Two Naomis - by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Audrey Vernick

About the Book

A realistic and heartwarming contemporary story about two girls named Naomi--one black, the other white--whose divorced parents begin to date that's ideal for fans of Lisa Graff, Sara Pennypacker, and Rita Williams-Garcia.

Book Synopsis

A realistic contemporary story of two girls whose divorced parents begin to date--perfect for fans of Lisa Graff, Sara Pennypacker, and Rita Williams-Garcia. "A smart, endearing story about two girls who are blending families, growing up, and building a friendship." (Kirkus starred review)

Other than their first names, Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith are sure they have nothing in common, and they wouldn't mind keeping it that way.

Naomi Marie starts clubs at the library and adores being a big sister. Naomi Edith loves quiet Saturdays and hanging with her best friend in her backyard. And while Naomi Marie's father lives a few blocks away, Naomi Edith wonders how she's supposed to get through each day a whole country apart from her mother.

When Naomi Marie's mom and Naomi Edith's dad get serious about dating, each girl tries to cling to the life she knows and loves. Then their parents push them into attending a class together, where they might just have to find a way to work with each other--and maybe even join forces to find new ways to define family.

Review Quotes

Praise for TEACH YOUR BUFFALO TO PLAY DRUMS: "Several small pictures appear on most pages, surrounded by ample white space, showing the huge animal trying to engage in human activities like skateboarding and showering, resulting in some very funny scenarios." - School Library Journal
Praise for IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? "This story's simple lesson about individuality is cleverly expressed through Vernick's gentle wit and Jennewein's crayon-outlined kindergartners-most of all, the furry and ungainly reader surrogate with whom kids will readily relate." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?: "As an embodiment of school anxiety, this buffalo leads the herd-plus, he's got a hump." - Kirkus Reviews
Praise for IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?: "Vernick's amusing tale will prove handy as a first-day-of-school book recommendation for children and teachers alike." - School Library Journal
"Rhuday-Perkovich and Vernick hit all the right sister notes with hilarity and heart. Hopefully we have not heard the last of these two Naomis." - Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor author of One Crazy Summer
"This book won my heart with its laughter, love, and achingly-beautiful longing. Rhuday-Perkovich and Vernick are masters of All The Feels." - Tracey Baptiste, author of The Jumbies, a School Library Journal selection
"A sweet coming-of-age story. Highly recommended" - School Library Journal
"Score one for blended families where race and mean-girl attitudes are not the issues, and where humor, compassion, and a shared love for baked goods bring people together." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
★ "This story of two families coming together is grounded and sweet. Recommended for all children who appreciate realistic contemporary stories." - Booklist (starred review)
"Will resonate with young readers who have experienced a change in family dynamics, particularly divorce." - The Horn Book
"I could describe this book as suffused with empathy, intensely vulnerable, fall-out-of-your-chair funny, and much more, but instead I'll just describe what it's like to read it, which I can do with one word: joy. To read Two Naomis is to experience joy." - Mike Jung, author of Unidentified Suburban Object
"A gem of a novel about forging friendships and families, Two Naomis absolutely sparkles with humor and heart. Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick have crafted a vibrant, richly drawn story about two girls forced to face family-changing challenges together. Filled with good intentions and messy emotions, they show readers what it means to try and fail and forgive. I loved the Naomis so much!" - Kate Messner, author of All the Answers and The Seventh Wish
"A gem of a novel about forging friendships and families, Two Naomis absolutely sparkles with humor and heart....Filled with good intentions and messy emotions, they show readers what it means to try and fail and forgive. I loved the Naomis so much!" - Kate Messner, author of All the Answers and The Seventh Wish
"This is a sweet, modern story about friendship, divorce, and blended families, told from alternating POVs by the two different authors." The Most Exciting Middle Grade Reads of Fall 2016 - Brightly
★ "A smart, endearing story about two girls who are blending families, growing up, and building a friendship." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Warm, upbeat, and satisfying." - Publishers Weekly