Latasha and the Little Red Tornado By Michael Scotto
Reading Level: Ages 8 and up
Paperback: 141 pages
Publisher: Midlandia Press (November 15, 2011)
Book Blurb: Latasha and the Little Red Tornado tells the story of Latasha Gandy, a precocious and inventive third-grader who lives in Pittsburgh with her hardworking mother and a naughty puppy named Ella Fitzgerald. At eight years old, Latasha cannot wait to grow up. Ella, on the other hand, absolutely refuses to! When Ella's antics push the Gandy's landlady, Mrs. Okocho, to her wits' end, Latasha realizes that she must turn her mischievous mutt into a model dog. Latasha enlists the help of a classmate and neighbor, Ricky, in her efforts to train Ella. Their friendship grows as Ricky joins the girls on their adventures in the park. But after Latasha and Ricky have a falling out, Latasha decides to take Ella out on her own, a choice that proves to have grave consequences. At turns hilarious and heartbreaking, this tale of friendship and maturity follows Latasha as she struggles with Ella, school, and her mother's absence from home. (Find Latasha at Midlandia Press and at bookstores.)
Caity’s review: Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is a cute, heartwarming tale of a young girl and her puppy. Latasha is only eight years old, yet she is pretty mature for her age. She carries a pocket dictionary around with her, so she can use “big” words. I thought this made her unique and unlike most young female heroines. Latasha is a very likeable and realistic character and I found myself relating to her in many ways. Her puppy, Ella Fitzgerald was cleverly written as well. Ella does things like my own puppy does, like getting the “zoomies” and going a bit crazy when left alone. That’s just another great aspect of this story--the reader can relate to so many parts of it.
The scenarios in Latasha’s life were very believable. Having issues with friends, getting babysat, and living with a single parent. The characters like Ricky, Latasha’s friend (and neighbor) are all well developed. Throughout the story, Latasha matures and so does her pup in a way. I love how Michael Scotto added an unforeseen ending that left me wanting more.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is a fun read with an unexpected twist.
Paperback: 141 pages
Publisher: Midlandia Press (November 15, 2011)
Book Blurb: Latasha and the Little Red Tornado tells the story of Latasha Gandy, a precocious and inventive third-grader who lives in Pittsburgh with her hardworking mother and a naughty puppy named Ella Fitzgerald. At eight years old, Latasha cannot wait to grow up. Ella, on the other hand, absolutely refuses to! When Ella's antics push the Gandy's landlady, Mrs. Okocho, to her wits' end, Latasha realizes that she must turn her mischievous mutt into a model dog. Latasha enlists the help of a classmate and neighbor, Ricky, in her efforts to train Ella. Their friendship grows as Ricky joins the girls on their adventures in the park. But after Latasha and Ricky have a falling out, Latasha decides to take Ella out on her own, a choice that proves to have grave consequences. At turns hilarious and heartbreaking, this tale of friendship and maturity follows Latasha as she struggles with Ella, school, and her mother's absence from home. (Find Latasha at Midlandia Press and at bookstores.)
Caity’s review: Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is a cute, heartwarming tale of a young girl and her puppy. Latasha is only eight years old, yet she is pretty mature for her age. She carries a pocket dictionary around with her, so she can use “big” words. I thought this made her unique and unlike most young female heroines. Latasha is a very likeable and realistic character and I found myself relating to her in many ways. Her puppy, Ella Fitzgerald was cleverly written as well. Ella does things like my own puppy does, like getting the “zoomies” and going a bit crazy when left alone. That’s just another great aspect of this story--the reader can relate to so many parts of it.
The scenarios in Latasha’s life were very believable. Having issues with friends, getting babysat, and living with a single parent. The characters like Ricky, Latasha’s friend (and neighbor) are all well developed. Throughout the story, Latasha matures and so does her pup in a way. I love how Michael Scotto added an unforeseen ending that left me wanting more.
Latasha and the Little Red Tornado is a fun read with an unexpected twist.
Rating: I liked it.
Favorite excerpt: "I hurried into the kitchen ahead of Momma and saw Ella in the corner. Her head was on the ground and her eyes looked big, wet, and sorry. And then I saw why.
When I spotted the torn paper on the floor, I realized that puppy boot camp had been nothing but a big failure. I didn't even call Ella's full name. I just let out a scream.
In the less-than-one-minute I'd been gone, Ella had eaten both loaves of our hoagie bread whole."
Cover comment: The cover is extremely cute, very colorful and appealing, and showcases Latasha and her dog, Ella.
Book source: Received from the author for my honest review.
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