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Review: Ferris

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Ferris 
By Kate DiCamillo 
Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2024. 226 pages. 

Ferris Wilkey is doing her best to enjoy the summer before she goes into 5th grade; however, things are a little crazy due to what is happening with all her relatives. Her sister, Pinky, is doing her best to be arrested. Ferris’ grandmother is seeing a ghost and is declining in health. Her uncle has moved into her basement to paint the "great history of the world" and wants Ferris to spy on his wife, her aunt. Ferris’ father is trying to figure out the raccoon problem in their attic. Her mother is on a summer break from teaching school, but has a lot to say about what Farris does or doesn’t do for the summer. And Ferris is trying to stay on top of what everyone needs her to do and the big feelings that come when various things happen. 

This is another great DiCamillo book. The characters are memorable, and readers will be delighted and empathetic with what is happening in Ferris’ life. Readers who have enjoyed other DiCamillo novels, who like historical realistic fiction with a lot of heart, or who may wonder if ghosts are or aren’t real will enjoy this book.
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