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Title: The Bedazzling Bowl
Author: Wendy Lynn Decker
Publisher: Xulon Press (September 14, 2006)
Genre: Children's Fiction
Copyright: 2006
ISBN: 1600344682
Paperback: 184 pages
Reviewer: Lynda Schab
I enlisted my nine-year-old daughter's help in reviewing Wendy Lynn Decker's book, "The Bedazzling Bowl." I honestly don't know who liked the book more--my daughter or me. I do know that we both made a wonderful new friend and her name is Aly M. Bellisher.
Aly M. Bellisher is experiencing change. And change is not something Aly embraces with open arms. Besides entering the fifth grade, her final year as an elementary student, Aly discovers on the first day of school that her best friend, Sandy, is not there to share it with her.
Initially, Aly suspects Sandy may be ill, but upon meeting Mrs. Canible', her new (and somewhat strange) teacher with the giant alligator teeth, Aly decides Mrs. Canible' is really a cannibal who has eaten Sandy. But Aly soon realizes the truth: Sandy is now being homeschooled and won't be coming to public school at all anymore!
At first, Aly is a little lost without her best friend. Sandy is the only other Christian she knows at school. Then Aly meets Cassidy, a girl who came from a special education class. Although they hit it off right away, Aly struggles with befriending someone so "different," especially when popular but not-so-nice classmate, Kimber, strongly disapproves of Cassidy and let's everyone know it.
School/friend problems aside, Aly is desperately trying to figure out the mysterious meaning of the Bible verse she is being forced by her parents to memorize. Throughout the story, Aly comes to learn exactly what the verse means and realizes just how it applies to her life at the moment.
"The Bedazzling Bowl" is expertly written. I would go so far as to compare Aly with Beverly Cleary's character, Ramona Quimby. Aly is real and honest, and kids like her can likely be found in elementary classrooms all over the world. Children between the ages of 7-12 will identify with Aly's struggle to discover just how she fits in and how to let her Christian light shine to those around her, particularly in the midst of fifth-grade peer pressure.
Wendy Lynn Decker does a marvelous job of weaving messages into Aly's story without sounding preachy. Subtle lessons include: not judging someone based on appearance alone, accepting those who aren't "normal" by the world's standard, and standing up for what you believe is right.
In conclusion, "The Bedazzling Bowl," is a delightful and entertaining read that is sure to be enjoyed by all--kids and parents alike. With easy-to-read dialogue that kids can understand, a touch of humor laced throughout, and the take-away value, Aly M. Bellisher is a character you'll remember for a long time to come; a character you'll be glad to call your friend. My daughter and I both give, "The Bedazzling Bowl" an A+ grade and agree that this book belongs on shelves in every library. Immediately after finishing the book, my daughter asked when the next "Aly" book is coming out."
Let's hope it's soon.
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