  | Because of the rabbit Author: Lord, Cynthia | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
On the last night of summer, Emma and her Maine game warden father rescue a small domestic rabbit stuck in a fence; the very next day Emma starts fifth grade after years of being home schooled, excited and apprehensive about making new friends, but she is paired with Jack, a hyperactive boy, who does not seem to fit in with anyone--except that they share a love of animals, which draws them together, because of the rabbit.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.30 Points: 4.0 Quiz: 500700 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 3-5 Reading Level: 3.80 Points: 8.0 Quiz: 75832 | |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/01/19)
School Library Journal (03/01/19)
Booklist (+) (02/15/19)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/02/19)
The Hornbook (00/03/19)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/15/2019 *Starred Review* Not many kids begin school in fifth grade, and Emma’s first week starts out pretty rocky. Though she had enjoyed homeschooling along with her older brother, he went off to high school last year. Now, for Emma, making friends is more difficult than expected. She gets along well with Jack, a boy with autism, but she notices that other classmates keep him at a distance, and worries that befriending him may isolate her from them. Woven through the narrative are scenes with Lapi, a pet rabbit that she helped rescue but may have to give up, and brief tales that Emma’s Quebecois grandfather used to tell about Monsieur Lapin, a mischievous cottontail rabbit. The many strands of Emma’s story, shaped by her self-reflection, courage, and kindness, converge in the satisfying conclusion. Lord, who wrote the Newbery Honor Book Rules (2006), uses clear, straightforward sentences to relate experiences in ways that speak directly to children. An author’s note discusses the sources of certain story elements. From Emma’s relationship with her brother to her insecurities about attending school to her procrastination in calling a family that’s lost a rabbit, her emotions are mixed but layered and evident to readers. A heartfelt chapter book with broad appeal. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 03/01/2019 Gr 3–7—Emma has been homeschooled and is now ready to follow in her big brother Owen's footsteps and try public school. She is torn between being excited and scared. After all, fifth grade will be hard enough without having to worry if she will fit in or make friends. When Ms. Hutton assigns a group project, "Two Truths and a Lie," as a way for the students to get to know each other, Emma decides this will be her chance to become friends with Jack, Iris, and Leah. Jack ends up being her partner and though he is loud and somewhat different, he bonds with Emma over Monsieur Lapin, the honey-colored rescue rabbit she and her game warden father are fostering. Lord's characters are true to life and readers will surely see themselves in one of them. VERDICT A timely story which hits on current social issues in an honest and believable manner.—Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
