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A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon
In a slightly fantastical New York City, one very special library branch has been designated for possible closure. Bookish, socially awkward Pearl, the daughter of the librarian, can't imagine a world without the library—its books, its community of oddballs, its hominess. When the head of their Edna St. Vincent Millay statue goes missing, closure is closer than ever. But Pearl is determined to save the library. And with a ragtag neighborhood library crew—including a constantly tap-dancing girl who might just be her first friend, an older boy she has a crush on, and a pack of raccoons who can read and write—she just might be able to.
With an eclectic cast of richly drawn characters, a hint of just-around-the-corner magic, footnotes, sidebars, and Jessixa Bagley's classic illustrations throughout, this warm-hearted, visually magnificent tale of reading and believing from beloved author Karen Romano Young tells of a world where what you want to believe can come true.
Age Range: 9-12 years
With an eclectic cast of richly drawn characters, a hint of just-around-the-corner magic, footnotes, sidebars, and Jessixa Bagley's classic illustrations throughout, this warm-hearted, visually magnificent tale of reading and believing from beloved author Karen Romano Young tells of a world where what you want to believe can come true.
Age Range: 9-12 years
392 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
25 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Karen Romano Young
61 books29 followersKaren Romano Young is the author of young adult novels as well as nonfiction books and magazine articles. Although Small Worlds: Maps and Mapmaking is her first book for Scholastic, she has contributed to Scholastic magazines for the past twenty years. Her other credits include Cricket, National Geographic World, and The Guinness Book of World Records.
Member: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Authors Guild, National Marine Educators Association.
Honors Awards: Smithsonian Best Book Award, and Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Gold Medal, both 2002, both for Small Worlds: Maps and Mapmaking.
Member: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Authors Guild, National Marine Educators Association.
Honors Awards: Smithsonian Best Book Award, and Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Gold Medal, both 2002, both for Small Worlds: Maps and Mapmaking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 7, 2020
+Digital ARC gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
4.5 let's enjoy to read stars
I don't know but I loved it.
It is said that a village is needed to raise a child, well what do you think of a library? In this beautiful story about a girl, the librarian's daughter, and where we are in a world that points strongly towards globalization maybe we lost some things, we here recover the sense of love of a small community that represents a family, about friendship, facing together and with imagination to the difficulties, and besides, of course how our little world can be much bigger thanks to the books.
Pearl is a complicated , bookish, precocius girl, and the Lancaster Library is all her world. She never thought something will change. Well, sometimes the change come with a bang, or with a inconcebible act that led to more changes, not all bad.
This is a very nice story about a girl: Pearl, daughter of the librarian of a library located in New York and is about to close due to lack of readers and whose building is outside the budget of the municipality and needs many repairs . I think many small libraries will feel fully identified with this. For Pearl this is the end of her world, because she feels isolated in school environment and spends all her time in that library with the people that work there, or who hides there like the man who reads the newspaper everyday but who has no house or where to sleep.
Everything is triggered in history when the statue of the poetess that is in the garden appears beheaded in the morning. No one knows what happened.
For the neighbors it is a symbol of the decay of the neighborhood, for Pearl it is a tragedy and a major insult, and for the rest of the people in the newspaper it is a curiosity that directs their eyes there. A girl in particular, to Pearl's horror, begins to go, she dances, and soon becomes her first contact with someone her age. And it is then that, more than anything in his despair because there need for more readers, makes this girl out of her safety shell and she decides to start inventing things to attract new readers from the school there.
As for example the mystery of the statue, and also to invent things about raccoons ... or are they not stories?
The raccoons here will play a fundamental and brilliant point, giving a bias of magical realism because I do not simply want to tell fantasy to this story full of how great it is to read, and how that helps us even to communicate with others, and when it is necessary to extend to ask for help and make connections with others, and like geeks of whatever - geologists, readers or athletes, are the best.
The drawings in the book are very nice.
----------------------------------------
{Esta vez en castellano}
Se dice que se necesita un pueblo para criar a un niño, ¿qué piensas de una biblioteca? En esta hermosa historia sobre una niña, la hija de la bibliotecaria, y donde estamos en un mundo que apunta fuertemente hacia la globalización a veces cosas quedan en el camino.; aqui recuperamos el sentido del amor de una pequeña comunidad que representa a una familia, sobre la amistad, enfrentarse juntos y con imaginación las dificultades, y además, por supuesto, cómo nuestro pequeño mundo puede ser mucho más grande gracias a los libros.
Pearl es una niña complicada y precoz, que pasa metida en los libros, y la Biblioteca Lancaster es todo su mundo. Ella nunca pensó que algo cambiaría. Bueno, a veces el cambio viene con una explosión, o con un acto inconcebible que condujo a más cambios, no todos malos.
Esta es una historia muy bonita sobre una niña: Pearl, hija del bibliotecario de una biblioteca ubicada en Nueva York y está a punto de cerrar debido a la falta de lectores y cuyo edificio está fuera del presupuesto del municipio y necesita muchas reparaciones. Creo que muchas bibliotecas pequeñas se sentirán completamente identificadas con esto. Para Pearl, este es el fin de su mundo, porque se siente fuera del ambiente escolar y pasa todo su tiempo en esa biblioteca con las personas que trabajan allí, o que se esconde allí como el hombre que lee el periódico pero que no tiene casa o Dónde dormir.
Esta es una historia muy simpática acerca de una niña: Pearl, hija de la bibliotecaria de una biblioteca situada en Nueva York y que se encuentra a punto de cerrar por falta de lectores y cuyo edificio se encuentra fuera del presupuesto del municipio y necesita muchas reparaciones. Creo que muchas bibliotecas pequeñas se sentiran plenamente identificados con esto. Para Pearl este esta es el fin de su mundo, pues ella se siente fuera de ambiente en la escuela y pasa todo el tiempo en esa biblioteca con la gente que alli trabaja, o que se oculta alli como el señor que lee el diario pero que no tiene casa ni donde dormir.
Todo se desencadena en la historia cuando la estatua de la poetisa que esta en el jardin aparece decapitada en la mañana. Nadie sabe que pasó.
Para los vecinos es símbolo de la decadencia del barrio , para Pearl es una tragedia y un insulto mayúsculo, y para el resto de la gente de afuera es una curiosidad que hace dirigir sus ojos hacia alli. Una niña en especial, para horrror de Pearl , empieza a ir , ella baila , y pronto se convierte en su primer contacto con alguien de su edad . Y es entonces que , más que nada en su desesperación porque haya más lectores, hace que esta chica salga de su concha de seguridad y decida empezar a inventarse cosas para atraer nuevos lectores de la escuela hacia alli.
Como por ejemplo el misterio de la estatua , y también a inventarse cosas de los mapaches... ¿o acaso no son cuentos?
Los mapaches aqui desempeñaran un punto fundamental y genial, dando nn sesgo de realismo mágico porque no quiero decir sencillamente fantasia a esta historia llena de lo genial que es leer, y como eso nos ayuda incluso a comunicarnos con otros , y cuando es necesario extenderse a pedir ayuda y a hacer conecciones con otros, Y como los frikis de lo que sea, geologos, lectores o deportistas, son lo más que hay.
Los dibujos del libro son muy simpaticos.
4.5 let's enjoy to read stars
I don't know but I loved it.
It is said that a village is needed to raise a child, well what do you think of a library? In this beautiful story about a girl, the librarian's daughter, and where we are in a world that points strongly towards globalization maybe we lost some things, we here recover the sense of love of a small community that represents a family, about friendship, facing together and with imagination to the difficulties, and besides, of course how our little world can be much bigger thanks to the books.
Pearl is a complicated , bookish, precocius girl, and the Lancaster Library is all her world. She never thought something will change. Well, sometimes the change come with a bang, or with a inconcebible act that led to more changes, not all bad.
This is a very nice story about a girl: Pearl, daughter of the librarian of a library located in New York and is about to close due to lack of readers and whose building is outside the budget of the municipality and needs many repairs . I think many small libraries will feel fully identified with this. For Pearl this is the end of her world, because she feels isolated in school environment and spends all her time in that library with the people that work there, or who hides there like the man who reads the newspaper everyday but who has no house or where to sleep.
Everything is triggered in history when the statue of the poetess that is in the garden appears beheaded in the morning. No one knows what happened.
For the neighbors it is a symbol of the decay of the neighborhood, for Pearl it is a tragedy and a major insult, and for the rest of the people in the newspaper it is a curiosity that directs their eyes there. A girl in particular, to Pearl's horror, begins to go, she dances, and soon becomes her first contact with someone her age. And it is then that, more than anything in his despair because there need for more readers, makes this girl out of her safety shell and she decides to start inventing things to attract new readers from the school there.
As for example the mystery of the statue, and also to invent things about raccoons ... or are they not stories?
The raccoons here will play a fundamental and brilliant point, giving a bias of magical realism because I do not simply want to tell fantasy to this story full of how great it is to read, and how that helps us even to communicate with others, and when it is necessary to extend to ask for help and make connections with others, and like geeks of whatever - geologists, readers or athletes, are the best.
The drawings in the book are very nice.
----------------------------------------
{Esta vez en castellano}
Se dice que se necesita un pueblo para criar a un niño, ¿qué piensas de una biblioteca? En esta hermosa historia sobre una niña, la hija de la bibliotecaria, y donde estamos en un mundo que apunta fuertemente hacia la globalización a veces cosas quedan en el camino.; aqui recuperamos el sentido del amor de una pequeña comunidad que representa a una familia, sobre la amistad, enfrentarse juntos y con imaginación las dificultades, y además, por supuesto, cómo nuestro pequeño mundo puede ser mucho más grande gracias a los libros.
Pearl es una niña complicada y precoz, que pasa metida en los libros, y la Biblioteca Lancaster es todo su mundo. Ella nunca pensó que algo cambiaría. Bueno, a veces el cambio viene con una explosión, o con un acto inconcebible que condujo a más cambios, no todos malos.
Esta es una historia muy bonita sobre una niña: Pearl, hija del bibliotecario de una biblioteca ubicada en Nueva York y está a punto de cerrar debido a la falta de lectores y cuyo edificio está fuera del presupuesto del municipio y necesita muchas reparaciones. Creo que muchas bibliotecas pequeñas se sentirán completamente identificadas con esto. Para Pearl, este es el fin de su mundo, porque se siente fuera del ambiente escolar y pasa todo su tiempo en esa biblioteca con las personas que trabajan allí, o que se esconde allí como el hombre que lee el periódico pero que no tiene casa o Dónde dormir.
Esta es una historia muy simpática acerca de una niña: Pearl, hija de la bibliotecaria de una biblioteca situada en Nueva York y que se encuentra a punto de cerrar por falta de lectores y cuyo edificio se encuentra fuera del presupuesto del municipio y necesita muchas reparaciones. Creo que muchas bibliotecas pequeñas se sentiran plenamente identificados con esto. Para Pearl este esta es el fin de su mundo, pues ella se siente fuera de ambiente en la escuela y pasa todo el tiempo en esa biblioteca con la gente que alli trabaja, o que se oculta alli como el señor que lee el diario pero que no tiene casa ni donde dormir.
Todo se desencadena en la historia cuando la estatua de la poetisa que esta en el jardin aparece decapitada en la mañana. Nadie sabe que pasó.
Para los vecinos es símbolo de la decadencia del barrio , para Pearl es una tragedia y un insulto mayúsculo, y para el resto de la gente de afuera es una curiosidad que hace dirigir sus ojos hacia alli. Una niña en especial, para horrror de Pearl , empieza a ir , ella baila , y pronto se convierte en su primer contacto con alguien de su edad . Y es entonces que , más que nada en su desesperación porque haya más lectores, hace que esta chica salga de su concha de seguridad y decida empezar a inventarse cosas para atraer nuevos lectores de la escuela hacia alli.
Como por ejemplo el misterio de la estatua , y también a inventarse cosas de los mapaches... ¿o acaso no son cuentos?
Los mapaches aqui desempeñaran un punto fundamental y genial, dando nn sesgo de realismo mágico porque no quiero decir sencillamente fantasia a esta historia llena de lo genial que es leer, y como eso nos ayuda incluso a comunicarnos con otros , y cuando es necesario extenderse a pedir ayuda y a hacer conecciones con otros, Y como los frikis de lo que sea, geologos, lectores o deportistas, son lo más que hay.
Los dibujos del libro son muy simpaticos.
April 30, 2020
I recommend this for any reader who has ever wished to live in a library, or at least have one for a second home! At almost 400 pages long it might be a difficult read for younger readers, but I think it would hold the interest of older middle-graders. There are some rather mature subjects mentioned in a few of the “sidebars”, so some adult guidance might be needed for younger readers.
There is an element of fantasy with the parts about the “reading raccoons”. Not my usual genre of reading, but in this book it did add enjoyment for me. One must definitely be able to “suspend disbelief” to get into this read!
There is an element of fantasy with the parts about the “reading raccoons”. Not my usual genre of reading, but in this book it did add enjoyment for me. One must definitely be able to “suspend disbelief” to get into this read!
January 3, 2020
The Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon
I am a big lover and supporter of middle grade books. I have a son in middle school who I read books with and it’s so important to me that he is reading books that teach him valuable lessons and help him grow as a person.
I really loved the idea behind this book. A little girl who is so passionate about the library her mother works at, seeking out an adventure to not only restore the missing/damaged property of a prized statue, but also to bring the community together to care about her library just as much as she does. In a time when kids are so glued to technology and books are becoming digital, this theme held a special place for me.
The writing in the book was a little more advanced and the book was fairly lengthy, so I would say this would be great for the advanced middle grade readers. The author included something called “sidebars” which would pull out from the side of the story to give further explanation. For example, the story makes a comment about the police officer not caring about the issue, but in the sidebar they explain how police officers are busy and need to prioritize.
Overall, it was a pretty good read, it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea but i think it would be great for many readers
More reviews on Instagram @UnshelvedEdition
I am a big lover and supporter of middle grade books. I have a son in middle school who I read books with and it’s so important to me that he is reading books that teach him valuable lessons and help him grow as a person.
I really loved the idea behind this book. A little girl who is so passionate about the library her mother works at, seeking out an adventure to not only restore the missing/damaged property of a prized statue, but also to bring the community together to care about her library just as much as she does. In a time when kids are so glued to technology and books are becoming digital, this theme held a special place for me.
The writing in the book was a little more advanced and the book was fairly lengthy, so I would say this would be great for the advanced middle grade readers. The author included something called “sidebars” which would pull out from the side of the story to give further explanation. For example, the story makes a comment about the police officer not caring about the issue, but in the sidebar they explain how police officers are busy and need to prioritize.
Overall, it was a pretty good read, it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea but i think it would be great for many readers
More reviews on Instagram @UnshelvedEdition
May 26, 2020
I got this from the library because one of my friends and coworkers has a thing about raccoons. And I have a thing about libraries, so what a pleasant surprise this book ended up being! This incredible fantastic book borders the line between realism and fantasy, as the librarians must face more budget cuts, programming struggles, and the possibility of their building being torn down, as Pearl, the librarian’s daughter, discovers that the raccoons in the basement can actually read and write, and that The Midnight Moon, the raccoon-written nightly newspaper her mother told her about as stories before bed is actually…real?
This was a beautiful bridge between fiction and truth, reality and fantasy, of narrative and journalism. As you begin the book, there’s one immediate mystery beyond the beheaded statue–and that is of who is writing the sidebars that occur nearly once per chapter? Who is Mr. Nichols, really? And what will Pearl’s mom and mother’s boyfriend/library director going to do if they lose their jobs?
As a librarian, I was enamored with this book. Absolutely enamored. I’ll likely buy this just so I can reread it over and over, it was that good. Beyond even just the struggles that this library has, this book offers a poignant and beautiful view on many other important issues. Such as the main struggle of the book: library versus low-income housing. Is one better than the other? Can one create a sense of community better than another? Can a community benefit better with one or the other? And what about those rooting on either side? Clearly, as readers of this book we’re on the side of the librarians–but the architects and construction site workers are just doing their jobs. What about them, whose income depends on city projects such as these?
And even more so, what do we do with the homeless community who so often frequent the library because it’s a warm place with free bathrooms, places to sit, and free entertainment? At first I was a little apprehensive of Mr. Nichols, because homeless characters in literature, if they aren’t the main character–aren’t always treated with care. But everyone in the book loved Mr. Nichols, save of course, for the main antagonist. And what would happen to him if the library is torn down? Who is he behind the homeless person stereotype? And why is it absolutely imperative that we care?
And then we have issues of immigration, as Pearl’s rival and then best friend, Francine, has come to America and is living with her grandmother who lives above the main antagonist. They live in a small, small apartment with some facilities that only kinda sorta work–but it’s the best they can do.
And then even the main antagonist’s worries–though they be for the wrong reasons–are understandable. He wants the street his shop and the library is on to be better, to have a sense of community, for a “respectable” folk to visit. Of course, his sense of what “respectable” is depends primarily on class and race–but Pearl certainly argues that knowledge is power and to have knowledge is to be respectable.
Overall, this book just tackles so many things–even animal cruelty, when addressing voyeurism and traps and releasing! This book is simply incredible, and it blew my mind.
I loved all the characters, the drama, the way that the conflict and resolution were built in various manners through Pearl’s storytelling, omissions of truth, and relationships built around her school, administration, and community. It’s something you certainly don’t want to miss out on.
This was a beautiful bridge between fiction and truth, reality and fantasy, of narrative and journalism. As you begin the book, there’s one immediate mystery beyond the beheaded statue–and that is of who is writing the sidebars that occur nearly once per chapter? Who is Mr. Nichols, really? And what will Pearl’s mom and mother’s boyfriend/library director going to do if they lose their jobs?
As a librarian, I was enamored with this book. Absolutely enamored. I’ll likely buy this just so I can reread it over and over, it was that good. Beyond even just the struggles that this library has, this book offers a poignant and beautiful view on many other important issues. Such as the main struggle of the book: library versus low-income housing. Is one better than the other? Can one create a sense of community better than another? Can a community benefit better with one or the other? And what about those rooting on either side? Clearly, as readers of this book we’re on the side of the librarians–but the architects and construction site workers are just doing their jobs. What about them, whose income depends on city projects such as these?
And even more so, what do we do with the homeless community who so often frequent the library because it’s a warm place with free bathrooms, places to sit, and free entertainment? At first I was a little apprehensive of Mr. Nichols, because homeless characters in literature, if they aren’t the main character–aren’t always treated with care. But everyone in the book loved Mr. Nichols, save of course, for the main antagonist. And what would happen to him if the library is torn down? Who is he behind the homeless person stereotype? And why is it absolutely imperative that we care?
And then we have issues of immigration, as Pearl’s rival and then best friend, Francine, has come to America and is living with her grandmother who lives above the main antagonist. They live in a small, small apartment with some facilities that only kinda sorta work–but it’s the best they can do.
And then even the main antagonist’s worries–though they be for the wrong reasons–are understandable. He wants the street his shop and the library is on to be better, to have a sense of community, for a “respectable” folk to visit. Of course, his sense of what “respectable” is depends primarily on class and race–but Pearl certainly argues that knowledge is power and to have knowledge is to be respectable.
Overall, this book just tackles so many things–even animal cruelty, when addressing voyeurism and traps and releasing! This book is simply incredible, and it blew my mind.
I loved all the characters, the drama, the way that the conflict and resolution were built in various manners through Pearl’s storytelling, omissions of truth, and relationships built around her school, administration, and community. It’s something you certainly don’t want to miss out on.
October 31, 2019
A cute middle-grade novel featuring raccoons, a statue's missing head, and the libraries- really this felt like a love letter to libraries with its quirky sidebars and literary reference footnotes. The plot seems to drag in places and was a bit long but overall, A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon was a fun read with themes of friendship and exploring the importance of imagination.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books publishers for providing a free ARC
*Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books publishers for providing a free ARC
June 18, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
So, I may have DNF this book. However, it has nothing to do with the book itself, I think it just wasn’t my thing and by looking at the cover and the synopsis I thought it was different, but it just wasn’t a match. I think I would’ve enjoyed it at a younger age. As I grow up sometimes I can still enjoy middle grade, but this one just wasn’t my cup of tea.
However, I would’ve probably greatly enjoyed this book as a kid, and I feel like it’d be a perfect book to read as a class in elementary school. It takes place in a library which I really love, and the art is cute, and the girl wants to help save the library, which I feel like is a good thing to introduce to younger children who are starting to read on their own, as it might encourage them to utilize their library more, and save their own library.
The book also is educational at some points, as it has a sidebar that introduces what an aside is (which I wasn’t taught in English class until 9th grade) and teaches what a sidebar is (this book actually taught me that, which seems kind of silly because it’s a children’s book. It also has definitions or sentences at the bottom of some pages which explains some words used in the text, which I feel like is another good tool to include in a book that could be read to a class.
——
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing to me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I really do appreciate it.
So, I may have DNF this book. However, it has nothing to do with the book itself, I think it just wasn’t my thing and by looking at the cover and the synopsis I thought it was different, but it just wasn’t a match. I think I would’ve enjoyed it at a younger age. As I grow up sometimes I can still enjoy middle grade, but this one just wasn’t my cup of tea.
However, I would’ve probably greatly enjoyed this book as a kid, and I feel like it’d be a perfect book to read as a class in elementary school. It takes place in a library which I really love, and the art is cute, and the girl wants to help save the library, which I feel like is a good thing to introduce to younger children who are starting to read on their own, as it might encourage them to utilize their library more, and save their own library.
The book also is educational at some points, as it has a sidebar that introduces what an aside is (which I wasn’t taught in English class until 9th grade) and teaches what a sidebar is (this book actually taught me that, which seems kind of silly because it’s a children’s book. It also has definitions or sentences at the bottom of some pages which explains some words used in the text, which I feel like is another good tool to include in a book that could be read to a class.
——
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing to me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I really do appreciate it.
Read
January 30, 2020I received a free review copy from the publisher. I put this book down after reading more than 100 pages and haven't felt any strong desire to pick it back up again. On the surface it looked like a great fit for me -- library, mystery, fun illustrations, quirky footnotes and sidebars -- but the writing was very awkward and cumbersome and the story felt very disjointed and rambled on.
January 28, 2020
Listen, this book is not perfect. The plot drags at times and the librarians have apparently never heard of outreach. But 5 stars since I will probably never read a book about reading raccoons ever again.
October 13, 2019
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. It will be published January 7, 2020
Pearl Moran is 10 years old and starting 5th grade. She was actually born at the library! Her mom is the circulation desk librarian and dating the library manager Bruce. Bruce used to be a park ranger, and has costume of Ranger Rick the Raccoon. Pearl’s father has never been in the picture. The library is her home, and the library staff her family. But her library is not doing well, there is poor circulation and some developers want to turn it into apartments. And to top it off the statute of the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (known as Vincent), get her head stolen one night. Things are not looking good for the future of the Lancaster Branch of New York City library at all.
I really liked this book. There was nothing in the book that I said, OH I wouldn’t want my kid reading this, there were a few discussions about reproduction in the animal kingdom, and a few cuss words like piss, and damn and hell, but it was mild in mind. This was a great story about perseverance and social issues. It was about friendship and change, and how small actions can lead to great things. Peal and Francine and Oleg and all the library workers, really brought the library back to life. Pearl found her place in her world, and friends. And she didn’t sacrifice important things, like the raccoons, to achieve it. She showed integrity and commitment and inclusion. I don’t know that kids will get all the concepts, but the seeds of them could be planted with this book. Once I figure out how to get it to be readable on my kindle (netgalley sent a pdf, not a kindle file), or when it comes out, whichever happens first, I will absolutely have my son read it.
#AgirlAraccoonAndTheMidnightMoon #NetGalley
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot...
Pearl Moran is 10 years old and starting 5th grade. She was actually born at the library! Her mom is the circulation desk librarian and dating the library manager Bruce. Bruce used to be a park ranger, and has costume of Ranger Rick the Raccoon. Pearl’s father has never been in the picture. The library is her home, and the library staff her family. But her library is not doing well, there is poor circulation and some developers want to turn it into apartments. And to top it off the statute of the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (known as Vincent), get her head stolen one night. Things are not looking good for the future of the Lancaster Branch of New York City library at all.
I really liked this book. There was nothing in the book that I said, OH I wouldn’t want my kid reading this, there were a few discussions about reproduction in the animal kingdom, and a few cuss words like piss, and damn and hell, but it was mild in mind. This was a great story about perseverance and social issues. It was about friendship and change, and how small actions can lead to great things. Peal and Francine and Oleg and all the library workers, really brought the library back to life. Pearl found her place in her world, and friends. And she didn’t sacrifice important things, like the raccoons, to achieve it. She showed integrity and commitment and inclusion. I don’t know that kids will get all the concepts, but the seeds of them could be planted with this book. Once I figure out how to get it to be readable on my kindle (netgalley sent a pdf, not a kindle file), or when it comes out, whichever happens first, I will absolutely have my son read it.
#AgirlAraccoonAndTheMidnightMoon #NetGalley
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot...
January 13, 2020
3/5 stars: ★★★☆☆
"You can take us out of the library, but you can't take the library out of us."
A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon is a witty little story of a book-loving girl teaming up with the local (literate) raccoons to save the NYC library they all grew up in. When the head of the library's statue is stolen, negative attention is brought to the aging library that may lead to its destruction. Will Pearl and her friends, both human and otherwise, save the building, their home, in time?
This tended to be slow at times, but it was just so charming I couldn't not see it through to the end. The format was my favorite part- while the book is written in a linear plot of paragraphs, as one would expect, it was also peppered with sweet illustrations and sidebars written by one of the raccoon characters. There were touching moments throughout, as well as little twists and turns that keep the reader surprised and rooting for Pearl and her library.
This is a great novel for kids who already love books, though I don't know if it would hold the attention of someone who doesn't. The charm of book-lovers and libraries in a fun format are what carried this for me, but I do think it's a solid book that could go a long way in the hands of the right reader.
"You can take us out of the library, but you can't take the library out of us."
A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon is a witty little story of a book-loving girl teaming up with the local (literate) raccoons to save the NYC library they all grew up in. When the head of the library's statue is stolen, negative attention is brought to the aging library that may lead to its destruction. Will Pearl and her friends, both human and otherwise, save the building, their home, in time?
This tended to be slow at times, but it was just so charming I couldn't not see it through to the end. The format was my favorite part- while the book is written in a linear plot of paragraphs, as one would expect, it was also peppered with sweet illustrations and sidebars written by one of the raccoon characters. There were touching moments throughout, as well as little twists and turns that keep the reader surprised and rooting for Pearl and her library.
This is a great novel for kids who already love books, though I don't know if it would hold the attention of someone who doesn't. The charm of book-lovers and libraries in a fun format are what carried this for me, but I do think it's a solid book that could go a long way in the hands of the right reader.
January 9, 2021
Picked this up at the library to read to my kids. I'm not exactly sure who this book is aimed at. It's too long and rambling and slow for YAs or younger and too silly and simple and unbelievable for adults. I think it is trying for something that is a mix of fairy tale/fantasy and tween read, but it falls quite flat. Let like a first novel that needed a better editor.
March 28, 2020
Really liked this one. The protagonist was a librarian’s child, and the plot involved Edna St. Vincent Millay (my favorite poet), a diverse cast of quirky characters, and a gaze of very literate raccoons. Bonus points for all of the wonderful children’s literature references.
September 5, 2025
I found the very beginning a little slow but I really ended up enjoying this book and the world of Reading Raccoons by the end. It really was a thoughtful story that made me appreciate raccoons and reading even more than I already did.
May 17, 2020
Pearl was born in the library, and she considers it her home. So when the library might be closing, and on top of that the head of the statue in the library garden gets stolen, she decides to take action. Her mother has always been telling her stories of raccoons who've learned to read because they live in the library garden. But are they really just stories?
When I have a bad day, I often reach for a middlegrade novel to read. They tend to be so wholesome and uplifting, and sometimes that's exactly what I need. A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon turned out to be exactly that as well. It was a book full of heart, and it reignited my love of libraries. It's the perfect middlegrade for any book lover (or Reading Raccoon).
I did think it moved a little slow at times, but things did speed up towards the end. There's also a sort of fantastical element to the book that pops up about halfway through, when you finally figure out who actually narrates the book. This book must have been a joy to write, and I found that seeping through the pages. While I do generally prefer middlegrades that pack a bit more of a punch, I still did enjoy this a lot and would definitely recommend it.
When I have a bad day, I often reach for a middlegrade novel to read. They tend to be so wholesome and uplifting, and sometimes that's exactly what I need. A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon turned out to be exactly that as well. It was a book full of heart, and it reignited my love of libraries. It's the perfect middlegrade for any book lover (or Reading Raccoon).
I did think it moved a little slow at times, but things did speed up towards the end. There's also a sort of fantastical element to the book that pops up about halfway through, when you finally figure out who actually narrates the book. This book must have been a joy to write, and I found that seeping through the pages. While I do generally prefer middlegrades that pack a bit more of a punch, I still did enjoy this a lot and would definitely recommend it.
November 15, 2022
So precious!
I would love to see this book adapted as an animated film or tv series!
4.5 Stars
I would love to see this book adapted as an animated film or tv series!
4.5 Stars
November 25, 2019
With a tinsy-tiny touch of fantasy, this is a lovely tale about community, friendship and a wonderful library.
Pearl's world rotates around the library. She's a shy girl, who loves living between books and the library world. But not everything is bright ink and shiny pages. The library isn't doing well, and when the head of the almost never visited statue goes missing, no one but Pearl really seems to care. Determined to save the library and figure out what happened to her beloved statue's head, she enters the sidewalks and streets. Soon, she discovers a few friends and more.
There's a touch of whimsical to the writing, which immediately draws in and creates the atmosphere of an endearing read. Pearl is easy to connect with right away. Although socially awkward...or maybe because...her heart of gold shines bright and makes her someone to cheer for from the very first pages. Not only library lovers will enjoy the scene, but the idea of her centering herself on only a library adds the right touch for the dusting of fantasy which comes later on with the raccoons. It's a fun read with enough energy to keep it interesting.
The entire book is sprinkled with illustrations, something I always love t see in middle grade books. These help spice of the story and give something for the reader to look forward to. There are also side-bar notes which explain an entire slew of facts and information in a serious, but not without humor, way. While I found these interesting, my own children weren't as taken in and skipped many f them. There are also footnotes to help point out books where quotes and such come from.
I really enjoyed the way Pearl discovers such wonderful, and even if odd, friends. The community around her warms the heart as well and shows that there is support if a person looks. It's a warming tale and awakens the love for libraries as well. Unfortunately, it was a bit slow in spots and simply a little long. But I enjoyed reading it and am sure there are middle graders out there who will enjoy Pearls adventure quite a bit.
I received an ARC and found the title fun. The tale also grabbed me enough to make me want to leave my honest thoughts.
Pearl's world rotates around the library. She's a shy girl, who loves living between books and the library world. But not everything is bright ink and shiny pages. The library isn't doing well, and when the head of the almost never visited statue goes missing, no one but Pearl really seems to care. Determined to save the library and figure out what happened to her beloved statue's head, she enters the sidewalks and streets. Soon, she discovers a few friends and more.
There's a touch of whimsical to the writing, which immediately draws in and creates the atmosphere of an endearing read. Pearl is easy to connect with right away. Although socially awkward...or maybe because...her heart of gold shines bright and makes her someone to cheer for from the very first pages. Not only library lovers will enjoy the scene, but the idea of her centering herself on only a library adds the right touch for the dusting of fantasy which comes later on with the raccoons. It's a fun read with enough energy to keep it interesting.
The entire book is sprinkled with illustrations, something I always love t see in middle grade books. These help spice of the story and give something for the reader to look forward to. There are also side-bar notes which explain an entire slew of facts and information in a serious, but not without humor, way. While I found these interesting, my own children weren't as taken in and skipped many f them. There are also footnotes to help point out books where quotes and such come from.
I really enjoyed the way Pearl discovers such wonderful, and even if odd, friends. The community around her warms the heart as well and shows that there is support if a person looks. It's a warming tale and awakens the love for libraries as well. Unfortunately, it was a bit slow in spots and simply a little long. But I enjoyed reading it and am sure there are middle graders out there who will enjoy Pearls adventure quite a bit.
I received an ARC and found the title fun. The tale also grabbed me enough to make me want to leave my honest thoughts.
April 24, 2020
For some reason, it took me a few chapters to get into this book and start relating to its protagonist, Pearl, an avid bibliophile. All the drama about the missing head of a statue of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay was just too much for me. But after I sorted out the characters and understood their various roles in the library and in the story I felt better and more engaged. The daughter of a librarian who works in one of the branches of the New York Public Library system, the fifth grader doesn't really fit in with her classmates, who make fun of her ability to relate in detail the plots of various books. She's more at home in the Lancaster Avenue branch of the library and with the library staff than anyone her age. When the library is threatened with demolition amid efforts to build affordable housing on its site, Pearl does her best to prevent that from happening while trying to solve the mystery of the missing statue head. She's aided by Francine, a new friend with plenty of dancing talent, and some literate raccoons who live in the basement, and one of whom pens sidebars and footnotes to this particular story. The titles of many childhood favorites are woven into the narrative and footnoted so that interested readers can check them out for themselves. Older readers may feel nostalgic as they remember the pleasures certain particular books brought to them. There's an interesting cast of characters drawn to this library, including a homeless man and a disillusioned reporter. Pearl's determination to rally a neighborhood that has seen better days shines through the plot, and readers will marvel at some of her ideas to make reading and the library cool even while wincing at times at some of her actions and comments. The different sections of the book are introduced by a Millay poem. Although the fantasy aspect of the story may put off some readers while drawing in others, I see it as having appeal for sixth or seventh graders because of the sophisticated vocabulary and inclusion of those sidebars and footnotes. I'd suggest that readers be patient while reading the book. It contains some clever twists.
April 12, 2023
Pearl has grown up in the Lancaster Avenue branch of the New York City Library, where her mom is a librarian. But with circulation down and a crumbling building that’s expensive to fix, she’s worried that she won’t have much of a future there. Then something horrible happens: the head of a statue of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay goes missing from the garden. The mystery of what happened to the statue combined with the plight of the library brings community members together to determine what they all really want for the place they call home.
A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young is a sweet coming of age tale about what it means to create a community of caring individuals amidst the backdrop of a larger city, and what those people can do when they are informed about a cause. There’s also a touch of magical realism in the form of a family of literate raccoons, who have taught themselves to read and even report for their own newspaper aimed at nocturnal creatures.
When the statue’s head disappears and the library is threatened with closure to make way for affordable housing, Pearl believes that if enough people know what they could do at a library, they would care enough to convince the city to maintain it and keep it open. She enlists the help of new friends and other allies to put more library cards into the hands of the people who live around her and go to school with her. She also has a tall order of changing the minds of some people who would rather see new development win out over old buildings.
With her eclectic group of allies, Pearl also sets about solving the mystery of the missing head, and finding the answer will upend everything she thinks she knows.
A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon is for anyone who loves to read, loves to visit libraries, and believes in the power of community action. I recommend it for readers aged 9 to 13.
A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young is a sweet coming of age tale about what it means to create a community of caring individuals amidst the backdrop of a larger city, and what those people can do when they are informed about a cause. There’s also a touch of magical realism in the form of a family of literate raccoons, who have taught themselves to read and even report for their own newspaper aimed at nocturnal creatures.
When the statue’s head disappears and the library is threatened with closure to make way for affordable housing, Pearl believes that if enough people know what they could do at a library, they would care enough to convince the city to maintain it and keep it open. She enlists the help of new friends and other allies to put more library cards into the hands of the people who live around her and go to school with her. She also has a tall order of changing the minds of some people who would rather see new development win out over old buildings.
With her eclectic group of allies, Pearl also sets about solving the mystery of the missing head, and finding the answer will upend everything she thinks she knows.
A Girl, A Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon is for anyone who loves to read, loves to visit libraries, and believes in the power of community action. I recommend it for readers aged 9 to 13.
Read
November 12, 2025I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. It will be published January 7, 2020
Pearl Moran is 10 years old and starting 5th grade. She was actually born at the library! Her mom is the circulation desk librarian and dating the library manager Bruce. Bruce used to be a park ranger, and has costume of Ranger Rick the Raccoon. Pearl's father has never been in the picture. The library is her home, and the library staff her family. But her library is not doing well, there is poor circulation and some developers want to turn it into apartments. And to top it off the statute of the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (known as Vincent), get her head stolen one night. Things are not looking good for the future of the Lancaster Branch of New York City library at all.
I really liked this book. There was nothing in the book that I said, OH I wouldn't want my kid reading this, there were a few discussions about reproduction in the animal kingdom, and a few cuss words like piss, and damn and hell, but it was mild in mind. This was a great story about perseverance and social issues. It was about friendship and change, and how small actions can lead to great things. Peal and Francine and Oleg and all the library workers, really brought the library back to life. Pearl found her place in her world, and friends. And she didn't sacrifice important things, like the raccoons, to achieve it. She showed integrity and commitment and inclusion. I don't know that kids will get all the concepts, but the seeds of them could be planted with this book. Once I figure out how to get it to be readable on my kindle (netgalley sent a pdf, not a kindle file), or when it comes out, whichever happens first, I will absolutely have my son read it.
#AgirlAraccoonAndTheMidnightMoon #NetGalley
For additional reviews please see my blog at ‪www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot...€¬
Pearl Moran is 10 years old and starting 5th grade. She was actually born at the library! Her mom is the circulation desk librarian and dating the library manager Bruce. Bruce used to be a park ranger, and has costume of Ranger Rick the Raccoon. Pearl's father has never been in the picture. The library is her home, and the library staff her family. But her library is not doing well, there is poor circulation and some developers want to turn it into apartments. And to top it off the statute of the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (known as Vincent), get her head stolen one night. Things are not looking good for the future of the Lancaster Branch of New York City library at all.
I really liked this book. There was nothing in the book that I said, OH I wouldn't want my kid reading this, there were a few discussions about reproduction in the animal kingdom, and a few cuss words like piss, and damn and hell, but it was mild in mind. This was a great story about perseverance and social issues. It was about friendship and change, and how small actions can lead to great things. Peal and Francine and Oleg and all the library workers, really brought the library back to life. Pearl found her place in her world, and friends. And she didn't sacrifice important things, like the raccoons, to achieve it. She showed integrity and commitment and inclusion. I don't know that kids will get all the concepts, but the seeds of them could be planted with this book. Once I figure out how to get it to be readable on my kindle (netgalley sent a pdf, not a kindle file), or when it comes out, whichever happens first, I will absolutely have my son read it.
#AgirlAraccoonAndTheMidnightMoon #NetGalley
For additional reviews please see my blog at ‪www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot...€¬
March 19, 2020
This book is told from the view of 10-year-old Pearl Moran.
It opens with Pearl and her mom (Patricia) arriving at a library on a summer morning. Patricia works there and gets paid. Pearl doesn't get paid, but helps out anyways.
They go to the third floor, where Bruce Chambers is sitting in his office, he's another employee. Pearl opens the window to the garden, which holds a statue of an old poet named Edna St. Vincent Millay. They call her Vincent for short. Pearl loves this statue, and is horrified when she looks out to see her headless. She screams from shock.
The book cuts to the view of another 10-year-old girl named Francine. She lives across the street. Francine is so surprised by the sound, she breaks one of her Granny's rules and leaves the building to see what is happening.
When the view returns to Pearl, a crowd that has gathered the is being showed the headless Vincent.
When the cops arrive, they believe it was just a prank and the head will turn up somewhere. All of the library employees dislike this.
The newspaper doesn't give them good press to help their cause. The person who reports on this event, comes back throughout the book.
A little bit after the head disappears, two men come to look over the building. They want to re-purpose the building into apartments.
The library staff goes through stages of hard work to save the building. Pearl even advertises at her school.
They eventually end up staying open, and putting a new head on Vincent.
This book is full of detail. I recommend to anyone who likes drama.
It opens with Pearl and her mom (Patricia) arriving at a library on a summer morning. Patricia works there and gets paid. Pearl doesn't get paid, but helps out anyways.
They go to the third floor, where Bruce Chambers is sitting in his office, he's another employee. Pearl opens the window to the garden, which holds a statue of an old poet named Edna St. Vincent Millay. They call her Vincent for short. Pearl loves this statue, and is horrified when she looks out to see her headless. She screams from shock.
The book cuts to the view of another 10-year-old girl named Francine. She lives across the street. Francine is so surprised by the sound, she breaks one of her Granny's rules and leaves the building to see what is happening.
When the view returns to Pearl, a crowd that has gathered the is being showed the headless Vincent.
When the cops arrive, they believe it was just a prank and the head will turn up somewhere. All of the library employees dislike this.
The newspaper doesn't give them good press to help their cause. The person who reports on this event, comes back throughout the book.
A little bit after the head disappears, two men come to look over the building. They want to re-purpose the building into apartments.
The library staff goes through stages of hard work to save the building. Pearl even advertises at her school.
They eventually end up staying open, and putting a new head on Vincent.
This book is full of detail. I recommend to anyone who likes drama.
March 23, 2022
A Girl, a Racoon, and the Midnight Moon
by Karen Romano Young
Published: 01/07/2020
Synopsis
Pearl Moran was born in the Lancaster Avenue Branch of the New York City Library. Raised by a single mother, Pearl has grown up surrounded by the faculty of the library as part of her family while listening to her mother tell stories of reading raccoons. One morning, as Pearl went to open an office window to let sun from the back courtyard into the library, Pearl was horrified to find the head from a statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay, a granite statue in the courtyard had been stolen. With the events that follow, the library's fate falls into peril and Pearl takes it upon herself to save it. One part mystery, one part coming of age story, and one part a story about stories, the author takes you along as Pearl learns more about herself, those around her, and what she will do to save what she loves.
Thoughts
My 10-year-old, fifth-grader and I read this book for his school reader. As a parent, I appreciated many of the lessons within this story. Exploring important topics such as homelessness, city budgeting, parenting, and so much more through the use of sidebars, I found this story to be far more than your typical middle-grade reader. It truly brought many important topics to life in a fun and interesting way.
Rating: 4 Stars
For more on this rating and other ratings for books I've reviewed, please check out my blog - the link is below!
https://thelitterature.wixsite.com/we...
by Karen Romano Young
Published: 01/07/2020
Synopsis
Pearl Moran was born in the Lancaster Avenue Branch of the New York City Library. Raised by a single mother, Pearl has grown up surrounded by the faculty of the library as part of her family while listening to her mother tell stories of reading raccoons. One morning, as Pearl went to open an office window to let sun from the back courtyard into the library, Pearl was horrified to find the head from a statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay, a granite statue in the courtyard had been stolen. With the events that follow, the library's fate falls into peril and Pearl takes it upon herself to save it. One part mystery, one part coming of age story, and one part a story about stories, the author takes you along as Pearl learns more about herself, those around her, and what she will do to save what she loves.
Thoughts
My 10-year-old, fifth-grader and I read this book for his school reader. As a parent, I appreciated many of the lessons within this story. Exploring important topics such as homelessness, city budgeting, parenting, and so much more through the use of sidebars, I found this story to be far more than your typical middle-grade reader. It truly brought many important topics to life in a fun and interesting way.
Rating: 4 Stars
For more on this rating and other ratings for books I've reviewed, please check out my blog - the link is below!
https://thelitterature.wixsite.com/we...
November 24, 2023
I read this to my sons during dinner times, but it took forever and was one that dragged on compared to many of the stories I have read. Also there were a couple of d words I skipped saying when reading it, which this could have done without.
This is about a little girl who was born in a library. When the head of the statue in the courtyard of the library goes missing, the girl is in shock. She decides to do something to help the library and find the head. The library is in danger of being knocked down and not enough people are supporting it.
On top of everything, there are raccoons that live in the library and a very interesting story about them that bring this fiction towards some more fun.
It is set around Halloween and Election Day. There are a couple historical factors brought in, but not much. It is a cute story, but it falls flat over and over again. It became repetitive. I think this book could have been only two parts instead of 4. Maybe 3 max.
I'd say, skip this book if you can. I would have stopped reading it sooner to my children, but it was in my to read list for so long that I decided to work through it. There were some great chapters and fun parts of it, but not enough. I enjoyed learning about the characters and the relationship they had with the main character.
This is about a little girl who was born in a library. When the head of the statue in the courtyard of the library goes missing, the girl is in shock. She decides to do something to help the library and find the head. The library is in danger of being knocked down and not enough people are supporting it.
On top of everything, there are raccoons that live in the library and a very interesting story about them that bring this fiction towards some more fun.
It is set around Halloween and Election Day. There are a couple historical factors brought in, but not much. It is a cute story, but it falls flat over and over again. It became repetitive. I think this book could have been only two parts instead of 4. Maybe 3 max.
I'd say, skip this book if you can. I would have stopped reading it sooner to my children, but it was in my to read list for so long that I decided to work through it. There were some great chapters and fun parts of it, but not enough. I enjoyed learning about the characters and the relationship they had with the main character.
January 7, 2020
Pearl was born in the library, and has grown up in the same branch. It's where she goes after school, where her mom works, and where all her (adult, librarian) friends are. When Pearl discovers the library's statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay has been beheaded, she lets out a scream that sets off a chain of events. Some are good, like a potential new friend who's actually Pearl's age. Some are bad (besides the beheading itself), like the library possibly being shut down due to budget restrictions.
Pearl knows the library is worth saving, even if the adults who work there don't think it's possible. She has passion for books and the building itself, and she if she gets a little help from some magical raccoons, Pearl thinks she can make a difference.
This is a great book for anyone (of any age!) who loves adventure and fighting for what they believe in. Especially if they believe in books and libraries!
The writing style is very innovative, and was fun to see in a middle grade book! Informative footnotes, interesting and funny sidebars, and gorgeous illustrations. The magical realism was so perfectly done, I'm pretty sure I believe that what was presented (no spoilers!) is real. Read it for yourself and let me know what you think about that hint of magic.
Pearl knows the library is worth saving, even if the adults who work there don't think it's possible. She has passion for books and the building itself, and she if she gets a little help from some magical raccoons, Pearl thinks she can make a difference.
This is a great book for anyone (of any age!) who loves adventure and fighting for what they believe in. Especially if they believe in books and libraries!
The writing style is very innovative, and was fun to see in a middle grade book! Informative footnotes, interesting and funny sidebars, and gorgeous illustrations. The magical realism was so perfectly done, I'm pretty sure I believe that what was presented (no spoilers!) is real. Read it for yourself and let me know what you think about that hint of magic.
March 18, 2020
Pearl doesn't just love the library. She NEEDS the library. She was literally born in the old, increasingly dilapidated building. The librarians are her family - her mom, the head librarian; Bruce, the manager, her would-be-dad; Simon the page, something like an older brother. And then there's Vincent: a statue in the courtyard of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay who seems to watch over Pearl. So when some unknown neighborhood villain steals the head of her beloved Vincent, it feels like a personal attack. To make matters worse, a little local press gets the attention of pushy developers who want to turn this neighborhood branch into apartments. Pearl and the rest of the library team are going to have to rally some community support to survive, which might mean getting a local reporter's paws involved, even if they are a little on the furry side. Turns out, as Pearl discovers, raccoons who live in a library's basement turn into great readers and writers, and even better, terrific champions of their local institutions.
A little sprinkling of fantasy along with frequent sidebars along the main text (comments from a certain editor-in-chief) make this quirky tale shine. Great for reading enthusiasts in grades 4-6.
A little sprinkling of fantasy along with frequent sidebars along the main text (comments from a certain editor-in-chief) make this quirky tale shine. Great for reading enthusiasts in grades 4-6.
May 6, 2025
Well. That was interesting.
I found this in a Little Free Library. It was with the kids’ books – and it looks like a kids’ book. But…it is 383 pages long (save several fabulous illustrations). But still. Is that not a lot for a kid? I mean not me when I was a kid as I was reading Stephen King in 4th grade (parents trusted me). But kids today…is that not a lot??
Regardless I am not a kid. So I will review this book like the adult I am. I LOVED the storyline. Truly loved it. Animals (that talk, read, write) and a library. It is right up my alley.
I’m not sure of the word I’m looking for here – but the book was kinda kitschy kinda meta. It was unique and I loved that.
But it was a wee too long. I contemplated skimming it but gave that up because the book is just too good for that. It deserves to be read. So yeah, it was great but just longer than I would have loved.
Still a solid 4 stars for me. I would recommend to anybody that can read 383 pages. *
* Pro tip: I read more than one book at a time. This is a great book to start that if you were considering doing so. This book, read alongside another book, will not confuse you at all because I guarantee it is unique enough that you will not confuse characters from one book with those from another.
I found this in a Little Free Library. It was with the kids’ books – and it looks like a kids’ book. But…it is 383 pages long (save several fabulous illustrations). But still. Is that not a lot for a kid? I mean not me when I was a kid as I was reading Stephen King in 4th grade (parents trusted me). But kids today…is that not a lot??
Regardless I am not a kid. So I will review this book like the adult I am. I LOVED the storyline. Truly loved it. Animals (that talk, read, write) and a library. It is right up my alley.
I’m not sure of the word I’m looking for here – but the book was kinda kitschy kinda meta. It was unique and I loved that.
But it was a wee too long. I contemplated skimming it but gave that up because the book is just too good for that. It deserves to be read. So yeah, it was great but just longer than I would have loved.
Still a solid 4 stars for me. I would recommend to anybody that can read 383 pages. *
* Pro tip: I read more than one book at a time. This is a great book to start that if you were considering doing so. This book, read alongside another book, will not confuse you at all because I guarantee it is unique enough that you will not confuse characters from one book with those from another.
May 4, 2021
I don’t remember who first recommended A Girl, A Raccoon and the Midnight Moonmiddle to me. I think what appealed to me was that this story took place in a library in New York City.
Pearl is in fifth grade and she has always been in the library. Her mom is the librarian and Pearl has always gone to work with her mom. Pearl loves books and she can recommend books to anyone. But the library is old and the building is falling apart. Pearl is on a mission to save the library.
What I liked about the story:
⭐️It takes place in a library and the author refers to a lot of books.
⭐️Pearl goes beyond her comfort zone to meet new friends and builds a community of friends to help save the library.
⭐️The book shows a diverse group of people working together to solve a common problem.
⭐️The author tackles issues such as bullying, homelessness, poverty, literacy, kindness to animals and community building.
What did not work for me:
🚫Reading and writing raccoons that only a few people could communicate with.
However, I did find this a fun story to read.
Pearl is in fifth grade and she has always been in the library. Her mom is the librarian and Pearl has always gone to work with her mom. Pearl loves books and she can recommend books to anyone. But the library is old and the building is falling apart. Pearl is on a mission to save the library.
What I liked about the story:
⭐️It takes place in a library and the author refers to a lot of books.
⭐️Pearl goes beyond her comfort zone to meet new friends and builds a community of friends to help save the library.
⭐️The book shows a diverse group of people working together to solve a common problem.
⭐️The author tackles issues such as bullying, homelessness, poverty, literacy, kindness to animals and community building.
What did not work for me:
🚫Reading and writing raccoons that only a few people could communicate with.
However, I did find this a fun story to read.
May 6, 2020
My feelings were constantly shifting as I read this book. I was immediately pulled in by a book that takes place in a library starring a little girl obsessed with books. I was the weird kid that would give up my recess so that I could stay inside and help the librarian shelve books. I immediately fell in love with the raccoon narrator and the raccoon notes. What I had a hard time with was the character of Pearl herself. I understand that the book was about her coming to a place of acceptance, but she was so mean to others at the beginning. She spoke in such harsh ways that didn't feel like it matched with the rest of the character we had seen. And she continued to make bad choices that didn't fit either for me. It felt like the author wanted the reader to see the change Pearl went through that she hurt the character she had created in the first half. Pearl started to sound and act like a real character more in the second half, saving the book for me.
October 14, 2019
It all begins with a scream. The head from the beloved statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay is missing and Pearl needs to find out who took it. As the book-literate daughter of a New York City librarian mother, awkward Pearl learns to make friends and rally support to save closure of the library - even if her new friends include the resident raccoons that can read and write. This book has plenty of charm, warm-hearted richly drawn characters and a shy girl who finds her voice when there is a cause worth fighting for, gaining friends along the way. The wonderful footnotes and sidebars are as enlightening as they are plenteous and really add to the library-focused theme running throughout the book.
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December 21, 2019This is probably the most delightful book I've read this year. As you know, I absolutely love books about books and readers, and Pearl is an excellent example of this. She's never known a life without the library (her mom is the librarian and Pearl was literally born in the library) and so when that's threatened, she's both devastated and determined to figure out how to save it.
But this is also a magic story. There really are raccoons that can read and write, and they really do run their own newspaper. You can choose to believe or not and maybe it's that I read this right before Christmas, but I do choose to believe.
It's my first book from Karen Romano Young, but it won't be my last. If they're all as charming as this one, I've got a new favorite author.
But this is also a magic story. There really are raccoons that can read and write, and they really do run their own newspaper. You can choose to believe or not and maybe it's that I read this right before Christmas, but I do choose to believe.
It's my first book from Karen Romano Young, but it won't be my last. If they're all as charming as this one, I've got a new favorite author.
July 4, 2019
I found this available to read on NetGalley and got an ebook of A Girl, A Racoon and the Midnight Moon written by Karen Romano Young.
I thought that this sounded really cute and would be a story I would enjoy, a girl that wants nothing more than to save her beloved library, it sounded so sweet. Unfortunately though I found I wasn’t enjoying nor connecting to the story or characters and decided to DNF this book.
It just wasn’t a book for me and that’s okay, I’m pretty sure that many children would like and connect to the story and find it enjoyable and is a good way of encouraging them to help their local libraries.
I thought that this sounded really cute and would be a story I would enjoy, a girl that wants nothing more than to save her beloved library, it sounded so sweet. Unfortunately though I found I wasn’t enjoying nor connecting to the story or characters and decided to DNF this book.
It just wasn’t a book for me and that’s okay, I’m pretty sure that many children would like and connect to the story and find it enjoyable and is a good way of encouraging them to help their local libraries.
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