CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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Moonpenny Island

by Tricia Springstubb

CCBC Review:

Flor’s uneventful but happy life is dealt two simultaneous blows. Her best friend Sylvie, the only other 11-year-old in their Lake Erie island community, is sent away to attend a private academy at the same time that Flor’s Mom leaves, ostensibly to care for her ill mother. But Flor knows that her grandmother’s many relatives living nearby could help her out and suspects her Mom’s leaving has more to do with the escalating arguing between her parents. Money is tight, and sometimes Flor imagines that it’s hard for her mom being the only non-white person, let alone the only Spanish-speaker, on the island. Meanwhile, Flor’s perfect older sister Cecelia has become secretive and distant, abandoning Flor just when she needs her most. Welcoming the distraction of island newcomers, Flor finds herself intrigued by eccentric Dr. Fife and his daughter Jasper and their study of trilobites. Friendships and connections, both enduring and unexpected, play important roles in a story rich with character development, which successfully blends a compelling plot with thoughtful introspection, all framed by the appealing small-town island setting. (MVL) ©2015 Cooperative Children's Book Center

Illustrated by Gilbert Ford

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 8-12
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format: Novel
Subjects: Economic Hardship and Poverty Friendship Mothers Science and Scientists Sisters Small Town Life
Diversity subject: Latine
On CCBC Booklist: Small Town and Rural Life: Selected Books for Children and Teens

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publish Year: 2015
Pages: 292
ISBN: 9780062112934
CCBC Location: Fiction, Springstubb

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.

Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.