the big day approaches. What will that child's new power be, and will she/he be able to "scumble"(control) it?
Most of the book involves a wild ride up and down the highways of Kansas on a pink bus driven by a wimpy Bible salesman. The Beaumont kids and their friends are stowaways on the bus, trying to get to Salina where Poppy (Dad) is in the hospital. Mibs is slowly figuring out what her savvy is, and she hopes it will help her Poppy recover.
Throw in a few talking tattoos, a sassy waitress with a big heart, and a brother who can create wind and rainstorms at will, and you've got a delightfully peculiar little story. A lot of the antics have a bit of a slapstick flavor, just right for youngsters.
This is a children's book, but I don't have a shelf for that, so I put it with YA. I would have adored this book when I was about 9 or 10, and my rating reflects what "little Jeanette" would have given it. Big Jeanette is kinda cynical and stuffy, so I don't let her rate kid books. ;-)
Mississippi "Mibs" Beaumont is awaiting her 13th birthday with both eagerness and trepidation. In the Beaumont family, a 13th birthday activates your "savvy," giving you a special power that is uniquely yours. Each person's savvy is always a big surprise, so the family always gets a little nervous as the big day approaches. What will that child's new power be, and will she/he be able to "scumble"(control) it?
Most of the book involves a wild ride up and down the highways of Kansas on a pink bus driven by a wimpy Bible salesman. The Beaumont kids and their friends are stowaways on the bus, trying to get to Salina where Poppy (Dad) is in the hospital. Mibs is slowly figuring out what her savvy is, and she hopes it will help her Poppy recover.
Throw in a few talking tattoos, a sassy waitress with a big heart, and a brother who can create wind and rainstorms at will, and you've got a delightfully peculiar little story. A lot of the antics have a bit of a slapstick flavor, just right for youngsters.
This is a children's book, but I don't have a shelf for that, so I put it with YA. I would have adored this book when I was about 9 or 10, and my rating reflects what "little Jeanette" would have given it. Big Jeanette is kinda cynical and stuffy, so I don't let her rate kid books. ;-)
July 10, 2022
Svatko ima nekakav dar..
Moj je što mogu čitati danima ako treba, mogu gledati HP, LOTR i Hobbita stoputak treba, i mogu spavati bilo gdje i bilo kad, samo što baš i nemam priliku koristiti te darove 🙈
A koji je vaš dar?
Moj je što mogu čitati danima ako treba, mogu gledati HP, LOTR i Hobbita stoputak treba, i mogu spavati bilo gdje i bilo kad, samo što baš i nemam priliku koristiti te darove 🙈
A koji je vaš dar?
July 9, 2017
One of the books I read when I was younger, but still love
Read
October 15, 2018When i first picked up this book, I was confused. I didn't understand why the words were so odd, why the writing format seemed strange, and even how to book was printed out. After a while, I went back to it. And i'm so glad I did. The first few pages I didn't understand, As i'm a fast reader, so I went back and read it again. The book has taught me to read slower, and to reread if i don't understand. Savvy has amazing characters, and there's just so much emotion in the story. This story deserves the newbery award it was given.
August 13, 2010
It’s hard to believe that this book was mostly in the course of one day. Seriously, when they were at the pool I was thinking it was the next day. I couldn’t believe not even 24 hours had passed, and it was on Mib’s 13th birthday of all days. Twelve/Thirteen wasn’t the best time for me so I tend to pick older or younger protagonists to avoid the period all together, but I heard this was such a good book from reviews and it’s a modern day fantasy and that is always something I like.
The road trip on your birthday isn’t exactly ideal, especially when you’re about to find out what your Savvy (sort of like a magical power) is. But then again it’s not ideal to have your dad in the hospital unconscious either and if you thought that maybe you could help him somehow then…heck high-tie a pink bus and get to the hospital! Salina, Kansas is the destination but it takes quite a while to get there because of all the detours that the bus driver has to take.
The characters I loved—all of them. There is Mibs of course. Fish is her older brother; 14 with the power to control wind and water—pretty amazing right. Samson is seven with no Savvy yet but he’s still a lovable little tike. Will junior is the crush. Bobbie is an angsty teenager. Lester is the bus driver who is a bit of a push over but still a really nice guy. Lil comes in later and is a sweet woman. A strange bunch, but they fit together perfectly for this story. Some of the younger characters like Fish and Mibs act more mature than I would’ve expected for their age but it was believable to me. I liked that Mibs was so close to her family.
Maybe I liked this book so much because I was currently reading a downer book or maybe because I knew some of places that were mentioned (i.e. Salina, Topeka, Lawrence). Either way I’m glad I read it.
The road trip on your birthday isn’t exactly ideal, especially when you’re about to find out what your Savvy (sort of like a magical power) is. But then again it’s not ideal to have your dad in the hospital unconscious either and if you thought that maybe you could help him somehow then…heck high-tie a pink bus and get to the hospital! Salina, Kansas is the destination but it takes quite a while to get there because of all the detours that the bus driver has to take.
The characters I loved—all of them. There is Mibs of course. Fish is her older brother; 14 with the power to control wind and water—pretty amazing right. Samson is seven with no Savvy yet but he’s still a lovable little tike. Will junior is the crush. Bobbie is an angsty teenager. Lester is the bus driver who is a bit of a push over but still a really nice guy. Lil comes in later and is a sweet woman. A strange bunch, but they fit together perfectly for this story. Some of the younger characters like Fish and Mibs act more mature than I would’ve expected for their age but it was believable to me. I liked that Mibs was so close to her family.
Maybe I liked this book so much because I was currently reading a downer book or maybe because I knew some of places that were mentioned (i.e. Salina, Topeka, Lawrence). Either way I’m glad I read it.
November 23, 2008
This is getting some Newbery buzz, but I wasn't thrilled. A good story, well-developed, but I wouldn't say distinguished; it felt a little flat, like the plot was supposed to be enough to drive it. Others have made other good comparisons, but it reminded me of Little Miss Sunshine.
The most interesting parts to me were about the relationship between Mibs and her perfect mother; I would have liked to see that explored a lot more. I guess this is good fluff with some meat, and I would have enjoyed it more if it was good meat with some fluff.
The most interesting parts to me were about the relationship between Mibs and her perfect mother; I would have liked to see that explored a lot more. I guess this is good fluff with some meat, and I would have enjoyed it more if it was good meat with some fluff.
August 13, 2015
I'd heard Abby's booktalk for this like ten times and it always made me super stoked to read it, but it took me awhile to get around to it!
GUESS WHAT I LOVED IT.
It's kind of like if Flannery O'Connor wrote an X-Men story? Which: I wish she would have. But instead I will happily take this (and Scumble, ASAP!)
GUESS WHAT I LOVED IT.
It's kind of like if Flannery O'Connor wrote an X-Men story? Which: I wish she would have. But instead I will happily take this (and Scumble, ASAP!)
February 25, 2008
Whoops! Can't review this one here. Have to do it professionally (consarn it). In any case, I think the first chapter is a strong strong piece of work. The rest of the book never quite reaches its full potential, but that isn't to say that it isn't a great great read. I'm looking forward to Law's other books.
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