Just Plain Mel

by Linda Washington

This devotional journal series, complete with full-color, fun "doodled" artwork throughout, offers an authentic and often hilarious look into the life and issues of an average 11-year-old. An... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0842353720
• ISBN13: 9780842353724
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: Tyndale Kids
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.5" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Just Call me Mel....

I love this book because it's a realistic girl dealing with normal life problems. I liked the pages where I could write my thoughts. Mel is a character you'll fall in love with. She's sassy, sweet, and just plain Mel. -BookLover24/7

Real Life Christianity In An Engaging Style

"Just Plain Mel" by Linda Washington has what other devotionals need: honest connection with what kids are really thinking.Written like a journal (complete with doodles and sketches), it as if Washington sat inside of an 11 year-old girl's mind abd took notes. There is a section with open-ended questions, so that the message of the story can come through more clearly.In short, it is an incredible teaching tool.It is whimsical, yet insightful. Occassionally lapsing into stream of consciousness, Washington's style will draw in girls who will connect. Those of us familiar with the old Beverly Cleary books will find the approach appealing.Though Washington has created a great text, the pictures share the center. Julie Chen understands what journals are all about, and has doodles throughout each page. The development of the book, in fact, is assisted so much with the pictures that young readers will likely stay on each page a little longer. As they explore each drawing, and wonder how it connects, they realize a bit more what Mel is going through.Showing a drawn picture of a frumpy, out of style Sunday school teacher, Mel writes, "Mrs. Wells, my Sunday school teacher, was like, 'Do you want to pray THE PRAYER?'" The quote is in a cartoon bubble, and the "The Prayer" is an Old English style script. Anyone who has been part of a protestant church knows the prayer!Mel continues on to discover what Christianity really is about, and how it isn't easy. She laments how her dad must travel (he's a pilot). We see Mel develop, and want more.Sunday school teachers and small group leaders want to check this one out. It hits the vibe of children's literature, yet has the truth in Christ kids need to know.I fully recommend "Just Plain Mel" by Linda Washington...