The Key to Extraordinary
Natalie Lloyd, Author
Scholastic Press, Fiction, Feb. 23, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Ancestors, Family Relationships, Friendships, Magic, Community, Cleft Palate
Pages: 240
Opening: “It is a known fact that the most extraordinary moments in a person’s life come disguised as ordinary. It is a known fact for me, at least.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: Everyone in Emma’s family is special. Her ancestors include Revolutionary War spies, brilliant scientists, and famous country music singers — every single one of which learned of their extraordinary destiny through a dream.
For Emma, her own destiny dream can’t come soon enough. Right before her mother died, Emma promised that she’d do whatever it took fulfill her destiny, and she doesn’t want let her mother down. But when Emma’s dream finally arrives, it points her toward an impossible task — finding a legendary treasure that’s supposedly hidden near her town’s historic cemetery. If Emma fails, she’ll let down generations of her extraordinary ancestors…including her mother. But how can she find something that’s been missing for centuries and might be protected by a mysterious singing ghost, known as the “Conductor?”
Why I like this book:
Natalie Lloyd has written a captivating tale that will delight readers and take them on a journey to Blackbird Hollow, a Tennessee community where small-town neighbors care about each other. Lloyd’s writing is lyrical and magical. Her voice is original. Her storytelling and literary style set her a part from other authors. She succeeds in creating an experience for her readers. Fans of her debut novel, A Snicker of Magic, will not be disappointed.
Emma Pearl Casey and her brother live with their Granny Blue, who owns the family Boneyard Café, which sits on the edge of a famous historic graveyard. A ghost wanders among the gravestones at night singing about treasures. The café is where the town folk gather to chat, drink Granny’s famous Boneyard brew (cocoa), and sing and dance the night away. It is a setting where magic happens daily. Flowers and Telling Vines that are unique only to Blackbird Hollow, whisper messages from the departed.
The characters are quirky, good-hearted, and unforgettable. Emma comes from a lineage of creative and strong women who call themselves the Wildflowers, because they learn about their extraordinary destiny through a dream. Emma still carries the “ache” of missing her mother and is self-conscious of a small scar above her lip, the result of a repaired cleft palate. She is a spirited young Wildflower, who is determined to find the hidden treasure. Eccentric and feisty Granny Blue is a former professional boxer, who has some secrets of her own. Sadness creeps over her as she struggles to keep the café afloat. Uncle Periwinkle tucks violets into his long white beard and shares the ghost songs and magic with Emma.
What an enchanting plot filled with adventure, wonder, mystery and danger. The café is having financial problems and a scrupulous developer wants to purchase the land. Emma gives daily tours of the graveyard to visitors to help support the café. Emma and her best friends, Cody Belle and Earl, embark upon a secret mission to find the hidden treasure so they can save her family’s home and café. They explore the forbidden areas of the graveyard and the search the Wailing Woods, which hold secrets of their own. But treasures can take on different meanings and only the pure of heart can understand their meaning. For Emma, this is a story about believing in yourself and finding courage in the midst of danger.
Visit Natalie Lloyd at her website. She is the author of A Snicker of Magic, an ALA Notable Children’s Book, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a Parents Magazine Best Children’s Book.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book. This review reflects my own honest opinion about the book.
Check other Middle Grade review links on Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
I like reading about good-hearted people in small towns! Thanks for bringing this one to my attention.
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So many quirky and unusual good-hearted people in this small-town story that’s humming with magic and intrigue.
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I love a good mystery/challenge that involves hidden treasure, a graveyard, and bunch of expectations to live up to. Sounds like a wonderful book. Will put it on my list, Pat. Great review (as always!). 🙂
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Natalie really knows how to spin a great tale that is both realistic and magical. You would enjoy her writing style.
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I loved her previous book and am thinking the same will be true of this one. Thanks for sharing it! Thanks for visiting!
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I love Natalie’s second book. She is a gifted storyteller.
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Sounds like a lot of fun!
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It is a delightful read. I enjoyed reading Natalie’s last book.
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I have enjoyed reading books by Natalie Lloyd in the past and can’t wait to find this new one. Such an intriguing story line and setting. The title and cover will be hook for many potential readers. Thanks for your great review.
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I don’t know how Natalie’s mind works, but she certainly tells original tales and a bit of magic. Yes, the title and cover will draw many new readers to her book.
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Tnat sounds so fun and magical I can’t wait to read it, Pat.
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It is magical! You will enjoy her writing style.
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Sounds like a page turner!
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It is a page turner. I had to refrain from telling too much. I loved Natalie’s second book.
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This sounds like a lovely blend of adventure and sweetness–a combination I happen to like. 🙂 Thanks for the recommend, and happy MMGM!
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It is a charming story with a blend of adventure, sweetness and magic. Hope you check it out!
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I like magical realism and you have written such an excellent review that I’m even more eager to check this out!
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Natalie has a way with words and is such an original author. You will enjoy her upcoming book! Definitely a book to escape into.
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Reblogged this on Doug Johnson and commented:
This is great!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the book review. Thanks for sharing my review on your blog.
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What a gripping first sentence!
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Don’t normally publish openings on MG and YA reviews, but I thought is was a powerful hook into the story.
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Gee, this sounds terrific. I still haven’t read A Snicker of Magic and now she has a new book out that, after reading your review, I really want to read. I need more time! Thanks for this post. i will be looking for this book.
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I know you’ll enjoy both of Natalie’s book and her writing style. Her stories are so original. She has another book due out in 2017.
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Yes, this does sound terrific. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, and thanks for stopping by my blog, Middle Grade Mafioso, for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!
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It is a terrific read. You will enjoy her original story. Thanks for visiting.
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This sounds good – I like the idea of the plot. The cover is great – it really sets your imagination going! 🙂
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Yes, it is a great cover and reminds you a bit of her first novel. It grabs you. But, I think you’d enjoy this story. I really love her writing style.
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This sounds like a fascinating book in a delightful town with fun, quirky characters.
Thanks for commenting on Trisha Faye’s Wordless Wednesday post and sharing about your book review of this tale. I can’t wait to dive into the story myself now!
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It is a fun and quirky town. Love the touch of realism with magic. The graveyard is central to the story. I think you’d find it very entertaining.
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