The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd

Summary:

A perfect fall story complete with adventure, mystery, friendship, potential treasure, and ghosts? The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd has it all! Emma Pearl is a 12 year old girl being raised by her semi-crazy, former-boxer grandmother, Blue, in a house with a downstairs cafe and a graveyard for a backyard. Prior to her death, Emma Pearl's mother presented her with the Book of Days, an old book filled with stories from her ancestors, all of whom dreamed of blue flowers in a field that contained an exciting destiny. Emma knows she is set to have the "destiny dream" at a young age. Her time is typically spent in the cafe with her brother, Topher, or giving graveyard tours to the townsfolk of Blackbird Hollow. When she finally has the destiny dream, she knows it is up to her to save the cafe by finding the phantom treasure she's heard about all her life. Teaming up with her best friend, Cody Belle, and her new friend, Earl Chance, Emma Pearl will encounter mysterious telling vines that just might contain the voices of the dearly departed, interpret the meaning of her mysterious destiny, make a new friend, and learn more about the ghosts in their town than they ever dreamed. Find out if Emma Pearl and her friends find the treasure and save the beloved cafe from Warren Steel and his minions when you pick up The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd, available in your library and on Overdrive as an audio book.

Personal Reflections:

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The reader did an excellent job portraying a young, Southern girl. The book had elements of magic, great imagery, and believable characters. The only thing missing was a cup of Boneyard Brew sitting in front of me! My favorite part was when Emma Pearl, Earl Chance, and Cody Bell were heading down a hill and ended up sliding down a muddy trek. The book was humorous but serious - depicting the many attributes of small-town life and the adventures three young friends create. I think most middle school students would enjoy The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd.