Notes From a Liar and Her Dog Book Review

Yes, I’ve reviewed Choldenko’s work before, but her insight into a child’s mind is incredible, especially in Notes From a Liar and Her Dog. Ant, the protagonist, struggles with the needs of fitting in, staying true to herself while pleasing the people around her (and the law, in some cases), and the power--not to mention weight--of the truth. The plot helps with this, setting an easy pace to further develop the characters and the themes. This gentleness helps create strong character interactions that resonate with the reader: from good-intentioned, weird Ant, to her older sister, perfect “Your Highness” Elizabeth, to her parents who never once understood, to her best friend Harrison, a bit strange himself, and “Just Carol”, her art teacher, who deducts the truth amidst Ant’s lies. All of them together construct a relatable story determined to display sincerity. The foiling of Elizabeth and Ant, in particular, makes such a memorable protagonist, of whom people of many ages can understand. A thought-provoking read, one that delves into the minds of children and every other human being consequently.

“I [Ant] jump up and open it [the door] again. ‘My name is Ant.’ // He [Ant’s Dad] stops at the stairs and shakes his head without even looking at me. ‘Ants ruin a picnic, Antonia….”’

Recommended for anyone who’s the odd one out regardless of where they are.

-Grace Nask