The Divorce Express

Name: The Divorce Express
Author: Paula Danziger
ISBN: 9780816144136

by Paula Danziger

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Overview

Shuttling between her divorced parents, Phoebe is on the "Divorce Express," a bus on which she spends too much time but where she also makes a startling discovery. "Danziger's light style laced with humor will continue to attract readers."—Booklist.

Resentful of her parents' divorce, a young girl tries to accommodate herself to their new lives and also find a place for herself.

About the Author, Paula Danziger

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular Amber Brown books as well as Remember Me To Harold Square, The Divorce Express, and Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice?

Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent's Choice Awards, International Reading Association - Children's Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children's Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards.

Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids' hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.

In Paula's memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children’s Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.

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Editorials

Children's Literature - Dianne Ochiltree

This paperback reprint of Danziger's 1982 young adult novel still rings true today. With teen-centered humor and real understanding, the author tackles a tough subject that many kids can relate to: divorce. Phoebe Brooks has shuttled between her divorced parents' homes for some time now. "Joint custody" wasn't so bad when both her mother and father lived in the city. But ever since her father moved to a house in the country, Phoebe has had to ride the "Divorce Express." That's what she calls the bus that takes her away from her New York City apartment-and her boyfriend-every Sunday night, so she can spend the week in Woodstock. The Divorce Express is no joy ride: It means Phoebe must go to ninth grade in a new school and try to make new friends. It's a hectic life that leaves this human yo-yo with little time to feel she belongs in either place. Just when Phoebe thinks she has a handle on it, her mother makes a decision that may change everything all over again. The plot breezes along, but the story's strength lies in its expert telling. Danziger has a good ear for teenagers' conversation and concerns. Her characters' dialogue shows the bravado that often hides underlying adolescent fears. 1998 (orig.