Absolutely Truly: 10/03/16

I've mentioned before that Charlotte's Web has been a popular theme for children's literature in recent years. George by Alex Gino uses it as a starting point to discuss gender identity. Fleabrain Loves Franny by Joanne Rocklin uses it as a historical setting and as a way of discussing polio. Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick, uses it, among others, as a way to set the stage for a book themed scavenger hunt that becomes the obsession of newly moved Truly Lovejoy.

Truly, her siblings, and her parents have moved to Pumpkin Falls, NH to take over the family bookshop. Her father was injured by an IED and hasn't been able to find work back in Texas, so this book store offer is a way for the family back east to be supportive.

Although she feels a bit out of her element, starting school in winter during the first full freeze of the river in ages (a big deal for the town), Truly decides to make the best of things. While helping her family do inventory on the store, Truly finds a first edition of Charlotte's Web. Tucked inside is an envelope that leads Truly and her new friends on a treasure hunt throughout the town.

For anyone who loves a good bookish treasure hunt mystery, Absolutely Truly and The Friendship Riddle by Megan Frazer Blakemore are must reads.

Five stars

Comments (0)