In Front of God and Everybody by KD McCrite

In Front of God and Everybody by KD McCrite


Published: May 10th, 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Series: Confessions of April Grace, Book 1
Rating: MG 11+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Amazon ❘ Goodreads

If God wanted April Grace to be kind to her neighbors, He should have made them nicer!

Growing up in the country is never easy, but it sure is funny-especially if you happen to have a sister obsessed with being glamorous, a grandma just discovering make-up, hippie friends who never shower, and brand new neighbors from the city who test everyone's patience. From disastrous dye jobs to forced apologies and elderly date tagalongs, you'll laugh 'til you cry as you read the Confessions of April Grace! 

Here are just a couple of April's thoughts: On her sister, Myra Sue: "How anyone can be that dumb and still be able to eat with a fork is beyond me."  On senior citizen lovebirds: "What if they started smooching right at the table in front of God and everybody?"

In spite of all the loony characters in her life, April Grace is able to learn from her parents as they share the love of God-to even the craziest of characters!

In Front of God and Everybody really brings back childhood memories of reading. Spunky, hilarious little girls which were the envy of every 8-11 year old. One of my favorite childhood heroes, was in fact, a kindergartener, and then first grader, Junie B. Jones, the character from the laugh-out-loud and amazing series by Barbara Park.

April Grace really brought back memories of the series (I still have all the books!) and it really made me feel like I was back in grade 2. Hilariously funny moments, pretending to be grownup (but acting childish all the same) and making silly mistakes was all part of growing up, and now... I look back and I think, "did I REALLY do that?!". Unbelievable.

April Grace is the loud-mouthed, spunky, making-me-laugh-a-mile 11 year old who's got a knack for getting into and out of trouble. She also reminds me of Ramona in Ramona & Beezus (I only saw the movie :P) as she's always the one causing some sort of trouble. Her big mouth always gets the best of her! 

The story starts when April Grace and her family has new neighbors, people who've moved from the city. They have another set of neighbors, who are hippies and own a whole ton of pets (and don't take a bath...ew), and it's funny to see how these two couples react to one another. I really didn't like Isabel...she's so stuck-up! Ian was tolerable. He changed though quite quickly into another man. Isabel took a while to get used to the country ways, and I'm glad that things do work out in end, even with horrible results.

I really love McCrite's writing. It's so fresh in the mind of a 5th grader, she picks up thoughts and puts them through a child's voice. I really got lost into it– I couldn't stop reading! From the hilarious, thigh-slapping moments to the more serious, somber tones of the adults in April's perspective, this book really captures what it's like to be at that age living in the country. Not that I ever did...but now I got a feeling of what it's like :).

I'm really glad I don't have an older sister. If she was anything like Myra Sue, I would know exactly how April Grace feels like. It would drive me NUTS. She's so obsessed with what's "in" and popular etc. etc. I'm an older sister to two people and I'm pretty sure I'm nothing like that. Obsessed with TV shows and fashion and being super skinny?? Not for me, no thank you. Her Grandma's also another memorable character. As she discovers makeup and being pretty as she's found true "love", it drives Isabel and Grandma together. But of course, things always don't go as planned. April Grace finds out what's going on and then rushes to put a stop to it!

In Front of God and Everybody does give readers a sense of religious context from the title. Yes, that's true, as there's some scenes to do with church, religion and God, but it's only a few minor bits. Focus more on the funny side of the story...like me!

Overall, In Front of God and Everybody makes everyone wish that they had an adorable (and funny!) little sister like April Grace and laugh-out-loud at the all kinds of trouble she gets into! KD McCrite gives a view into the mind of a gutsy little girl... and proves that nothing is impossible without a little faith and help.

If you like this book, try...

• Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• Zitface by Emily Howse (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

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