Me and Marvin Gardens - by Amy Sarig King (Paperback)

About the Book

A Printz Honor author (under the name A.S. King) tells the story of a friendship between a young boy and a strange creature that eats plastic that could actually save the world. A "Washington Post" Best Book of the Year and New York Public Library Best Book for Kids.

Book Synopsis

The first middle-grade novel from YA superstar Amy Sarig (A. S.) King is a boy-meets-animal story like no other.

Me and Marvin Gardens joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

Washington Post Best Book of the Year

A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids

A Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection

Obe Devlin has problems. His family's farmland has been taken over by developers. His best friend Tommy has abandoned him. And he keeps getting nosebleeds, because of that thing he doesn't like to talk about. So Obe hangs out at the nearby creek, in the last wild patch left, picking up trash and looking for animal tracks.

One day, he sees a creature that looks kind of like a large dog. And as he watches it, he realizes it eats plastic. Only plastic. Water bottles, shopping bags... No one has seen a creature like this before. The animal -- Marvin Gardens -- becomes Obe's best friend and biggest secret. But to keep him safe, Obe must make a decision that might change everything.

Review Quotes

Praise for Me and Marvin Gardens: A Spring 2017 Kid's Indie Next List selectionA Washington Post Best Book of the YearA New York Public Library Best Book for KidsA Chicago Public Library Best Book of the YearA Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection"A provocative exploration of human action and interaction on both local and global levels, as well as the interplay between past, present, and future, King's novel will leave readers pondering how we treat each other and the planet. " -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"A smart, environmentally conscious underdog story with a lot of heart.... The characters are rewardingly complex. Through Obe, King asks the Big Questions alongside the smaller, more personal ones in a way that will likely have readers doing the same." -- The Horn Book Magazine, starred review"A coming-of-age novel with a fully developed and authentic protagonist. An emotionally rich read for a wide audience, especially those interested in keeping the planet alive and well for future generations." -- School Library Journal, starred review"Mystical, fablelike... just right for a sensitive sixth-grader with a growing self- and world awareness trying to navigate the troubled waters of uncertain friendships and demeaning bullying. A finely wrought, magical coming-of-age tale with a convincing message." -- Kirkus Reviews"This is acclaimed YA author King's first foray into middle-grade territory, and it's no surprise that she adeptly handles issues like bullying, compromised friendship, complex family dynamics, and the tedium of homework... Drawing upon the tradition of Carl Hiaasen's Hoot (2002), this eco-focused story will tug at readers' consciences and heartstrings." -- Booklist

About the Author

Amy Sarig King is the author of the middle grade titles Me and Marvin Gardens, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year, and The Year We Fell From Space, an ALSC Notable Children's Book. She has also published many critically acclaimed young adult novels under the name A. S. King, including Please Ignore Vera Dietz, which was named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book; Ask the Passengers, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; Michael L. Printz Award winner and LA Times Book Prize finalist Dig; and SW/TCH. After many years farming abroad, she now lives back in southeastern Pennsylvania with her family. Visit her website at www.as-king.com and follow her on Twitter at @AS_King.