Kathryn Fitzmaurice‘s middle grade novel has recently come out in paperback. She’s generously donated a signed copy for one of you!
From School Library Journal
Grade 4–7—Watching helplessly as her father is taken off to jail, Groovy Robinson, 11, is convinced that there has been a terrible mistake. When her mom admits that she turned him in because he gambled away the $25,000 savings account that Groovy’s great-grandmother left her, the child shrinks into herself–disappointed, hurt, not caring about anything. Not until Groovy–now wanting to be known as Eleanor–heeds the advice of the homeless old sailor Mr. Tom does she grasp that people we love can hurt us, but that only through forgiveness can we become whole again.
This first novel is peopled with three-dimensional characters whose imperfections make them believable and interesting. The well-structured plot is underscored by clear writing and authentic dialogue, and short chapters keep the story moving. The book draws a parallel with the birds of Capistrano, and a novel that encourages understanding, tolerance, and forgiveness is as welcome as the returning swallows.
To enter, share an event tied to your community in the comments below. It could be a natural occurrence, like the yearly migration of swallows, a festival, a local tradition — anything! A winner will be selected using Random.org. Contest closes Tuesday, 14 June and is open internationally.
This one is one my short list – thanks for the giveaway!
Lots of arts events here. One great tradition is the Pepper Place Market, which happens during the summer months. It’s all about the art of FOOD. 🙂 Some arts/crafts too. But every Saturday morning from May – Sept. it’s a great place to get fresh produce and feel the warmth of a great southern community.
Every year we have Friendly City Days. It’s fun because it’s right after school gets out, so it feels like a celebration for summer 🙂
The book sounds very interesting. Thanks for offering it. 🙂 16 years ago, our small town of about 7,000 started a week long 4th of July celebration. It has morphed into a huge gather of approximately 50-60,000 people. It’s nuts…but lots of fun.
This sounds excellent!
I always look forward to our fall balloon festival. We live on a hill overlooking a valley and it’s wonderful to stand on the deck or at the window in the early morning and watch the hot air balloons rise.
Amy
I don’t need the book because I already have it, but just wanted to say that this story is a favorite of mine. Groovy is a great character–all the characters are wonderful. Since I’m trying to learn to write, I actually got two copies of this book so I could mark one up. I think all children’s writers should study this book, because it’s so well done. All of it’s parts work to make the whole a work of art. There’s nothing left over–no parts that weren’t needed–and nothing left out. The motivations all work. The characters all have their own arcs but those arcs are all related to what Groovy is learning so the whole book works together to serve the theme and that makes the book rich and deep.
I’m sorry, for carrying on. I just loved this book. Groovy is the best and her story is masterfully told. I read the book at least two years ago and I still remember the characters and story. If I ever learn to write as well as Fitzmaurice, I’ll be a happy woman.
In the summer, we have free concerts on Thursdays in the park. People from the neighborhoods surrounding the park come together for food, music and dancing. It makes me believe that the old town squares are still alive.
Just wanted to add that I also love this book (and I have a hardcover, so please give the book to someone else). It’s one of those quiet books I adore. Simply lovely.
Thanks for the giveaway! This sounds like a really touching book, that teaches great lessons too. In my community we have a summer fair in the park every year. It’s a lot of fun and there’s a ton of arts and crafts and rides. We try to go every year. There’s great food too 🙂
Not sure if this is still open, but if it is, my community has a mock up of Bethlehem around Christmas every year. We build little stalls within a plyboard city in a field and bake bread and everything, with a baby Jesus out back for visitors 🙂