“The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone” by Jaclyn Moriarty
When I was about 12 years old “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte was my favorite book. I have no idea why 12 year old me loved “Jane Eyre” so much, but I did. So, when I saw “The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone” by Jaclyn Moriarty at my local Barnes and Noble while Christmas shopping, I picked it up, if only for the protagonist’s name. I read the first three pages, love it and brought it home.
I hadn’t read anything by Jaclyn Moriarty, but after reading this book that will change. Bronte Mettlestone is a truly delightful narrator of her adventures. The book starts, “I was ten years old when my parents were killed by pirates. This did not bother me as much as you might think-I hardly knew my parents.” And thus, we are off on an adventure to visit all of Bronte’s Aunts because her parents’ will has been fairy cross stitched which compels her to go and to go by herself. For 2018 readers that might come across as shockingly dangerous, but one must remember that it wasn’t so long ago that “My Side of the Mountain” or “The Boxcar Children” had protagonists who functioned quite well without adults, thank you. Bronte learns a great deal about her family, herself and why her parents ended up where they ended up. The end of the book was a true delight and left me feeling happy and satisfied.
I think my favorite thing about “The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone” was the fact that this was a book written for children that wasn’t condescending towards her readers. Many books written for children tend to treat their readers as though they are only slightly smarter than your average golden retriever. Ms. Moriarty recognizes the fact that children between 8-12 years of age are actually a great deal more competent that adults tend to give them credit for. She is clearly writing a book that gives permission for children to be responsible for themselves and have grand adventures. In a world that is punishing parents for letting their children walk down the street to get the mail by themselves, this was delightfully refreshing.
I HIGHLY recommend “The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone” by Jaclyn Moriarty. It’s a fantastic read for an adult reader, a 4-8th grade reader or as a read aloud.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
