Friday, October 21, 2016

What Secrets Does the Graveyard Hold?

Emma lives with her brother and her grandmother over the family cafe. Their restaurant is known for its Boneyard Brew, a specialty hot chocolate, which makes folks feel better whenever they have it. Their café is right up against an old cemetery, which has more to it than meets the eye. Emma knows the graveyard pretty well since she gives tours of it all summer long. Emma always tries to look on the bright side of things, even if it's not that easy when she has “the big empty”. She's hoping to have “the dream of her ancestors”, her destiny dream, at any time now. All the women in her family have had it, and they've gone on to do great and magnificent things. When Emma finds out that her grandmother, Blue, is going to have to sell the café to a developer she is determined to do whatever she can to keep it in her family. When she has her destiny dream she knows what she has to do to save the café. But will she be able to do it? Is the risk to great? Will she and her friends be able to find the answer in time? You'll have to hunt down the answer with them!

I was excited to read The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd and was not disappointed! Her writing continues to be beautiful and touching. I love the characters because they are each unique and I was able to relate to them. The names used in the book are memorable. I like the tale of friendship and standing up to bullies that was prevalent. I also like the idea of our destiny and that we can fulfill it many different ways. I would love to visit Blackbird Hollow, where Emma and her family live. It sounds like the most wonderful place. The cemetery seems to be an interesting spot to learn more about too! I recommend this book to kids in third grade and up who like realistic fiction mixed with magical elements. Having hope and believing anything is possible are two keys to being extraordinary.  

Has anyone else read The Key to Extraordinary? Or have you read another book by Natalie Lloyd? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Check out our interview with Natalie Lloyd!

Happy Reading!
~L

48 comments:

  1. I would try the Boneyard Brew. Nothing like a good cup of hot chocolate on a chilly night.

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    1. Alex- I totally agree and it sounds delicious in the story! :) ~L

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  2. Both of these books sound like great reads--especially for October and Halloween! A cup of Boneyard Brew may hit the spot tonight. Temps are said to be dropping in our neck of the woods. (From the 90s to the 40s!)

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    1. Valerie- Boneyard Brew is perfect for this time of year. :) ~L

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  3. Sounds like an intriguing read! Love the sound of this Boneyard Brew and love old cemeteries!

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    1. Donna- If you love old cemeteries than you will enjoy this book for sure! :) ~L

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  4. Sure sounds like a great mixture indeed.

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  5. In need of some Boneyard Brew myself. The Key to Extraordinary sounds like the perfect accompaniment

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    1. Tracy- Together they would be magical! :) ~L

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  6. This sounds perfect for Halloween, and I love the setting and that there is a pinch of magic.

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    1. Heidi- I love the pinch of magic too and it is great for this time of year. :) ~L

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  7. It sounds absolutely wonderful. For any age. And add me to the list of people who would happily settle down with a big cup of Boneyard Brew.

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    1. EC- I would love a big cup of Boneyard Brew too! Plus, they have the most delicious sounding muffins. :) ~L

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  8. Oh, my, sounds chilling but thrilling!

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  9. I like that Emma gives tours of the cemetery :) Sounds like an enchanting book!

    betty

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    1. Betty- It is definitely enchanting and if you read it you will enjoy learning about Emma's cemetery tours. :) ~L

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  10. I have not read this book, but it sounds like a good one!

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  11. Hi DMS - I haven't read anything by Natalie ... but she can certainly tell a tale that will appeal ... BoneYard Brew ... conjures all sorts of things ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary- Natalie is a super sweet person (we met her two years ago at a children's book fair) and her writing is fantastic. She really does have a way with words! :) ~L

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  12. This sounds so interesting! And I could really go for some of that hot chocolate :)

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    1. Meradeth- It is a great read and I am wanting some hot chocolate too! :) ~L

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  13. Haven't read it, but sounds like a great read.

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  14. That is a good mix - realistic fiction mixed with magical elements.

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  15. This sounds delightful and meaningful at the same time. Thanks for the great review!

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    1. Lexa- Natalie has a great way with words and her stories have many layers. Lots of fun and her books make you think. :) ~L

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  16. Great review. I've never read this one. The colors on the cover are great. They really get your attention.

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    1. Kelly- I agree that the cover really grab's your attention and the story is fabulous! :) ~L

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  17. The Key to Extraordinary is such a brilliant title that alone is enough to make me want to read it, and your review has convinced me that I must.

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    1. Lisa- It would be a fun book for boys or girls! :) ~L

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  19. I think middle grade books which are to do with strong friendships and standing up to bullies are some of the most important, because those two things are what you'll need all the way through life. There are always some bullies out there, regardless of your age.

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    1. Olivia- Very well said! Definitely important themes for MG books! :) ~L

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  20. Sounds like a great read!

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  21. Nice names, Blue and Blackbird Hollow. And a cafe, and a concoction called Boneyard Brew. Wow! (I'll add this book to my list. The setting is enough to make me want to read it.)

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    1. Claudine- Natalie has an amazing way with words and she picks really cool names. :) ~L

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  22. I really think this will be a fun read! I will look into it more.

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    1. Ayla- It is a great book. If you read it then I would love to hear your thoughts! :) ~L

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  23. Lovely review sweetie :) I'm glad you liked this one. It do seem pretty interesting :D Maybe not for me, but curious about it.

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    1. Carina- It is a great read. Natalie is an amazing storyteller. :) ~L

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