Ruth McNally Barshaw

Ellie McDougal (better known to her friends as Ellie Mc Doodle because she loves to draw) is a nearly-twelve-year-old prisoner . . . of her aunt, uncle, three annoying cousins, and her baby brother, Ben-Ben. Sentenced to a week-long camping trip with them while her parents are out of town, Ellie is absolutely, positively determined to hate every single minute of the experience. Thank goodness she at least has her sketch journal, in which she records all the excruciating (and okay, very show more funny) details. Mosquito bites and trips to the Fred Moose museum she can handle. But how will she keep her journal from falling into Er-ick the Enemy's hands? And what will happen when―gasp―she actually starts having fun? show less

Reviewed by Marie Robinson for TeensReadToo.com

Ellie McDougal is the new kid in school. She had to leave her happy life behind when her family moved to a new town, and she is sure that her new home cannot possibly measure up. Little by little she begins to adjust, first by settling in at home with her new room, and then by spending time at the local library, where she finds books comforting and familiar.

She is especially nervous about fitting in at school. The other kids tease her, and no show more one can get her name right. But spunky Ellie does not stay down for long. Her classmates need an advocate to stand up to the principal, and it turns out that Ellie is just the kid for the job. In fact, she meets a number of challenges throughout this story and handles each one head-on, coming up with passionate yet reasoned solutions, and enacting positive change.

Author/illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw has created something special with this character and with this format. Part novel, part journal, part comic book, Barshaw's unique style of sketch-journaling is a treat. The illustrations tell the story as much as the words, creating a lively, interactive narrative. You won't just read about Ellie's first day at school; you'll go to school with her and see everything through her eyes.

What's best about Ellie is her sense of humor. Occasionally she will pause in her narrative to share a joke, or to let us in on dinner at the McDougal house and all of the warm-hearted shenanigans her family participates in together.

Ellie may struggle with the common problem of starting over, but what sets her apart from other heroines is how she handles her problems. When she isn't happy with her new bedroom situation, she doesn't just complain to her parents or mope about it in her journal; instead she proposes a solution that will make every member of her family happy. Best of all, her parents allow her to take responsibility for herself, in ways that are loving and supportive, but also non-intrusive, so that Ellie can learn from her own experiences.

The book includes bonus features, such as an interview with Barshaw that she conducted in her signature sketch-journal style. There are even instructions on how to make a sketch-journal of your own, and there are tips on how to sketch, and how to draw comics. show less

Cute for what it is - hybrid graphic. (While it has more text than the Klise books but somehow the visuals remind me of her books). Though it is great for reluctant readers, it is not just for that crowd. Ellie and her family have moved despite her stenuous objections. And she adjusts- in spite of herself. The story that gets her there is nothing unusual (time and real life) but it rings quite true.

Our hero is dreading the vacation she is forced to take with her cousins -- all of whom are irritating in their own unique ways -- when her parents go out of town. Ellie McDoodle is determined to ignore her cousins and bury herself in her journal. The journal, of course, is the book. It's an account of the painful and hilarious and growth transformation Ellie makes over the course of the week she spends with her cousins, where she learns to appreciate each member of her exteneded family for show more very specific reasons. The hilarious illustrations included on every page show the ups and downs of Ellie's experience and tell the story in much more detail than the verbal entries. This deligthful romp in the woods with Ellie and her cousins is one beginning chapter readers, both boys and girls, should not miss. show less