2015
WISE Score
Amazon
The world's best animal control officer loses her cool over a glowing raccoon and has to find her grit again.
4.7
4.7View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This is a top-tier choice for early readers. DiCamillo doesn't talk down to her audience, and the Deckawoo Drive series is a modern classic for a reason.
It’s short, punchy, and actually has something to say about resilience. If your kid is starting to branch out from Dr. Seuss, grab this. It’s light-years better than the generic 'brain rot' tie-in books you find at the grocery store checkout.
Best for ages 6 to 9. It’s a perfect 'I can read this myself' book for 2nd graders, but the story is strong enough that a 5-year-old would enjoy hearing it read aloud.
It handles the very real emotion of professional shame and fear with grace and humor. Francine is a competent adult who stumbles, and the way she finds her footing again through the support of a child is emotionally resonant without being sappy.
The 'ghost' raccoon is a fun, slightly eerie hook that keeps kids guessing. Kate DiCamillo’s world-building in Deckawoo Drive is quirky and distinct, and Chris Van Dusen's illustrations add a vivid, retro-cool energy.
Virtually zero safety concerns. The 'ghost' element is treated with enough humor that it won't cause nightmares for most, and the conflict is entirely age-appropriate for the early elementary set.
Excellent for vocabulary building and moving kids into independent reading. More importantly, it teaches that courage isn't the absence of fear, but doing the job even when your knees are knocking.
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