Absolutely Normal Chaos

Name: Absolutely Normal Chaos
ISBN: 9780061784620

by Sharon Creech

Thirteen-year-old Mary Lou Finney dreads her summer journal assignment, but when her cousin Carl Ray arrives, her 'absolutely normal chaos' becomes a vibrant, funny, and deeply personal record of fami

About This Book

Sharon Creech's 'Absolutely Normal Chaos' invites readers into the witty and observant journal of 13-year-old Mary Lou Finney. What starts as a dreaded school assignment quickly becomes a lively chronicle of her summer, filled with the arrival of her enigmatic cousin Carl Ray, the ups and downs of friendship, and the confusing world of first crushes. Mary Lou's attempts to find parallels between her own life and Homer's Odyssey add a delightful layer of humor and introspection. This coming-of-age story is perfect for middle schoolers navigating their own 'normal chaos,' offering a relatable and humorous look at family dynamics, self-discovery, and the power of putting thoughts on paper.

Mary Lou Finney is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer. Boring! Then cousin Carl Ray comes to stay with her family, and what starts out as the dull dog days of summer quickly turns into the wildest roller coaster ride of all time.How was Mary Lou suppose to know what would happen with Carl Ray and the ring? Or with her boy-crazy best friend Beth Ann? Or with (sigh) the permanently pink Alex Cheevey? Suddenly a boring school project becomes a record of the most exciting, incredible, unbelievable summer of Mary Lou's life.But what if her teacher actually does read her journal?

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Love & Family Friendship & Loyalty Curiosity & Wonder Joy & Gratitude Resilience & Perseverance Empathy & Kindness Loneliness & Belonging Anger & Frustration Sadness & Grief Creativity & Imagination Growing Up Making Friends Sibling Rivalry Cultural Identity

Discussion Prompts

If you had to keep a journal for a summer, what kinds of things do you think you would write about?

Mary Lou often compares her life to events in Homer's Odyssey. Can you think of any stories or myths that remind you of things happening in your own life?

How does Mary Lou's relationship with her cousin Carl Ray change throughout the summer? What does she learn from him?

What does 'absolutely normal chaos' mean to you? What kind of chaos is normal in your family or friendships?

Mary Lou learns a lot about herself by writing in her journal. What are some ways that writing or reflecting can help us understand our own feelings and experiences?

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