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Confusion Is Nothing New
Ellie Magari is figuring out what it means to be a girl in the world today, especially when the one role model she could have had (her mother) was never around and she was raised by her hardworking single father who didn't exactly keep the lines of communication open. Exactly who was Ellie's mom? And now that she's gone forever, what does that mean for Ellie?
Fueled by the bighearted sounds of '80s rock and roll, plus large doses of Cyndi Lauper's girl-power joy, Confusion is Nothing New is a coming-of-age story about friendship, girls, and the tension between fathers and daughters. It's also a story about girls who understand that it's good to make things, but breaking things is okay too.
In fact, sometimes breaking things is required.
Fueled by the bighearted sounds of '80s rock and roll, plus large doses of Cyndi Lauper's girl-power joy, Confusion is Nothing New is a coming-of-age story about friendship, girls, and the tension between fathers and daughters. It's also a story about girls who understand that it's good to make things, but breaking things is okay too.
In fact, sometimes breaking things is required.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published May 29, 2018
About the author
Paul Acampora
11 books73 followers I was born in Bristol, Connecticut and grew up surrounded by an extended mob of parents, sister, grandparents, cousins, neighborhood kids, rabbits, dogs, nurses, engineers and others that, at various times, included musicians, Italians, Canadians, cancer survivors, gardeners, chicken killers, hair dressers, poker players, checker cheaters, pony riders, shopkeepers, factory workers, elementary school teachers, auto mechanics, rock and roll fanatics, massage therapists, several people who may or may not be dead, and a crowd of other miscellaneous wheeler-dealers. I went to school at St. Joseph Elementary School and St. Paul Catholic High School. I was a voracious reader as a kid. I still am. I attended the University of Notre Dame (GO IRISH!) where, thanks to my friend John Costello and his father, Dr. Donald Costello, I earned a degree in American Studies despite the fact that the only American places I’d ever visited were summer vacations on a beach at Rhode Island and occasional day trips around New England to watch jai alia, greyhound racing or the trotters with my grandfather who, with my Uncle Joe, taught me how to ride and drive a sulky behind my very own pony named Misty (that's me and Misty at left). After college, I wandered around the country for a few years. Despite what my mother might say, I did not steal her 1973 Buick Electra. Despite what my friends might say, the car was the color of summer gold. Not piss yellow. I've lived in every state that begins with the letter U or a C. I was a Student Conservation Association volunteer for awhile giving tours at the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in southeast Utah. I spent a winter schlepping very expensive bags around the Rocky Mountains for guests of the Snowmass Lodging Company. As a Holy Cross Associate volunteer, I lived with a half-dozen friends in a tiny house in the San Francisco Bay area where we tried to be good people. I stayed in California to teach kindergarten at St. Patrick Elementary school in West Oakland. I got married (yahoo!), and my wife and I lived in “the heart of the bay,” Hayward, California for nearly ten years. When we decided to move, we put names of favorite places in a paper bag and pulled out a slip that said PENNSYLVANIA. So that’s where we live now. These days, I remain married to my best friend. I have a son and a daughter who keep me on my toes. I’ve got a day job and a kayak and tons of books that I love to read. I write early in the morning and late at night. My favorite place in the world is wherever my wife and kids are. I am especially happy when that place is next to a lake or in France. My favorite word in the dictionary is Naugahyde. I’ve been a vegetarian for about 20 years. My favorite non-home-cooked meal is cinnamon-raisin French toast plus black coffee at the Karlton Café in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. For the future, I hope my family and friends are safe, healthy and happy and that I will write dozens and dozens of new stories and novels, each one better than the last.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 15, 2019
Good exploration of absent parents, grief, and anger.
April 24, 2018
Very cute book with quirky characters and amusing dialogue. There were several very likable elements including the diverse cast of friends, the 80s music and the Catholic school setting which is very common in my neck of the woods so was very relatable.
Ellie's mother has died which should be some kind of life-changing event but the fact is, Ellie's never really met her mom. She left when Ellie was a baby and to be quite honest, her mother died two weeks ago and her dad is just now getting around to tell her about it. He's extremely close-lipped about the whole thing and keeps changing the subject whenever Ellie wants to talk about her mom and how she's never going to get the chance to meet her now that she's dead and gone.
Ellie starts off on a mini-adventure to learn more about who her mother was but not everything she learns is good. And Ellie learns that her mom may not have been that great of a mom even if she had stuck around.
Her friends, who are amazingly amusing and diverse, help her search up her mother's rock band website and find her grandparent's graves and help her meet the members of the band that her mother helped create. Ellie has some really good authority figures in her life and I loved her wise but realistic nun principal whose character is everything I aspire to be as a grown-up.
The book had some great quotes as well. I loved the one about how sometimes doing the right thing still costs something. Overall the book is a solid middle-grade read.
Ellie's mother has died which should be some kind of life-changing event but the fact is, Ellie's never really met her mom. She left when Ellie was a baby and to be quite honest, her mother died two weeks ago and her dad is just now getting around to tell her about it. He's extremely close-lipped about the whole thing and keeps changing the subject whenever Ellie wants to talk about her mom and how she's never going to get the chance to meet her now that she's dead and gone.
Ellie starts off on a mini-adventure to learn more about who her mother was but not everything she learns is good. And Ellie learns that her mom may not have been that great of a mom even if she had stuck around.
Her friends, who are amazingly amusing and diverse, help her search up her mother's rock band website and find her grandparent's graves and help her meet the members of the band that her mother helped create. Ellie has some really good authority figures in her life and I loved her wise but realistic nun principal whose character is everything I aspire to be as a grown-up.
The book had some great quotes as well. I loved the one about how sometimes doing the right thing still costs something. Overall the book is a solid middle-grade read.
August 16, 2018
I purchased this middle grade book for my library pretty much based on the title (good reviews didn’t hurt either). It was a fun read, but I am left wondering how many tweens would appreciate what I loved the most about it, which were the 80s references! Overall, I do think it will appeal to readers of realistic fiction and those who enjoy a good family story.
April 2, 2019
Honestly, I only picked up this book because of the Cyndi Lauper lyric, but it was a cute book.
June 12, 2018
Smart, funny, and never talks down to middle grade readers. A rare book that leaves loose ends untied and reveals that grown-ups don’t always have the answers.
October 30, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book because the main character,Ellie, was searching for information. Ellie wouldn't give up until she found answers. She had found out that her mom died but Ellie had never even met her mom. The plot had some interesting twists in it, which was exciting to read about. One twist was that Ellie's band teacher got fired and then the school hired a new teacher that knew Ellie's mom. I didn't like how Ellie's dad wouldn't give her any answers about her mom. I also didn't like that Ellie's old band teacher was following her around to tell her something. I think the ending fit perfectly with the books plot. I was happy that it ended with Ellie realizing that it was her mom's loss for not reaching out to her. Also, Ellie realized that her father truly does love her more than she thought. Overall, this book was really good and kept me wanting to read more. It didn't leave me with any unanswered questions either.
August 1, 2018
Laugh-out loud funny in places and sweetly charming overall, this quick fast read has quirky teen characters, admirable and not-so-admirable adults, and plenty of music - including flying glockenspiels. Feel good resolution may be tidy but nice. Terrific dialog that begs to be shared!
Cover is a bit of mismatch as the characters are high school freshman and the girl on the cover looks elementary age.
Cover is a bit of mismatch as the characters are high school freshman and the girl on the cover looks elementary age.
May 25, 2020
Loved this endearing story and its cast of characters. While heartbreaking to see Ellie question why her mother never made an effort to find or know her daughter, Ellie's journey to discover more about her deceased biological parent results in self-discovery and appreciation for all those who support her. Oh and the 80s references were a delightful bonus.
May 28, 2019
I think a good theme for this book is to dig deeper when you do not know what happening I think that because in the book the girl thought that her mom had died but then her dad was telling her all different things. That is why I think It is a good theme.
September 26, 2019
Great middle grades take on death and abandonment issues. As a (former) musician, and child of the 80s, I LOVED the musical references!
March 25, 2019
The main character, Ellie, doesn't know her mom. Ellie discovers her mom recently passed away early in the book. Her mom was in a band called Cyndi Lauper is not dead. Dad seems like an awesome guy! All of the actions of the book seemed a little over the top. It's very short though and is a little bit like Gordon Korman books. Ellie has a mixed group of friends and they are in the Middle School band.
April 16, 2018
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own. “Ellie,.... Why did you ever think that doing the right thing would cost nothing?” Confusion is Nothing New tells the story of Ellie, a girl trying to figure out who she is and where she comes from. When she learns that her mother, whom she has never met before, has died from cancer, Ellie is left searching for answers. Since her dad is unwilling to provide her with any information, Ellie sets off on a fact-finding mission of her own. The adventure that ensues is what makes it a perfect middle grade novel. Eventually Ellie learns that the answers to who she is lie with the people that surround her and care for her. Although Ellie is a high school aged character, her story is one that reads younger. This story is full of laugh out loud humor, an unfortunate glockenspiel band incident, a wise nun, a loyal sidekick best friend, and plenty of musical references. I am anxious to add this to my classroom library when it is released on 5/29/18!
November 4, 2022
It was not a good book in my opinion it was just exciting in the first few chapters and the rest was really boring and the book was really easy to read
I would recommend this book to gr.4
I would recommend this book to gr.4
August 15, 2018
Pianist Ellie Magari plays the glockenspiel for her high school marching band, but she uses the instrument in a most unlikely way after an altercation between the band director and her best friend, Daniel. Her rage is fueled by a sense of injustice and desire to protect her friend, but also because she just found out that her mother is dead. Since Ellie never knew her mother, she is sent into a tailspin about the woman and seeks clues about her own life by looking into her mother's. As it turns out, she sent a box of her favorite 1980s music to Ellie a year or so ago, and now her father gives that box to Ellie. Although Ellie spends much of the book angry at her father, she still has his love and support as well as that of several friends. Anyone who grew up during the 1980s and remembers those bands and the inimitable Cyndi Lauper or loves music or the marching bands that take the field at halftime at high school football games will enjoy this book as it explores themes of family, friendship, and choices. I appreciated the constant refrain that is threaded through the book--that Ellie's mother failure to take the time to know her is her loss. The same could be true of some of the individuals who pass fleetingly through out lives and never take the time to truly know us. Sadly, it is their loss, not ours. Gosh! I wish there had been more pages in this book. I felt as though I had only started to get to know Ellie.
August 13, 2018
Ellie is a girl who lives with her dad. She comes to know of her mother’s death just moments before playing in the marching band at a football game.
She is curious to learn about the parent she will now never meet. Unfortunately, her father, who is still angry that Ellie’s mother abandoned the family, is not interested in sharing information or memories.
Ellie’s quest to determine who her mother really was, helped along by her friends and teachers, drives the story forward.
This mystery uncovers secrets that Ellie didn’t think existed.
This story consists of humor, a wise principal, a loyal sidekick/ best friend, and plenty of musical references. This will be a good book for grades 6 through 8.
The humor that was involved in the book was my favorite part.
Review by: Madhalasa I., 12 yrs, North Texas Mensa
She is curious to learn about the parent she will now never meet. Unfortunately, her father, who is still angry that Ellie’s mother abandoned the family, is not interested in sharing information or memories.
Ellie’s quest to determine who her mother really was, helped along by her friends and teachers, drives the story forward.
This mystery uncovers secrets that Ellie didn’t think existed.
This story consists of humor, a wise principal, a loyal sidekick/ best friend, and plenty of musical references. This will be a good book for grades 6 through 8.
The humor that was involved in the book was my favorite part.
Review by: Madhalasa I., 12 yrs, North Texas Mensa
July 8, 2019
I really liked this book. It had both it's funny ans it's serious moments, but they balanced each other out. And I appreciate that.
I think it ended and wrapped itself up very nicely. And I like the realistic way it did. I think it's best summed up by these line from one of the final chapters:
"And that's when I know for sure that this isn't going to be one of those stories where I discover some deep and meaning connection with the long-lost mother I never had. Wilma Korkenderfer gave me life, big feet, frizzy hair, and not much else. And that's just how it's going to be.
"Dad reaches across the table and takes my hand. 'Her loss,' he says."
Just these lines made it for me, giving it a sense of completion and acceptance.
I think it ended and wrapped itself up very nicely. And I like the realistic way it did. I think it's best summed up by these line from one of the final chapters:
"And that's when I know for sure that this isn't going to be one of those stories where I discover some deep and meaning connection with the long-lost mother I never had. Wilma Korkenderfer gave me life, big feet, frizzy hair, and not much else. And that's just how it's going to be.
"Dad reaches across the table and takes my hand. 'Her loss,' he says."
Just these lines made it for me, giving it a sense of completion and acceptance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2018
Right before the football game, Ellie’s dad told her that her mother was dead. Granted, Ellie had never known her mother but had hoped to one day meet the woman. So, when a little disagreement between her friend and the marching band instructor begins to escalate, Ellie causes a distraction: she hurls her glockenspiel toward the teacher. Well, that did go as planned.
So, this book starts off with a reference to a glockenspiel (and then said instrument is mentioned frequently throughout the story) and I’m like “What the heck is a glockenspiel?!” So, Google saves the day and I learn that it looks quite a bit like a xylophone but, while a xylophone has wooden bars, a glockenspiel has steel bars. Lesson learned!
And then the 80s references begin. My first thought is “what middle schooler is going to get these references?” But I kept thinking it through “Wait. I knew about my mom’s music from when she was young! I knew Elvis, The Everly Brothers, Jan & Dean, and, of course, the Beatles.” So, if I knew my own mom’s music, is there any reason to think that today’s parents haven’t shared the music of their youth with their kids? I mean, isn’t it a rite of passage? To groan over your parents singing at the top of their lungs to that “old people music?” I know that, if I had become a parent, my children sure as heck would have been subjected to Michael Jackson, Prince, and Cyndi Lauper! So, the argument that kids won’t get the references? Maybe … but I bet many do! Oh, and if they don’t know the songs and/or musicians, won’t they run to Google? As I did with the glockenspiel? And then Cyndi Lauper gets a whole new generation of fans!
What I truly loved about this story was how such a deep subject, a girl who never met her mother, was presented with humor, love, and a lightness that was refreshing. This could have been one heck of a dark and depressing story. Instead, it is laced with jokes, love, friendship, and, well, lots of 80s music! A true gem – and it should be on every library’s shelves.
So, this book starts off with a reference to a glockenspiel (and then said instrument is mentioned frequently throughout the story) and I’m like “What the heck is a glockenspiel?!” So, Google saves the day and I learn that it looks quite a bit like a xylophone but, while a xylophone has wooden bars, a glockenspiel has steel bars. Lesson learned!
And then the 80s references begin. My first thought is “what middle schooler is going to get these references?” But I kept thinking it through “Wait. I knew about my mom’s music from when she was young! I knew Elvis, The Everly Brothers, Jan & Dean, and, of course, the Beatles.” So, if I knew my own mom’s music, is there any reason to think that today’s parents haven’t shared the music of their youth with their kids? I mean, isn’t it a rite of passage? To groan over your parents singing at the top of their lungs to that “old people music?” I know that, if I had become a parent, my children sure as heck would have been subjected to Michael Jackson, Prince, and Cyndi Lauper! So, the argument that kids won’t get the references? Maybe … but I bet many do! Oh, and if they don’t know the songs and/or musicians, won’t they run to Google? As I did with the glockenspiel? And then Cyndi Lauper gets a whole new generation of fans!
What I truly loved about this story was how such a deep subject, a girl who never met her mother, was presented with humor, love, and a lightness that was refreshing. This could have been one heck of a dark and depressing story. Instead, it is laced with jokes, love, friendship, and, well, lots of 80s music! A true gem – and it should be on every library’s shelves.
March 29, 2019
ourteen-year-old Ellie Magari just found out her mother, who left her and her father when Ellie was a baby, has died. Never having known her mother, Ellie tries to figure out who her mother was, especially when her father presents her with a box of her mother's memorabilia, mysteriously sent to Ellie. She discovers that her mother was the singer in an '80s tribute band, married her *other* high school sweetheart, and that the band is playing the local college soon. Ellie struggles with learning about her mother and how to grieve someone she never knew, while expressing frustration with her father's reluctance to talk about her at all. Thankfully, Ellie's friends, her principal, and an interesting new music teacher are there to help her put together the rest of the missing pieces.Confusion is Nothing New is good, and yes, I say that partly because I love all things '80s. (I would make a heck of a playlist to booktalk this book.) But aside from the music, it's got a solid, readable story, and the characters have incredible heart and humor. Ellie is a likable, relatable character who takes no foolishness when a teacher treats her friend badly; she's also vulnerable and working her way through big revelations dropped on her throughout the book. I loved her school band friends and the ease of their relationships; their humor, and their loyalty to one another. This one is a good read for tweens and teens - it's on the cusp of being YA, but not - who want to read about another character figuring it out as best as she can.
July 7, 2018
-Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book— all opinions are my own-
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Confusion is Nothing New by Paul Acampora creates a lively, spunky character who is determined to solve the mystery of her recently deceased mother. Ellie Magari’s world is hit with a blow upon learning that her mother, whom she never met, had passed away. Her hope of one day seeking her out and finding answers was lost, and she was left with only a box filled with 80’s songs, sunglasses, and a scarf. The tension between her and her father rises as she attempts to learn more about her the history of her mother and why she left. As the story moves forward, Ellie begins to learn more about herself, friendship, and how some things can’t be changed.
This realistic fiction story is a fun, lively and has a wonderful array of characters. I was immediately drawn into it and connected with the journey of Ellie. She goes through many things in the book, but through it all, finds her way as she deals with the grief of what will never happen. This is a great edition to any classroom library and is a fun, unique read!
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Confusion is Nothing New by Paul Acampora creates a lively, spunky character who is determined to solve the mystery of her recently deceased mother. Ellie Magari’s world is hit with a blow upon learning that her mother, whom she never met, had passed away. Her hope of one day seeking her out and finding answers was lost, and she was left with only a box filled with 80’s songs, sunglasses, and a scarf. The tension between her and her father rises as she attempts to learn more about her the history of her mother and why she left. As the story moves forward, Ellie begins to learn more about herself, friendship, and how some things can’t be changed.
This realistic fiction story is a fun, lively and has a wonderful array of characters. I was immediately drawn into it and connected with the journey of Ellie. She goes through many things in the book, but through it all, finds her way as she deals with the grief of what will never happen. This is a great edition to any classroom library and is a fun, unique read!
November 8, 2018
I should start out by saying that I have enjoyed Paul Acampora’s books for almost as long as I have been blogging, and I was glad to see that his craft only continues to improve. The story is an original idea, and I really like how Acampora takes the time to make the setting and characters solid, building a foundation in reality and then letting his imagination run. The plot is simple, but it really showcases the growth and development that Ellie is experiencing. I also really like how the book touches on really great topics that could’ve been up for debate – but left them there to build the story up and didn’t debate their point, just presenting them neutrally; for example, the fact that Ellie goes to a religious school could lead to questions on the existence/plans of God…but it didn’t – it was just her way of life, and religion played an almost nonexistent part in the story. I like that, because it kept the story connected to all audiences. I enjoyed liked this fun story, and I cannot wait to read what Acampora creates next! Please note I received a free review copy of this book.
December 5, 2018
I am a child and this book is now my most favorite bool because it shows so much emotion and a lot about life and this girl that faund out her mother died and the girl never met her but makes a big deal out of her death. I love that because even tho she never met her she wanted to meet her. That is what i love most about the girl. I read this book because i also have problems with my pearents like she has problems with her father. But i did have a question while reading this book. Why wasn't angry at her mother for leaving her and her father like his dad was angry? The book did anser my question and it was because even if she left her she wanted to meet her and she accualy wanted to leran more about her! That really impresed me a lot because i admit, i would be mad at my mother if she left me but also in the same time i would want to know about her and why she left. The girl learned more about her mother and found out that her mother wanted to meet her as well but couln't because at the end she ran out of time and died... But that is why i love this book it helps me with MY problems and shows me life still goes on....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
For me this was just an "okay" book. It was cute in place and reminded me of a family movie for ten to tween year olds.
Ellie lives with her Dad, having never met or known who her Mom is. And then she dies, ending Ellie's dreams of ever meeting her. Ellie has a band of friends (literally) who help her try and solve who her Mom was, and in the end she gets to meet up with people who knew her. There's music and laugh out loud moments.
However, the book felt like it served no real purpose. There was no real clear goal that felt achieved. It kind of reminded me of the last episode of Seinfeld. I kept reading waiting for the moment when something more would be revealed. But even the ending is just "okay." It just felt unsettling, for one, I really wanted to know more about why her Dad was so angry at her Mom. It's touched upon, but he seems so mad like there should be more explanation.
Still, I think kids would enjoy it, obviously I'm not the target audience (being an adult).
Ellie lives with her Dad, having never met or known who her Mom is. And then she dies, ending Ellie's dreams of ever meeting her. Ellie has a band of friends (literally) who help her try and solve who her Mom was, and in the end she gets to meet up with people who knew her. There's music and laugh out loud moments.
However, the book felt like it served no real purpose. There was no real clear goal that felt achieved. It kind of reminded me of the last episode of Seinfeld. I kept reading waiting for the moment when something more would be revealed. But even the ending is just "okay." It just felt unsettling, for one, I really wanted to know more about why her Dad was so angry at her Mom. It's touched upon, but he seems so mad like there should be more explanation.
Still, I think kids would enjoy it, obviously I'm not the target audience (being an adult).
December 27, 2018
I adored this book. Absolutely fantastic.
This middle-grade family drama features Ellie, who along with her best friends, are some of the coolest teenagers I’ve read as characters in a long time. Respectful to their parents, band geeks, yet curious rebels, they hooked me from the beginning with their unapologetic quirkiness.
Ellie has never known her mother and had been raised by a fantastic dad, but her mom recently died and she’s super confused. What does this mean? Can she mourn someone she’ll never get to meet? Why didn’t her mother want to be a part of her life?
These questions will hit home for kids and I like how people encourage Ellie to ask. My students, all kids, need to feel okay asking these questions.
With heart-tugging supporting characters like the principal and band teacher and members of her mother’s Cyndi Lauper tribute band (so many allusions to the 80s here), this book is exploding with feels. I totally recommend for 6th grade on up!!!
This middle-grade family drama features Ellie, who along with her best friends, are some of the coolest teenagers I’ve read as characters in a long time. Respectful to their parents, band geeks, yet curious rebels, they hooked me from the beginning with their unapologetic quirkiness.
Ellie has never known her mother and had been raised by a fantastic dad, but her mom recently died and she’s super confused. What does this mean? Can she mourn someone she’ll never get to meet? Why didn’t her mother want to be a part of her life?
These questions will hit home for kids and I like how people encourage Ellie to ask. My students, all kids, need to feel okay asking these questions.
With heart-tugging supporting characters like the principal and band teacher and members of her mother’s Cyndi Lauper tribute band (so many allusions to the 80s here), this book is exploding with feels. I totally recommend for 6th grade on up!!!
December 7, 2018
Ellie never met her mother so the sudden announcement that she is dead throws her for a loop. Then she decides to throw something heavy and expensive during a football game to save her best friend from himself. (Happens in the first chapter so not much of a spoiler). Well, that's her excuse...
Bandos, absent parents who suddenly die, secrets, friends, mysteries and lots of very funny lines, plus musician insider jargon - man, I wish I played with a band - ALSO, going to the very same school your parents went to where your teachers were your parents' classmates - wow!
In a way, not a lot of earthshakingness happens. In a way, the stuff that happens is earthshaking to the people it happens to. So, there is that.
I am a Paul Acampora fan. My admiration of him grows with every book.
Bandos, absent parents who suddenly die, secrets, friends, mysteries and lots of very funny lines, plus musician insider jargon - man, I wish I played with a band - ALSO, going to the very same school your parents went to where your teachers were your parents' classmates - wow!
In a way, not a lot of earthshakingness happens. In a way, the stuff that happens is earthshaking to the people it happens to. So, there is that.
I am a Paul Acampora fan. My admiration of him grows with every book.
October 31, 2020
Ellie Magari never knew her mother, Korky. Her father, while attentive and caring, has not been forthcoming with any information when questions arise. His bitterness towards Ellie's absentee mother is not in Ellie's best interest. Ellie needs the cathartic healing that would come with the knowledge and help her to understand.
Suddenly, her father hands her a box filled with Korky's mementoes. And, he drops the bombshell that Korky has passed away. What? Now, Ellie is even more desperate to gain some inkling into her life. Dad is still hesitant and off-putting when questions come up. Ellie enlists her friends to help her gleam some info on her mom.
Confusion Is Nothing New is eye-opening. A parent's decision and feelings about a person should not interfere with a child's need to know, when appropriate. On a side note, I loved the snarky and quick-witted dialogue.
Suddenly, her father hands her a box filled with Korky's mementoes. And, he drops the bombshell that Korky has passed away. What? Now, Ellie is even more desperate to gain some inkling into her life. Dad is still hesitant and off-putting when questions come up. Ellie enlists her friends to help her gleam some info on her mom.
Confusion Is Nothing New is eye-opening. A parent's decision and feelings about a person should not interfere with a child's need to know, when appropriate. On a side note, I loved the snarky and quick-witted dialogue.
November 5, 2018
This novella was really interesting it had a lot of music/marching band references that I could relate to and there were some moments that were really funny and interesting. In addition I loved the mystery/scavenger hunt aspect of things. However that is kinda where it ends. For a novella they repeated themselves often about what was going on and if it is a novella at 150 pages it is a waste of words because we already know that certain item and and I know they are introducing it to other characters but I felt that it was unnecessary. Because of these points I have to give this book/novella a 3.5/4 out of 5 stars I would recommend it for a young person searching for a novella that helps you find out more about your family and who you are and need a laugh but otherwise...
November 16, 2020
If only I could give this book another star! This author writes a story that is solid heart, pure joy and deadpan, fantastic humor. It’s full of 80’s Rock, music, high school kids, parents, and music teachers. I smiled from ear to ear, sang lyrics in my head, laughed out loud and paused to re-read and enjoy the incredible description of music playing that happens several times in this book. The entire way through I felt for this girl because this author writes her so well. The end of this story pulled my heartstrings so tight I couldn’t stop the tears, but it’s all good. Read it and you’ll see. This book was a perfect way to spend 2 /12 hours reading! I will read anything this author writes!
May 20, 2019
Confusion is Nothing New is a realistic fiction novel by Paul Acampora. It is a story about a freshman in high school who has found out her mother has just died. Ellie never met her mom though so it is a very confusing time for especially with just starting high school and always arguing with her dad. One thing I loved about the book is it had so many 80’s music references in it. My favorite character was Ellie because she is so strong, from learning about her mother and her death all at one time. One thing I didn’t enjoy is all of the characters kind of seemed over the top, and extra. Overall I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 and recommend it to anyone looking for an easy book to read.
July 12, 2019
Cute and really funny! Though the characters are in high school, the interest level is more middle school, maybe even upper elementary. The story never gets all that deep, nor the characters that complex, but there are some great topics explored and some fabulous “zingers” in the text. Sister Stephanie asks “why did you ever think that doing the right thing would cost nothing?” And Ellie muses that in times past kids didn’t get homework over the weekend. Those kids grew up to smash atoms, invent computers, and win two world wars, but apparently that’s not good enough anymore. Yowza! Very enjoyable story.
November 22, 2020
14-yr-old Ellie Magari never knew her mother because her mother left Ellie & her father when Ellie was a baby. So when Ellie learns that her mother has died (not a spoiler- happens right at the beginning)- she doesn't know how to feel. The death prompts Ellie to find out more about who her mother was, which leads her into the world of 80's-music cover bands as her mom was in a band called Cindy Lauper is Not Dead. This novel is laugh-out-loud funny, quirky, and touching. The many 80's music references were fun to read. The most moving part of the novel is Ellie's relationship with her father- a character who is honest, sarcastic, and perceptive.
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