Two Naomis - by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Audrey Vernick (Paperback)

About the Book

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

★ "A smart, endearing story about two girls who are blending families, growing up, and building a friendship." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "This story of two families coming together is grounded and sweet. Recommended for all children who appreciate realistic contemporary stories." -- Booklist (starred review)

"Warm, upbeat, and satisfying." -- Publishers Weekly

"A sweet coming-of-age story. Highly recommended" -- School Library Journal

"Will resonate with young readers who have experienced a change in family dynamics, particularly divorce." -- The Horn Book

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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