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A review by wrentheblurry
Oddly Normal by Otis Frampton
4.0
SUMMARY: Oddly Normal endures many of the same trials that other 10-year-olds do, such as unpleasant school bus rides and torments from her peers. Perhaps her green hair and pointed ears contribute to why her classmates treat her the way they do, but that can't be helped when your mother is a witch and your father is a human. Oddly feels that she does not belong, neither where she lives now, or in the mysterious land of Fignation, where her mother came from. During her 10th "birthday party", she wishes her parents would disappear...and they do! Oddly is quickly whisked by her aunt to the previously forbidden Fignation, and soon becomes embroiled in running from new enemies, and confronting a great evil.
EVALUATION: While Oddly does feel out of place, she is able to find some comfort and distraction in her new group of friends: Ragnar, a hunchback; Misty, a ghost; and Reggie, a junior Frankenstein's monster. I liked that even monster-based middle schools have the standard stereotypes, including the reject group, and the school bully and his cronies. The story feels a little like an early Harry Potter novel, in that Oddly, like Harry, is struggling to deal with her powers, and goes on adventures trying to determine what exactly is going on with her strange teacher and the troublemakers at her school.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Oddly is a wonderful depiction of a young tween who learns to stand up for herself, without stepping on anyone else in the process. This book should be equally enjoyed by both boys and girls. The story flows quickly and easily, with some humor sprinkled into the mix. I'm a fan of this style of drawing, and I think tweens will appreciate it and the color work.
EVALUATION: While Oddly does feel out of place, she is able to find some comfort and distraction in her new group of friends: Ragnar, a hunchback; Misty, a ghost; and Reggie, a junior Frankenstein's monster. I liked that even monster-based middle schools have the standard stereotypes, including the reject group, and the school bully and his cronies. The story feels a little like an early Harry Potter novel, in that Oddly, like Harry, is struggling to deal with her powers, and goes on adventures trying to determine what exactly is going on with her strange teacher and the troublemakers at her school.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Oddly is a wonderful depiction of a young tween who learns to stand up for herself, without stepping on anyone else in the process. This book should be equally enjoyed by both boys and girls. The story flows quickly and easily, with some humor sprinkled into the mix. I'm a fan of this style of drawing, and I think tweens will appreciate it and the color work.