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The Mighty Miss Malone Audiobook
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(4.00) - 2,535 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award–winning Bud, Not Buddy, Bud met a girl named Deza Malone in a Hooverville. This is her story.
“We are a family on a journey to a place called wonderful" is the motto of Deza Malone's family. Deza is the smartest girl in her class in Gary, Indiana, singled out by teachers for a special path in life. But the Great Depression has hit Gary hard, and there are no jobs for black men. When her beloved father leaves to find work, Deza, Mother, and her older brother Jimmie go in search of him, and end up in a Hooverville outside Flint, Michigan. Jimmie's beautiful voice inspires him to leave the camp to be a performer, while Deza and Mother find a new home, and cling to the hope that they will find Father. The twists and turns of their story reveal the devastation of the Depression and prove that Deza truly is the Mighty Miss Malone.
“Witty and moving.” —The Wall Street Journal
“The fluidity of the writing, the strong sense of place and time combined with well-drawn characters will captivate and delight. . . . a fitting literary companion to Bud Caldwell.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred
“Curtis threads important bits of African-American history throughout the narrative. . . . Some readers will feel they are due a bit of happiness; others will be struck by how little has changed in 75 years for the nation’s have-nots.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred
From the Hardcover edition.
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"A busy but believable story with lots of plot twists and action. A terrible accident on Lake Michigan causes Deza Malone's father to be badly hurt and to lose his job. He sets out for Flint, Michigan to find work there and Deza, her mother, and her brother follow suit. They hope to catch up to him, but bad luck stops them in a shanty town for a while. While there, Jimmie decides to run away to try his luck at singing for money. He doesn't write so Deza makes the journey to Detroit alone to find him. Luckily he is doing good. Eventually things do turn around for the Malone family, but things will never the way they used to be. Good, solid writing. Deza's character grows as the story continues."
— Mary (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Book of 2012
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Kirkus Reviews Best Teen's Book of 2012
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Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011:“Deza is one great heroine in her own right, a fitting literary companion to Bud Caldwell.”
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Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, December 12, 2011:“Though the resolution of the family’s crisis is perhaps far-fetched, some readers will feel they are due a bit of happiness; others will be struck by how little has changed in 75 years for the nation’s have-nots.”
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“Curtis does not sugarcoat reality and focuses instead on the resilience of a memorable character.”
— School Library Journal -
“With his distinctive style of storytelling that seamlessly presents the hardships and finds the humor in tough circumstances, Curtis forges the link between characters and readers. The fluidity of the writing, the strong sense of place and time, combined with well-drawn characters will captivate and delight. Deza is one great heroine in her own right, a fitting literary companion to Bud Caldwell.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Awards
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A 2012 Publishers Weekly Best Book: Children's Fiction
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One of the 2012 Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books for Children
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Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
The Mighty Miss Malone Listener Reviews
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" It's good. The best thing about this is Deza's voice. "
— Melissa, 2/18/2014 -
" Warm, poignant story of tough times and strong people. Deza is a solid, relatable protagonist, her family's trials are believable, and as a reader, I never stopped hoping for all of them. A northern, urban Grapes of Wrath but Deza's intelligence and strength make it much more enjoyable. Beautifully written. "
— Kathleen, 2/12/2014 -
" This book has a mighty message about poverty, race and family. This book would be a great read aloud or used in a book club. The characters feel like people you would want to know. The Malone's values take over the book in such a positive way. "
— Bronx, 2/2/2014 -
" I like Curtis' books but this one didn't do much for me. It may be a case where I should have read the hard copy instead of listening to the audio first. I love Bonnie Turpin as a narrator, but something about the audio version came off as confusing and a bit disjointed. Also, wondered what's with so many juvenile fiction books being on the Joe Louis fight in the 30's? "
— Lu, 2/1/2014 -
" There are no words. This is the best book I've read in awhile. "
— Linda, 1/11/2014 -
" Love it! Deza is a character we first met in Bud, Not Buddy. Love reading historical fiction of this sort from this time period (Depression Era). "
— Jody, 12/4/2013 -
" Beautiful story of an African American family during the depression. This story is told from the point of view of young, verbose Deza. This story follows her family though the ups and down. The characters are endearing. The story is emotional. I will definitely recommend this book to my 5th graders. "
— Allisoon, 11/20/2013 -
" Another great character from Curtis. Historical fiction with a strong, lovable heroine, loving family, hard times, and lots of the author's signature humor. May appeal more to girls than boys. Grades 4 and up. "
— Peggy, 11/20/2013 -
" Oh...this was just fantastic. A wonderful wonderful book. Read it read it read it. "
— Lupine, 9/19/2013 -
" I liked this historical fiction, but it will be a borderline yes vote for me. It takes place during the depression and is about a black family and their struggles. It does have Curtis' typical humor, but not enough to carry the tide. "
— Helen, 6/10/2013 -
" A Louisa recommendation- I told Louisa that I thought the book was great to read- but exhausting. This family never got a break, and it would get down right depressing! Louisa replied, "Well it IS depressing, because it was written about the Depression!" :) "
— Alise, 4/23/2013 -
" unforgetable characters, insightful plot, will touch your heart and change your views "
— Mary, 3/7/2013 -
" Great read by Curtis - possible Newberry contender? The Mighty Miss Deza Malone is a reader and a problem-solver. She is one smart cookie who helps her family make it through some mighty hard times during the Great Depression. Connections to Berlin Boxing Club, Friendship Doll, and Annie. "
— Jennifer, 1/10/2013 -
" In many ways a more realistic take on the Great Depression than Bud, Not Buddy was... but for that reason, it also lacks the joviality of that title. Recommended for grades 6 and up; there are some themes that younger kids might find upsetting. "
— Kate, 11/18/2012 -
" Believable historical fiction story of a Black family during the Great Depression, circa 1936-38.Includes Hoovervilles, Joe Louis vs. Max Schnelling fight, hope, bigotry, and speakeasies. Manlone motto: "We're on a journey to a place called wonderful!" Alliteration! "
— Lonna, 8/26/2012 -
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Diane Jenkins, 5/13/2012
About Christopher Paul Curtis
Christopher Paul Curtis made an outstanding debut in children’s literature with The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award.
About Bahni Turpin
Bahni Turpin, winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and several prestigious Audie Awards for her narrations, was named a “Golden Voice” by AudioFile magazine in 2019. Publishers Weekly magazine named her Narrator of the Year for 2016. She is an ensemble member of the Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles. She has guest starred in many television series, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Six Feet Under, Cold Case, What about Brian, and The Comeback. Film credits include Brokedown Palace, Crossroads, and Daughters of the Dust. She is also a member of the recording cast of The Help, which won numerous awards.