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Almost There and Almost Not



by
Linda Urban

Edition
Hardcover edition
Publisher
Simon & Schuster
Imprint
Atheneum
ISBN
9781534478800
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco: Alcohol Abuse
$19.56   $16.30
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From acclaimed author Linda Urban comes the funny, bittersweet story of a girl and her ghosts—and the welcoming home they find where they least expect it.

California Poppy has been dropped off, yet again, with an unsuspecting relative. This time it’s her eccentric Great-Aunt Monica, a woman she’s never even met. Aunt Monica has no idea what to do with an eleven-year-old, so she puts California to work researching their ancestor, the once-famous etiquette expert Eleanor Fontaine.

California soon discovers that Great-Great-Great Aunt Eleanor is...not exactly alive and well, but a ghost—and a super sensitive one at that. The grand dame bursts into clouds of dust whenever she loses her composure, which happens quite often. Still, an unexpected four-legged friend and some old-fashioned letter writing make this decidedly strange situation one that California can handle.

Just as California’s starting to feel like she’s found a place for herself, life turns upside-down yet again. Thankfully, this time she has some friends almost by her side...

POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco: Alcohol Abuse

Details

Format

Print

Page Count

224

Trim Size

8 3/10" x 5 1/2"

Dewey

F

AR

5.3: points 6

Lexile

940L

Genre

Fiction

Scholastic Reading Counts

0

JLG Release

Jul 2021

Book Genres

Ghost Story

Topics

Great aunts. Ghosts. Etiquette. Letter writing. Dogs. Fathers and daughters. Grief.

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Cover Art

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Praise & Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-In this poignant tale of dealing with ghosts, both literal and figurative, 11-year-old California Poppy, who is white, hasn't had it easy; her mom died a few years ago, and her dad isn't very attentive. Now her dad has an opportunity to earn some money in Alaska-but that's no place for a girl, according to him, so California is sent to one aunt, and then another while he's away. As California gets settled in at her Great-Aunt Monica's house, she discovers some unique housemates: the ghost of her ancestor, Eleanor; a famous etiquette expert; and Dog, another ghost, who brings her scraps of paper on which mysterious notes are written. Soon, California is helping Great-Aunt Monica, learning how to write proper letters from Eleanor, and playing with Dog. Things seem pretty great, but California knows it could all change if she has to leave again. This tale of friendly ghosts is more appropriate for fans of realistic fiction than spooky stories; the text, sprinkled with California's letters to everyone from her Aunt Isabel to a tampon company, infuses the text with the girl's personality. California blossoms from a girl with low self-esteem into someone who believes in herself, her talents, and her family's love. Urban's gentle treatment of tough topics like loss, neglect, and alcoholism makes them accessible for younger readers. VERDICT Characters shine in this story of unlikely friendships and familial love; a solid addition to any middle grade collection.-Alison Glass, Dwight Sch. Lib., New York, NY

Praise & Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-In this poignant tale of dealing with ghosts, both literal and figurative, 11-year-old California Poppy, who is white, hasn't had it easy; her mom died a few years ago, and her dad isn't very attentive. Now her dad has an opportunity to earn some money in Alaska-but that's no place for a girl, according to him, so California is sent to one aunt, and then another while he's away. As California gets settled in at her Great-Aunt Monica's house, she discovers some unique housemates: the ghost of her ancestor, Eleanor; a famous etiquette expert; and Dog, another ghost, who brings her scraps of paper on which mysterious notes are written. Soon, California is helping Great-Aunt Monica, learning how to write proper letters from Eleanor, and playing with Dog. Things seem pretty great, but California knows it could all change if she has to leave again. This tale of friendly ghosts is more appropriate for fans of realistic fiction than spooky stories; the text, sprinkled with California's letters to everyone from her Aunt Isabel to a tampon company, infuses the text with the girl's personality. California blossoms from a girl with low self-esteem into someone who believes in herself, her talents, and her family's love. Urban's gentle treatment of tough topics like loss, neglect, and alcoholism makes them accessible for younger readers. VERDICT Characters shine in this story of unlikely friendships and familial love; a solid addition to any middle grade collection.-Alison Glass, Dwight Sch. Lib., New York, NY

Grades 5-7
Upper Elementary & Junior High
For Grades 5-7

The perfect literary mix for your middle-grade readers. Featuring subject matter a bit more complex and multi-dimensional, this category is packed with captivating novels and fascinating nonfiction. Expect the 12 books offered in tis category to fly off the shelf.

12 books per Year
$236.64 per Year
Interests
Clean Books,Chapter Books/Novels,Fiction,Reluctant Readers,Transitional Readers,Realistic Fiction
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Grades 5-7
Upper Elementary & Junior High
12 books per Year
$236.64 per Year

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