Leeva at Last - by Sara Pennypacker

About the Book

With the help of an orphaned badger, a risk-averse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town's librarians, Leeva sets off to discover her own answer to the question "what are people for?"--setting off a chain of events that will change Nutsmore forever.

Book Synopsis

Award-winning, bestselling author Sara Pennypacker and illustrator Matthew Cordell come together in this hilarious absurdist tale about a precocious girl who transforms her community in surprising ways.

What are people for?

That's the burning question on the mind of Leeva Spayce Thornblossom.

Fame! says Leeva's mom, the mayor of Nutsmore.

Money! says her dad, the town treasurer.

With the help of an orphaned badger, a risk-averse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town's librarians, Leeva sets off to discover her own answer--setting off a chain of events that will change Nutsmore forever.

Review Quotes

Praise for PAX: "Pennypacker's elegant language and insight into human nature spin a fable extolling empathy above all. By the novel's poignant ending, Pennypacker has gently made the case that all of us should aspire to that view--children and adults alike." - Time magazine
"Strongly recalling elements of Roald Dahl's Matilda, this archly narrated satire from Pennypacker slyly integrates potent themes such as fairness, responsibility, and trust." - Publishers Weekly
"Pennypacker delivers a hugely entertaining mix of outsized comedic villainy, dreadful parents, delicious cookies, and kindness rewarded. Leeva's sturdy instincts for both survival and justice are worth celebrating, as is the gift of books that expand her world. Splendid fun." - Kirkus Reviews
"Pennypacker tells the story with warmth and whimsy, recalling the tone and charm of Matilda. Though stuck in comically gloomy situations, Leeva is a delight, her eccentric companions are lovable, and the writing sparkles. A terrifically funny, tender tribute to the power of perseverance, community, and kindness." - Booklist
"Versatile Pennypacker has written a book that is by turns outrageous and wise, funny and touching, fantastical and true; Cordell's sketches contribute to the levity." - Horn Book
Praise for PAX, JOURNEY HOME: "This is a deftly nuanced look at the fragility and strength of the human heart. An impressive sequel." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise for PAX, JOURNEY HOME: "The book's message is most simply put by Pax when he tells his kit that "after loving, you are afraid," but it is still worth it. It's a hard heart that will keep the tears away for this one, so have plenty of tissues nearby." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for HERE IN THE REAL WORLD: "Pennypacker's humane tale is written with straightforward grace and populated with exquisitely layered characters; vulnerable, imaginative Ware's journey to self-acceptance is particularly skillfully rendered." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for HERE IN THE REAL WORLD: "Pennypacker tells a human story of growth and transformation. Smooth prose and short chapters make for a compulsively readable tale, fit for middle-graders in the process of discovering themselves." - Booklist
Praise for PAX: "Pax the book is like Pax the fox: half wild and wholly beautiful." - New York Times Book Review
Praise for PAX: "Pennypacker's expert, evenhanded storytelling reveals stunning depth in a relatively small package." - Booklist (starred review)