... She reluctantly experimented with new foods us grandkids requested, pasta with tomato sauce, and toasted sandwiches in the flashy sandwich machine we gave her one Christmas. She was not confident cooking these new foods, in retrospect it probably was quite bland, but us kids were always satisfied with the results. ... were too cunning to ever be caught. The final act came when my boss retired. I suggested to the team that we organise an afternoon tea for Carol and a farewell gift from our office, in addition to the larger farewell that was being organised by our whole company. They reje...

• Word Count: 2272
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

... and criticism. The issues Blume addresses in the novel play major roles in what critics think should and should not be censored in young adult literature. Alice Phoebe Naylor and Carol Wintercorn remark, "Blume's books reflect a general cultural concern with feelings about self and body, interpersonal relationships, and family problems." (Estes 33) Each of these concerns play out in the family ... of clothing to wear to school. Now he has to deal with his family's sudden affluence. When it is time to buy Christmas gifts, Tony's father says, "I"ll tell you one thing. This is going to be ...

• Word Count: 2389
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School