The House That Wasn't There

by Elana K Arnold (Author)

The House That Wasn't There
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

"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

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--moves into the neighboring house and, without warning, cuts it down.

Oak doesn't understand why her family had to move to Southern California. She has to attend a new school, find new friends, and live in a new house that isn't even ready--her mother had to cut down a tree on their property line in order to make room for a second floor. And now a strange boy next door won't stop staring at her, like she did something wrong moving here in the first place.

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.

Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold returns with an unforgettable story of the strange, wondrous threads that run between all of us, whether we know they're there or not.

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Paperback
$9.99

Review quotes

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
Elana K Arnold

Elana K. Arnold is the author of critically acclaimed and award-winning young adult novels and children's books, including the Starla Jean series and Pip and Zip. She lives in Southern California with her family and a menagerie of pets.

Magdalena Mora is a Minneapolis-based artist and graphic designer. She's illustrated Costantia Manoli's Tomatoes in My Lunchbox, Jackie Azúa Kramer's I Wish You Knew, and Deborah Diesen's Equality's Call. When not drawing, Magdalena likes reading, people-gawking, and trying to find the best tacos in the Twin Cities. Mostly the latter.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780062937070
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Walden Pond Press
Publication date
April 05, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV013060 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Parents
Library of Congress categories
-

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