As Simple as It Seems

by Sarah Weeks Narrated by Rachel Gray

Overview

Verbena Colter knows she's bad news. Trouble from the get-go. How could she not be, with parents like hers? Her mother practically pickled her before she was even born, leaving Verbie to struggle with the effects of fetal alchol syndrome. And her father was just plain mean. Verbie wishes she could be somebody, anybody other than who she is. Enter Pooch, a flatlander boy visiting for the summer. When Pooch and his mom rent the house next door, Verbie takes the opportunity to be someone else entirely. And what starts out as a game leads Verbie into a surprising and heartwarming journey of self-discovery.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

There are many passages that could jump-start a booktalk and get this into kids’ hands.” — School Library Journal

“Life and death weave together in strange ways one summer for twelve year old Verbena Colter. Sarah Weeks tells her story with warmth, grace, and deep compassion. A stunning novel about life’s many complications and how we struggle to grow up, into ourselves.” — Brian Selznick, author and Caldecott winning illustrator of THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET

“Verbena is a character you will not want to leave. An endearing story, heartfelt, and buoyant.” — Pam Munoz Ryan, author of ESPERANZA RISING

“Young readers will recognize their struggles to grow and understand their own lives, while laughing, and crying along the way. Nothing simple here; just fine writing.” — Avi, Newbery Medal-winning author of CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD

Newbery Medal-winning author of CRISPIN: THE C Avi

Young readers will recognize their struggles to grow and understand their own lives, while laughing, and crying along the way. Nothing simple here; just fine writing.

Brian Selznick

Life and death weave together in strange ways one summer for twelve year old Verbena Colter. Sarah Weeks tells her story with warmth, grace, and deep compassion. A stunning novel about life’s many complications and how we struggle to grow up, into ourselves.

Pam Munoz Ryan

Verbena is a character you will not want to leave. An endearing story, heartfelt, and buoyant.

Newbery Medal-winning author of CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD - Avi

"Young readers will recognize their struggles to grow and understand their own lives, while laughing, and crying along the way. Nothing simple here; just fine writing."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169262131
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	03/08/2011
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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