Stephanie Faris‘ recent middle grade novel, Finding Normal tells the story of severe storm that causes a flood which destroys an entire neighborhood. Now, twelve-year-old Temple Baxter and her family are homeless. In order to save money, Temple has to stop attending her private school in exchange for a public school closer to their temporary home.
Not one for the spotlight, Temple grows tired of people seeing her as a victim. All she wants is to get her old life back, so she hinges all her hopes on organinzing a fundraiser. She solicits the help of two schoolmates: Jesse Fletcher and Asha Taylor to raise money for all the people whose homes might get foreclosed on and those who are trying to make ends meet amidst all the added expenses of cleaning up and rebuilding. Immersed in organizing a event of epic proportions with musicians, food, tickets, invitations, and security, Temple struggles to secure the venue. And when her grades begin to slip, her parents ground her and take her phone. Now, how will everything get done?
Along the way, Temple comes to realize this event isn’t about gaining reognition as a “kick-butt amazing person for doing something to help everyone” (103-104) but more about the value of family, neighbors, and the power of community. As she regains a sense of belonging, Temple also learns that good things can come from horrible experiences.
- Donna