|Listed in category:
Have one to sell?

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter Hardcover Like New

bcbc
(2281)
Registered as a private seller
Consumer protection regulations resulting from EU consumer law are therefore not applicable. eBay buyer protection still applies to most purchases.
US $3.00
Approximately£2.25
or Best Offer
Condition:
Like New
See pictures for condition.
Postage:
US $4.47 (approx £3.35) USPS Media MailTM.
Located in: Alhambra, California, United States
Delivery:
Estimated between Mon, 11 Aug and Thu, 14 Aug to 94104
Delivery time is estimated using our proprietary method which is based on the buyer's proximity to the item location, the delivery service selected, the seller's delivery history and other factors. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods.
Returns:
No returns accepted.
Payments:
    Diners Club

Shop with confidence

eBay Money Back Guarantee
Get the item you ordered or your money back. Learn moreeBay Money Back Guarantee - opens new window or tab
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
eBay item number:167415433009

Item specifics

Condition
Like New
A book that has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket (if applicable) is included for hard covers. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins. May have no identifying marks on the inside cover. No wear and tear. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
Seller notes
“See pictures for condition.”
Artist
Potter, Ellen
Brand
N/A
Type
Hardback
EAN
9780312644383
ISBN
0312644388
Publication Name
N/A
Release Title
The Humming Room
Colour
N/A

About this product

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Feiwel & Friends
ISBN-10
0312644388
ISBN-13
9780312644383
eBay Product ID (ePID)
99486994

Product Key Features

Book Title
Humming Room : a Novel Inspired by the Secret Garden
Number of Pages
192 Pages
Language
English
Topic
Classics, Family / Orphans & Foster Homes, Nature & The Natural World / General (See Also Headings under Animals), General
Publication Year
2012
Genre
Juvenile Fiction
Author
Ell Potter
Format
Hardcover

Dimensions

Item Height
0.9 in
Item Weight
10.6 Oz
Item Length
8.7 in
Item Width
5.9 in

Additional Product Features

Intended Audience
Juvenile Audience
LCCN
2011-033583
Dewey Edition
23
TitleLeading
The
Reviews
"Fans of the classic [ The Secret Garden ] will delight in the similarities and differences."-- School Library Journal "Ms. Potter revives the story [of The Secret Garden] with such grace and sensitivity." -- ­­The Wall Street Journal "Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children's literature..."-- BCCB "Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character-her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate-and linger-with young readers." -Booklist, starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [Secret Garden], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century.-- Kirkus Reviews "Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart. -- Publisher's Weekly , Starred Review Praise for THE KNEEBONE BOY: "…The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer."- Kirkus Reviews , Starred review "With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother…. Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio." Publishers Weekly "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth…The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles. As the author tells the reader, 'All great adventures have moments that are really crap.'"-- Booklist Praise for Ellen Potter: "Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere."-Kids Lit for Slob "Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children."- Booklist for Olivia Kidney Stops for No One, "An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century."-- Kirkus Reviews, Potter intentionally evokes the [ Secret Garden ], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century., Climbing the last step, she hoisted herself out of the basement and stood, gazing around in astonishment. The glass dome enclosed what looked like an ancient, brittle jungle. Dead trees towered up out of the dirt floor. Their branches were thin, many broken and hanging, trapped within the spindly arms of other branches. Thick, ropey vines twisted around the dead trees, climbing up to the very top, then tumbling down in thick grey sheets, like grim waterfalls. Clinging to some of the panes on the dome were brown creepers, pressing themselves against the glass as though pleading to be let out. Underfoot, there were spiny bushes and collapsed ferns and limp, brown plants, and everything, all of it, was dead. It was the saddest and most beautiful place Roo had ever seen. "What happened here?" she whispered. ------------------------------ Praise for The Kneebone Boy "A quirky charmer." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth... The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles." - Booklist, Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children's literature..., Praise for The Humming Room : "Fans of the classic [ The Secret Garden ] will delight in the similarities and differences." - School Library Journal "Ms. Potter revives the story [of The Secret Garden ] with such grace and sensitivity." - The Wall Street Journal "Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children''s literature..." - BCCB "This noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character-her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate-and linger-with young readers." - Booklist , starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [ Secret Garden ], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century." - Kirkus Reviews "Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart." - Publisher''s Weekly , starred review "After the violent death of her drug dealer parents, Roo Fanshaw is sent to live with her wealthy and eccentric uncle on the remote Cough Rock Island in upstate New York. At first her new home seems strange compared to her life full of instability and neglect, and does nothing to lessen her instinct to hide. Small, quiet, and stubborn, Roo prefers to listen to the earth and would rather hide in caves than be around people. But slowly she grows attached to the offbeat characters that make up her new world. Secrets surround Cough Rock Island and the Fanshaw family, giving Roo a mystery to investigate. Her discovery of a garden, a friend, and a cousin draws Roo out of her shell and she ends up flourishing in her new surroundings. A novel closely inspired by The Secret Garden, Potter, who wrote The Kneebone Boy, once again produces a smart, thoughtful, and captivating story. Though a modern tale this tribute to the classic still has a timeless feel." -Emily Griffin, Children's Literature Praise for The Kneebone Boy : "The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer." - Kirkus Reviews , starred review "With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother…. Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio." - Publishers Weekly "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth…The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles. As the author tells the reader, 'All great adventures have moments that are really crap.'"- Booklist Praise for Ellen Potter: "Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere." -Kids Lit for Slob "Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children."- Booklist for Olivia Kidney Stops for No One, "Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable characterher experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonateand lingerwith young readers." Booklist, starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [Secret Garden], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century.-- Kirkus Reviews Praise for THE KNEEBONE BOY: "...The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer." Kirkus Reviews , Starred review "With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother.... Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio." Publishers Weekly "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth...The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles. As the author tells the reader, 'All great adventures have moments that are really crap.'"-- Booklist Praise for Ellen Potter: "Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere."Kids Lit for Slob "Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children." Booklist for Olivia Kidney Stops for No One, "Fans of the classic [ The Secret Garden ] will delight in the similarities and differences." -- School Library Journal "Ms. Potter revives the story [of The Secret Garden ] with such grace and sensitivity." -- The Wall Street Journal "Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children's literature..." -- BCCB "This noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character--her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate--and linger--with young readers." -- Booklist, starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [ Secret Garden ], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century." -- Kirkus Reviews "Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart." -- Publisher's Weekly, starred review "After the violent death of her drug dealer parents, Roo Fanshaw is sent to live with her wealthy and eccentric uncle on the remote Cough Rock Island in upstate New York. At first her new home seems strange compared to her life full of instability and neglect, and does nothing to lessen her instinct to hide. Small, quiet, and stubborn, Roo prefers to listen to the earth and would rather hide in caves than be around people. But slowly she grows attached to the offbeat characters that make up her new world. Secrets surround Cough Rock Island and the Fanshaw family, giving Roo a mystery to investigate. Her discovery of a garden, a friend, and a cousin draws Roo out of her shell and she ends up flourishing in her new surroundings. A novel closely inspired by The Secret Garden, Potter, who wrote The Kneebone Boy, once again produces a smart, thoughtful, and captivating story. Though a modern tale this tribute to the classic still has a timeless feel." -- Emily Griffin, Children's Literature, "Ms. Potter revives the story [of The Secret Garden] with such grace and sensitivity." -- ­­The Wall Street Journal "Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children's literature..."-- BCCB "Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character-her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate-and linger-with young readers." -Booklist, starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [Secret Garden], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century.-- Kirkus Reviews "Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart. -- Publisher's Weekly , Starred Review Praise for THE KNEEBONE BOY: "…The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer."- Kirkus Reviews , Starred review "With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother…. Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio." Publishers Weekly "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth…The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles. As the author tells the reader, 'All great adventures have moments that are really crap.'"-- Booklist Praise for Ellen Potter: "Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere."-Kids Lit for Slob "Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children."- Booklist for Olivia Kidney Stops for No One, After the violent death of her drug dealer parents, Roo Fanshaw is sent to live with her wealthy and eccentric uncle on the remote Cough Rock Island in upstate New York. At first her new home seems strange compared to her life full of instability and neglect, and does nothing to lessen her instinct to hide. Small, quiet, and stubborn, Roo prefers to listen to the earth and would rather hide in caves than be around people. But slowly she grows attached to the offbeat characters that make up her new world. Secrets surround Cough Rock Island and the Fanshaw family, giving Roo a mystery to investigate. Her discovery of a garden, a friend, and a cousin draws Roo out of her shell and she ends up flourishing in her new surroundings. A novel closely inspired by The Secret Garden, Potter, who wrote The Kneebone Boy, once again produces a smart, thoughtful, and captivating story. Though a modern tale this tribute to the classic still has a timeless feel., "Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children's literature..."-- BCCB "Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character-her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate-and linger-with young readers." -Booklist, starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [Secret Garden], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century.-- Kirkus Reviews "Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart. -- Publisher's Weekly , Starred Review Praise for THE KNEEBONE BOY: "…The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer."- Kirkus Reviews , Starred review "With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother…. Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio." Publishers Weekly "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth…The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles. As the author tells the reader, 'All great adventures have moments that are really crap.'"-- Booklist Praise for Ellen Potter: "Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere."-Kids Lit for Slob "Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children."- Booklist for Olivia Kidney Stops for No One, This noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character--her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate--and linger--with young readers., "Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own…"-- Booklist , Starred Review "An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century."-- Kirkus Reviews, Praise for The Humming Room : "Fans of the classic [ The Secret Garden ] will delight in the similarities and differences." - School Library Journal "Ms. Potter revives the story [of The Secret Garden ] with such grace and sensitivity." - The Wall Street Journal "Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children''s literature..." - BCCB "This noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character-her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate-and linger-with young readers." - Booklist , starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [ Secret Garden ], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century." - Kirkus Reviews "Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart." - Publisher''s Weekly , starred review "After the violent death of her drug dealer parents, Roo Fanshaw is sent to live with her wealthy and eccentric uncle on the remote Cough Rock Island in upstate New York. At first her new home seems strange compared to her life full of instability and neglect, and does nothing to lessen her instinct to hide. Small, quiet, and stubborn, Roo prefers to listen to the earth and would rather hide in caves than be around people. But slowly she grows attached to the offbeat characters that make up her new world. Secrets surround Cough Rock Island and the Fanshaw family, giving Roo a mystery to investigate. Her discovery of a garden, a friend, and a cousin draws Roo out of her shell and she ends up flourishing in her new surroundings. A novel closely inspired by The Secret Garden, Potter, who wrote The Kneebone Boy, once again produces a smart, thoughtful, and captivating story. Though a modern tale this tribute to the classic still has a timeless feel." -Emily Griffin, Children's Literature Praise for The Kneebone Boy : "The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer." - Kirkus Reviews , starred review "With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother…. Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio." - Publishers Weekly "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth…The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles. As the author tells the reader, 'All great adventures have moments that are really crap.'" - Booklist Praise for Ellen Potter: "Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere." -Kids Lit for Slob "Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children." - Booklist for Olivia Kidney Stops for No One, Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart., "Ms. Potter revives the story [of The Secret Garden] with such grace and sensitivity." ­­The Wall Street Journal "Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children's literature..."-- BCCB "Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character-her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate-and linger-with young readers." -Booklist, starred review "Potter intentionally evokes the [Secret Garden], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century.-- Kirkus Reviews "Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo's uncle's estate; it's a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it's drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart. -- Publisher's Weekly , Starred Review Praise for THE KNEEBONE BOY: "…The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer."- Kirkus Reviews , Starred review "With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother…. Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio." Publishers Weekly "Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth…The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters' struggles. As the author tells the reader, 'All great adventures have moments that are really crap.'"-- Booklist Praise for Ellen Potter: "Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere."-Kids Lit for Slob "Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children."- Booklist for Olivia Kidney Stops for No One
Grade From
Fourth Grade
Grade To
Sixth Grade
Dewey Decimal
Fic
Synopsis
Hiding is Roo Fanshaw's special skill. Living in a frighteningly unstable family, she often needs to disappear at a moment's notice. When her parents are murdered, it's her special hiding place under the trailer that saves her life. As it turns out, Roo, much to her surprise, has a wealthy if eccentric uncle, who has agreed to take her into his home on Cough Rock Island. Once a tuberculosis sanitarium for children of the rich, the strange house is teeming with ghost stories and secrets. Roo doesn't believe in ghosts or fairy stories, but what are those eerie noises she keeps hearing? And who is that strange wild boy who lives on the river? People are lying to her, and Roo becomes determined to find the truth. Despite the best efforts of her uncle's assistants, Roo discovers the house's hidden room--a garden with a tragic secret. Inspired by The Secret Garden , this tale full of unusual characters and mysterious secrets is a story that only Ellen Potter could write. Read the Q&A with Ellen Potter from Publisher's Weekly on writing a novel inspired by The Secret Garden By Sally Lodge Jan 12, 2011 In 2003, Ellen Potter made a lively splash onto the scene with her middle-grade novel Olivia Kidney. She went on to write three sequels about that enchantingly quirky heroine, as well as two other novels, Slob and The Kneebone Boy. Most recently, the author tapped into memories of her own childhood reading to pen The Humming Room, a novel inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. Set in a mansion-a former children's tuberculosis sanitarium-on an island in the St. Lawrence River, the story centers on Roo, a prickly orphan who goes to live with her aloof uncle, and befriends Phillip, his troubled son, and Jack, a local boy. Potter talks about how this novel took shape. Is it safe to assume that The Secret Garden was an important book to you as a child? Obviously, I loved the novel as a kid. What really struck me was that when I went back to read it as an adult, the story not only held up, but I discovered elements in it I had never noticed before. It felt very fresh, and surprisingly layered in a way I hadn't realized as a child. Was that an unusual reaction for you to have to a book you revisit from your childhood? Ellen Potter. Photo: Shai Enav. Yes, very unusual for me. A lot of times when I go back to books I loved when I was young I don't quite understand what it was that I loved about them. Rereading The Secret Garden, Ifelt a lot like Mary feels when she visits her garden. She's always finding something new popping up-something delightful or surprising. I've reread The Secret Garden every year as an adult. I have a battered copy on my bookshelf-it's really quite a mess The experience of reading the novel keeps deepening for me. How did you tackle the actual writing of The Humming Room? The idea of writing a contemporary version of The Secret Garden was very exciting to me, yet at the same time it was very, very intimidating. I knew I needed to follow the original story line-or that I wanted to-but I knew I had to make it different enough that it would be worthwhile for people to read my novel. My editor, Jean Feiwel, was great and kept encouraging me to have at it, to go anywhere that I felt I had to go with it. Did you set parameters for yourself, in terms of working within Burnett's original storyline? I actually kept trying to swerve away from the original story, but it wasn't easy. There's something about The Secret Garden that kept me rooted in the original storyline, which was difficult for me. I don't plot my novels-I move along with my characters. For the first time I had a story already set out for me, which was very challenging. Would you say that you heard Burnett's voice in your head as you wrote? Yes. I feel I know The Secret Garden so
LC Classification Number
PZ7.P8518Hum 2012

Item description from the seller

About this seller

bcbc

100% positive Feedback1.1K items sold

Joined Aug 1998
Usually responds within 24 hours
Registered as a private sellerThereby, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. eBay buyer protection still applies to most purchases.

Detailed seller ratings

Average for the last 12 months
Accurate description
5.0
Reasonable postage cost
5.0
Delivery time
5.0
Communication
5.0

Seller Feedback (708)

All ratings
Positive
Neutral
Negative