Opinions and Opossums

by Ann Braden (Author)

Opinions and Opossums
Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade

Agnes has been raised to keep her opinions to herself, but how do you keep silent when you're full of burning questions?

Agnes has been encouraged not to question authority by her mom--but that's especially hard in religion class, where it bugs her that so much gets blamed on Eve and that God's always pictured one way. Fortunately, Agnes' anthropologist neighbor, Gracy, gets Agnes thinking after they rescue an opossum together. Playing dead didn't serve the opossum well, so maybe it's time for Agnes to start thinking for herself. And when Agnes learns that some cultures picture God as a female, she feels freed to think--and write--about things from new perspectives. As she and her best friend, Mo, encourage each other to get out of their comfort zone at school as the quiet kids, they quickly find it's sorta cool seeing people react when they learn you are very much full of thought-provoking opinions.

Ann Braden has written a fast-paced, funny novel that will resonate with anyone who's ever been afraid to say what they think or question the status quo.

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ALA/Booklist

Braden's book is perfect for middle-graders of any faith, especially those learning to make their faith their own. The relatable core plot, which folds in themes of income inequality, sexism, and asserting one's rights, moves quickly, and . . . the strong women in Agnes' life steal the show. Agnes' growth throughout the novel and the familiar middle-grade plot points reimagined through Agnes' unique situation in her community will resonate with fans of Barbara Dee and Paul Acampora.

Kirkus

A 12-year-old girl learns that questioning faith can make it stronger. . . . Through eye-opening talks with her anthropologist neighbor, creative writing exercises from the perspective of an opossum, and the powerful poetry of Maya Angelou, Agnes finds a version of God that makes sense to her and realizes she has the power to challenge authority. Braden crafts a nuanced story supported by clear metaphors and honest, deep emotions. Readers faced with similar situations will find support here even if it's only the confirmation to keep questioning. As Agnes learns and grows, she comes to realize that there are many conceptions of religion and God. . . . Mind-expanding.

Publishers Weekly

When older neighbor Gracy nearly hits an opossum with a pouch full of young at the start of this slim, feminist-leaning novel by Braden (Flight of the Puffin), 12-year-old Agnes learns that a play-dead instinct "isn't great if your predator is a line of traffic ready to run you over." Expected by her widowed mother to attend confirmation classes and sign a pledge that she believes in God, Agnes identifies with the opossum's inability to stand up for herself. Is her worry about "opopinions," or "Other People's Opinions," undermining her faith in herself? Questions about finding and speaking her own truth begin consuming Agnes, who understands that her mother usually yields to those in traditional positions of power. Inspiration and guidance come via a Beyoncé documentary featuring Maya Angelou ("Tell the truth. To yourself first"), and from Gracy's teachings about archeology, anthropology, history, and poetry, as Agnes works to understand women's underreported, vital roles throughout history, and the importance of perspective in accounts of the past. Underdeveloped characters and message-heavy prose undercut this empowering novel's solidly constructed arc, which is told via a first-person voice and quirky "The Opinion of an Opossum" interstitials. Protagonists present as white. Ages 10-up. Agent: Tricia Lawrence, Erin Murphy Literary. (May)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Ann Braden
Ann Braden writes books about kids struggling to find their voice amidst the realities of life. She founded GunSenseVT, a grassroots group focused on championing the common ground on the issue of guns in Vermont, which recently helped pass landmark gun violence prevention legislation. She also founded the Local Love Brigade, which now has chapters all over the country sending love postcards to those who are facing hate. Ann is the co-host of the children's book podcast, "Lifelines: Books that Bridge the Divide," along with Pakistani American author Saadia Faruqi, and is a former middle school teacher. She lives in southern Vermont with her husband, two children, and two insatiable cats named Boomer and Justice. Visit her online at www.annbradenbooks.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781984816092
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication date
May 02, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Curiosity
Writing
Perception
Novels

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