Middle-Grade Review: Operation Final Notice by

Ronny and Jo are neighbors and friends, and both are facing challenges. Ronny’s father has hurt his back on the job, and his parents are struggling financially. They’ve moved into an apartment complex near their former house. Jo Ramos is an excellent cello player who has been given an audition at the Maple Hill School, but she doesn’t want to tell Ronny she might be leaving their school, and is terrified of playing in public. They are both in seventh grade, and generally like school and their teachers, especially Ms. Q., who is helpful and understanding. When Ronny sees a bill marked “final notice” at home, he’s not sure what this means, but eventually figures out that if his parents don’t pay almost $600, their care might be taken away. When he sees a neighbor’s car being towed, his fears are reinforced, and he even gives the tow truck driver a hard time. He starts to concoct a lot of money making schemes, some of which involve the Manor, a senior residence at which he and Jo are working. In addition to the $500 the two are being paid to help out and for Jo to play her cello, he tries to sell chocolate bars at a markup to the residents. (Bad idea… too many are diabetic!) He finds a wheeled cart and helps people carry itens home, shovels snow, and does whatever odd jobs he can to earn a little cash in order to help out his parents. Meanwhile, Jo is coming to terms with her performance anxiety and learning some coping strategies. She starts out performing over the loudspeaker after a less than stellar performance, and manages to come to terms with playing in public. When the two are in a fender bender with Ronny’s mom, they aren’t hurt, but Jo’s cello is damaged. Her parents can afford to pay for repairs, but not before the audition. Will Ronny’s earnings be necessary to help his friend out? What effect will that have on his family’s future?