A Blind Guide to Stinkville

I'll admit that this was one of those books that I kept putting off reading because the title wasn't speaking to me like some of the other books I had on my table at home. Once I got into this book, though, I couldn't put it down. It's no wonder they put it on the Louisiana Young Reader's Choice list for 2017.

The main character has just moved into a new town, Sinkville, SC. Because of the Paper Mill in town that her dad now runs, the town stinks, hence the name “Stinkville.” Not only is she new to town, but she's also suffers from albinism. She's legally blind and has to stay out of direct sunlight. This was something that everyone just accepted in Seattle, but this new town is full of new challenges.

With a contest for young journalists in town, Alice makes new friends and learns more about what makes her new city great. She also learns more about herself as she pushes her own boundaries and steps way out of her comfort zone.

I love this book. It's not your typical “new kid in town” story. It gets down and dirty and tells the story of a girl that has a exceptional situation that she deals with. It has heart and humor and I'm going to recommend this book to my students.