MacLachlan, Patricia.
THE TRUTH OF ME
New York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2013
IL 3-6, RL 3.1
ISBN 0061998605

(2 booktalks)

Booktalk #1

Robbie must spend the summer with his grandmother, Maddy, while his parents are on tour with orchestra, performing concerts around the world. Maddy tells awesome stories and communicates with the wild animals near her home. When the two go camping, Robbie discovers some unusual secrets about his grandmother and how she talks to the animals. He also learns the truth about his family which explains why his mother is so distant and  uncaring toward  him.  (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award, 2015)

Booktalk #2

Have you ever tried to train a dog? Robbie’s dog, Ellie loves to chase squirrels and he doesn’t know how to make her stop. Robert’s grandmother Maddy has a special way with animals, and she teaches Robbie how to show his confidence with Ellie in order to lead. This comes in handy when there is an emergency situation, and Ellie is able to respond. This is a heartwarming story about relationships and finding your strengths. Robert uses this confidence to get closer to his parents.  (Prepared by:  Laura Jeffers, Bethel Hanberry Elementary School,  South Carolina Children's Books Award Nominee, 2016)