Lucy Rose: Working Myself to Pieces and Bits [Hardcover]

Katy Kelly (Author), Peter Ferguson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Lucy Rose

I'M LUCY ROSE and here's the thing about friends: I am lucky in them. And here's the thing about that: sometimes they are in need, indeed, especially when one of them buys a plumbing store and needs to diva it up so it can turn into a bakery. That is one job that takes work and costs plenty, and even 72 or more McBees couldn't get that job done by themselves. But between all the stuff you have to do in fourth and my bingo-calling and keeping track of my gigantic vocabulary and trying to keep away from the word thief Ashley and trying to stop the worst rumor you ever heard and dreaming up a money-making scheme that doesn't cost us money and plus having to build that bakery, I am working myself to pieces and bits. I would say most people would be so beat tired they'd collapse on the spot, but here's what I say to that: I am one busy bee who loves my friends.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–5—The fourth book in Kelly's diary-format series follows the intrepid Lucy Rose from Christmas vacation through the end of fourth grade. The child tries to figure out how to deal with a bully while also putting considerable time and thought into ways to help family friends realize their dream of opening a bakery. Readers new to the series might have trouble figuring out Lucy Rose's complicated network of extended family and friends, although the plot is strong enough to shine through a little confusion. Kelly's use of diction and phrasing usually results in a voice that sounds authentic, but sometimes she gets bogged down in unnecessary words. That said, her exploration of life in a family in which a parent manages to maintain a meaningful relationship with a daughter who lives in another state is unique, and Kelly gives a more nuanced and realistic picture of bullies than one normally sees in fiction for this audience.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“A good choice for readers who like stories that deal with friendship and family concerns, as well as those looking for something funny to read.”
—Booklist

“Kelly gives a more nuanced and realistic picture of bullies than one normally sees in fiction for this audience.”—School Library Journal


From the Trade Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (September 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385734085
• ISBN-13: 978-0385734080
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.8 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #959,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lucy Rose Cracks Me Up Into Pieces and Bits, May 11, 2009

By 

E.K.B. "EKBofNYC" (Manhattan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucy Rose: Working Myself to Pieces and Bits (Paperback)

In this installment, Lucy Rose seems more ambitious and ready to take on responsibilities, no matter how small. Her family and friends are featured well in this book as her best friend, Jonique, and her family attempt to open a bakery, which Lucy Rose is all for. Lucy Rose eagerly helps (and the adult reactions to her sometimes overly zealous helpfulness are laugh-out-loudable) and gets ready for each new task- although sometimes it might require a little lie down and perhaps a treat. Lucy Rose has the makings of a fine young preteen and, fingers crossed, we'll get to watch her grow a little more.