True (. . . Sort Of)

Delaware “Delly” Pattison (her sisters are named Tallahassee, Montana, and Galveston) is non-stop trouble, not because she wants to be, but because it seems to be what’s expected of her, and she’s not sure how to be anything different. Then an unexpected friendship develops between Delly and Ferris Boyd, a new girl at school who doesn’t talk and can’t be touched. This friendship results in tender moments of growth and bonding as the girls’ trials become catalysts for change in one another other. Hannigan does a masterful job of capturing the tenderness of youth, the sincerity of childhood friendships, and the unconditional love of family. It’s touching to see Delly’s character development as she responds to internal desires and external influences prompting her to be a good daughter, sister, and friend. Her unique vocabulary of noncuss words (“bawlgrammit”) and other original words (a surprise present is a “surpresent”) are a memorable invention. As a perceptive reader might expect, Ferris Boyd doesn’t talk and can’t be touched because she is physically abused by her father. The story avoids graphic description of the abuse, but anyone suggesting the book will still want to be confident the reader is ready for this content. Assuming they are, they’re in for a fun yet tender story of friendship, love, and caring for one another.