Review: Ava and Taco Cat by Carol Weston

Most people know Dear Abby, but do you know Dear Carol? If not, you should! I grew up constantly reading her words of wisdom in Girls’ Life Magazine. Tweens today are twice as lucky—they get to read that same super smart advice column, and now they can read awesome MG novels by Carol Weston, too.

AVA AND TACO CAT follows Ava Wren, aspiring author, palindrome-enthusiast, and all-around awesome girl. She really wants a pet for her eleventh birthday and is so excited when her parents agree to adopt Taco Cat. But to Ava’s disappointment, all he wants to do is hide. And when Ava’s best friend starts hanging out with a new girl at school and a writing contest becomes more frustrating than fun, Ava sorta feels like hiding, too. Together, Ava and Taco Cat have to figure out how to be brave in tricky situations and what to do when things don’t go your way.

I thought this book was totally adorable. Like Weston's AVA AND PIP, it’s written in diary form, and the voice is full of humor and heart. I especially love how Weston sticks in little nuggets of information about the writing/publishing process. The Ava books are great for any 8-12 year old, but extra great for those who like to write. Highly recommended.