conversations.from: human
conversations.value: a description for a book titled The Lotterys Plus One about Grumps, Lotterys, Lottery with the genre: Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life
conversations.from: assistant
conversations.value: Gr 46Sumac Lottery has a pretty sweet life. Four parents (in two loving couples), six siblings, five pets, and a big old house in Toronto. Her world is turned upside down when Grumps, an estranged grandparent, comes to stay. Grumps, who has dementia and is often disoriented, doesn't approve of anything he sees at the Lotterys' house, and Sumac doesn't approve of him one bit. Grumps is, well, grumpy and set in his somewhat bigoted ways, and the Lotterys are a lot to take in. the author is the author of many acclaimed books for adults, and her first title for young readers is a kind of realistic fantasy, a warmhearted, deeply improbable, emotionally alert jumble of ancient Sumerian, lottery winnings, elaborate family rituals, gelato, and acceptance. Many issues are touched upon in this novel, including homeschooling, gender fluidity, and diverse cultural traditions; in the author's capable hands, they are treated with a cheerful self-awareness that lends itself to a timely and funny reading experience. At its core, this is a classic family disruption story, complete with a slow approachment of understanding between the intruder and various family members, and an uplifting if imperfect conclusion. VERDICT An ideal option for "Penderwicks" fans, lovers of Ellen Airgood's Prairie Evers, and those who enjoy series about big, loving families.Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library