Leeva at Last
by Sara Pennypacker
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Pub Date 16 Mar 2023 | Archive Date 15 Apr 2023
HarperCollins UK, Children's | HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Description
A Sunday Times Best Book for Children 2023
A hilarious and heart-warming new adventure from Sara Pennypacker, the best-selling author of Pax, with illustrations by Caldecott Medal-winner Matthew Cordell
Leeva Thornblossom loves to learn: her local newspaper teaches her a new word every day, and soap operas show her the many shades of human expression. And when she comes across the announcement that all children are required to go to school, Leeva sees an opportunity to do something that newspapers and television alone can’t provide: the chance to meet people.
But Leeva’s parents, the insufferable mayor and selfish tax collector of their small town, don’t want to send her to school, and they certainly don’t want her to meet other people. And so, with the help of the town’s librarian and her son, Leeva sets out to finds answers: what have her parents been hiding from her?
With hilarious writing and an unforgettable hero, Leeva at Last is perfect for fans of Matilda, Flora and Ulysses, and A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9780008606206 |
| PRICE | £4.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 240 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Erin H, Librarian
Leeva Spayce Thornblossom is as neglected as you can get for a 8 or 9 year old. Her parents sole thoughts are of money and fame, neither of which she can give them. They have drawn up a contract between them and Leeva will need to pay back all she takes in the form of food and clothing. Living an incredibly sheltered life, Leeva looks forward most to the Improve your Vocabulary column in the weekly newspaper. She learns plenty of wonderful words but never has any opportunity to use them for she speaks to no one but her parents.
When she discovers the library next door, an entire world opens up to her and she can finally answer the question her parents have asked, “What are people for”?
At the library, she meets Harry and his Aunt Mrs Flowers, discovers cookies and books. She meets new people, discovers new worlds and befriends book characters. What she also discovers is the hatred her town has for her parents. They tax everyone and there are shoe box towers filled with cash in a locked room in her house. She must keep her true identity a secret from everyone so she doesn’t get judged based on the actions of her parents.
When a horrible dawning truth rains down on Leeva, she will need to make some formidable decisions and these lead to an ending you might never predict.
I love that this is reminiscent of Matilda and her love of books and learning but also has the feels of A series of Unfortunate Events, where you can hardly believe what her parents have been up to, in a similar thread to Count Olaf.
This is going to be one of my top picks for 2023. Funny, heartfelt and joyous- an absolute triumph for the hugely talented Sara Pennypacker. Add this to all wishlists!
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