Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky tale of tween BFFs, music, light, love, and death.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
In a mid-20th century small town, Emma Phineas Wilkey, now 10, has been known as FERRIS since the day she was born, seeing as her mom went into labor on the Ferris wheel and her grandmother Charisse was there on the ground to catch her as she came into the world. She and Billy Jackson have been inseparable since the first day of kindergarten, when he told her he always heard piano music in his head and asked to hold her hand. She and her 6-year-old sister, Pinky, who dreams of being an outlaw and leaves mayhem wherever she goes, have a somewhat more difficult relationship. Now, in the summer before fifth grade, things have taken a strange turn in the Wilkey home: There's a ghost, only seen by Charisse and the dog, and she seems to want something. Also, Charisse's health is failing, and Ferris is having trouble coping.
Is It Any Good?
Death may be inevitable, but it's no match for love, light, music, friends, family, vocabulary words, and a bit of magic in Kate DiCamillo's tale of tween BFFs in 20th century small-town America. Poignant moments, silly surprises, and life lessons are plentiful in Ferris, as two lifelong pals struggle to deal with losses past, present, and future.
"'What's the point of love if people die?' Ferris said....
"'That's what music is for,' said Billy Jackson.
"Which wasn't really an answer, but still, it seemed like one."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories involving the death or loss of a beloved person, and how it affects those left behind. Do you like the way Ferris deals with this? Why, or why not? What other stories do you think handle this topic well—or really badly?
Ferris puts up with not one but two unwanted, drastic hairstyle changes from her aunt over the course of the story. Do you think this is an example of being too much of a people pleaser?
If someone told you they heard music in their head all the time, would you get far away, or ask them to play it?
Talk about how the characters show empathy and courage in this story. Why are these important character strengths to have when facing loss and grief?
Book Details
- Author: Kate DiCamillo
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Candlewick Press
- Publication date: March 5, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 240
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: March 12, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate