Almost There and Almost Not

After her mother's death four years ago, California Poppy, now 11, is left with a father unable to handle "girl things" such as buying bras. Seeking jobs in Alaska, California's dad deposits her at his sister-in-law Isabelle's house; Isabelle, in turn, promptly dumps California with Great-Aunt Monica. On California's first day at Aunt Monica's, a mysterious dog shows up in the yard and delivers an old letter; soon after, California's great-great-great aunt Eleanor appears. Turns out both are ghosts, and Dog continues to bring California letters written by Aunt Eleanor. Mourning the loss of her husband, Aunt Monica is finishing his pet project: a biography of his great aunt Eleanor, with which California is conscripted to help. Details about California's struggles--the early maturity of her body, the neglect she suffered living with her father, and challenges at school--unfurl in poignant matter-of-fact reveals, including repeated references to being "dumb," and the fact she learned about her period solely through a puberty class video. Letters to Aunt Isabelle, the Playtex Company, and her father intersperse California's personable narrative, which celebrates quiet moments of kindness and the eventual discovery of love in her life. Ages 10-up. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. (Apr.)

Gr 4 Up—In this poignant tale of dealing with ghosts, both literal and figurative, 11-year-old California Poppy, who is white, hasn't had it easy; her mom died a few years ago, and her dad isn't very attentive. Now her dad has an opportunity to earn some money in Alaska—but that's no place for a girl, according to him, so California is sent to one aunt, and then another while he's away. As California gets settled in at her Great-Aunt Monica's house, she discovers some unique housemates: the ghost of her ancestor, Eleanor; a famous etiquette expert; and Dog, another ghost, who brings her scraps of paper on which mysterious notes are written. Soon, California is helping Great-Aunt Monica, learning how to write proper letters from Eleanor, and playing with Dog. Things seem pretty great, but California knows it could all change if she has to leave again. This tale of friendly ghosts is more appropriate for fans of realistic fiction than spooky stories; the text, sprinkled with California's letters to everyone from her Aunt Isabel to a tampon company, infuses the text with the girl's personality. California blossoms from a girl with low self-esteem into someone who believes in herself, her talents, and her family's love. Urban's gentle treatment of tough topics like loss, neglect, and alcoholism makes them accessible for younger readers. VERDICT Characters shine in this story of unlikely friendships and familial love; a solid addition to any middle grade collection.—Alison Glass, Dwight Sch. Lib., New York, NY