Author: Sarah Weeks
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Publication Date: 2004
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Audience: Gr. 4+
Awards: Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts (NCTE); ALA Notable Children’s Book; ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Overview: Heidi like most young teens, is wrestling wither identity. But in this case, she really does not know who she is. Raised by her mentally disabled mother, Heidi is more parent than child. The bits and pieces that hold the clue to her identity range from Mama’s list of 23 words (taped inside the cupboard door), a few photos, and “Soof” lead Heidi on a cross country search for her and Mama’s roots. Read on to find the meaning of the books’ title, as Heidi uses her lucky streak and learns the truth about her mother’s life.
Activity: If you only knew 23 words, which could you not live without? Would you be like Heidi and “rather know than not know”?
Reviewer’s Name: Deb Marciano
