Confusion Is Nothing New

About this book

Ellie Magari just learned that her mother is dead. Perhaps that would be sad if Ellie had ever met the woman. Exactly who was Ellie's mom? Does it even matter that she's gone? Perhaps a dead mom can still help Ellie figure out what it means to be a girl in the world today. Either way, Ellie wouldn't mind a role model beyond her master chef Dad.

Fueled by the bighearted sounds of '80s rock and roll, plus large doses of Cyndi Lauper's girl-power joy, Confusion Is Nothing New is about friendship, family mysteries, and the perfect pizza. It's also about fathers and daughters and girls who understand that it's good to make things, but breaking things is okay too.

In fact, sometimes breaking things is required.

Reviews

Praise for Confusion is Nothing New:

"The dry wit of Acampora's characters... and the love of '80s music permeating every scene give this story its rhythm and soul." -- Publishers Weekly

"The idiosyncratic characters bring the story to life and the irrepressible humor… is laugh-aloud funny. A satisfying novel of loss, change, and renewal." -- Booklist

"A multilayered and thought-provoking read that doesn't take itself too seriously." -- Horn Book Review

"Its warmth and wackiness will appeal to even the most reluctant readers… a delightful addition to middle school libraries." -- School Library Connection


Praise for How to Avoid Extinction:

"Acampora tucks laughter, tears, light doses of life wisdom, impressive fossils, and any number of appealing characters into this amiable odyssey." -- Booklist

"The transformative power of the American road trip is taken to new heights." -- School Library Journal

"Some of the chapter headings are funny enough to convince people to read the book all by themselves." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Love plus laughter is pretty much an extinction-proof formula for a middle-grade book, and jokesters, dinosaur fans, and those looking for a satisfyingly hopeful family drama will find plenty to dig up and enjoy here." -- Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books