Frederick Alimonti

This review was written for LibraryThing Member Giveaway

The fix-it shop : a story of music, magic, a baseball bat, and a toaster, a chapter book for children in grades 2 and up, tells the story of Tommy, his friends and family, and the new shop that opens in their town. The shop fixes items of value to their owners and returns them in perfect condition. Tommy, who is confined to a wheel chair, helps in the shop and learns some important lessons.

The illustrations, although simple, add to the pleasure of reading the story.

My two grandsons found the book on my table and immediately started reading. (They had to finish so they took it home.) Children can be very harsh critics and know when stories are phony. Both boys loved the story, even the 5th grader who reads at a 12th grade level. Both commented that the characters were realistic and the book was fun. But it did start a deep conversation about what is truly magic. The older grandson saw that not everything could be fixed and even with the magic, there are some fundamental truths. Without being preachy, Alimoni teaches an important lesson.

I can recommend this to children in the early elementary grades.… (mehr)

Tommy is a very special main character. Although he is in a wheel-chair most of his life, he still appears to make the best of things. When Ed Lunden moves to town and opens up shop, Tommy hopes that Mr. Lunden may be able to fix him as well. However, through Mr. Lunden's careful tutelage and some intervening events, Tommy learns that maybe nothing is broken.

Tommy as a character was precious. He is likable, sweet, and funny. Mr. Lunden, likewise, is likable. The characters will stick with the reader even after the reader finishes the short story. The events were fast-paced and charming for the most part. Parents and children alike will enjoy this story. The vocabulary was kept simple enough for children ages eight or nine and up to read. The book will certainly keep the childrens' attention. This book is recommended to parents and their younger children/middle grade.… (mehr)