Ida B: . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan

Ida B: . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan.

I just finished reading this book and very much enjoyed it. 
Right off the bat I had to get over two things: I thought it would be a southern tale since Ida B, the main character says "Yes ma'am" to her mother and her teacher. And since "Ida B" sounds so lovely southern... But it's not. It takes place in Wisconsin even though, to me, it did not feel like a Wisconsin story.

Secondly: I did not feel that the voice was authentic for a kid. Even for a well read, home schooled kid. I loved Ida B's voice, yet the writing felt like the voice of an adult who wanted to sound like a perky kid. The word choices and metaphors were just not truly a 4th grader. The writing reminds me of the Clementine books (by Sara Pennypacker), same wonderful spunky character except Clementine is a first or second grader and Ida B is a bit older.

HOWEVER - I loved Ida B's attitude. The voices in her head, her stubbornness, her talking to the trees - were all wonderful. I could just see myself at that age, when I knew I could fly and soared over the neighborhood. I can just see my grandson Nico talking to the brook and the trees when he is that age.

Lovely story about the inner struggles and growth of a young girl. Highly recommended. Especially to read aloud at bedtime together!