Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan, author of Counting by 7s (which was so fabulous it is basically impossible to top), is middle grade contemporary fiction.  The main character, Julia (who interestingly does refer to herself as a terrier), is in fact a lot like a Jack Russell terrier; the reader is exposed to her constant, mental monologue which flits from subject to subject in a somewhat random pattern.  Julia is a bit self-interested and self-absorbed, but ultimately a likeable character.  Ms. Sloan has included other eccentric characters in the narrative, but the focus is firmly on Julia.  Short is ultimately about finding “your thing” and finding confidence in oneself.  Theater fans will enjoy Julia’s experience in the cast of Wizard of Oz and relate to how a theater production experience can be transformative.  The author’s voice is clearly recognizable from Counting by 7s, but this is a lighter book.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Dial Books for Young Readers

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  1 mild obscenity.

Violence/Gore:  Report of death of a pet; report of young girl hitting boy with a jacket on purpose, resulting in a minor injury and bleeding; character injured in a fall and required hospitalization; report daughter died from cancer.

Sex/Nudity:  Reference to movie “Our Changing Bodies”; reference to puberty; adults kiss; two adult women like the same man.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of pet, cancer, dwarfism.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Middle school-aged character sips champagne at a cast party.