Title: Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace (Click on title link for synopsis)
Author: Nan Marino
Source/Format: Publisher/Bound ARC
Publisher/Publication Date: Roaring Brook Press/April 16, 2013
Age Range: 8-12
My Thoughts:
I really liked Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino. It was
more than just a story about secrets and a famous young musician who was hiding
out in a small town. Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace is a pleasant fictional middle
grade story of Elvis, a musical prodigy, who wants to appear to be
an ordinary boy as he hides "from the paparazzi," and Cecilia, an 11 year old girl, who wishes that she is more
popular. There are stark differences between Elvis and Cecilia. One was
musically inclined while the other was not. One was famous while the other was
unpopular. Both characters just wanted to find a place to fit in and meet the
expectations of others. Together they grew and found out a little more about
themselves. I liked the fact that although Elvis and Cecilia were from
different worlds, they seemed to be dealing with similar issues. Also, it was nice to see how the characters
evolved as they came to terms with who they really were.
Overall, Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace is an easy read. The characters are enjoyable and realistic. I liked the story because there is a great lesson to be learned. At first, the significance of the separate chapters pertaining to the Jersey Devil legend was puzzling, but when the overall lesson to be learned was revealed, I understood exactly why the legend was included. This is a great book to share with your children as you teach them about the importance of being themselves and not falling victim to trying to become who or what others say they are.
I received a
bound ARC of Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino from the publisher
for an unbiased review. Thank you.
I really liked it. I would recommend it.
