 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Here Lies the Librarian
- By Richard Peck
- Genre: Humor
Common Sense Media says
An enjoyable read rooted in historical realities.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's not much to be concerned about here beyond a little minor violence -- but no one is hurt too seriously.
What's the story?
Out in the sticks of Indiana just before WWI, Peewee has lived with her beloved older brother Jake since their parents' passing. They live hand to mouth, scraping out a living by repairing what few newfangled cars happen by their country shack, and looking forward to the day when the road will be paved, bringing them more business. But only if the Kirbys, who own the garage in town, don't run them out first with constant theft and vandalism.
Meanwhile, a gaggle of wealthy young ladies fresh from the School of Library Science at Butler U. have come to town. Finding the little town library closed since the last librarian was found expired "with a fistful of library cards in her cold hand," they determine to reopen and improve it, simultaneously improving the town and, most especially, Peewee. But Peewee, content to work on cars, isn't so sure she wants to be improved.
Is it any good?
With his last half-dozen novels, multi-award winning author Richard Peck has carved out for himself a new niche -- the rural Midwestern early 20th century comedy. This is another wonderful example of this one-man mini-genre: vivid characters (including adults, who are all too rare in children's books), lots of period detail, solid values, a nice mix of clever wit and broad comedy, independent girls, and an affectionately sardonic eye for the foibles of rural middle America, where the author grew up, all conveyed in some of the most carefully crafted prose in the business.
The whole book is a delight, made even more so -- in this age of 500 plus-page tomes aimed at 9 year olds -- by being tightly written and edited. Just to get things off to a rousing start, for example, Peck opens with a tornado that rips apart a graveyard, an event that sets the plot off in several different directions that wind their own ways for awhile before twisting together in a surprising but satisfying conclusion, followed by an even more satisfying final chapter set 60 years later.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how things have changed between the time period in which the book is set and today -- especially for girls and women. Also, why are these wealthy and well-educated women so eager to be librarians in this hick town? How does their presence affect the locals? How does it change Peewee?
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Kid, 11 years old
January 3, 2012
AGE
It's A OK book....
Book is a bit slow starting out - after about 5 chapters is finally got better. Not one of the best I've read by Peck. To me the name doesn't fit the book.
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AGE
Poor 14 year old girl grows up in Indiana in 1914; auto history
One of the best coming of age stories for girls. Story is told in 1914 and has a lot of auto history in it, might appeal to boys too. LOVED this book and I am quite a voracious reader in my almost 50 years! I'm a school librarian and I recommend this book highly.
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AGE
lots of facts on the auto industry in 1914. also the ways of life and variations of class are pointed out. i found it believable and humorous at points.
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AGE
I was content with this book...
This book was iffy for me because I didnt visualize it in my head all that much but overall i thought that the sex, language, and all that other stuff was fine there was none of it!
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AGE
I hate reading But I loved this book
I hate reading most books. I have turned to reading a certain authors literature. A friend suggested Richard Peck. If all of his book are this awesome I might actually start to like reading. This book is a good page turner. You never know what is going to happen next.
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AGE
great book!
Great book! This is one of the best books i've ever read. It's great for car lovers 9+.I would suggest this book.
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AGE
Family research together
background could be researched of the times, women and their place in society
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| Author: | Richard Peck |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Humor |
| Publisher: | Dial Books |
| Publication date: | April 30, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 208 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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