cover image The Accidental Adventures of India McAllister

The Accidental Adventures of India McAllister

Charlotte Agell, Holt/Ottaviano, $16.99 (160p) ISBN 978-0-8050-8902-8

The word "adventures" could mislead some readers, but those looking for a realistic new character to love won't be disappointed in nine-year-old India McCallister, who could step right out of the lifestyles section of any contemporary newspaper. An adopted Chinese girl, she lives in smalltown Maine with her single mother, an artist and breast cancer survivor, and spends weekends with her gay father and his partner, Richard, who listen to NPR. Her constant companion is her dog, Tofu. What gives this book strength and validity is that these topics are never discussed; they are simply part of India's quotidian existence, presented in her authentic voice: "I love my dad, too, except that he lives with Richard, and I'm just not so sure about Richard. It doesn't seem fair that he gets to see Dad every day and I don't." An adventure for India is an early-morning walk with her dog; her worst day is when her best (boy) friend walks home from school with her archenemy. Sketchy line drawings, accompanied by India's commentary, provide appealing additional diary-like detail. A delightful addition to the middle-grade canon. Ages 8–11. (July)