Release: August 18th 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N
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A feisty girl from a family of ranchers lands a job as a daredevil stunt girl in the early days of silent film.
Pearl lives on a ranch where her chores include collecting eggs and feeding ornery ostriches. She has three older brothers, who don’t coddle her at all. Also, she knows a thing or two about horses, too.
One day, Pearl’s brothers get cushy jobs doing stunts for this new form of entertainment called “moving pictures.” They’re the Daredevil Donnelly Brothers, a Death-Defying Cowboy Trio. Before she knows it, Pearl has stumbled into being a stunt girl herself–and dreams of becoming a star. The only problem is, her mother has no idea what she’s up to. And let’s just say she wouldn’t be too happy to find out that Pearl’s been jumping out of burning buildings in her spare time.
About the Author:
Melissa Wiley is the author of The Nerviest Girl in the World, The Prairie Thief, Fox and Crow Are Not Friends, the Inch and Roly series, the Martha and Charlotte Little House books, and other books for kids. Melissa has been blogging about her family’s reading life and tidal homeschooling adventures at Here in the Bonny Glen since 2005. She is @melissawiley on Twitter and @melissawileybooks on Instagram.
The Nerviest Girl in the World Review:
This was a delightful and fun historical middle grade novel and I enjoyed reading it a lot!
I think it’s wonderful that the author decided to write on this topic that not many write about. I have heard of The Perils of Pauline but never seen the episodes. After reading this book, I feel like watching some old Black and White serials. These days it is so easy to make an amateur movie on your phone using various apps. But this story very nicely shows how much work behind it nearly a century ago when people were still experimenting with the format.
Pearl is wonderful in the lead. She has a zest for life and is open to trying anything new. I loved the way the story progresses from Pearl watching her brothers’ act, to being part of the show. Moreover, I enjoyed her rivalry with Mary Mason. The way they fight over each other to get the parts is just hilarious. I laughed out loud when Pearl starts laughing in the sickbed and Mary replaces her. All the supporting characters also add nicely to the canvas, like her Grandmother, Gordy and Mr. Corrigan.
I also like the author’s note towards the end. I had no idea that La Mesa was one of the major hotspot for filmmaking before Hollywood. Moreover, the illustrations are beautiful and gave the book a nice vintage touch. Its one of those books that I wish had been longer, as I would have loved to read more of Pearl’s adventures.
Overall, this was nifty, swell and gobsmacking good!
