Noni's Little Problem

by Nora Hickman Caplan

Set in the 1930's Depression era, Noni's Little Problem has appeal and substance as the successful two-time Newbery Honor award winning author, Patricia Reilly Giff. Relatable and relevant to the challenges facing contemporary middle-grade readers, nine year-old Noni experiences pain and ridicule as she copes with two very present-day challenges-childhood obesity and bullying. Noni Copeland impatiently waits for her younger cousin Phyllis' arrival at her home, Half-A-Hill restaurant and nightclub, in the countryside outside Springfield, Missouri. Phyllis and Noni look forward to a summer filled with greatly anticipated activities. As nine year old Noni goes back to school, every contemporary reader will recognize familiar elements---Noni's delight with her new clothes, her happiness at seeing her best friend, Martha Fielding and idolizing her new teacher, Miss Heneke. But Noni has the same challenge this year as last when she is relentlessly bullied about her weight by Marvin Cooper, "the shortest meanest boy in fourth grade." With kindness and ingenuity, Noni overcomes his intimidation and, by using her writing skills, she gains the respect of her tormentor. By the end of Noni's Little Problem, Noni's clothes fit a little looser and she finds her smile is a lot larger.