One Whole and Perfect Day

One Whole and Perfect Day

Judith Clarke

ISBN: 978-1-932425-95-6

Front Street Press 2007

Plot Summary: Set in Australia, Lily hopes for one whole and perfect day. She is a considerate and responsible young woman, but sometimes wishes her family were the same way. Her grandmother is a bit flighty and has an imaginary friend. Her mother works a lot, and her brother and she are just not that close. She never met her dad, and has no real relationship with him other than the telephone calls on special occasions.

Lily's grandmother wants to throw a party and reunite with Lily's brother. Even as Lily doesn't approve, she wants there to be a day where everything goes as planned.

Lily also wants to find love and meets David and it appears as though there are possibilities.

Critical Evaluation: As Lily explores her familial relationships we see her as a conscious young woman capable of critically thinking. The relationship with her mother, brother, and her grandmother are all part of her coming of age experience as she waits for a day where things are "perfect and whole."

annotation: Set in Australia, Lily and her family are all on different pages. She thinks her grandmother might be going a bit crazy when she learns her grandmother has an imaginary friend. Lily waits for her grandmother's party and hope it will finally be a "whole and perfect day."

Author Information: Judith Clarke was born in Sydney, Australia and now lives in Melbourne. She is an award winning writer of several YA titles such as Kalpana's Dream, Wolf on the Fold, Night Train, and Friend of My Heart."

Genre: YA Chick Lit

Curriculum Ties: English

Booktalking ideas:
1.) Why does Lily feel like the word dad is uncomfortable in her mouth?
2.) Is the ending too good to be true? Is it viable to have one whole and perfect day?

Reading Level/ Age of interest: 14 and up/ 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues for this book.

Reasons for book selection: Lily is a strong female and her resolve is admirable in the face of her dysfunctional family. She is a positive example for teen readers.