ages 4-8

Though bullies and childhood exploits seem to be all too common in juvenile literature, Maggie Lewis creates a delightful story with Morgy MacDougal-Macduff. Through the story one can picture what it must be like to move from California to Puckett Corner, Massachusetts as a boy and experience the wonders of life: making friends, learning how to deal with the school bully, becoming proficient in hockey, and braving the harsh winters that New England has to offer. As someone who went to college in Maine, it gave me additional perspective of what life might have been like as a kid for my New England friends. Maggie Lewis gives us delightful character sketches and wonderful detail of setting in this charming book...

This story has shown successfully the transitions a child goes through when moving across country. It was well written so that a child could easily understand and relate to the characters. There were many funny situations and obstacles that Morgy had to overcome in order to fit into his new neighborhood. The way Morgy handles the bully was excellent. The book was written in a way that would appeal to both boys and girls. Children will be begging for more stories with their favorite character, Morgy. Maggie Lewis' first book was a hit! I am looking forward to reading more stories from this author.

Despite its humorous, well written start, Morgy fizzles into a "list of stuff" by the end. Written with simple, choppy sentences and too many undeveloped characters, this novel left us wondering where all the raves came from? What promises to show how a character changes and grows through a series of crises remains a series of crises...and Morgy, who feels like a hockey puck...stays one. He simply never makes his move! If you want a good book about "moving" and growing in a new location, try HEY, NEW KID...it's a winner.