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A review by caseythecanadianlesbrarian
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Apparently there is no age group Nina LaCour can't write for? (In the last few years, she's written a novel for adults and a picture book, both of which were fantastic, in addition to a bunch of YA novels under her belt). This transitional chapter book for ages 7-10 was very cute and charming, with a realistic feisty little 9-year-old protagonist named Ella.
Ella is the self-imposed expert on the apartment house in San Francisco (and its inhabitants) where she lives with her two moms. When a new couple moves in, she shows them everything that they need to know, despite their initial reluctance. When her family or neighbours need help -- walking their dogs, modeling for a painting -- Ella is there, even if it means she has to put off her appointment to have tea with kooky Matilda in one of the other apartments. Then Ella finally gets to meet the elderly couple who live on the top floor, even though they are very shy and sneaky. It turns out they might give her a run for her money on being an expert on the house and the people who live there.
Lovely depiction of community and queer parents! Sweet illustrations as well.
Ella is the self-imposed expert on the apartment house in San Francisco (and its inhabitants) where she lives with her two moms. When a new couple moves in, she shows them everything that they need to know, despite their initial reluctance. When her family or neighbours need help -- walking their dogs, modeling for a painting -- Ella is there, even if it means she has to put off her appointment to have tea with kooky Matilda in one of the other apartments. Then Ella finally gets to meet the elderly couple who live on the top floor, even though they are very shy and sneaky. It turns out they might give her a run for her money on being an expert on the house and the people who live there.
Lovely depiction of community and queer parents! Sweet illustrations as well.