Synopsis
Moving is tough. Being the new kid in school is even tougher. But the hardest thing of all about the move that Doreen “Dodo” Bussey’s family is making is that she suspects it might be because of her. She got into trouble at her last school.
On the drive to their new home, her mother gives Dodo a blank notebook, which she uses to chronicle the move, the first days in a new city, and the ups and downs of starting a new school and making new friends. In the process, she reinvents herself as the Doodlebug. Her little sister seems to adjust to everything so easily—why is it so hard for Dodo?
Children's Literature
Doreen "Dodo" Bussey and family are moving to San Francisco without her consent or having been asked. The Bussey family includes a younger sister Maureen, "Momo," and her father and mother. Dodo's mother gives her a blank book for games to write in during the trip. But Dodo starts doodling and cannot stop. She fills it with her whole life, resulting in a complete novel written in doodles. At the new school, she tells her classmates her nickname is "doodlebug." Dodo writes in cursive, large and small letters, letters that are decorated, and curious pictures. Everyday happenings including school events fill the pages. Dodo and sister Momo have different personalities and are talented in different ways. They have a hard time with school rules. Dodo was expelled at her last school for sharing her medicine with classmates. At her new school Dodo gets in trouble for doodling in math class. Momo tries out for the choir, and does not make it. She captures the school microphone and sings a patriotic song. She dresses in royal blue, the same color as the choir, and takes a successful bus trip with the choir and is found out at the end of the trip. The Bussey parents are summoned to school to discuss both daughters' behavior. This is one of the most creative books found for children. Young has written over a dozen books for children. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro