Graff's (A Tangle of Knots) gentle story invokes evergreen themes of coming to appreciate one's strengths (and weaknesses), and stands out for its thoughtful, moving portrait of a boy who learns to keep moving forward, taking on the world at his own speed. Albie isn't happy about these and other developments, and his matter-of-fact observations are often both humorous and poignant: 'I didn't think the book was for babies at all, because for one thing babies can't read,' he thinks after his mother tells him he's 'way too old' for Captain Underpants and hands him a copy of Johnny Tremain. Because of Albie's academic struggles (especially in spelling and math), his mother hires Calista, a college art student, to tutor and spend time with him. His new school gives him more specialized attention, but it also means dodging a name-calling bully and making friends other than his buddy Erlan, whose family is starring in a reality TV show.

Half-Korean 10-year-old Albie is being forced to switch from his private New York City school to P.S. Her characters' voices, interactions, and hangups are relatable, as they battle each other and adjust to their families' reconfigurations.'- Publishers Weekly

'Graff's.story is lighthearted and humorous, but honestly addresses the emotions associated with divorce. White with the insouciance of Louis Sachar, Graff has written a tangle that should satisfy readers for years to come.'- Booklist, starred review * 'Combining the literary sensibility of E.

Tangle of Knots (nominated for a National Book Award) Great for fans of Rebecca Stead's Liar and Spy, RJ Palacio's Wonder and Cynthia Lord's Rules. In fact, Albie has a long list of the things he's not very good at. But then Albie gets a new babysitter, Calista, who helps him figure out all of the things he is good at and how he can take pride in himself.Ī perfect companion to Lisa Graff's National Book Award-nominated A Tangle of Knots, this novel explores a similar theme in a realistic contemporary world where kids will easily be able to relate their own struggles to Albie's. From the author of the National Book Award nominee A TANGLE OF KNOTS comes an inspiring novel about figuring out who you are and doing what you love.Īlbie has never been the smartest kid in his class.

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff