The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Kate O’Shaughnessy’s first novel is one that touched the hearts of my students.

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane is the story of a girl who perseveres through hard times with the help of a kind hearted teacher and a boy named Tommy who has struggles of his own. Sixth graders Kate and Makenzie read this book and shared their thoughts with me by keeping notes in their reading notebooks and in Padlet. https://padlet.com/kcoons8/adsdphftpgksnoy4

Kate tracked all of the pressures May faced in her reading notebook.

Kate’s Thoughts:

I recommend The Lonely Heart Of Maybelle Lane to other 6 graders because this book is full of surprises and ups and downs. One second the characters are happily riding on a roller coaster, and the next they are sobbing and contemplating their problems. There are so many questions that you will want answers to as you read, and you may be surprised when you finally get them. I loved unraveling each character’s secrets, like how Tommy was being abused by his mom and how he is not who he appears to be. Mrs Boggs has secrets of her own, which made me look at her in a totally different light. There are so many things I loved about this book, and that’s why I would recommended it to all six graders who are interested in unfolding the secrets of Maybelle Lane.

Makenzie tracked the theme of kindness in her reading notebook.

Makenzie’s Thoughts:

I would recommend the book The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane because it sends a great message to always persevere through difficult times. The book lets readers know that if you give up on something you want to accomplish, you will regret it. It is a story of teamwork, loneliness, and most of all friendship.