The Swing by Joe Cepeda

The Swing by Joe Cepeda

Like many books, I was drawn to this one because of the cover and the mysteriously short title. I wanted to know what was so special about this swing." The girl on the cover is obviously smiling so I knew something enjoyable was to be found there. I thought this story had a unique plot as well. It's about a girl who starts swinging on a swing that is attached to a tree in her yard, and all of sudden all these things that were lost for so long (a mixing bowl, a toaster, and even their dog!) start tumbling out! I thought it was interesting how the story starts off with almost an embarassing feeling. The main character's family feels a little different than the rest of the neighborhood because they always have to borrow things from other people and it tends to not get returned by them. I thought it would be interesting to think how the reader relates to Josey, the main character, and what she's thinking and feeling about her family and their "reputation."

I also like the magical feeling this story has when Josey swings so high into the tree and she starts finding everything that her and her family lost. I like how she uses her experience for the good of her family and neighborhood. The illustrations and pictures are very vivid and the emotions are clearly showcased in them!