Nobody Listens to Me

Ever since her mother died, Mendy, 11, and her father have been very close. They share a love of the sea and a strong admiration for whales. Mendy's father owns a boat that takes tourists whale-watching; one day Mendy reads an article claiming that this activity may be harmful to the whales. She tries to tell her father, but he refuses to listen. Because no one will pay attention to the girl, she launches a public campaign. Mendy's protest ultimately has an impact on her relationships with her father, her friends and the entire town. In her unique--though occasionally slow-moving--story, Guccione intertwines the themes of family, friendship and defending one's beliefs. The evolving conflict between Mendy and her father is intriguing, and their relationship poignantly depicted. Although the ending is somewhat pedantic, Mendy's point is well-taken--children can make a difference. Ages 8-12. (July)