House That Wasn't There

Description: Alder has always lived in his cozy little house in Southern California. And for as long as he can remember, the old, reliable, comforting walnut tree has stood between his house and the one next door. That is, until a new family--with a particularly annoying girl his age named Oak--moves into the neighboring house and, without warning, cuts it down. As Oak and Alder start school together, they can't imagine ever becoming friends. But the two of them soon discover a series of connections between them: mysterious, possibly even magical puzzles they can't put together. At least not without each other's help.

Brief description:

Elana K. Arnold is the award-winning author of many books for children and teens, including the Sydney Taylor and National Jewish Book Award winner The Blood Years, the Printz Honor winner Damsel, the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of, and the Global Read Aloud selection A Boy Called Bat. She lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at elanakarnold.com.

Review Quotes:

"Told through alternating perspectives that offer clearly rendered details, this compassionate novel gives a unique twist to familiar situations--feeling lonely, adjusting to new environments, forging new bonds--while inviting readers to open their imaginations to all sorts of wonderful possibilities." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The author enriches her sparely told story with hints of magic, song lyrics, good choices that key sudden sea changes in several relationships, and the small background details that make settings and backstories seem real. A low-key marvel rich in surprises, small fuzzy creatures, and friendships old and new." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Arnold depicts the kids' emotions, relationships, and thought processes with unusual clarity and nuance. Middle grade readers, particularly those with a taste for magical realism, will find plenty to enjoy in this quirky, original novel." - Booklist

"Arnold combines the weird with the warm in this domestic fantasy, bringing realism to the kids' struggles with both family and identity even as they deal with some very unusual circumstances." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"In this luminous story full of mystery and magic, Elana K. Arnold weaves a shimmering tapestry about the lovely and surprising ways we're connected to each other. Heart-healing, hopeful, and wonderfully inventive, this beautiful novel by a master storyteller is not to be missed." - Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan