Where did the plot go?

The Second Life of Abigail Walker by Frances O'Roark Dowell

reviewed by Becky

What happened to Anders' dad? The project? Who was the fox? How was she related to Abby? What happens to Abby? These are all questions I have left after reading the book. What's ironic is, the reason I kept reading the book was so I would have answers to my questions, which I never got.

"The Second Life of Abigail Walker," written by Frances O'Roark Dowell, is a story about a girl named Abby who does not fit in at school, and she feels like no one understands her. Instead, of letting her sorrow out, she keeps her sorrow inside of her, and decides to begin exploring her neighborhood because she is bored most of the time. She discovers different animals, and a family who needs her help, so Abby decides to help them and see where that takes her.

Overall, I just did not enjoy the book. I thought it was weird, and wished that at least some of my questions were answered at the end. Also, I thought that the characters were underdeveloped. Abby just seemed to be a stereotyped overweight girl who connected with no one and the 'mean girls' at her school were typical mean girls who teased her about her weight to make themselves feel better. I did not connect with Abby, however, I did think the story flowed well because I was so curious about everything that I kept reading.

In conclusion, I think that this book is best for ages 10 and up, particularly for girl. But don't go running out to your local bookstore because this book isn't likely to be a best-seller.