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You May Already Be a Winner
For fans of Ali Benjamin's The Thing About Jellyfish and Katherine Applegate's Crenshaw comes the humorous and heart aching story of one girl's struggle to keep hope alive for her and her younger sister in Sunny Pines Trailer Park.
Twelve-year-old Olivia Hales has a foolproof plan for winning a million dollars so that she and her little sister, Berkeley, can leave behind Sunny Pines Trailer Park.
But first she has to:
- Fix the swamp cooler and make dinner and put Berkeley to bed because her mom is too busy to do all that
- Write another letter to her dad even though he hasn't written back yet
- Teach Berk the important stuff, like how to make chalk drawings, because they can't afford day care and Olivia has to stay home from school to watch her
- Petition her oddball neighbors for a circus spectacular, because there needs to be something to look forward to at dumb-bum Sunny Pines
- Become a super-secret spy to impress her new friend Bart
- Enter a minimum of fourteen sweepstakes a day. Who knows? She may already be a winner!
Olivia has thought of everything . . . except herself. Who will take care of her when she needs it? Luckily, somewhere deep down between her small intestine and stomach is a tiny voice reminding her that sometimes people can surprise you--and sometimes your family is right next door.
Twelve-year-old Olivia Hales has a foolproof plan for winning a million dollars so that she and her little sister, Berkeley, can leave behind Sunny Pines Trailer Park.
But first she has to:
- Fix the swamp cooler and make dinner and put Berkeley to bed because her mom is too busy to do all that
- Write another letter to her dad even though he hasn't written back yet
- Teach Berk the important stuff, like how to make chalk drawings, because they can't afford day care and Olivia has to stay home from school to watch her
- Petition her oddball neighbors for a circus spectacular, because there needs to be something to look forward to at dumb-bum Sunny Pines
- Become a super-secret spy to impress her new friend Bart
- Enter a minimum of fourteen sweepstakes a day. Who knows? She may already be a winner!
Olivia has thought of everything . . . except herself. Who will take care of her when she needs it? Luckily, somewhere deep down between her small intestine and stomach is a tiny voice reminding her that sometimes people can surprise you--and sometimes your family is right next door.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2017
35 people are currently reading
1558 people want to read
About the author
Ann Dee Ellis
9 books98 followersAnn Dee (pronounced "Andy") Ellis received an MA from Brigham Young University, where she now works as an instructor for creative writing for children and young adults. She lives in Utah with her husband and two young sons.
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July 6, 2017
#Wrong number 1
So at first I thought this book would be easy and fun. A kids' read. Just what I need right now.
#Wrong number 2
Then I thought it would be a three star read.
#Wrong number 3
I thought it would be pretty forgettable. And that it would probably have typical tropes.
Well, guess again.
So let's get down to the facts.
As you might have surmised, it's a pretty emotionally loaded book. It took me through a rollercoaster of #feels , and although it took a while for it to really get serious, by the end it didn't just make me angry at (some) adults and their horrible decisions, it also made me almost cry. It's definitely a 4 star read, and I loved it.
What is the book about?
We start by meeting Olivia, who is a 13 year old girl living in a trailer park. It's just the three of them - her, her little sister and their mom. Olivia is every bit as responsible as her parents aren't, so she misses school because there's no one to watch over her little sister. She is actually very cute about it, giving her sister creative lessons she finds on the internet. It's not that her mom is irresponsible, but she's stressed because Olivia's dad left, overworked because she has to care for two children alone and she is just not handling it. Olivia ends up having to make all the hard decisions for her mother, and take on way too much responsibility, basically bringing up her little sister and believing everything is actually her fault.
We see the journey of Olivia's family straight into crash and ruin , and we see Olivia break up because it's too heavy for her. It all makes you feel so angry, that it's so unfair, and you can't help thinking there ARE so many children who don't have lunch money, who have to lie for their parents, who have to try to enter as many lotteries that they can so they could maybe survive (hence the name "You May Already Be A Winner").
And the end is just so touching. It's not a bad ending at all, although it seems like there's no way it could end well.
I liked this book. I loved seeing such a responsible, loving, kind teen who would do so much for her family. And no heroics - do so much by just doing all the nasty little things most of us don't have to do, like cook, clean, miss school because you're a 13 year old adult raising someone else's child, trying to protect your family from the authorities finding out and not ever exposing your feelings because you're protecting someone else's. Also: no instalove. Just loneliness vs friendship and playing with the cards you're dealt.
I have to admit though, I'll have an emotional hangover after this book. It was a ride. If you like reading about teens in tough situations, about growing and maturing, but without the typical self-pitying voice and deep dramatism, this is what you want to read. It's a really down-to-earth story about growth and, well, life. I recommend it to any of my friends who like reading YA and middle grade contemporary.
P. S. Just look at that lovely cover.
I thank Ann Dee Ellis, Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for providing this book in exchange to an honest review.
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So at first I thought this book would be easy and fun. A kids' read. Just what I need right now.
#Wrong number 2
Then I thought it would be a three star read.
#Wrong number 3
I thought it would be pretty forgettable. And that it would probably have typical tropes.
Well, guess again.
So let's get down to the facts.
As you might have surmised, it's a pretty emotionally loaded book. It took me through a rollercoaster of #feels , and although it took a while for it to really get serious, by the end it didn't just make me angry at (some) adults and their horrible decisions, it also made me almost cry. It's definitely a 4 star read, and I loved it.
What is the book about?
We start by meeting Olivia, who is a 13 year old girl living in a trailer park. It's just the three of them - her, her little sister and their mom. Olivia is every bit as responsible as her parents aren't, so she misses school because there's no one to watch over her little sister. She is actually very cute about it, giving her sister creative lessons she finds on the internet. It's not that her mom is irresponsible, but she's stressed because Olivia's dad left, overworked because she has to care for two children alone and she is just not handling it. Olivia ends up having to make all the hard decisions for her mother, and take on way too much responsibility, basically bringing up her little sister and believing everything is actually her fault.
We see the journey of Olivia's family straight into crash and ruin , and we see Olivia break up because it's too heavy for her. It all makes you feel so angry, that it's so unfair, and you can't help thinking there ARE so many children who don't have lunch money, who have to lie for their parents, who have to try to enter as many lotteries that they can so they could maybe survive (hence the name "You May Already Be A Winner").
And the end is just so touching. It's not a bad ending at all, although it seems like there's no way it could end well.
I liked this book. I loved seeing such a responsible, loving, kind teen who would do so much for her family. And no heroics - do so much by just doing all the nasty little things most of us don't have to do, like cook, clean, miss school because you're a 13 year old adult raising someone else's child, trying to protect your family from the authorities finding out and not ever exposing your feelings because you're protecting someone else's. Also: no instalove. Just loneliness vs friendship and playing with the cards you're dealt.
I have to admit though, I'll have an emotional hangover after this book. It was a ride. If you like reading about teens in tough situations, about growing and maturing, but without the typical self-pitying voice and deep dramatism, this is what you want to read. It's a really down-to-earth story about growth and, well, life. I recommend it to any of my friends who like reading YA and middle grade contemporary.
P. S. Just look at that lovely cover.
I thank Ann Dee Ellis, Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for providing this book in exchange to an honest review.
Read Post On My Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
June 28, 2017
I was torn on whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars...so I'll say it's a 3.5. Great voice and characters here, but certain scenes seem rushed or shifting too fast and other scenes have numerous names dropped, adding confusion to the story. This will not prevent me from reading more from the author. NetGalley and the publisher provided a review copy.
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January 7, 2018Oh, this book broke my heart. I just wanted to hug Olivia and her little sister and tell them they were loved and everything was going to be alright. An emotional and real look at a girl who has lost hope because of decisions her parents have made, but finds out exactly how much people really do care about her in the end.
May 8, 2018
Thank You to Netgalley, Penguin Random House and Ann Dee Ellis for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Do you remember when you were a little kid and you would live in half reality/half fantasy. Your parents are yelling at you and your mind has already taken off, adding all kinds of imaginary events onto what is really happening. I used to do it all the time. I was a perpetual day dreamer, often lost in thought, so I immediately related to Olivia, the main character in “You May Already Be A Winner”.
But Olivia is a way cooler chick than me. She has a ton of real life responsibilities, more than any kid her age. Her Dad has left her Mom and rumour has it that he left her for another woman. Her mom is barely functioning and has pulled Olivia out of school to watch her little sister Berkeley because Mom can’t afford daycare. Between household chores, cooking dinner and baby-sitting Berkeley, who can blame Olivia for a little day dreaming? Her favourite shows are Iron Chef and Fixer Upper, but she doesn’t spend all day watching TV. She makes sure to get books and workbooks from the library so she and her sister can keep learning. I love that Olivia has her day organized like a school day with lists of what “subject” is scheduled when. She would make a great teacher when she grows up! But what Olivia makes sure to do every day is to enter contests. Any kind of contest that she can find on the computer. She wants to win enough money so her mom can quit her job, she can get a phone, they can live in a real house and most importantly maybe their dad would come back home.
Then, along comes Bart, a boy her age who doesn’t go to school and works for the FBI. He is on a secret mission. Well, probably not the truth when she sees him at school, discovers his name is not Bart and he doesn’t work for the FBI. But she really likes him.
I think this would be a great book for any child (of the appropriate age) to read. Some people found this so sad, heartbreaking, dark and a tear jerker, while I found it realistic. I have taught many a student in this situation, where they aren’t any parents at home and they are responsible for dinner and their siblings. Maybe not to the extent of Olivia’s situation, which is, let’s face it, a children’s services situation, but this is something they can relate to. Also, kids who don’t have a lot, having to go to school with kids who are more privileged, and navigating the social structures is again, something kids can relate to. I also think that it is good for kids who have enough, to read about someone who doesn’t and think about what that means and how their behaviour towards them matters. Kids are not as delicate as we think and can handle a book with serious issues. It has great messages just one being that asking for help is not a bad thing. Another, Olivia is a caretaker and puts the needs of her mom and sister above her own. She has to learn that her needs are important and making sure that she takes care of herself is a great lesson that many adults need to learn. I mean the whole mindfulness movement has become an industry because people are learning that self care matters.
Ellis is engaging and manages to speak to these issues with humour and without the preachiness that children’s books often have. It would be a great book to read with any classroom of kids as part of the curriculum. It is also a touching, meaningful, fun, and engaging book that anyone should read!
Do you remember when you were a little kid and you would live in half reality/half fantasy. Your parents are yelling at you and your mind has already taken off, adding all kinds of imaginary events onto what is really happening. I used to do it all the time. I was a perpetual day dreamer, often lost in thought, so I immediately related to Olivia, the main character in “You May Already Be A Winner”.
But Olivia is a way cooler chick than me. She has a ton of real life responsibilities, more than any kid her age. Her Dad has left her Mom and rumour has it that he left her for another woman. Her mom is barely functioning and has pulled Olivia out of school to watch her little sister Berkeley because Mom can’t afford daycare. Between household chores, cooking dinner and baby-sitting Berkeley, who can blame Olivia for a little day dreaming? Her favourite shows are Iron Chef and Fixer Upper, but she doesn’t spend all day watching TV. She makes sure to get books and workbooks from the library so she and her sister can keep learning. I love that Olivia has her day organized like a school day with lists of what “subject” is scheduled when. She would make a great teacher when she grows up! But what Olivia makes sure to do every day is to enter contests. Any kind of contest that she can find on the computer. She wants to win enough money so her mom can quit her job, she can get a phone, they can live in a real house and most importantly maybe their dad would come back home.
Then, along comes Bart, a boy her age who doesn’t go to school and works for the FBI. He is on a secret mission. Well, probably not the truth when she sees him at school, discovers his name is not Bart and he doesn’t work for the FBI. But she really likes him.
I think this would be a great book for any child (of the appropriate age) to read. Some people found this so sad, heartbreaking, dark and a tear jerker, while I found it realistic. I have taught many a student in this situation, where they aren’t any parents at home and they are responsible for dinner and their siblings. Maybe not to the extent of Olivia’s situation, which is, let’s face it, a children’s services situation, but this is something they can relate to. Also, kids who don’t have a lot, having to go to school with kids who are more privileged, and navigating the social structures is again, something kids can relate to. I also think that it is good for kids who have enough, to read about someone who doesn’t and think about what that means and how their behaviour towards them matters. Kids are not as delicate as we think and can handle a book with serious issues. It has great messages just one being that asking for help is not a bad thing. Another, Olivia is a caretaker and puts the needs of her mom and sister above her own. She has to learn that her needs are important and making sure that she takes care of herself is a great lesson that many adults need to learn. I mean the whole mindfulness movement has become an industry because people are learning that self care matters.
Ellis is engaging and manages to speak to these issues with humour and without the preachiness that children’s books often have. It would be a great book to read with any classroom of kids as part of the curriculum. It is also a touching, meaningful, fun, and engaging book that anyone should read!
July 4, 2017
This was a novel that was hard to read. It was depressing because as a teacher, I am sure I have students in dire straights like Olivia and her family and I just don't know. I think the heart of the novel is learning it is important to learn to trust and rely on others, just as Olivia did. I am appreciative to NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my fair and honest review. I hope that in reading I will be more cognizant of the "secret" lives of my students.
July 12, 2017
Sometimes you read a book that leaves your mind as soon as you close it, and sometimes you read a book that you can't stop thinking about long after you've finished it. You May Already Be A Winner is a story that touches on some very difficult topics and has one of those characters that you just can't forget.
Olivia is 12 and lives in a trailer park. That may not sound very memorable but Olivia is practically raising her little sister Berkley, she does everything around the house, and is even trying not to stay behind because lack of school. Olivia is so unbelievably strong. She should be having fun growing up, not having so many responsibilities! I HATE IT, I HATE IT, I HATE IT! There are so many issues going on at home, but she persists, and most of the time prevails. Bart is one of her escapes, when he's around she can forget about everything and just be a young girl, she can help him spy on her neighbor, and talk about impossible things. I LOVE OLIVIA SO MUCH! I root for her, laugh with her, cry for her. I feel like there is so much truth to this story and I think that's what grabs at me the most!
This story absolutely charmed me. It had the perfect combination of characters that were so very different but always there for each other. Olivia and Berkley are two of the most precious characters I have ever read about. This isn't the light hearted book I thought I was going to read, it was so so much more!
*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2017
Wow! You May Already Be a Winner is such a cute, heartbreaking, funny and comforting read! I loved it from the start until the end.
The story is about a 12 year old girl, Olivia, who has to be independent and able to take care of herself and her younger sister, Berkeley, since nobody is. To be able to get through the day, she imagines a world where everything is good. She subscribes to many contests so they can be rich and have an easier life. She seems to think that she has to take care of everybody, including her mother.
Olivia lives in a trailer park home with her mother and sister. On a typical day, she stays home with her sister because their mother cannot afford day care and so, Olivia does not go to school. She tries her best to teach anything to Berkeley. In the meantime, she still writes to her father who is apparently away from home as his job as a park ranger brought him away from them. She meets Bart, a super secret FBI agent who has to spy on one of her neighbour for super secret reasons. She is friends with mostly everybody in the trailer park. But then, she has to go back to school so her mother does not have problems and she has to deal with a lot of new obstacles.
Olivia is a brave, strong, naive and imaginative little girl that you want to take in your arms and tell her everything is going to be fine.
This was a great YA book, but not just for the teenagers. I bet that a lot of adults like me would enjoy it and the lessons to learn from it.
I would like to thank Penguin Random House Canada for the free copy of this book.
G-
The story is about a 12 year old girl, Olivia, who has to be independent and able to take care of herself and her younger sister, Berkeley, since nobody is. To be able to get through the day, she imagines a world where everything is good. She subscribes to many contests so they can be rich and have an easier life. She seems to think that she has to take care of everybody, including her mother.
Olivia lives in a trailer park home with her mother and sister. On a typical day, she stays home with her sister because their mother cannot afford day care and so, Olivia does not go to school. She tries her best to teach anything to Berkeley. In the meantime, she still writes to her father who is apparently away from home as his job as a park ranger brought him away from them. She meets Bart, a super secret FBI agent who has to spy on one of her neighbour for super secret reasons. She is friends with mostly everybody in the trailer park. But then, she has to go back to school so her mother does not have problems and she has to deal with a lot of new obstacles.
Olivia is a brave, strong, naive and imaginative little girl that you want to take in your arms and tell her everything is going to be fine.
This was a great YA book, but not just for the teenagers. I bet that a lot of adults like me would enjoy it and the lessons to learn from it.
I would like to thank Penguin Random House Canada for the free copy of this book.
G-
May 22, 2017
You May Already be a Winner by Ann Dee Ellis was made available to me as an ARC courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher.
The story and characters are engaging and the perspective from a 12 year old precocious girl is well done.
Premise: family fallen on hard times, told from the imaginative and caring older daughter's point of view.
I felt that there were three very especially touching themes which I most appreciated: that of the older/younger sibling bond (exceptionally well done), the bond of friendship and community (middle schoolers, adults, neighbors in a mobile home park), and finally, the theme of the benefit of humility against the hubris of arrogance or denial. Surprisingly as a mother, I found myself very much identifying with the two middle school protagonists at different times. That in itself, was a treat.
Really well done little gem that I will recommend to my 14 and 12 year old daughters. I teared up at the end!
The story and characters are engaging and the perspective from a 12 year old precocious girl is well done.
Premise: family fallen on hard times, told from the imaginative and caring older daughter's point of view.
I felt that there were three very especially touching themes which I most appreciated: that of the older/younger sibling bond (exceptionally well done), the bond of friendship and community (middle schoolers, adults, neighbors in a mobile home park), and finally, the theme of the benefit of humility against the hubris of arrogance or denial. Surprisingly as a mother, I found myself very much identifying with the two middle school protagonists at different times. That in itself, was a treat.
Really well done little gem that I will recommend to my 14 and 12 year old daughters. I teared up at the end!
June 11, 2017
Olivia lives in a trailer park with her mom, little sister Berkely and a variety of characters who live nearby and are just as much a part of her family. She deals with missing her absent father by entering as many contests as she can and emailing him frequently. Olivia also makes up scenarios in her head that make her feel better about certain situations and paint her as a hero that she wants to be.
The book is full of run on sentences, as we are inside Olivia's head, and she really seems frantic to deal with everything thrown her way. Too much for a 12 year old to be handling, thanks to her messed up family life and a serious lack of communication.
I really felt for Olivia and the tough position she was put in by her loving but neglectful mother and absent father. I felt for her little sister Berkely, who would rather stay at home than go to daycare and wants to have a circus. I felt for their friend Bart, who was full of lies but has a good heart.
My biggest problem with this book is that because it was from Olivia's point of view and no adult was telling her the truth, it was hard to get a real feel for things that were going on. And I really wish that the resolution had been longer. The issues Olivia and her family are dealing with aren't resolved in 3 pages and a couple sentences. I needed to know more about what was going on on the adult side.
It speaks down to the readers assuming that they wouldn't want to know more about how things are going to turn out. Olivia's father, in particular... it's barely explained why he left and why he came back and what he's been up to.
Ultimately, it was a well written book with moving characters and storylines and I really enjoyed it, but was let down by the ending. It needed to be longer, or something needed to be cut and more added to the end instead.
The book is full of run on sentences, as we are inside Olivia's head, and she really seems frantic to deal with everything thrown her way. Too much for a 12 year old to be handling, thanks to her messed up family life and a serious lack of communication.
I really felt for Olivia and the tough position she was put in by her loving but neglectful mother and absent father. I felt for her little sister Berkely, who would rather stay at home than go to daycare and wants to have a circus. I felt for their friend Bart, who was full of lies but has a good heart.
My biggest problem with this book is that because it was from Olivia's point of view and no adult was telling her the truth, it was hard to get a real feel for things that were going on. And I really wish that the resolution had been longer. The issues Olivia and her family are dealing with aren't resolved in 3 pages and a couple sentences. I needed to know more about what was going on on the adult side.
It speaks down to the readers assuming that they wouldn't want to know more about how things are going to turn out. Olivia's father, in particular... it's barely explained why he left and why he came back and what he's been up to.
Ultimately, it was a well written book with moving characters and storylines and I really enjoyed it, but was let down by the ending. It needed to be longer, or something needed to be cut and more added to the end instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2018
I have so many words for this book and all of them are good. This book is so good. The story is perfect. The characters are amazing. I love how the Mom is so hard working and Olivia is trying her best to do everything she can to help her mother. How she writes letters and emails to her family and how they live toghether and all of the struggles they go through.
This is such an empowering book about how you don't have to win the big money jackpot or some million dollar sweepstake to be a 'winner'. To be a winner you don't have to win anything all you need are the people you love and happiness. It is a really empowering message that flows through this book and at the end of the book Olivia learns that she doesn't have to win money to be a winner.
This book is so good! I definetly reccomend that you pick it up. You will fall in love with the characters in this book.
I love how Oliva and Berk find a way to be happy regardless of thier situation at the moment. It's really nice to have characters that cna find happiness and make the best of everything in tough times. This book discusses some tough topics but it is so good. The characters are strong and loving.
Overall five stars!! This is so good you need to read it!!
This is such an empowering book about how you don't have to win the big money jackpot or some million dollar sweepstake to be a 'winner'. To be a winner you don't have to win anything all you need are the people you love and happiness. It is a really empowering message that flows through this book and at the end of the book Olivia learns that she doesn't have to win money to be a winner.
This book is so good! I definetly reccomend that you pick it up. You will fall in love with the characters in this book.
I love how Oliva and Berk find a way to be happy regardless of thier situation at the moment. It's really nice to have characters that cna find happiness and make the best of everything in tough times. This book discusses some tough topics but it is so good. The characters are strong and loving.
Overall five stars!! This is so good you need to read it!!
June 22, 2017
Quite frankly, I love it. I love Olivia.
The write up for this book should be scraped, it doesn't do it justice. Olivia Hale is an older sister who feels responsible for everything. Olivia Hale is trying to keep her family together and convince herself that everything is going to be okay. Olivia Hale is really, truly 12, and will teach you life lessons without ever preaching a word. Olivia Hale is about to find out who her friends and family are, and you'll love going along for the ride.
The write up for this book should be scraped, it doesn't do it justice. Olivia Hale is an older sister who feels responsible for everything. Olivia Hale is trying to keep her family together and convince herself that everything is going to be okay. Olivia Hale is really, truly 12, and will teach you life lessons without ever preaching a word. Olivia Hale is about to find out who her friends and family are, and you'll love going along for the ride.
June 3, 2017
Thank you to NetGallery for this ARC. Loved the stream of thinking free style writing. The characters felt very real and you can't help but pull for Olivia and her sister and her new best friend as they deal with family changes. The author really gave me sense of hope and community as well.
July 4, 2017
A beautiful and hard story. My favorite kind. And while I'm reading more middle grade than I have ever before, I have an issue with pat endings. I am a proponent of realistic albeit unfortunate endings because they need to feel authentic and ultimately Ellis resolved the book with readers understanding the Olivia would "be okay" now that there's a semblance of a family back together where everyone has had time to heal in some way.
The premise is that Olivia has had adulthood thrust upon her when their father leaves the mother and Olivia's mother relies on Olivia to take care of Berekely. Ultimately, Berkeley doesn't go to daycare and Olivia skips school to care for her while their mother works. Readers know that Mom is suffering from the loss of the husband and we know Olivia is writing to her father who she believes has left (temporarily) and will return if she can just get to him, talk to him, write to him. There's also the everyday life of living in their trailer park which means different things: functional and non-functional relationships, friendship issues, and secrets and drama. Olivia then meets an odd boy who calls himself Bart but whose real name is Harrison that has his own story, but he's not forthcoming with it and Olivia must put together the pieces. She thinks she's in love. It's also revealed that Bart is the one who tells the school that Olivia has been bringing her young sister to school each day (mom can't send her back to a daycare after Berkeley stole and rather than deal with the adult issue, again pushes this to Olivia to handle). She's initially shocked but what it means is that the protection agency has found and brought back their father (who has found himself in Salt Lake City after doing some soul searching and realizing they were married much too young). Still the pressure that Olivia must always look out for her sister is what devastates readers time and time again.
After some time with their father, the girls learn that their mother is just a few houses away in the park "finding herself" and the story that she has been feeding her sister about preparing for a circus becomes realized and both mother and father are around (though likely will stay separated). So the resolution where it seems like Olivia gets to understand her parents as individuals and why they separated still seems like wizened knowledge of a much older girl. Yes, she's had to grow up far too quickly in middle school because of her parents' inability to parent, but there's a false expectation that everything will always be okay. Again, I know it's middle grade AND I still loved the book because it hits right at the heart.
The matter-of-fact style of Ellis' writing captures the mounting pressure and the mysterious boy and letters to her father and the motif of entering sweepstakes and contests and why she always loves the ones where "you may already be a winner" is absolutely enjoyable. Plus the book looks good naked (love the binding without the dust jacket, simple and elegant!)
Pg. 51- "I tell her that. I tell her and then I can't help it, then I start to cry and she holds me tight and we can do it. We can do it just us girls."
Pg. 145- "We were in our stupid trailer park where no one's lives ever worked out. The sky wasn't blue. It was filled with clouds."
Pg. 256- When the pressure became too much
Pg. 265- "Olivia. You have to understand." And I said, "No."
Pg. 266- "In that moment I felt exhausted. But mad. But exhausted."
Pg. 280- "'I understand you are having some home issues.' I say, 'I understand you have bad hair.' He laughs. I don't laugh.
Pg. 330- "Just then, a lady collapsed. And I gave her CPR. And everyone cheered. // No I didn't. I never do anything."
The premise is that Olivia has had adulthood thrust upon her when their father leaves the mother and Olivia's mother relies on Olivia to take care of Berekely. Ultimately, Berkeley doesn't go to daycare and Olivia skips school to care for her while their mother works. Readers know that Mom is suffering from the loss of the husband and we know Olivia is writing to her father who she believes has left (temporarily) and will return if she can just get to him, talk to him, write to him. There's also the everyday life of living in their trailer park which means different things: functional and non-functional relationships, friendship issues, and secrets and drama. Olivia then meets an odd boy who calls himself Bart but whose real name is Harrison that has his own story, but he's not forthcoming with it and Olivia must put together the pieces. She thinks she's in love. It's also revealed that Bart is the one who tells the school that Olivia has been bringing her young sister to school each day (mom can't send her back to a daycare after Berkeley stole and rather than deal with the adult issue, again pushes this to Olivia to handle). She's initially shocked but what it means is that the protection agency has found and brought back their father (who has found himself in Salt Lake City after doing some soul searching and realizing they were married much too young). Still the pressure that Olivia must always look out for her sister is what devastates readers time and time again.
After some time with their father, the girls learn that their mother is just a few houses away in the park "finding herself" and the story that she has been feeding her sister about preparing for a circus becomes realized and both mother and father are around (though likely will stay separated). So the resolution where it seems like Olivia gets to understand her parents as individuals and why they separated still seems like wizened knowledge of a much older girl. Yes, she's had to grow up far too quickly in middle school because of her parents' inability to parent, but there's a false expectation that everything will always be okay. Again, I know it's middle grade AND I still loved the book because it hits right at the heart.
The matter-of-fact style of Ellis' writing captures the mounting pressure and the mysterious boy and letters to her father and the motif of entering sweepstakes and contests and why she always loves the ones where "you may already be a winner" is absolutely enjoyable. Plus the book looks good naked (love the binding without the dust jacket, simple and elegant!)
Pg. 51- "I tell her that. I tell her and then I can't help it, then I start to cry and she holds me tight and we can do it. We can do it just us girls."
Pg. 145- "We were in our stupid trailer park where no one's lives ever worked out. The sky wasn't blue. It was filled with clouds."
Pg. 256- When the pressure became too much
Pg. 265- "Olivia. You have to understand." And I said, "No."
Pg. 266- "In that moment I felt exhausted. But mad. But exhausted."
Pg. 280- "'I understand you are having some home issues.' I say, 'I understand you have bad hair.' He laughs. I don't laugh.
Pg. 330- "Just then, a lady collapsed. And I gave her CPR. And everyone cheered. // No I didn't. I never do anything."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2020
This is written in the viewpoint of Olivia, who is a 12 year old that is very bound and determined. She lives in a trailer park with her mother and 5 year old sister Berkeley. She has many plans for her future and one of them is to win a large sweepstakes prize. She enters contests every chance she gets because she is hopeful that a large win will help her family financially.
Her father lives far away in Bryce Canyon, and Olivia sends him e-mail messages about what is going on in her life, but he has not been responding to them; which is very upsetting to her. She doesn't attend school because her mom needs her to babysit Berkeley as she is unable to afford day care.
Olivia rambles about all the events going on, moves quickly from one topic to the other and lets us know how she feels about things. She exhibits a very vivid imagination; making this a delightful read! She knows almost everyone living in the trailer park and becomes obsessed with a teen boy named Bart and waits impatiently for him to return to the park. He claims he works for the FBI and a very wild story takes place with spying on a neighbor and having to keep everything secret.
As you read this book you very much realize the difficult life of a single mom of two children and the financial struggles and worries she goes through to take care of her children, and how the children suffer along with the mother because they can sense exactly what is going on.
I enjoyed this book immensely. I wish that the ending was more detailed as it seemed to end a little abruptly for my liking. Otherwise, a very refreshing, enjoyable read! Teenagers will love this book.
A special thank you for Penguin Random House for providing me with this ARC. I apologize for taking so long to read it - but am very grateful for having the opportunity.
Her father lives far away in Bryce Canyon, and Olivia sends him e-mail messages about what is going on in her life, but he has not been responding to them; which is very upsetting to her. She doesn't attend school because her mom needs her to babysit Berkeley as she is unable to afford day care.
Olivia rambles about all the events going on, moves quickly from one topic to the other and lets us know how she feels about things. She exhibits a very vivid imagination; making this a delightful read! She knows almost everyone living in the trailer park and becomes obsessed with a teen boy named Bart and waits impatiently for him to return to the park. He claims he works for the FBI and a very wild story takes place with spying on a neighbor and having to keep everything secret.
As you read this book you very much realize the difficult life of a single mom of two children and the financial struggles and worries she goes through to take care of her children, and how the children suffer along with the mother because they can sense exactly what is going on.
I enjoyed this book immensely. I wish that the ending was more detailed as it seemed to end a little abruptly for my liking. Otherwise, a very refreshing, enjoyable read! Teenagers will love this book.
A special thank you for Penguin Random House for providing me with this ARC. I apologize for taking so long to read it - but am very grateful for having the opportunity.
July 13, 2017
The sarcasm of Raymie Nightingale. The bleak, innocent narration of Room. This is the darkest middle grade book I have ever read. It shattered my heart and it’s not even written to be a tear jerker. The 12-year-old protagonist, Olivia, tells the story in such an innocent, aloof way that is really kind of chilling when you realize the drama that’s going on behind the scenes. As a teacher who has mentored kids like Olivia and who has had to call DHR on behalf of kids like Olivia, I was just horrified while reading this book.
Olivia and her younger sister Berkley have been abandoned by their dad who tells them that he’s moving to be a park ranger in Bryce Canyon. This leaves them living with their mom who who asks Olivia to skip school to care for Berkley during the day. Olivia plays caretaker, teacher, cook, and entertainer for Berkley as well as handy-woman who fixes up the trailer their family lives in. She also spends her time applying to online sweepstakes, which she loves because they tell her that “You May Already Be a Winner!” and this is the kind of hope Olivia thrives on. When she and Berkley meet a new boy named Bart, Olivia is thrilled to have a new friend and confidant. As the truth about her dad's absence and her mom's neglect are unveiled, Olivia has to learn how to cope.
I’m not even sure that I would want a child to read this because it is so realistically dark. I think I’m still processing how I feel about this. I will say that the ending was a let down and felt like it shifted the tone a bit too much.
4.5 stars
I was given an ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia and her younger sister Berkley have been abandoned by their dad who tells them that he’s moving to be a park ranger in Bryce Canyon. This leaves them living with their mom who who asks Olivia to skip school to care for Berkley during the day. Olivia plays caretaker, teacher, cook, and entertainer for Berkley as well as handy-woman who fixes up the trailer their family lives in. She also spends her time applying to online sweepstakes, which she loves because they tell her that “You May Already Be a Winner!” and this is the kind of hope Olivia thrives on. When she and Berkley meet a new boy named Bart, Olivia is thrilled to have a new friend and confidant. As the truth about her dad's absence and her mom's neglect are unveiled, Olivia has to learn how to cope.
I’m not even sure that I would want a child to read this because it is so realistically dark. I think I’m still processing how I feel about this. I will say that the ending was a let down and felt like it shifted the tone a bit too much.
4.5 stars
I was given an ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2018
So this was...bizarre. As evidenced by the three star rating I didn't dislike this one, but I didn't exactly like the novel either.
For one thing, it is pretty darn depressing. You May Already Be a Winner is the story of Olivia, a kid living in a trailer park with her mother and younger sister. The father has left, though the reason for his absence is never made entirely clear. Unable to afford day care, Mom has Olivia staying home from school in order to look after her five-year-old sister, Berkley. Eventually, the authorities wise up and Olivia is made to return to middle school. With little sis in tow. Yeah, right! Come now, am I really to believe the girls would be able to successfully conceal this for over a week? Moreover, Olivia frequently drifts into the land of day dreams. They spring up at random intervals and always start off realistically before wandering into fantasy land. I don't do fantasy. I realize I am in the minority so, for many readers, this part may be enjoyable. However, my beef is the fear that young readers may not necessarily be able to distinguish between fantasy and actual events in the novel. It was a tad confusing at times.
Having said my piece, it ought to be noted that the main characters are likable, always a plus for a book. Also, the story moves along at a lively pace with extremely short chapters (94 of them in a 347 page novel! At least that was the case in the advanced reader copy I perused.) Thus, this makes for easily digestible fare for young readers. In conclusion, if you are not like me, and actually enjoy the far fetched, go for it. If you are like me, my condolences.
For one thing, it is pretty darn depressing. You May Already Be a Winner is the story of Olivia, a kid living in a trailer park with her mother and younger sister. The father has left, though the reason for his absence is never made entirely clear. Unable to afford day care, Mom has Olivia staying home from school in order to look after her five-year-old sister, Berkley. Eventually, the authorities wise up and Olivia is made to return to middle school. With little sis in tow. Yeah, right! Come now, am I really to believe the girls would be able to successfully conceal this for over a week? Moreover, Olivia frequently drifts into the land of day dreams. They spring up at random intervals and always start off realistically before wandering into fantasy land. I don't do fantasy. I realize I am in the minority so, for many readers, this part may be enjoyable. However, my beef is the fear that young readers may not necessarily be able to distinguish between fantasy and actual events in the novel. It was a tad confusing at times.
Having said my piece, it ought to be noted that the main characters are likable, always a plus for a book. Also, the story moves along at a lively pace with extremely short chapters (94 of them in a 347 page novel! At least that was the case in the advanced reader copy I perused.) Thus, this makes for easily digestible fare for young readers. In conclusion, if you are not like me, and actually enjoy the far fetched, go for it. If you are like me, my condolences.
July 5, 2017
- 4/5. I received a free book of this book from the publisher via a Goodreads giveaway.
"You May Already Be a Winner" tells the story of thirteen year old Olivia, a young girl with a wild imagination living in Sunny Pines trailer park. After her dad leaves the family (just temporarily, of course, to work as a park ranger), Olivia's mom struggles as a single parent and leaves Olivia with the responsibility of caring for her five year old sister, Berkley. Frequently letting her imagination get the better of her, Olivia dreams of winning the lottery and enters hundreds of giveaway contests per day; as well, she allows Berkley to do the same by planning their trailer park circus extravaganza.
While this book is supposedly listed as middle grade, it deals with so much emotional adult content that I was blown away. The author explores very real issues of poverty and neglect while perfectly capturing the innocence and voice of a thirteen year old. The narrative was a risky one and could have easily felt inauthentic, but the author nailed it.
Furthermore, Olivia is a great main character. She is a strong willed, independent young teenager dealing with so much more than she should have to at home, and with school bullying issues on top of that. I found her perfectly heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Finally, the author does a great job with the secondary characters. While Olivia's parents were terrible and neglectful, the author manages to show Olivia's mother's struggles again through Olivia's somewhat naive eyes. On top of that, the various other characters in the trailer park (Melanie, Delilah, etc.) are enjoyable additions.
Overall, this book surprised me with its depth and emotion and I would absolutely recommend it to other readers.
"You May Already Be a Winner" tells the story of thirteen year old Olivia, a young girl with a wild imagination living in Sunny Pines trailer park. After her dad leaves the family (just temporarily, of course, to work as a park ranger), Olivia's mom struggles as a single parent and leaves Olivia with the responsibility of caring for her five year old sister, Berkley. Frequently letting her imagination get the better of her, Olivia dreams of winning the lottery and enters hundreds of giveaway contests per day; as well, she allows Berkley to do the same by planning their trailer park circus extravaganza.
While this book is supposedly listed as middle grade, it deals with so much emotional adult content that I was blown away. The author explores very real issues of poverty and neglect while perfectly capturing the innocence and voice of a thirteen year old. The narrative was a risky one and could have easily felt inauthentic, but the author nailed it.
Furthermore, Olivia is a great main character. She is a strong willed, independent young teenager dealing with so much more than she should have to at home, and with school bullying issues on top of that. I found her perfectly heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Finally, the author does a great job with the secondary characters. While Olivia's parents were terrible and neglectful, the author manages to show Olivia's mother's struggles again through Olivia's somewhat naive eyes. On top of that, the various other characters in the trailer park (Melanie, Delilah, etc.) are enjoyable additions.
Overall, this book surprised me with its depth and emotion and I would absolutely recommend it to other readers.
February 16, 2021
This kid. Seriously. I’m not particularly maternal but I want to find Olivia and give her a hug. The author did a great job in making some potentially heavy issues accessible to a young audience. All the feels.
My main criticism is in those daydream sequences—they got annoying after a while and I wish there was more indication/separation from the main narrative. I was listening to the audiobook, though—maybe it was clearer in the text?
My main criticism is in those daydream sequences—they got annoying after a while and I wish there was more indication/separation from the main narrative. I was listening to the audiobook, though—maybe it was clearer in the text?
Read
December 12, 2024"You May Already Be A Winner" is written from the perspective and writing style of a young teen. The story follows Olivia as she manages the sudden change in her life: adjusting to life without her father, babysitting her sister instead of attending middle school, and managing daily tasks usually completed by parents. Olivia, to an extent, understands her life is not normal but doesn't know how to cope with a sudden change to her family dynamic. The new responsibility of caring/managing her sister and missing out on life itself leads Olivia daydream about winning any contest to "change her life."
The more she misses school, the more she falls into her head and masks reap world consequences. She fabricates scenarios in her head, jumps to conclusions, and believes that she can only rely on herself and no one else (well, besides her sister Berekley and her shaky standing Mother).
Overall, an easy read
The more she misses school, the more she falls into her head and masks reap world consequences. She fabricates scenarios in her head, jumps to conclusions, and believes that she can only rely on herself and no one else (well, besides her sister Berekley and her shaky standing Mother).
Overall, an easy read
July 29, 2017
Olivia is trying to keep it together for her family. Taking care of little sister Berk. Helping her mother out because she can't seem to do it on her own. Writing to her father that is away and doesn't write back. Plus entering all the contests she can to win big time! Enjoyable audio book!
August 31, 2017
A very good book for middle school readers; it may be confusing for younger or struggling readers because the main character and narrator tells lies to help her cope with her current life--father gone, mother struggling to keep everything together. This book would be a good introduction to unreliable narrators. It is a bit long, but worth reading.
July 25, 2017
Olivia is an easy character to cheer for. Everything I want to say about her would be a spoiler. Just read it. You won't be sorry.
October 29, 2017
Olivia Hales lives in Sunny Pines Trailer Park, but she dreams of life outside the bounds of the trailer park. She wants to turn time back to the days when her family was all together. Her love for her family abounds, demonstrated by the various ways she takes care of her mom and sister. In her mind's eye, money could solve their multitude of problems, so, at twelve, Olivia has found the solution. She just needs to win big; that way she could really turn the life of her family around. Very determined, Olivia enters every sweepstakes she can get hands on. She spends her days filling out entry forms, babysitting her younger sister, Berkeley, and dreaming of the day when their father will come back into their lives. Olivia is a quite prolific day dreamer, spending lazy days laying on the trampoline with Berkeley and their new friend, and super-secret spy, Bart. Always longing for something more, Olivia's adventure may take her far from her front door before she realizes what she already has.
Ann Dee Ellis' You May Already Be a Winner is about finding joy right where you are. It is a story about having eyes to see what is good in your circumstances and recognizing friendship in those who surround you... especially when life doesn't look exactly like you want it to. Because of her family's situation, Olivia is forced to grow up too soon, and like too many of us, she is blind to the blessings that surround her. In my opinion, this book is a great jumping off point for meaningful conversations about life and relationships. The author gives us an open door to see what Olivia is thinking and feeling and entertains topics like feeling abandoned, unfulfilled longings, true friendship, and love. With an engaging and interesting plot line and a few quirky characters, this story should engage most younger readers who like to use their imagination and enjoy seeing life through someone else's eyes. Yet at the same time, it isn't a once and done story. The characters, their struggles, and their triumphs will stick with you... and maybe taking this journey with Olivia will help you open your eyes to the friendships and blessings just outside your front door.
Thank you to Dial Books and NetGalley for an ARC of You May Already Be a Winner; all opinions above are my own.
Ann Dee Ellis' You May Already Be a Winner is about finding joy right where you are. It is a story about having eyes to see what is good in your circumstances and recognizing friendship in those who surround you... especially when life doesn't look exactly like you want it to. Because of her family's situation, Olivia is forced to grow up too soon, and like too many of us, she is blind to the blessings that surround her. In my opinion, this book is a great jumping off point for meaningful conversations about life and relationships. The author gives us an open door to see what Olivia is thinking and feeling and entertains topics like feeling abandoned, unfulfilled longings, true friendship, and love. With an engaging and interesting plot line and a few quirky characters, this story should engage most younger readers who like to use their imagination and enjoy seeing life through someone else's eyes. Yet at the same time, it isn't a once and done story. The characters, their struggles, and their triumphs will stick with you... and maybe taking this journey with Olivia will help you open your eyes to the friendships and blessings just outside your front door.
Thank you to Dial Books and NetGalley for an ARC of You May Already Be a Winner; all opinions above are my own.
March 13, 2018
Ellis, Ann Dee You May Already Be a Winner, 347 pgs. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2017. $16.99 Content: Language: PG (1 swear); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G.
Twelve year old Olivia’s dad has left and her mom depends on Olivia to watch her little sister Berkley during the day while Olivia’s mom goes to work. The only problem is that Olivia is supposed to be at school. Olivia likes to enter into contests in the hopes that she will win something and she likes to imagine herself as the hero, but when her family’s situation gets to be more than a twelve year old can handle, Olivia has to face reality.
I enjoyed Olivia’s loyalty to her sister Berkley and trying to do what she thought was right. I liked the basic plot line even though there are parts that are upsetting and heavy-such as child neglect. Also, Olivia’s daydreams happened too often slowing down the flow of the main story. Although the main character is twelve, this book felt sad and heavy moving it to middle school only.
MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Twelve year old Olivia’s dad has left and her mom depends on Olivia to watch her little sister Berkley during the day while Olivia’s mom goes to work. The only problem is that Olivia is supposed to be at school. Olivia likes to enter into contests in the hopes that she will win something and she likes to imagine herself as the hero, but when her family’s situation gets to be more than a twelve year old can handle, Olivia has to face reality.
I enjoyed Olivia’s loyalty to her sister Berkley and trying to do what she thought was right. I liked the basic plot line even though there are parts that are upsetting and heavy-such as child neglect. Also, Olivia’s daydreams happened too often slowing down the flow of the main story. Although the main character is twelve, this book felt sad and heavy moving it to middle school only.
MS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
July 11, 2017
This book had a lot of potential. These were relatable characters dealing with relatable issues. Unfortunately, I feel it missed the mark for the target audience. The author's tendency to have Olivia "daydream" crazy scenarios but not to give the reader an indicator of what was real life and what was fantasied was a huge mistake. If I gave my students a comprehension quiz at the end, only my most advanced classroom readers would be able to decipher what she was making up. I wanted to like this book but just didn't.
June 10, 2021
2.5 stars
(listened to Audio book) I couldn't finish it... I really wanted to love it, and in the very beginning I did. But then pretty quickly I got bored, and then annoyed at the constant "and she said... and he said..." I kept going beyond my boredom, hoping I'd reach the turning point and get the awesomeness everyone keeps talking about, but the book is being returned to the library in a few days, and I just don't have it in me to give it any more chances. Oh well...!
(listened to Audio book) I couldn't finish it... I really wanted to love it, and in the very beginning I did. But then pretty quickly I got bored, and then annoyed at the constant "and she said... and he said..." I kept going beyond my boredom, hoping I'd reach the turning point and get the awesomeness everyone keeps talking about, but the book is being returned to the library in a few days, and I just don't have it in me to give it any more chances. Oh well...!
August 14, 2019
Wow. Utterly amazing. There are so many things I love about this book. I love Olivia and her unconditional love for her sister. I love how her unique voice shows through in the writing. I love how the setting is in Utah County and I could pick out details of places I've been. I love how this book made me cry in a public place. This book enveloped my soul.
August 14, 2017
This was a quick read and had some enjoyable parts, but I feel like it would be confusing and emotionally heavy for the target audience.
July 5, 2022
Such a sad story with a silly ending - trivialises child neglect.
November 27, 2022
Olivia has one dream.
She is going to win a million dollars.
It's not for her, alone, it is to help Olivia and her little sister, Berkeley, leave the Sunny Pines Trailer Park behind them.
Her parents have split and while she and Berkeley have stayed behind with their mother, their father is a park ranger and can't contact them. She sends him emails and letters letting him know how she thinks everything is going for them. She lets him know, repeatedly, everything is fine- when it isn't. She asks if he will be able to meet her in Las Vegas when she is invited with a friend. She asks if she can come out to visit. She tells him about meeting a super secret special agent, Bart and helping him keep an eye out on a neighbor who is suspected of being a dangerous man. She tells him she is fine watching Berkeley and not going to school because mom can't find a sitter. She tells him she is fine sneaking Berkeley into her middle school and hiding her in the closet all day because they can't find a sitter and if Olivia misses any more school mom will have to go to court and possibly jail.
I will recommend some of my students, middle school, read this. Olivia, Berkeley, and their mom are facing difficult issues, especially without Olivia's father in the picture and mom being to proud to ask for help.
This title, was definitely one that made me wonder, what would I do in this situation and I felt for Olivia having to be the parent in the situation at twelve years old, especially when mom is spiraling and refuses to ask for help.
While I did like the genuine feeling of Olivia slipping into daydreaming when she faces several situations, from beating up a bully to Bart sweeping her off her feet, I didn't like the conversations... "She said,...,""I saId....," "She said...." I found myself zoning out on the conversations. They were the only part of the book that I didn't like. Thankfully, there weren't a lot of short-choppy conversations. I cringed every time I got to them.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
She is going to win a million dollars.
It's not for her, alone, it is to help Olivia and her little sister, Berkeley, leave the Sunny Pines Trailer Park behind them.
Her parents have split and while she and Berkeley have stayed behind with their mother, their father is a park ranger and can't contact them. She sends him emails and letters letting him know how she thinks everything is going for them. She lets him know, repeatedly, everything is fine- when it isn't. She asks if he will be able to meet her in Las Vegas when she is invited with a friend. She asks if she can come out to visit. She tells him about meeting a super secret special agent, Bart and helping him keep an eye out on a neighbor who is suspected of being a dangerous man. She tells him she is fine watching Berkeley and not going to school because mom can't find a sitter. She tells him she is fine sneaking Berkeley into her middle school and hiding her in the closet all day because they can't find a sitter and if Olivia misses any more school mom will have to go to court and possibly jail.
I will recommend some of my students, middle school, read this. Olivia, Berkeley, and their mom are facing difficult issues, especially without Olivia's father in the picture and mom being to proud to ask for help.
This title, was definitely one that made me wonder, what would I do in this situation and I felt for Olivia having to be the parent in the situation at twelve years old, especially when mom is spiraling and refuses to ask for help.
While I did like the genuine feeling of Olivia slipping into daydreaming when she faces several situations, from beating up a bully to Bart sweeping her off her feet, I didn't like the conversations... "She said,...,""I saId....," "She said...." I found myself zoning out on the conversations. They were the only part of the book that I didn't like. Thankfully, there weren't a lot of short-choppy conversations. I cringed every time I got to them.
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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