A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon - by Karen Romano Young (Hardcover)

About the Book

Eleven-year-old Pearl Moran cannot imagine life without the historic but under-utilized branch of the New York Public Library where she was born (in the Memorial Room) and where her single mother works as the circulation librarian; the other librarians, the neighborhood people, the raccoons, and most of the 41,000 plus books all form the structure and essence of her life--but when someone cuts off the head of the library's statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay she realizes that the library is under attack, and it is up to her to save it.

Book Synopsis

A warm-hearted, visually intriguing tale of reading and believing, and a world of possibility.

A New York City library branch has been designated for possible closure yet the bookish, socially awkward Pearl, the daughter of the librarian, can't imagine a world without the library. When the head of their Edna St. Vincent Millay statue goes missing, closure is closer than ever. But Pearl is determined to save the library. And with a ragtag neighborhood library crew--including a constantly tap-dancing girl, an older boy she has a crush on, and a pack of literate raccoons--she just might be able to do it.

- Features an eclectic cast of richly drawn characters, frequent sidebars and footnotes
- Classic illustrations by Jessixa Bagley and writing by beloved author Karen Romano Young

Fans of Henry and Bea, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and Redwood and Ponytail will love this book.

This book is perfect for:
- Avid readers
- Teachers
- Librarians

Review Quotes

"A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon is solidly entertaining. Upper elementary readers who like magical realism will enjoy this novel, as will younger readers at high reading levels. A strong addition to the fiction section."--School Library Journal

"[A]n enchanting plunge into the underbelly of a failing library and a city brimful of secrets. An array of endearing supporting characters, coupled with a plot both grounded in stressful reality and uplifted by urban fantasy, lend the story its charm. The magic of reading is given a refreshingly real twist."--Kirkus Reviews

"[In A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon] the richly developed cast of characters supports a solid and fast-moving plot with an entertaining narrative reveal. Bagley's illustrations bring Pearl's world to life."--Horn Book Magazine

"A love letter to libraries, A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon comes complete with intriguing sidebars, a clever plot, and a charming surprise narrator. Big-hearted and dazzling, this classic-in-the-making is not to be missed."-- Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan and Wishtree

"Hilarious and brilliant, you'll be rooting for Pearl as she fights to keep what she loves most."-Girls' Life Magazine

"I adore A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon-a tale bursting with charm, lovable characters, and excitement that builds and builds until I almost exploded. . . . It's a paean of praise to books, reading, librarians, and the preciousness of home, wherever home may be. I could go on and on, but read it yourself!" --Gail Carson Levine, bestselling author of Ella Enchanted

"Part mystery, part coming-of-age journey, [A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon] interweaves realistically flawed, fully formed characters with real-world issues (declining library attendance and homelessness) and fantastical elements. Sidebars ("A Sidebar About Legends") penned by a mysterious author and signature illustrations by Bagley offer charming details."--Publishers Weekly

"Those willing to suspend their disbelief will be charmed by reading raccoons and the many sidebars that one contributes to the book itself. Issue- rather than plot-driven, this slower-paced mystery is for the thoughtful and bookish."--Booklist

About the Author

Karen Romano Young is a writer, illustrator, and science journalist. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two large, fluffy dogs.

Jessixa Bagley is an award-winning author and illustrator. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, adorable son, and a slew of houseplants.