Monday, January 21, 2008

Miracle on 49th Street


Miracle on 49th Street
Mike Lupica
Philomel Books, 2006

Molly has had a rough year. Born and raised in London, she and her mother move back to Boston when her mother is diagnosed with cancer. After her mother dies, Molly goes to live with Barbara, her mom’s best friend from college, and her family. Barbara, Mr. Evans, and their daughter Kimmy are all kind but they aren’t family. Family is what Molly needs. Family is what Molly craves. She has never known her father but just before she dies her mother tell her who her father is: Josh Cameron, the most famous sports personality in the world (think Michael Jordan). Although she loved Josh, Molly’s mother realized that his primary interests would always remain basketball and himself, so she chose to not tell him she was pregnant and go to live in Europe.

Molly, however, is willing to take risks to gain a family. She and her best friend Sam concoct a scheme for her to meet him alone so that she can tell him who she is. The meeting goes disastrously – Josh doesn’t believe that she’s his daughter. After a second, equally frustrating meeting, Josh’s housekeeper and substitute mother finds out about Molly and insists that Josh apologize and get to know her. But as Molly learns more about her father, she realizes that maybe her mother was right – Josh will never be able to see beyond himself and basketball. But this book is entitled Miracle on 49th Street for a reason.

Here’s my confession: I love the sappy, the sweet, the good, happy-ending story. Yes, I also love teenage problem fiction, but sometimes I need to have the happy and I loved this book. Like Molly’s favorite movie, Miracle on 34th Street, this book had its unrealistic elements, but who cares? It made me happy and that’s all that matters ☺

One one interesting note: I searched online for reviews of this book and one that I read was clearly written by a student who said it wasn’t a YA book because “Although the main character is a teenager, there is hardly any slang and no cursing.” I wasn’t aware that these were important criteria for defining YA novels. I always thought a YA novel was a novel that appeals to young adults. Silly me.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

well if you read the comments from the adults they think its a good book and i like reading mike lupicas books even though i am a kid.

Anonymous said...

You should read heat,travelteam,and then miracle on 49th street.They all connect if you pay attention.

Anonymous said...

i dont think there should be cursing or any slang in any books unless you have a reason for it. In this book they dont have a reason to curse.

Anonymous said...

I think all your books(Mike Lupica) are a YA book and i am not joking.

Anonymous said...

this book is like so totally awesom e b fe

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

I am a Jr. High Librarian and I totally loved this book. It is perfectly suited to the age group we have here at our school. As far as swearing, slang, etc., that is not necessary for a good story. This is a very good interest holding YA novel that students will love just as HEAT is a good story.
KEEP 'EM COMING, MIKE LUPICA!

Anonymous said...

Yo MAMA

Anonymous said...

I just finished the book and I thought it was one of the best I had ever read! I'm only twelve but I really enjoy your blog! I wished they told more about what happened at the end... Did Molly move with the family, or did she stay with Josh and Mattie? These questions are waiting to be answered! Travel Team is my favorite followed by none other than the million dollar throw. Mike Lupica just keeps on delivering :P! Please get back to me ASAP!

Anonymous said...

I truly loved this book.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

May u please make a book that includes the Seattle SeaHawks and there first Superbowl win

Anonymous said...

You are the best author ever