מאת Natalie Lloyd
Introducing an extraordinary new voice—a magical debut that will make your skin tingle, your eyes glisten...and your heart sing.
Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. Twelve-year-old Felicity knows all about things like that; her nomadic mother is cursed with a wandering heart.
But when she arrives in Midnight Gulch, Felicity thinks her luck's about to change. A "word collector," Felicity sees words everywhere—shining above strangers, tucked into church eaves, and tangled up her dog's floppy ears—but Midnight Gulch is the first place she's ever seen the word "home." And then there's Jonah, a mysterious, spiky-haired do-gooder who shimmers with words Felicity's never seen before, words that make Felicity's heart beat a little faster.
Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch more than anything, but first, she'll need to figure out how to bring back the magic, breaking the spell that's been cast over the town...and her mother's broken heart.
Introducing an extraordinary new voice—a magical debut that will make your skin tingle, your eyes glisten...and your heart sing.
Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. Twelve-year-old Felicity knows all about things like that; her nomadic mother is cursed with a wandering heart.
But when she arrives in Midnight Gulch, Felicity thinks her luck's about to change. A "word collector," Felicity sees words everywhere—shining above strangers, tucked into church eaves, and tangled up her dog's floppy ears—but Midnight Gulch is the first place she's ever seen the word "home." And then there's Jonah, a mysterious, spiky-haired do-gooder who shimmers with words Felicity's never seen before, words that make Felicity's heart beat a little faster.
Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch more than anything, but first, she'll need to figure out how to bring back the magic, breaking the spell that's been cast over the town...and her mother's broken heart.
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Starred review from January 13, 2014
From every angle, Lloyd’s first novel sparkles and radiates warmth. Felicity Juniper Pickle, 12, feels an immediate kinship with the town of Midnight Gulch, Tenn., the latest place her itinerant mother has brought Felicity, her almost-six-year-old sister, Frannie Jo, and their dog Biscuit. The remote mountain town has a history interwoven with secret magic, but most of it seems to have evaporated years ago following a dual between a pair of famous magician brothers, which divided a family and resulted in a curse. Felicity’s immediate concerns lay with her mother’s sadness and her insistence on constantly uprooting the family. With the help of Felicity’s new friend Jonah, who has his own secret magic that he works on Midnight Gulch; the stories that Felicity collects from various townspeople; and Felicity’s ability to see words that reflect people’s hidden thoughts and desires) she tries to save both the town and her own family. Working in the folksy vein of Ingrid Law’s Savvy, Lloyd offers a reassuring, homespun story about self-expression and the magic that resides in one’s mind and heart. Ages 8–12. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media. -
Cassandra Morris is the ideal narrator for an enchanting tale that abounds with "storytellers" of all ages. Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, is the latest home for Felicity Juniper Pickle, her wandering mother, her little sister, and their old van, which is called "Pickled Jalapeno." Morris captures Felicity, who has the gift of seeing words shimmer above people, places, and things and enjoys verbally sharing her unusual skill. Diverse characters are enhanced by Morris, including crotchety old ladies; bossy, chain-smoking Aunt Cleo; and Felicity's very first friend, wheelchair-bound Jonah, who endlessly spreads joy to others. This story of magical realism is a rare treat that expresses a deep love of words and books. It's a perfect diversion from technologically oriented entertainments. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
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June 1, 2014
Gr 3-7-Twelve-year-old Felicity is tired of driving all over the country with her mother and younger sister, Frannie Jo. So when Mama drives into her hometown of Midnight Gulch, TN, Felicity hopes to be able to put down some roots of her own. Midnight Gulch has a magical history, and Felicity loves hearing stories about its former residents, including two musician brothers whose jealous duel resulted in a curse that split their family apart. A modern-day talent show duel at her school gives Felicity the chance to showcase a magical talent of her own: word collecting. But first, she must figure out how to get over her stage fright and make her words come out sounding right. Narrator Cassandra Morris's words flow beautifully and she does a phenomenal job of bringing this enchanting story to life. Listeners will love getting to know the town's colorful residents and following Felicity's adventures as she tries to break the age-old curse and find a home she can call her own.-"Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA"Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
