Lolo Weaver Swims Upstream - by Polly Farquhar (Hardcover)

About the Book

Stuck in summer school and grieving over her grandfather's death, everything seems to be falling apart for Lolo Weaver, so she hatches a plan to fix things by stealing back her grandfather's dog, whose new owner happens to be a new classmate from summer school.

Book Synopsis

"Not since Ramona Quimby has a character marched right out of a book with so much bravado, humor, and heart."--Barbara O'Connor, New York Times bestselling author of Wish

A headstrong girl's quest to steal back her family's dog goes awry in this humorous and compassionate novel.

Lolo is stuck in summer school with a teacher who is out to get her while her family is still reeling from her grandfather's death. Even his dog is mourning, howling outside all night and every night. Finally, lovable old Hank is sent to a farm across the lake that takes foster dogs.

And it's all Lolo's fault.

Lolo knows she has to get Hank back. In a tippy canoe, Lolo crosses the almost-dried-out lake to steal her dog back. But she runs into Noah, a student in her summer school class and Hank's new owner--and he loves Hank as much as she does.

As Lolo's plan unravels and her uneasy alliance with Noah grows into a friendship, the question of what's best for Hank becomes muddier. Can Lolo manage to do the right thing--for once?

Itch author Polly Farquhar returns to Ohio with a tale of a big-hearted girl searching for answers to tough questions in all the wrong places. Fans of Gary Schmidt will love Farquhar's blend of honesty, humor, and heart.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Review Quotes

"Not since Ramona Quimby has a character marched right out of a book with so much bravado, humor, and heart." --Barbara O'Connor, New York Times bestselling author of Wish

"Bittersweet and heartwarming."--The Horn Book

"This character-driven story is full of warmth and lyrical prose that will fill the reader's heart. Lolo is a passionate and strong character who has many relatable and admirable qualities."--School Library Connection

"Dog lovers will dote on. "--Booklist

"Lolo's realizations are organic and moving.."--Publishers Weekly

"A big-hearted story about grief, disappointment, and learning to trust yourself and others. Lolo's quest shows us that, even when your heart is broken, you can still figure out a way to fix things."--Kate Albus, author of A Place To Hang the Moon

"Lolo has the feel of a classic, where small aventures loom large and gentle discoveries change lives. A new friend, a phalanx of pooping geese, and a run-in with a skunk add to the fun, even as this reader's eyes kept misting over. Lolo's unique voice is going to stay with you long after you close this lovely book."--Tricia Springstubb, author of What Happened on Fox Street

About the Author

Polly Farquhar, author of Itch which received 2 starred reviews, earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Ohio State University and her short stories have been published in literary magazines such as Prairie Schooner and the Mid-American Review. She is also the recipient of two Individual Artists Grants from the Ohio Arts Council. She resides with her husband and daughters in the Columbus, Ohio area, near where her books are set.