Weeks, Sarah. 2004. SO B. IT. New York: Laura Geringer Books. ISBN 0-06-623622-3Bluebonnet award nominee SO B. IT offers believable characters going through real crises. Heidi, a strong-willed 12-year old girl, takes a trip across the country to discover her identity. Author Sarah Weeks’ commitment to realism is evident. Though strong-willed, Heidi does not forge boldly into the unknown, rather she steps out with timid determination. Through a likely series of events, Heidi’s uncertainty comes and goes in waves. Her bouts of strength and resolve come from her connection to her care-giver, Bernadette. Though she is not with Bernadette, frequent phone calls from the road serve as a lifeline for Heidi. Together they work to accomplish Heidi’s goal: discovering the meaning of “soof.” Weeks uses Heidi’s voice to tell the story. On her sojourn, Heidi makes lists of her observations, such as “What I know about mama” and “What I know about lying.” These lists give the reader a snapshot of Heidi’s thoughts and growth. The setting of SO B. IT is critical to the functionality of the story. The combination of Nevada, with legalized gambling, and Heidi’s lucky streak, provides a financial means to support Heidi’s journey. Also, being a young girl in America both facilitates as well as adds conflict to the plot. Though the Unites States is a fairly open and free society, there are rules about young people traveling alone. This scenario would be less plausible in a culture which is more restrictive, in particular toward females. The “tween” years are a time during which many search for their identity. This theme is sure to strike home for the target audience. SO B. IT also perceptively explores the lives and families of those with mental disabilities.
This contemporary realistic fiction is recommended for readers grades 5-8.
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