  | Operation final notice Author: Landis, Matthew | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Eight hundred seventy-eight dollars. That's how much Ronny needs by January 4th to keep his family's only car from getting repossessed after his father is disabled by a workplace injury. His best friend Josefina, aka Jo, is also counting down to January when her life could change with a big cello audition at a prestigious music academy. In alternating points of view, Ronny and Jo learn what can happen to best-laid plans and how to depend on others in tough times.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (10/01/22)
School Library Journal (10/01/22)
Booklist (11/01/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 10/01/2022 Gr 5 Up—Best friends Jo and Ronny have a lot going on. Jo just received an invitation to audition for Maple Hill, a music academy that would help her advance her cello skills, and Ronny found an $878 bill labeled "FINAL NOTICE" for his parents' car. Jo is immediately anxious about her audition; she has never successfully performed a solo. Ronny knew his parents had financial troubles since they moved from their townhouse to a small apartment, but he didn't know it was this bad. A suggestion from their teacher works out in favor of both friends. Jo will perform at The Manor, a home for the elderly, and Ronny will accompany her for moral support. When Jo's first performance goes awry, Ronny grabs the attention of the room while Jo is escorted off the stage. After seeing this display, the community director invites Jo and Ronny back to The Manor three times a week, to get Jo more comfortable on stage while Ronny provides company to the residents. In exchange, they will be paid $500. This starts Ronny down a path to earn the money his parents need. Will Jo and Ronny be able to solve both their problems? Told in alternating perspectives, this sweet middle grade story focuses on friendship, courage, and community. Readers will be rooting for Ronny and Jo the whole way. Both main characters feel authentic, and the story is fast-paced. Landis excellently wraps up the story realistically. Jo is Latinx; the race or ethnicity of other characters is not mentioned. VERDICT A wonderful realistic fiction addition to middle grade shelves.—Lisa Buffi - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 11/01/2022 In November of her seventh-grade year, Josefina Ramos receives the letter she’s been waiting for: an invitation to audition for admission and a scholarship to Maple Hill Conservatory next year. There’s just one obstacle—Jo's severe stage fright. Walking to school, she wants to share the news with Ronny, her best friend, but he’s upset about discovering a “FINAL NOTICE” bill, indicating that unless his parents pay $878.36, their car will be repossessed. Both kids confide in each other, and each of them makes a plan with an early January deadline: Jo practices performing solo regularly at a local senior-citizen home, while Ronny earns money helping the elderly residents and doing odd jobs in the neighborhood. From Ronny, Jo, and their friends to their teachers and the senior citizens, the characters are well drawn and convincing. The dual narrative unfolds in alternating first-person chapters, written from Jo's and Ronny’s points of view and offering useful insider/outsider perspectives on their challenges and experiences. With increasing tension in each story line, the pace never falters in this involving, uplifting novel. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
Booklist - 11/01/2022 In November of her seventh-grade year, Josefina Ramos receives the letter she’s been waiting for: an invitation to audition for admission and a scholarship to Maple Hill Conservatory next year. There’s just one obstacle—Jo's severe stage fright. Walking to school, she wants to share the news with Ronny, her best friend, but he’s upset about discovering a “FINAL NOTICE” bill, indicating that unless his parents pay $878.36, their car will be repossessed. Both kids confide in each other, and each of them makes a plan with an early January deadline: Jo practices performing solo regularly at a local senior-citizen home, while Ronny earns money helping the elderly residents and doing odd jobs in the neighborhood. From Ronny, Jo, and their friends to their teachers and the senior citizens, the characters are well drawn and convincing. The dual narrative unfolds in alternating first-person chapters, written from Jo's and Ronny’s points of view and offering useful insider/outsider perspectives on their challenges and experiences. With increasing tension in each story line, the pace never falters in this involving, uplifting novel. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
