The Key to Extraordinary
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3.9 • 30 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
The highly anticipated new novel from the author of A Snicker of Magic Everyone in Emma's family is special. Her ancestors include Revolutionary War spies, brilliant scientists, and famous musicians--every single one of which learned of their extraordinary destiny through a dream. For Emma, her own dream can't come soon enough. Right before her mother died, Emma promised that she'd do whatever it took to fulfill her destiny, and she doesn't want to let her mother down. But when Emma's dream finally arrives, it points her toward an impossible task--finding a legendary treasure hidden in her town's cemetery. If Emma fails, she'll let down generations of extraordinary ancestors . . . including her own mother. But how can she find something that's been missing for centuries and might be protected by a mysterious singing ghost? With her signature blend of lyrical writing, quirky humor, and unforgettable characters, Natalie Lloyd's The Key to Extraordinary cements her status as one of the most original voices writing for children today.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In a folksy tale laced with supernatural mystery, Lloyd (A Snicker of Magic) poetically conveys the depth of 12-year-old Emma's emotions as she embarks on a quest to uncover a legendary secret. Except for the times when Emma is overcome by "the Big Empty," a feeling she gets when she misses her recently deceased mother, she is an ordinary girl. Still, there are things in her Blackbird Hollow home that are extraordinary, like flowers with magical powers, the haunted graveyard just beyond her house, the tantalizing "Boneyard Brew" served in her grandmother's cafe, and The Book of Days, which records the "destiny dreams" of her ancestors (interspersed through the story). When her grandmother, plagued by money worries, considers selling the family business, Emma is determined to save the cafe by finding treasure, reputedly buried in the graveyard. The book's evocative setting and cast of eccentric minor characters will draw readers into Emma's world one warmed by friendship, love, and hope to share in her discovery that the most valuable treasures lie within. Ages 8 12.
Customer Reviews
Slightly scary
This is just me but it is a bit scary. Sometimes I would have night,ares about it. This is only because the writing is o good and believable.
Key to the Extraordinary
Amazing. Lloyd never fails to impress me. The flowers that are unique to Blackbird Hollow make me want to go into the book. All fourth and fifth graders in NC join the battle of the books team at your school so you can read this book.
So glad I read this to my daughter.
Read this to my 11 year old daughter. I enjoyed as much as she did. Great characters and lovely setting. Will read everything this author writes. Loved her previous book as well.