A Library of Lemons

Description

Calypso's mum died a few years ago and her emotionally incompetent Dad can't, or won't, talk about Mum at all. Instead he throws himself into writing his book A History of the Lemon. Meanwhile the house is dusty, there's never any food in the fridge, and Calypso retreats into her own world of books and fiction. When a new girl, Mae, arrives at school, the girls' shared love of reading and writing stories draws them together. Mae's friendship and her lively and chaotic home - where people argue and hug each other - make Calypso feel more normal than she has for a long time. But when Calypso finally plucks up the courage to invite Mae over to her own house, the girls discover the truth about her dad and his magnum opus - and Calypso's happiness starts to unravel. 'A story of great warmth and emotional wisdom' LINDA NEWBERY

Jo Cotterill has had twenty three books and plays published for children and young people. She has been writing since 2004 and has also been a professional actor, musician and English teacher. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two daughters and in her spare time enjoys crafts and writing music. Her latest book, Looking at the Stars, has been nominated for the Carnegie and longlisted for the Oxfordshire Book Award and the UKLA Book Award.

Beautifully written tale of dealing with grief through the magic of reading and friendship. Laden with literary references- especially Anne of Green Gables-and a very pretty cover too. * The Bookseller * This was one of those books where after finishing I just had to sit quietly for a little while, to process everything that I had just read and to emotionally detach from the characters. It is a really wonderful story, and I heartily recommend it * The Bookbag * A Library of Lemons is a positive tale about loss, hope, and the power of friendship (...) it is a very sweet, heartwarming story, and I am sure that my 10 year old self would have LOVED this book * famousinjapan.co.uk * Cotterill handles a difficult subject with care and tact, offering hope without getting sentimental -- Claire Hennessy * irishtimes.com * A seductive story of the fragility and strength of human relationships, and the power of books -- Jane E Sandell * Scotsman.com * Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill is a moving and very poignant story about grief but balanced with the magic of reading and friendship looking at not only how to cope but how to learn and develop. Sensitively told and an important read. * Armadillo Magazine * A gorgeously written and profound story about books, grief and friendship. Perfect for 10 year olds who've devoured all the Jacqueline Wilson books and need to move on. * The Guardian (Review) * A Library of Lemons is a heartfelt and magical story about the power of books and friendship. I completely lost myself in the pages of this warm and engaging book (...) A Library of Lemons is thoroughly heart-warming and beautifully told (...)Jo Cotterill's writing is very profound and beneath the emotional surface of this inspired novel are many layers of hopefulness and glimmers of positivity (...)What a delightful little novel * Reviewed the Book Blog * Believable, memorable, charming and moving, fans of Jacqueline Wilson's domestic dramas will enjoy this bittersweet story of a family finding their feet in the next chapter of their lives * booktrust.org * This is a warm-hearted story with a suitably happy resolution that would appeal to young readers who have discovered those favourites from the past What Katy Did, Heidi, Anne of Green Gables - all of which are cited. Recommended for all those KS2 readers who do not want magic but do want a slice of life * Books For Keeps * This book is absolutely spot on. Jo Cotterill is a very talented author * National Geographic Kids Magazine * Desperately sad, but funny too, this is one of those stories that helps with difficult discussions about grief and depression, and yet it is also just an extremely good story, perfect for budding bookworms * The Bookbag * A Library of Lemons is a challenging story which explores the difficult issues of single parent families brought about by thte death of a life partner and mother, of the different ways people deal with such tragedy and of the aspects of child caring including social care involvement. It is an absorbing book and ends with hope brought about by a mutual love of writing stories -- Sue Breslin * The School Librarian *