A Llama in the Library (Hardcover)

by Johanna Hurwitz (Author), Mark Graham (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6Sometimes even a favorite author can get things wrong. Fans of Hurwitz, and particularly of the book A Llama in the Family (Morrow, 1994), will want to think twice before choosing this title. The book covers incidents that occur during Adam Fines fifth-grade year, starting with a sex-education lesson and ending with a chance to discuss llamas with the state governor. Along the way, he and two friends hunt ghosts, chase ladybugs, and learn about bicycle safety. Adam also finds himself interested in a girl, and gains another sibling. The story is episodic with multiple, unconnected plot elements that are never fully explored or developed. Characters remain two-dimensional for the most part, depending on the readers previous knowledge of them, and some of their more delightful attributes (noted in the first book) are missing here. Even the llamas are only peripheral to the story.Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
In the sequel to A Llama in the Family (1994), 10-year-old Adam faces several surprises. His fifth-grade class gets the nervous giggles after viewing a sex education video; his parents announce that his mother is pregnant; and, most amazing, he discovers that new girl Alana Brown has stolen his heart. Hurwitz allows Adam's friendship with Alana to blossom naturally as the children investigate a haunted inn, deodorize the family's skunk-sprayed llamas, help deliver the new baby, and figure out how to make the llamas into a prime attraction at the opening of the library. With plenty of humor and a few tense moments, this is a sweet, satisfying story guaranteed to please Hurwitz's legion of fans. Chris Sherman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688161383
• ISBN-13: 978-0688161385
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #982,822 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Llama in the Library, January 12, 2000

By A Customer

This book is about a 5th grader, Adam, and his feelings for a new girl that moves into town. It's also about Adam's idea to get his moms llamas to the towns library remodel celebration. The focus seemed to much on Adams feelings for a girl and not enough about the llamas in the title. I felt that it's not appropriate for kids in the 4th grade and under, but to young for older kids. The title will attract kids to read it, but once I read the book I felt it was deceiving. It contains black and white illustrations, and would be 5th grade level reading.