Rating: 
Summary: Crazy Lady Review
Review: When I first started reading this book i thought it was kind of boring. After awhile though it started to catch my interest and I actually started to like it. Some of the parts like when Vernon started helping Ronald, that really caught my attention. Sometimes I just wanted to keep reading on and other times it was as if I just wanted to stop because it got really boring. When Vernon started to get his grades up and he helped plan the carnival it made me want to read on and see what happens. Towards the end when Maxine was having all these problems with alcohol I was really interested in finding out what would happen next. At the end I couldn't believe that Maxine actually gave up Ronald it was the biggest suprise in the book. Before in the book Maxine always talked about how he would never give up Ronald, and then she just does.
Rating: 
Summary: Unfit for Children
Review: Whereas the story has merit, this is not fit reading for 9-12years olds. The story has no obvious penalties for harrassment, shoplifting, abusive and offensive language. This writer intrudes into areas that are not fit for young minds not to speak of parental rights to hold certain ideals dear.
Rating: 
Summary: Acceptance of differences and discovering our gifts
Review: Yes, there is some language in this book that would not be acceptable unmonitored for young children, though it is kept minimal. Yes, there are situations in the storyline that are not completely happy. Yet "Crazy Lady" is a book worthy of the reader's time. At the core of the story is a lonely 7th grade boy, struggling with school and the loss of his mother, along with the trials of being an adolescent. There is also a lonely, alcoholic woman, trying to do her best for her cognitively disabled son. When circumstances bring these two together, life begins to change for both. Vernon begins to understand that there is a bigger world beyond him, and that despite his struggles in school and life, he can make a difference in the lives of others. Maxine, the alcoholic mother, may not fare as well, but she, too, begins to understand that some things need to happen for the best. Conley portrays her characters in a working class, gritty neighborhood with honesty and a touching dignity. There is much more to be had from this book in the way of well-drawn characters and settings and the theme of acceptance. While I would suggest that the reality of tough lives in tough neighborhoods merits monitoring, the story is a true gem of the theme of acceptance-- of those who are different, of our own gifts and limitations, and of the opportunities given us to try and change those situations. I read this book with my own kids when they were in elementary school, and I believe they were richer in their world view after reading and discussing and predicting. The rough incidents are tempered by moments of family or adolescent humor, and the reader really cares about these people and what becomes of them. There are people in this world who struggle with some of the same problems in this story. What happens to the people in this story can help the young reader understand that while they might not be able to "fix" everything that is bad, they can make a difference, and grow themselves in the process.
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