Absolutely Truly

December 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-When Truly Lovejoy's father is injured serving in Afghanistan and has to turn down a coaching job at the University of Texas, her large family of seven decides to move to Pumpkin Falls, NH, to take over ownership of her grandparents' failing bookstore. Truly expects to hate Pumpkin Falls, but instead she finds a close-knit community and a series of adventures that give her a new confidence. When Truly discovers a scavenger hunt clue in a signed first edition of Charlotte's Web in the bookstore, she and her new friends form "the Pumpkin Falls Detectives" to solve the puzzle. The ending leaves room for a possible sequel, although one has not yet been announced. Narrator Amy Rubinate's soothing voice fits the cozy atmosphere of the novel well. VERDICT This realistic, heartwarming family story will have special appeal for children with parents in the armed forces. ["Fans of the author...will rejoice for a new series with a similarly cozy New England setting, great characters, and literary references to beloved classics": SLJ 6/14 review of the S. & S. book.]-Julie Judkins, Univ. of North Texas, Denton

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 6, 2014
Six months ago, 12-year-old Truly Lovejoy’s life was perfect: her military family had finally settled down in Texas, and she was beginning to make friends. That was before Truly’s army pilot father lost an arm in Afghanistan and decided to move the family to his hometown to take over his parents’ failing bookstore. This first installment of Frederick’s Pumpkin Falls Mystery series, starring an endearing middle schooler who bemoans both her name and her towering height, focuses on themes of adjustment, small-town life, and teamwork. Stuck in a “population you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire” during “the coldest winter on record,” Truly is distracted from her disappointment when she discovers a letter tucked inside one of the bookshop’s rarest books. Soon she’s on a treasure hunt, trying to find clues to a 20-year-old puzzle involving two young lovers. There are conflicts with bullies along the way, but Truly also makes an assortment of friends and acquaintances, including some eccentric citizens. Well-
developed characters, a cozy community, and an intriguing mystery will warm hearts and pique readers’ curiosity. Ages 8–12. Agent: Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary.