The Lotterys Plus One (Lotterys #1)

by Emma Donoghue (Author) Caroline Hadilaksono (Illustrator)

The Lotterys Plus One (Lotterys #1)
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Lotterys

The bestselling author of the adult novel Room bursts onto the children's book scene with this cross between Little Miss Sunshine, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Modern Family.

Sumac Lottery is nine years old and the self-proclaimed good girl of her (VERY) large, (EXTREMELY) unruly family. And what a family the Lotterys are: four parents, children both adopted and biological, and a menagerie of pets, all living and learning together in a sprawling house called Camelottery.

Then one day, the news breaks that one of their grandfathers is suffering from dementia and will be coming to live with them. And not just any grandfather -- the long dormant Grumps, who fell out with his son so long ago that he hasn't been part of any of their lives.

Suddenly, everything changes. Sumac has to give up her room to make the newcomer feel at home. She tries to be nice, but prickly Grumps clearly disapproves of how the Lotterys live: whole grains, strange vegetables, rescue pets, a multicultural household... He's worse than just tough to get along with -- Grumps has got to go! But can Sumac help him find a home where he belongs?

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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

One of the most diverse families readers are likely to meet, the Lotterys--whose name was inspired by the winning lottery ticket that made a dream for a family come true--are four longtime friends turned coparents (a lesbian couple and a gay one) and seven homeschooled children of various racial backgrounds, quirks, and talents. The family enjoys a harmoniously unconventional existence in its 32-room Toronto mansion until the estranged father of one of the Lottery parents arrives for a visit of undetermined length. The change in dynamics caused by the elderly man's stubbornness and conservatism is especially hard on nine-year-old Sumac, who is assigned to be his personal guide. In a drily funny story about adjusting to new situations, Donoghue (Room) vividly captures the Lotterys' chaotic but always loving home through a flurry of inside jokes, banter, and nicknames. If some readers have difficulty keeping the members of the large family straight, Hadilaksono's lively David Roberts-esque illustrations, not all seen by PW, provide a colorful guide to the Lotterys' wonderfully offbeat home. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Kathleen Anderson, Anderson Literary. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Mar.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6--Sumac Lottery has a pretty sweet life. Four parents (in two loving couples), six siblings, five pets, and a big old house in Toronto. Her world is turned upside down when Grumps, an estranged grandparent, comes to stay. Grumps, who has dementia and is often disoriented, doesn't approve of anything he sees at the Lotterys' house, and Sumac doesn't approve of him one bit. Grumps is, well, grumpy and set in his somewhat bigoted ways, and the Lotterys are a lot to take in. Donoghue is the author of many acclaimed books for adults, and her first title for young readers is a kind of realistic fantasy, a warmhearted, deeply improbable, emotionally alert jumble of ancient Sumerian, lottery winnings, elaborate family rituals, gelato, and acceptance. Many issues are touched upon in this novel, including homeschooling, gender fluidity, and diverse cultural traditions; in Donoghue's capable hands, they are treated with a cheerful self-awareness that lends itself to a timely and funny reading experience. At its core, this is a classic family disruption story, complete with a slow approachment of understanding between the intruder and various family members, and an uplifting if imperfect conclusion.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

A Kirkus Best Book of the YearA Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearA Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year[Donoghue's] fans will recognize not only her gift for representing a child's point of view, but also her knack for showing how a family, no matter how small or large, develops its own language, even its own culture. — The New York Times* A family very much of our century... Most refreshing is that the Lotterys' many differences... are simply part of their own normal. Full of clever names and wordplay, this engaging tale... will resonate with readers from all backgrounds. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review* Donoghue (Room) vividly captures the Lotterys' chaotic but always loving home through a flurry of inside jokes, banter, and nicknames. If some readers have difficulty keeping the members of the large family straight, Hadilaksono's lively David Roberts-esque illustrations... provide a colorful guide to the Lotterys' wonderfully offbeat home. — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Emma Donoghue
Caroline Hadilaksono was born in Indonesia, moved to Los Angeles when she was twelve, and while she currently lives in New York, she will always consider herself a California gal. She is equal parts designer and illustrator, and one of the original cofounders of The League of Moveable Type. These days she's busy making pictures, books, and educational science apps. She dreams of traveling around the world and one day living in a tree house. Find her online at hadilaksono.com.
Emma Donoghue is the author of the international bestseller and Man Booker Prize finalist Room, as well as several other novels, including Kissing the Witch, which was shortlisted for the Tiptree Award. Born in Ireland, she now lives in Canada with her partner and their two children.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780545925815
Lexile Measure
840
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Arthur A. Levine Books
Publication date
March 20, 2017
Series
Lotterys
BISAC categories
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV039000 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | General
JUV013090 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Alternative Family
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Library of Congress categories
Brothers and sisters
Families
Family life
Grandfathers
Toronto (Ont.)
Dementia
Ontario
Toronto
Gay parents

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