Switch by Ingrid Law is identified as a “companion to the Newbery Honor winner Savvy“, and that is an apt description.  The author provided enough backstory that I did not feel lost, even though I have not read her other books.  Neither did the story feel incomplete nor as if it was a tack-on to a previous story.

This book was a surprise.  Perhaps it was the allusion to a related Newbery, but my expectation was something a bit more artsy.  While the writing was good and the characterization adorable, this novel is ultimately at heart a fantasy book bursting with magic and an amazing amount of action.  The understated start did not prepare me for the madcap one-night adventures that the characters undertook.  Throughout there was a touching message about the difficulties of aging and dealing with a loved one’s dementia.  This is a book sure to appeal to boys and girls.  Set in a blizzard, it is also the perfect choice to cuddle up with on a blustery winter’s night.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore: Destruction of property; threat to punch; verbal threats; character dislocates a shoulder; crash with minor injuries; minor injuries from falling debris.

Sex/Nudity:  Elderly person with dementia removes clothes and is nude (non-sexual); teenage characters hold hands; teenage character kisses another on cheek; teenage characters kiss; report of teenagers kissing.

Mature Subject Matter:

Old age, dementia/Alzheimer’s, children taking vehicle without parental permission, bullying.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None