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Bob

 "I always thought I was pretty remarkable as far as mysterious creatures go."


It's been five years since 10-year-old Livy visited her grandmother in Australia.  There's not much she remembers from the previous trip to Gran Nicholas' house despite the efforts of her mother and grandmother.  Just as she is starting to become convinced that she won't remember anything from the last time she stayed with Gran Livy meets Bob, a small green creature wearing a chicken suit and living in the bedroom closet.  He's been waiting for Livy to return for five years and he most certainly remembers her.  Together they uncover Livy's forgotten memories in hopes of discovering who (or what) Bob is and where he came from.  

Bob, by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, was such a sweet middle grade book!  I read it aloud with my 11-year-old son and we both really enjoyed it.  Bob is a charming and funny character and we both wracked our brains the entire time trying to figure out exactly what he was.  The book is written in alternating chapters from both Livy's point of view and Bob.  I think that works really well for middle readers and helps keep them engaged.  Despite the main character being a girl this book would definitely be interesting for boys and girls alike. 

Livy is a great middle grade character.  She's right on that fine line where childhood is beginning to be left behind and growing up is on the horizon.  You can feel a few of her struggles with growing up but yet not fully leaving childhood behind just yet.  Bob ofter refers to Old Livy and New Livy when talking about her 10-year-old self versus her 5-year-old self.  In the end he comes to the realization that there are many layers to people and I thought that was a nice bit to add in. 

Bob is nominated for the 2020-2021 Nebraska Golden Sower award.  Voting for these books is done through Nebraska libraries and school library media centers.  To learn more about the Golden Sower Award and see the other books nominated please visit their website!  My children and I have fun each year challenging ourselves to read all of the books!


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