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The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen
Cricket Cohen isn’t a liar, but she doesn’t always tell the exact truth. She loves thinking about geology and astronomy and performing tricky brain surgery on her stuffed animals. She also loves conspiring with Dodo, her feisty grandmother who lives in the apartment right next door. And one Manhattan weekend when she’s in hot water with her teacher and her controlling parents over a fanciful memoir essay, Cricket goes along with Dodo’s questionable decision to hit the bricks. Imagining all sorts of escapades, Cricket is happy to leave home behind. But on a crosstown adventure with an elderly woman who has her own habit of mixing truth and fantasy, some hard realities may start to get in the way of all the fun.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2017
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308 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 28, 2017
Eleven year old Cricket Cohen is known for stretching the truth. When her teacher calls her out on the far fetched memoir she wrote, creative Cricket is deflated and must rewrite it. The difficulty is Cricket’s imagination is far more interesting than her real life. Fortunately, Cricket’s spirited grandmother, Dodo comes to the rescue with an invitation to go on an adventure together. Cricket and Dodo take New York City by storm starting with a stroll through Central Park and a near death collision with a roller skater. After an overnight stay at Dodo’s favorite hotel, they head to Barney’s to do some shopping where their adventure goes awry and ends with a escorted trip to the police station.
Throughout their travels, Cricket and Dodo both lean on each other. As Cricket struggles with being labeled as an unreliable make-upper of stories,” Dodo reminds Cricket that she should be proud of her imagination because it belongs to her. When Dodo experiences confusion, Cricket tenderly handles each situation and calmly reorients her. Cricket and Dodo’s mutual respect and love for one another is truly the heart and soul of the novel. I can’t wait to share this book with my intermediate readers.
Thank you to Catherine Lloyd Burns for providing our #bookexcursion group with a copy of The Half True Lies of Cricket Cohen. Etta and I now can’t wait to read The Good, the Bad & the Beagle!
Throughout their travels, Cricket and Dodo both lean on each other. As Cricket struggles with being labeled as an unreliable make-upper of stories,” Dodo reminds Cricket that she should be proud of her imagination because it belongs to her. When Dodo experiences confusion, Cricket tenderly handles each situation and calmly reorients her. Cricket and Dodo’s mutual respect and love for one another is truly the heart and soul of the novel. I can’t wait to share this book with my intermediate readers.
Thank you to Catherine Lloyd Burns for providing our #bookexcursion group with a copy of The Half True Lies of Cricket Cohen. Etta and I now can’t wait to read The Good, the Bad & the Beagle!
January 10, 2018
Such a heartwarming story with characters to love.
August 2, 2017
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen was really enjoyable and a book that looked so promising. It was memorable, and although the beginning was slow (and a bit confusing), every aspect of it was fabulous... practically.
DODO (Cricket's grandmother) WAS LIFE. I loved her. She was a rich, flirty granny who was a diff. character than we see in most middle grade books. It's so nice to see family relationships build in this book, and I can only help but WISH and BEG that many middle-grade books that are coming out will be the same. Same as in similar relationships. Cricket, our main character, on the other hand, was a responsible kid who just made me smile. I loved how she was just so honest with her grandma. Of course, what made me mad were the white lies Cricket made, but that was intentional as the whole story revolved around these lies. It was a book that can teach all of us something valuable for life. I can imagine the impact it can have on kids.
This was promising, however it was extremely boring in the beginning - it was slow, not getting anywhere, especially with the fact that she started going to surf camp which didn't really make sense. It seemed as if it was just filler, and too much for me to comprehend. There were characters introduced who were so random and it was too much. But after, the book redeemed itself.
The story as a whole was just hilarious. I truly loved Dodo and Cricket together The adventures they got into were THE BEST. DYNAMIC DUO FOREVER. You cannot even imagine how much I appreciate their relationship. It brightened up my day!
CRICKET AS A WHOLE: she has insecurities and she's so real. You can feel the desperation in her voice as she tried to be someone else - but Dodo helped her realize that her real self is better than her "memoir" self. Cricket had a better connection with her grandma than her own mother, and it kind of is sad, but happy at the same time. It's important for people to have connections with their extended family as well.
Even though The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen wasn't amusing in the beginning, I still really enjoyed this humorous and lesson-teaching (of kindness towards your family) story.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*
The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen was really enjoyable and a book that looked so promising. It was memorable, and although the beginning was slow (and a bit confusing), every aspect of it was fabulous... practically.
DODO (Cricket's grandmother) WAS LIFE. I loved her. She was a rich, flirty granny who was a diff. character than we see in most middle grade books. It's so nice to see family relationships build in this book, and I can only help but WISH and BEG that many middle-grade books that are coming out will be the same. Same as in similar relationships. Cricket, our main character, on the other hand, was a responsible kid who just made me smile. I loved how she was just so honest with her grandma. Of course, what made me mad were the white lies Cricket made, but that was intentional as the whole story revolved around these lies. It was a book that can teach all of us something valuable for life. I can imagine the impact it can have on kids.
This was promising, however it was extremely boring in the beginning - it was slow, not getting anywhere, especially with the fact that she started going to surf camp which didn't really make sense. It seemed as if it was just filler, and too much for me to comprehend. There were characters introduced who were so random and it was too much. But after, the book redeemed itself.
The story as a whole was just hilarious. I truly loved Dodo and Cricket together The adventures they got into were THE BEST. DYNAMIC DUO FOREVER. You cannot even imagine how much I appreciate their relationship. It brightened up my day!
CRICKET AS A WHOLE: she has insecurities and she's so real. You can feel the desperation in her voice as she tried to be someone else - but Dodo helped her realize that her real self is better than her "memoir" self. Cricket had a better connection with her grandma than her own mother, and it kind of is sad, but happy at the same time. It's important for people to have connections with their extended family as well.
Even though The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen wasn't amusing in the beginning, I still really enjoyed this humorous and lesson-teaching (of kindness towards your family) story.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*
November 25, 2017
Eleven-year-old Cricket Cohen has quite an imagination, which might be a good predictor of her future as a storyteller and writer. But her tendency to exaggerate and embellish stories gets her in trouble with her teacher, Mr. Ludgate, after she turned in a memoir describing her adventures in Iceland with a famous geologist, something that never happened. After a parent-teacher conference, he gives her the chance to redo the assignment. Although Cricket agrees to do so, she is reticent and keeps putting off the task despite the nagging of her mother, Bunny. While her parents are out of town, she and her beloved grandmother, Dodo, set off on an adventure of their own, visiting Central Park, checking into an expensive hotel, and shopping up a storm. But as much fun as Cricket and Dodo have, it's clear that there is something wrong with Dodo since she seems to be forgetting more and more things and living in the past. When Dodo is arrested in Barneys, their adventure quickly turns serious. I enjoyed the narrative voice of this book, perfect for intermediate grade readers, but I wondered about how Dodo's family missed all the signs of her growing confusion after they moved her to Manhattan from her home in California, something not recommended for anyone with Alzheimer's. Of course, they had no idea that she had it at the time. It intrigued me to see how Cricket's impressions of her grandmother began to change during their wild weekend in New York City, especially as she watched her trying to flirt with all the men she encountered and described her life with Cricket's grandfather. It is interesting to see how family myths often turn out not to be the truths we thought they were. My favorite line from the book, which sums up its theme is this one: "If you pay attention, a person will give you clues about themselves, just like a rock. And maybe life is like that, too" (p. 244). As a budding geologist, this is the perfect observation from Cricket. Although I couldn't help but enjoy the story, I was a bit concerned about how the security officers and law enforcement officers treated Cricket and Dodo and couldn't help but wonder how accurate that depiction was. For the most part, they seemed quite compassionate and knew how to handle everything. It makes me wonder how often this sort of thing happens.
May 4, 2018
The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen is such a heartwarming book. Every bit of it is enjoyable.
Cricket is such a simple yet interesting character. Her half-true lies were products of her imagination and creativity instead of an attempt to be deceitful. While Cricket, did need some guidance in knowing when and where to use her half truths, it was great to see that she didn’t let the adults around her stifle her personality(and later her love of science).
The relationship that Cricket has with her grandmother is sweet and fascinating to read. While Dodo is struggling, with some potential side-effects to getting older, Cricket is by her side, offering support and staying calm. They are both each other’s “rock”, comforting the other, when it’s needed most. Their adventure was entertaining without being over the top.
Cricket’s parents, were frustrating, yet realistic. They spent most of the book trying to force Cricket to be less than herself, while being walking contradictions themselves. Cricket, at eleven years old, had a better handle on the things happening around her than the adults.
The exploration of lies and how some are deemed punishable while others are easily justified was profound. The author’s handling of such a sensitive topic was touching and honest. The only issue I found with the book, was Cricket would start on one topic, then get you lost in another topic, before circling back to the first topic. That got to be a little confusing and caused the story to drag in some parts. Overall, this was an excellent book and would be a great choice for anyone that spends time with aging loved ones.
Cricket is such a simple yet interesting character. Her half-true lies were products of her imagination and creativity instead of an attempt to be deceitful. While Cricket, did need some guidance in knowing when and where to use her half truths, it was great to see that she didn’t let the adults around her stifle her personality(and later her love of science).
The relationship that Cricket has with her grandmother is sweet and fascinating to read. While Dodo is struggling, with some potential side-effects to getting older, Cricket is by her side, offering support and staying calm. They are both each other’s “rock”, comforting the other, when it’s needed most. Their adventure was entertaining without being over the top.
Cricket’s parents, were frustrating, yet realistic. They spent most of the book trying to force Cricket to be less than herself, while being walking contradictions themselves. Cricket, at eleven years old, had a better handle on the things happening around her than the adults.
The exploration of lies and how some are deemed punishable while others are easily justified was profound. The author’s handling of such a sensitive topic was touching and honest. The only issue I found with the book, was Cricket would start on one topic, then get you lost in another topic, before circling back to the first topic. That got to be a little confusing and caused the story to drag in some parts. Overall, this was an excellent book and would be a great choice for anyone that spends time with aging loved ones.
May 15, 2018
The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen by Catherine Lloyd Burns. 246 pages. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017. $17. 9780374300418.
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL.
Cricket Cohen has an exceptionally active imagination that tends to get her in trouble with her parents and teachers. She relates best to her grandmother, Dodo, who is also a great adventurer. With her parents away on a day-trip to the Hamptons, Cricket and Dodo head off on an adventure together in the city. But Dodo gets confused, and things start to get a little more serious, and Cricket will find that sometimes real life is a pretty big adventure all on its own.
I really enjoyed this story. Cricket is an endearing heroine as she marvels at the madness of the world around her and tries to maneuver life as a bright kid with a crazy imagination. The characters are well created and I came to appreciate each one. The story takes a graceful turn into the topic of senile dementia and how families deal with it. I loved that the author included everybody's perspective on Dodo's encroaching dementia--including Dodo's! Overall its a really great story and one I'd definitely recommend.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL.
Cricket Cohen has an exceptionally active imagination that tends to get her in trouble with her parents and teachers. She relates best to her grandmother, Dodo, who is also a great adventurer. With her parents away on a day-trip to the Hamptons, Cricket and Dodo head off on an adventure together in the city. But Dodo gets confused, and things start to get a little more serious, and Cricket will find that sometimes real life is a pretty big adventure all on its own.
I really enjoyed this story. Cricket is an endearing heroine as she marvels at the madness of the world around her and tries to maneuver life as a bright kid with a crazy imagination. The characters are well created and I came to appreciate each one. The story takes a graceful turn into the topic of senile dementia and how families deal with it. I loved that the author included everybody's perspective on Dodo's encroaching dementia--including Dodo's! Overall its a really great story and one I'd definitely recommend.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
August 14, 2017
Cricket Cohen is an outsider who loves geology and using her imagination to dream up exciting stories in her life. Some of her classmates call her a liar, her teacher discovers that her “memoir” essay was largely fictionalized, and her parents are tired of her tales. The only person who seems to appreciate Cricket’s fantastic life is her grandmother, Dodo.
When Dodo’s caregiver quits and Cricket’s parents are scheduled to go out of town for two days, Cricket sees it as an opportunity. She and Dodo will have a sleepover like they used to when she was younger and they lived in different states. Cricket’s parents haven’t been gone long before Cricket and Dodo decide to leave for an adventure. They pack their bags and set off.
This book hit its stride once Cricket’s and Dodo’s adventure began. Not only was it a lot of fun imagining what their trip was like, but that’s when Cricket starts to realize how hard taking care of Dodo can be. The book flew from the moment they walked out the door of Dodo’s apartment until the end, and left me wishing for more tales of Dodo’s eccentric behavior.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
When Dodo’s caregiver quits and Cricket’s parents are scheduled to go out of town for two days, Cricket sees it as an opportunity. She and Dodo will have a sleepover like they used to when she was younger and they lived in different states. Cricket’s parents haven’t been gone long before Cricket and Dodo decide to leave for an adventure. They pack their bags and set off.
This book hit its stride once Cricket’s and Dodo’s adventure began. Not only was it a lot of fun imagining what their trip was like, but that’s when Cricket starts to realize how hard taking care of Dodo can be. The book flew from the moment they walked out the door of Dodo’s apartment until the end, and left me wishing for more tales of Dodo’s eccentric behavior.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
April 24, 2018
Cricket Cohen has an exceptionally active imagination that tends to get her in trouble with her parents and teachers. She relates best to her grandmother, Dodo, who is also a great adventurer. With her parents away on a day-trip to the Hamptons, Cricket and Dodo head off on an adventure together in the city. But Dodo gets confused, and things start to get a little more serious, and Cricket will find that sometimes real life is a pretty big adventure all on its own.
I really enjoyed this story. Cricket is an endearing heroine as she marvels at the madness of the world around her and tries to maneuver life as a bright kid with a crazy imagination. The characters are well created and I came to appreciate each one. The story takes a graceful turn into the topic of senile dementia and how families deal with it. I loved that the author included everybody's perspective on Dodo's encroaching dementia--including Dodo's! Overall its a really great story and one I'd definitely recommend.
This review previously published on kissthebook.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed this story. Cricket is an endearing heroine as she marvels at the madness of the world around her and tries to maneuver life as a bright kid with a crazy imagination. The characters are well created and I came to appreciate each one. The story takes a graceful turn into the topic of senile dementia and how families deal with it. I loved that the author included everybody's perspective on Dodo's encroaching dementia--including Dodo's! Overall its a really great story and one I'd definitely recommend.
This review previously published on kissthebook.blogspot.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2018
I enjoyed The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen. It was a sweet story of an imaginative 11 year-old girl who's ideas/fantasies often go unappreciated by her parents and teachers. The person who best relates to her is her grandmother, Dodo, who is a bit of a wild spirit herself.
When Cricket and Dodo set off on a NYC adventure (which they know would never be allowed by Cricket's parents) they find themselves in a heap of trouble after a misunderstanding. Readers will likely pick up that there is something wrong with Dodo before Cricket does.
This was a bittersweet story. I loved the humor of Cricket and her overly-detailed daydreams/imaginative play, however, the reality of growing old and the issues that the elderly and their families experience can be heartbreaking.
Pass this along to readers looking for a good realistic fiction read. Fans of books featuring kids with issues (Wonder, Fish in a Tree, etc) may enjoy reading about Cricket.
When Cricket and Dodo set off on a NYC adventure (which they know would never be allowed by Cricket's parents) they find themselves in a heap of trouble after a misunderstanding. Readers will likely pick up that there is something wrong with Dodo before Cricket does.
This was a bittersweet story. I loved the humor of Cricket and her overly-detailed daydreams/imaginative play, however, the reality of growing old and the issues that the elderly and their families experience can be heartbreaking.
Pass this along to readers looking for a good realistic fiction read. Fans of books featuring kids with issues (Wonder, Fish in a Tree, etc) may enjoy reading about Cricket.
April 9, 2020
This is a sweet story of an imaginative 11 year-old girl who's ideas/fantasies often go unappreciated by her parents and teachers. The person who best relates to her is her grandmother, Dodo, who is a bit of a wild spirit herself.
When Cricket and Dodo set off on a NYC adventure (which they know would never be allowed by Cricket's parents) they find themselves in a heap of trouble after a misunderstanding. Readers will likely pick up that there is something wrong with Dodo before Cricket does.
This was a bittersweet story. I loved the humor of Cricket and her overly-detailed daydreams/imaginative play, however, the reality of growing old and the issues that the elderly and their families experience can be heartbreaking.
Pass this along to readers looking for a good realistic fiction read. Fans of books featuring kids with issues (Wonder, Fish in a Tree, etc) may enjoy reading about Cricket.
When Cricket and Dodo set off on a NYC adventure (which they know would never be allowed by Cricket's parents) they find themselves in a heap of trouble after a misunderstanding. Readers will likely pick up that there is something wrong with Dodo before Cricket does.
This was a bittersweet story. I loved the humor of Cricket and her overly-detailed daydreams/imaginative play, however, the reality of growing old and the issues that the elderly and their families experience can be heartbreaking.
Pass this along to readers looking for a good realistic fiction read. Fans of books featuring kids with issues (Wonder, Fish in a Tree, etc) may enjoy reading about Cricket.
August 10, 2017
Cricket Cohen has an incredibly vivid imagination and isn't afraid to use it, even when she really shouldn't. I loved this story by Catherine Lloyd Burns. As an educator, it was a great reminder to allow children to be who they are and continue to use their imaginations in big ways. As an adult reader, it was a reminder to treat children with respect and value them as human beings. As a reader, I loved this book for the zany adventures, comical situations and realities for children as they grow. The relationship between Cricket and her grandmother was adorable and endearing while the relationship between Cricket and her mother gave the reader an opportunity to examine their own relationships. I think that kids everywhere will love this book as it has hints of non-fiction, adventure, comedy and reality.
September 14, 2017
This was a fun read. Cricket and her grandmother Dodo set out on some summer adventures. Cricket is known for extending the truth. She has to rewrite her "memoir" because she exaggerated what really happens in her life. Her life is pretty entertaining, what with dealing with her fundraising parents, and her slightly wacky grandma. She procrastinates because she feels like her life is not as good as her imagination. Her grandma is dealing with some Alzheimer's and Cricket deals with it gently and in the best ways that she can.
I didn't like they way Cricket's parents treated her. They didn't listen to her and were very much more concerned with their own problems. I loved that Dodo took her under her wing and took her on some great adventures.
I didn't like they way Cricket's parents treated her. They didn't listen to her and were very much more concerned with their own problems. I loved that Dodo took her under her wing and took her on some great adventures.
July 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this one. It is sad and sweet, and Cricket is funny and creative. I loved the relationship she had with her Dodo (grandmother), and you get little hints of what is to come, but not in an annoying way, in an aha way. I think young people would not pick up on it as quickly as an older reader. Her relationship with her parents was quite interesting as well. I felt the subjects handled in here were handled well, and I cannot explain how much I loved that she was teaching her stuffed animals Greek and what-not. Very realistic 11 year-old character. So often characters are written too old or too young for their ages, but she felt very real. (My oldest is 10, and I was imagining him in this situation.) So glad I picked this one up!
March 22, 2018
This advanced reader's edition was a lovely surprise. Smart, funny, poignant... I'll be interested in hearing how actually middle grade children react to the book. I think the author (who turns out to be a semi-famous TV actor person) must've read all the books I loved as a child ("From the mixed up files...", "Harriet the Spy" etc. The protagonist reminds me a bit of the one in "Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree" by Lauren Tarshis.
December 2, 2025
A sweet book surrounding an eleven-year-old girl who goes on adventure with her grandmother who is at the early stages of dementia. I connected with Cricket on her love of imagining things, which often makes her prefer her own company than be with her peers who don't have the same open-minded thinking. There were a few times I did have to catch myself on trying to weed out the truth from Cricket's fictional stories. Overall, a cute book to pass the time with.
December 18, 2017
Girl with a very vivid imagination and a talent for bending the truth goes on an adventure with her grandmother, who is in the early stages of dementia/Alzheimer's.
I loved the special relationship that these two have, and how they find ways to take care of each other. Sweet, sweet story for grades 4+.
I loved the special relationship that these two have, and how they find ways to take care of each other. Sweet, sweet story for grades 4+.
July 12, 2023
Delightful, charming, engaging. Two of the most memorable characters I have ever met. I really loved how the two imaginative and charismatic characters played off each other and supported one another even when it was scary to do so. Great for young readers and refreshing for oldies like me.
May 19, 2017
Funny story about lying and Alzheimer's
September 13, 2018
I love the geology bits and Central Park history! A little too old for lower elementary but a fun read aloud.
August 21, 2017
Certain aspects of this book are amazing. The main character, Cricket, is an aspiring geologist and is quite smart, sprouting several fun facts throughout the story. She also learns that her grandmother has dementia and discovers how to care for someone with this condition. This book shows how a little kindness can go a long way.
However, overall, I was a little underwhelmed. When I was younger, this would have been the type of book I would have loved to have read during summer. As an adult, I was able to appreciate this novel, but there was nothing that I really connected with.
I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
However, overall, I was a little underwhelmed. When I was younger, this would have been the type of book I would have loved to have read during summer. As an adult, I was able to appreciate this novel, but there was nothing that I really connected with.
I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
November 16, 2017
Originally posted here at In the Senter of it All
This is a sweet little book. It deals with heavy subjects such as Alzheimer's and lying but in a way that is endearing as opposed to depressing. Cricket’s grandmother (Dodo) is struggling with the onset of dementia and expresses views often that she obviously does not actually believe. Ex: “Love is an illusion.” after her long happy marriage to the love of her life.
I think this book is great for discussion: the family coming to grips with Dodo’s dementia, how Cricket handles it and how they decide to accept each other in the end.
SUMMARY:
Cricket has an active imagination and sometimes it gets her in trouble. She writes a memoir that is less than factual and is having to write it over summer vacation. She is NOT excited about writing something as uninteresting as the truth. Instead she runs away with her beloved grandmother, Dodo. They get into some serious scrapes and go on some exciting adventures that make for a pretty interesting life story.
CONTENT:
Language: mild--”Oh my God!”
Sexuality: none-- Dodo discusses Matisse’s affair and says “Imagine if I had an affair!”
Violence: none
Drugs/Alcohol: none--the adults drink wine in a restaurant
Discusses the Big Bang and evolution as a matter of course as opposed to a theory.
THEMES: acceptance, lying, responsibility, stealing
THE BOTTOM LINE: A very sweet book that we are going to use for a 5th grade group read.
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: We own 2 copies.
READALIKES:
The Great Good Summer The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit Absolutely Truly
This is a sweet little book. It deals with heavy subjects such as Alzheimer's and lying but in a way that is endearing as opposed to depressing. Cricket’s grandmother (Dodo) is struggling with the onset of dementia and expresses views often that she obviously does not actually believe. Ex: “Love is an illusion.” after her long happy marriage to the love of her life.
I think this book is great for discussion: the family coming to grips with Dodo’s dementia, how Cricket handles it and how they decide to accept each other in the end.
SUMMARY:
Cricket has an active imagination and sometimes it gets her in trouble. She writes a memoir that is less than factual and is having to write it over summer vacation. She is NOT excited about writing something as uninteresting as the truth. Instead she runs away with her beloved grandmother, Dodo. They get into some serious scrapes and go on some exciting adventures that make for a pretty interesting life story.
CONTENT:
Language: mild--”Oh my God!”
Sexuality: none-- Dodo discusses Matisse’s affair and says “Imagine if I had an affair!”
Violence: none
Drugs/Alcohol: none--the adults drink wine in a restaurant
Discusses the Big Bang and evolution as a matter of course as opposed to a theory.
THEMES: acceptance, lying, responsibility, stealing
THE BOTTOM LINE: A very sweet book that we are going to use for a 5th grade group read.
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: We own 2 copies.
READALIKES:
The Great Good Summer The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit Absolutely Truly
July 20, 2018
Eleven-year-old Cricket Cohen does not tend to tell the exact truth - in short, she elaborates true stories with un-truths to make them more palatable to herself. She has developed something of a reputation with her classmates at school. When she applies this tendency to a written assignment, her teacher insists that she rewrite it, and Cricket does everything she can to stall. Her parents remind and encourage her, but she continues to put it off.
At the same time, her beloved, widowed, free-spirited grandmother has left her home in California to move near her daughter and family in New York. This is so that Cricket's mother can keep her eye on her. Grandmother resists, with a rebellious tendency not unlike that of her granddaughter. She does not like having a caregiver assigned to her welfare, and one day she and Cricket mutually decide to run away together.
What follows brings out strengths in Cricket she did not know she had, that were real, and did not need fabrication.
At the same time, her beloved, widowed, free-spirited grandmother has left her home in California to move near her daughter and family in New York. This is so that Cricket's mother can keep her eye on her. Grandmother resists, with a rebellious tendency not unlike that of her granddaughter. She does not like having a caregiver assigned to her welfare, and one day she and Cricket mutually decide to run away together.
What follows brings out strengths in Cricket she did not know she had, that were real, and did not need fabrication.
August 27, 2017
Although this book is aimed at the middle-grade set, it held my interest and taught me some valuable lessons along the way. It's easy to see yourself in one or another of the characters, whether it is Cricket herself, her grandmother, controlling mom or peacemaker dad, the phonies of the world or just someone who loves the NYC landscape. I purchased it for my grandchildren as well, and now we will have something new and deep to discuss!
October 24, 2019
this was one of the best books ever!
Want to read
September 28, 2017I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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