The Art of Being Remmy

Remmys amusing voice decency and ambition make her an appealing character...A highly entertaining and thoughtful tale.--Kirkus Review In this funny illustrated coming-of-age novel when mid-1960s attitudes kept girls in their place 12-year-old Remmy Rinaldi is determined to be an artist in spite of her fathers objections competition from a boy and possibly losing her best friend to a rat fink.Remmy and best friend Debbie have ambitious resolutions for the brand new year (besides meeting the Beatles of course). Debbie loves all things French including a new boy she targets as her boyfriend. Remmy is determined to win the art awards at the end of seventh grade to prove to Dad that in spite of his mysterious objections she is destined to be an artist (and not some secretary stuck behind a typewriter).Remmys rival and all-around goofball Bill insists that all great artists are men and Remmy cant possibly beat him in the art contest. So Remmy pushes her talents to the max even if it means going behind Dads back with a super secret plan. In the meantime Remmy may be losing Debbies friendship to a devious Rat Fink from French Club. Can art bring her best friend back or just make things even worse?Remmy discovers what friendship really means and helps others find their true callings while staying true to her own Spark of an Artist. Middle grade novel with 35 chapters and 70 illustrationsAuthor historical note with personal photos from 1960sTimeline of modern womens movement 1960s - 1980sAppendix of 23 artists bios with four photos