From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought

I'm often saddened to learn of apple or cherry orchards cut down in the name of progress, and I sometimes wonder what exactly prompts the resolution on the part of the owner to cut or sell the orchards that have produced such delicious fruits. In this particular story, a group of neighborhood children begin their day under the only remaining Valencia orange tree left from a large orchard in California. As most children know, the tree has provided them with a gathering place, shade, something to
...more

A sweet story that takes a snapshot of the life of a neighborhood and its residents. As many reviewers have stated the characters are a tad underdeveloped. I didn't mind this at all, however. I think that the briefness of the characters' development is an important part of the incidental style of this kind of story.
While this is a lovely book, I don't know that it is one that will stick with me over time. It's nice, but passing. Then again, this is kind of the atmosphere of the book as a whole ...more
While this is a lovely book, I don't know that it is one that will stick with me over time. It's nice, but passing. Then again, this is kind of the atmosphere of the book as a whole ...more

An orange cone shows up near the empty lot where stands a Valencia orange tree on Orange Street. What can it mean? It is all revealed through the residents and their interactions with the tree and one another. Drama, memory, crushes, magic tricks, words, there's lots in there, and it's very sweet. i'm curious to see if it appeals to the kids it's aimed at.
...more

I thought it was sweet, charming, nice but wasn't super-impressed. I will recommend it to readers; just not sure if it's Newbery-worthy...
...more

A rambling and sweet little realistic fiction book. No real action, nice characters but I didn't find myself particularly interested or invested in them.
...more

Feb 18, 2011
The Reading Countess
marked it as to-read



Jul 20, 2011
Alison
marked it as to-read

Nov 01, 2011
Shanshad Whelan
marked it as to-read

Jan 17, 2012
Teresa Garrett
marked it as to-read


Dec 05, 2014
Elisabeth
marked it as to-read