Polly Horvath crafts stories for young readers that are defined by a unique voice and a playful spirit. Her works often explore themes of family, identity, and finding one's place in the world, with the author weaving humor and a profound understanding of childhood emotions. Horvath prides herself on pushing boundaries and utilizing unexpected twists to keep readers engaged and contemplative. Her writing is celebrated for its originality and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages, leaving a lasting impression.
The story follows eleven-year-old Essie, raised by four librarians after being abandoned as a baby. Her life takes a turn when she encounters a mysterious boy she believes to be her twin brother. As their relationship develops, Essie uncovers complexities and truths that challenge her understanding of family and identity, revealing that her past is intertwined with secrets that may alter her perception of herself and her place in the world.
Ernest's parents are concerned about their son's lack of smiles, despite his reassurances that he is happy in his own way. The story explores themes of individuality and emotional expression, highlighting that happiness can manifest differently for everyone. Through Ernest's journey, readers are invited to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives on joy and contentment.
The McCready sisters face an unexpected challenge as they settle into their new home on Pine Island, with the arrival of an unwelcome houseguest looming over them for months. This situation tests their resilience and adaptability, as they navigate the complexities of family dynamics and the disruption of their newfound peace.
Four sisters search for true family in this story of resilience by a Newbery Honor author.When the McCready sisters' parents are washed away in a tsunami, their Great Aunt Martha volunteers to have them live with her on her farm in British Columbia. But while they are traveling there, Martha dies unexpectedly, forcing Fiona, the eldest, to come up with a scheme to keep social services from separating the girls - a scheme that will only work if no one knows they are living on their own.Fiona approaches their grouchy and indifferent neighbor Al and asks if he will pretend to be their live-in legal guardian should papers need to be signed or if anyone comes snooping around. He reluctantly agrees, under the condition that they bring him dinner every night.As weeks pass, Fiona takes on more and more adult responsibilities, while each of the younger girls finds their own special role in their atypical family - But even if things seem to be falling into place, Fiona is sure it's only a matter of time before they are caught.Written in Polly Horvath's inimitable style, gentle humor and tough obstacles are woven throughout this story about the bonds of sisterhood and what makes a family.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionA Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
Ten-year-old Rupert Brown inadvertently finds himself spending Christmas with the wealthiest family in town and is astonished to discover a world he never knew existed.Rupert lives with his parents and many siblings in a small house in the poorest section of Steelville, Ohio. When he spends Christmas with his classmate Turgid Rivers, he is offered all the food he can eat, and the opportunity to win wonderful prizes in the family games—prizes he hopes to take home so he can share his Christmas bounty with his family. But after he loses everything in the last game, Rupert resigns himself to going home empty handed. Feeling secretly guilty, all of the adults in Rivers family try to make it up to him by taking Rupert on one unlikely adventure after another, embroiling him in everything from time travel to bank robberies. But can anything he experiences make up for what he has lost?Deftly blending magical realism with heartbreak, hope, and a wide cast of eccentric characters, Polly Horvath weaves a tale that is darkly funny and deeply poignant. Very Rich is a bittersweet and quirky story that celebrates the unique nature of human experience.A Junior Library Guild selection!
From Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning author Polly Horvath comes this magical middle-grade novel about a garden that grants wishes.
In the hilarious sequel to Mr. and Mrs. Bunny - Detectives Extraordinaire!, Madeleine and her hippie parents travel to England to run a candy shop; meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Bunny also travel to England, where Mrs. Bunny tries to weasel her way into the ranks of royalty.
One night out of the blue, Ratchet Clark's ill-natured mother uproots her from Florida without a second thought. Ratchet is on a train to Maine for a summer with relatives within the blink of an eye. But these aren't just any relatives. Ratchet's ninety-two-year old great-aunts, twins Penpen and Tilly, live life in their secluded home on their own terms. They were born together, they grew up together, they live together, and they plan to die together. Through thick wilderness, down forgotten, bear-ridden roads, a plethora of strange family history, and a slew of unwelcome guests, Ratchet may just learn what a family can be after all. Unwelcome guests might just bring the greatest gifts of all. By turns dark and humorous, Polly Horvath offers readers enough quirky characters and outrageous situations to leave them reeling!
When Jane's stepfather gets fired from his job as a French teacher—turns out he doesn't speak French—Jane feels the warm glow of possibility. Soon, the family is on the road, driving through the night, on the cusp of an adventure that will take them across the continent. Wise, moving, and filled with humor, this Parents' Choice Gold Award-winning follow-up to the acclaimed My One Hundred Adventures by a National Book Award winner illuminates the strange and complicated ways in which people become families.
"National Book Award-winner Polly Horvath's latest, a rabbity romp complete with whimsical illustrations and a quirky cast of characters, has both the look and feel of a classic children's book," raves The Washington Post . In this hilarious chapter book mystery, meet a girl whose parents have been kidnapped by disreputable foxes, and a pair of detectives that also happen to be bunnies! When Madeline gets home from school one afternoon to discover that her parents have gone missing, she sets off to find them. So begins a once-in-a-lifetime adventure involving a cast of unforgettable characters. There's Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, who drive a smart car, wear fedoras, and hate marmots; the Marmot, who loves garlic bread and is a brilliant translator; and many others. Translated from the Rabbit by Newbery Honor-winning author Polly Horvath, and beautifully illustrated by Sophie Blackall, here is a book that kids will both laugh over and love. From the Hardcover edition.