Iggie's House

This is one of Blume's books for younger readers, but despite this (and its age), she manages to examine race relations in suburbia in a really provocative way, touching on many of the sometimes-conflicted emotions that children caught in the racial crossfires might experience. The black children in the novel, for example, have understandable problems trusting their new white friend--is she being genuine, or does she just want an exotic token of her openmindedness? That Blume had the guts to address these sort of complexities is a testament to the respect she gave young readers. ( )

This book is about segregation and how a 'black" family moved to "white" street. Winnie tries to greet the new neighbors but this caused problems. Winnie didn't really understand that people are different and that sometimes people don't want to change.

I felt this book was different from all other of Judy Blume's wonderful books. It says how segragation sometimes stays in people's lives. It gave a message that all people are different; and you should always respect that.

Steve Bowles (Books for Keeps No. 15, July 1982)
The late arrival here of Judy Blume's first novel suggested that English publishers didn't rate it. Consequently, my expectations were low---perhaps why I was pleasantly surprised. Once best friend Iggie moves away. Winnie anxiously awaits new neighbours. The Garbers are black and, swallowing initial amazement. Winnie starts to make friends with the three kids---hindered by her own clumsiness and the middle Garber's prickliness. Surburban racism rears its head---but capitulates quite easily in the end. Inevitably, it's simplistic---the Blume approach suits domestic/personal affairs better than major public issues---but Winnie is appealing and the package very easily consumed, 9-12. Category: Middle/Secondary. . ...., Piccolo, D1.00. Ages 10 to 14 (CCLD). ( )

Lexile: 540
Reading Recovery: 21
DRA: 24
Fountas Pinnel Guided Reading: L