Overview

From two-time Newbery Honor and New York Times-bestselling author Kevin Henkes, this timeless novel about loss, loneliness, and friendship tells the story of the spring break that changes seventh-grader Amelia Albright's life forever. Amelia Albright dreams about going to Florida for spring break like everyone else in her class, but her father--a cranky and stubborn English professor--has decided Florida is too much adventure. Now Amelia is stuck at home with him and her babysitter, the beloved Mrs. O'Brien. The week ahead promises to be boring, until Amelia meets Casey at her neighborhood art studio. Amelia has never been friends with a boy before, and the experience is both fraught and thrilling. When Casey claims to see the spirit of Amelia's mother (who died ten years before), the pair embarks on an altogether different journey in their attempt to find her. Using crisp, lyrical, literary writing and moments of humor and truth, award-winning author Kevin Henkes deftly captures how it feels to be almost thirteen. With themes of family, death, grief, creativity, and loyalty, Sweeping Up the Heart is for readers of Kate DiCamillo, Rebecca Stead, Lauren Wolk, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, and Pam Muñoz Ryan.

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9781982610067

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Reviews

A worthy addition to Henkes' impressive, engaging oeuvre. -- Publishers Weekly on Owen

Henkes's profound understanding of the adolescent heart and mind is evident as always in this story of two twelve-year-olds frustrated by their parents...In economic prose, Henkes evokes the complexity of his characters' emotions and relationships, and offers a feel-good resolution. -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Amelia is a winning character: a dreamy, old soul who perfectly displays the naivete and the wisdom of growing up. Humor and lyrical language buoy the gently somber narrative. Henkes' latest story is, like most life changes, quiet yet momentous. -- Booklist Like a Chinese brush painting made of words, this short novel distills the slow-building impatience of early adolescence down to its essence...Spare, luminous, lovely. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) A worthy addition to Henkes' impressive, engaging oeuvre. -- Publishers Weekly on Owen

Author Information

Kevin Henkes is the author and illustrator of many books for children of all ages, including Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Chrysanthemum, and Wemberly Worried. He was awarded the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon, a Caldecott Honor for Owen, and a Newbery Honor for Olive's Ocean. He lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin. Lisa Flanagan is a classically trained soprano, comedian, voiceover artist, and Earphones Award-winning narrator.

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