Ingrid Law came to Fort Collins to do a book signing at Tavelli Elementary School and it only seems proper that I submit my own review of her novel Savvy.
I found Savvyto be a great coming of age story that embraces the unique as part of life’s experiences. The main character is Mibs, who is about to turn 13. Her family is definitely the weird family of the neighborhood: at the age of 13, the Beaumont family receives an extra-special ability, known as their savvy. Mibs’ brother Fish manipulates water and weather through his feelings, her other brother Rocket courses with electricity and Mib’s Mom does everything perfectly. Mibs wishes for x-ray vision or the ability to fly but unfortunately, no one ever knows what their savvy will be. No matter what, Mib’s birthday is sure to be exceptional.
Just before the big day, the Beaumonts get word that their father has been in a terrible car accident . Mibs is not allowed to visit him yet and must wait but Mibs decides to take matters into her own hands. She and her siblings stow away on a bus with some fellow neighborhood kids in an attempt to see their father. Sadly, the bus heads in the wrong direction and Mibs must find a way to remedy the situation while keeping everyone safe as Mibs awaits to receive her savvy.
The story is a great example of accepting people for who they are. Mibs must come to grips with her savvy and in the process she learns to accept others for their flaws. It is unique that Mibs and her family have special abilities and so she must learn to be content with who she while still being able to sympathize with everyone else. Ingrid Law is a superb example of children’s storytelling and the importance of celebrating uniqueness is paramount in her novel, Savvy.