
Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Absolutely Normal Chaos (Walk Two Moons, 2) Paperback – April 24, 2012
Purchase options and add-ons
"By turns sarcastic, tender, and irreverent, this will quickly make its way into the hands of readers who loved Walk Two Moons." —Kirkus
This beloved prequel to bestselling author Sharon Creech's Newbery Medal winner Walk Two Moons chronicles the life of a thirteen-year-old during her most chaotic and romantic summer ever via journal entries, filled with hilarious observations on love, death, and the confusing mechanics of holding hands.
Mary Lou is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer. Boring! Then cousin Carl Ray comes to stay with her family, and what starts out as the dull dog days of summer quickly turns into the wildest roller-coaster ride of all time.
Named one of the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing!
- Print length230 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level4 - 6
- Lexile measure840L
- Dimensions5.12 x 0.51 x 7.62 inches
- PublisherHarperCollins
- Publication dateApril 24, 2012
- ISBN-100064406326
- ISBN-13978-0064406321
Frequently bought together

More items to explore
From the Publisher
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Time | Moo | The Boy on the Porch | Saving Winslow | The Unfinished Angel | |
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
|
| Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars
103
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
725
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
381
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
777
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
119
|
| Price | $6.39$6.39 | $7.36$7.36 | $6.99$6.99 | $7.99$7.99 | $1.35$1.35 |
| A coming-of-age novel of a girl who discovers the endless possibilities her future may hold, with help from a brilliant teacher and a mysterious boy with a generous smile. | A heartwarming novel about one family’s adventure-filled move from the city to rural Maine, and an unexpected bond between one girl and a very ornery cow. | When a young couple arrives home to find a boy asleep on their porch, their lives take an unexpectedly joyous turn. | An uplifting story about a young boy who befriends an ailing newborn donkey and nurses him back to health. | Infused with hope, happiness, and an appreciation for the little things that make life big, Sharon Creech spins a singular story about one extraordinary angel. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Castle Corona | Love That Dog | Hate That Cat | A Fine, Fine, School | Bloomability | |
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
|
| Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars
66
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
2,445
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
634
|
4.8 out of 5 stars
384
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
327
|
| Price | $6.39$6.39 | $7.81$7.81 | $7.99$7.99 | $6.99$6.99 | $7.99$7.99 |
| Take one mysterious stolen pouch, add two pitifully poor peasants plus a family of spoiled royals and you have an exquisite, delectable, and hilarious tale. | Love That Dog shows how one boy finds his own voice with the help of a teacher, a writer, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course … a dog. | With classic poetry from Tennyson, Eliot, and Poe, to name a few, a hilarious hero, and one incredible surprise, Sharon Creech makes magic once again in this narrative poem. | This charming and hilarious book is about what happens when a principal and his students take their love of learning a bit too far. | A story where young Domenica Santolina Doone uncovers a world of adventures when she is whisked away to an international school in Lugano, Switzerland. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chasing Redbird | Heartbeat | Replay | The Great Unexpected | Fishing in the Air | |
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
|
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars
421
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
242
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
97
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
272
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
21
|
| Price | $6.39$6.39 | $7.99$7.99 | $7.99$7.99 | $7.66$7.66 | $7.99$7.99 |
| With wonderful new cover art, here is an intricately woven tale of a young girl who sets out in search of her place in the world—and discovers it in her own backyard. | Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully weaves this story about a young girl finding her identity and learning how it fits within the many rhythms of life. | This poignant and humorous story tells of a boy who fantasizes about who he is in order to discover who he will become. | A celebration of the great and unexpected gifts of friendship and forgiveness, and weaves together two worlds. | In her first picture book, Newbery Medal author Sharon Creech creates a moving, lyrical portrait of the bond between a father and son. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granny Torrelli Makes Soup | Ruby Holler | The Wanderer | Pleasing the Ghost | Absolutely Normal Chaos | Sharon Creech 3-Book Box Set | |
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
|
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars
188
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
687
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
387
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
81
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
681
|
4.8 out of 5 stars
238
|
| Price | $7.99$7.99 | $7.99$7.99 | $6.69$6.69 | $5.59$5.59 | $6.39$6.39 | $17.58$17.58 |
| With warm words and secret recipes she helps Rosie and Max to see that nothing can break the bond between two lifelong pals. | Tiller and Sairy are an eccentric older couple who live in the beautiful, mysterious Ruby Holler, but they’re restless for one more big adventure. | One thirteen-year-old girl’s sailing journey across the Atlantic Ocean brings more adventure than just the battle of the open seas. | Uncle Arvie’s antics and Dennis’s attempts to please his ghost form the heart of this funny and tender tale from a Newbery Medal–winning storyteller. | With beautiful, bold new cover art, this favorite from acclaimed author Sharon Creech will delight readers with Mary Lou’s hilarious and heartfelt journal entries. | Selected New York Times bestselling novels by Newbery Award winner Sharon Creech – Love That Dog, Hate That Cat, and Moo – now in a paperback boxed set. |
Editorial Reviews
Review
From the Back Cover
Dear Mr. Birkway,
Here it is: my summer journal.
As you can see,
I got a little carried away.
The problem is this, though.
I don't want you to read it.
Remember Mary Lou Finney from Walk Two Moons?Here's her complete, secret journal!
Mary Lou Finney is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer. Boring! Then cousin Carl Ray comes to stay with her family, and what starts out as the dull dog days of summer quickly turns into the wildest roller-coaster ride of all time.
How was Mary Lou supposed to know what would happen with Carl Ray and the ring? Or with her boy-crazy best friend Beth Ann? Or with (sigh) the permanently pink Alex Cheevey? Suddenly a boring school project becomes a record of the most exciting, incredible, unbelievable summer of Mary Lou's life.
But what if her teacher actually does read her journal?
About the Author
Sharon Creech has written twenty-one books for young people and is published in over twenty languages. Her books have received awards in both the U.S. and abroad, including the Newbery Medal for Walk Two Moons, the Newbery Honor for The Wanderer, and Great Britain’s Carnegie Medal for Ruby Holler.
Before beginning her writing career, Sharon Creech taught English for fifteen years in England and Switzerland. She and her husband now live in Maine, “lured there by our grandchildren,” Creech says.
www.sharoncreech.com
Product details
- Publisher : HarperCollins; Reprint edition (April 24, 2012)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 230 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0064406326
- ISBN-13 : 978-0064406321
- Reading age : 10 - 13 years, from customers
- Lexile measure : 840L
- Grade level : 4 - 6
- Item Weight : 5.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.12 x 0.51 x 7.62 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #43,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #178 in Children's New Experiences Books
- #373 in Children's Books on Girls' & Women's Issues
- #2,368 in Children's Literature (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Sharon Creech is the author of the Newbery Medal winner Walk Two Moons and the Newbery Honor Book The Wanderer. Her other work includes the novels Hate That Cat, The Castle Corona, Replay, Heartbeat, Granny Torrelli Makes Soup, Ruby Holler, Love That Dog, Bloomability, Absolutely Normal Chaos, Chasing Redbird, and Pleasing the Ghost, as well as three picture books: A Fine, Fine School; Fishing in the Air; and Who's That Baby? Ms. Creech and her husband live in upstate New York.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the story's drama, adventures, and unexpected twists. They found the book interesting for readers of all ages, especially young female readers. The author provided detailed writing that was easy to follow. The main character had a great personality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story's engaging plot with unexpected twists and turns. They find the drama, adventures, and emotional moments captivating. The book is described as a great tale that keeps readers hooked until the end.
"...This story gave me many emotions and sometimes is was hard to stop reading because I was so tempted to know what happens next it also has some..." Read more
"...I also thought that it was great because of the storyline. It wasn't a book where it gets confusing because it's all happening at once...." Read more
"This book is is full of surprises! Carl Ray,Mary Lou`s cousin,comes to live with the Finney`s...." Read more
"...Second, it is a very light book, and doesnt have too much suspense. Finally, some of the chapters are one or two sentences...." Read more
Customers find the book engaging for readers of all ages. They say it's an excellent book for kids age 8-10, and great for young female readers. The book brings back happy memories and is great for coming of age and understanding how life can change.
"...It’s fun to read to my son and enjoy the book together. I would definitely recommend and still wonder how this book isn’t more we’ll known." Read more
"...I highly recommend reading this book because it is interesting for anyone of any age to read." Read more
"...This book is great for children and teen girls! Enjoy as you ride along with Mary Lou and her summer vacation!" Read more
"...It reminds me of my own ascension into adulthood. Good for young female readers and older alike. :)" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's detail. They find it easy to read and a quick read for young chapter book readers. The layout is like a diary, and the author is described as an artist.
"...The meanings and messages evolved as I did. Sharon is a true artist I could read over and over again...." Read more
"this is my new favorite book! I love that the layout is like a diary and some things in the story are so relatable and some are touching...." Read more
"Quick read for up and coming chapter book readers. Diary style." Read more
"I thought that it was a great book because it wasn't narrated by the author, but by a character...." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find Mary Loy a great main character with a good personality. The story is clear and engaging.
"...liked all the drama and the story was very clear and very interresting characters in thai Story...." Read more
"...Anxious to read the next book!! Mary Loy is a great main character with great personality" Read more
"Students love all the characters!!!!..." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor.
"This book was hilarious, I can not wait to see what anyone else thinks. I give this book 4 stars. Wow all I can say I wow" Read more
"really, really funny and I'm an adult. The girl telling the story has a great slant on what goes on in a teenagers mind. Very cool!" Read more
"This book is exiting and fun. Its also very funny and it catches on sometimes. I would read it a second time!!!!" Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024I first read this book in grade school. Loved it then and love it still. The meanings and messages evolved as I did. Sharon is a true artist I could read over and over again. Each time gaining a new insight and appreciation for her masterpieces.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2023This is the second book by Sharon Creech I have read with my students. We are loving it.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2022Mary Lou Finney is an absolutely Normal 13 year old who was assigned to write a summer journal for her English class. This is that journal (she went a little overboard)
When she was first given this assignment Mary Lou wasn't even sure what a journal was. What she was sure of was that it was going to be really boring for whoever had to read it. But, after her annoying 17 year old cousin Carl Ray moved in with them on short notice to find a job things started to get interesting.
Throughout the summer she often parallels her life with the Odyssey (which is part of her summer reading program) by the end of the summer she hardly recognizes the person who started it.
A coming of age story told through journal entries of a 13 year old discovering love, loss, the importance of family and friendship and ultimately herself over the course of summer.
Middle school aged girls will easily relate to Mary Lou and what she's experiencing.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2020I remember reading this book as a young teen maybe younger and I loved it. It’s the only book I’ve ever been able to re-read and still enjoy so I decided to buy it to read to my 9 year old son. I am happy to say he also loves it! It brings back happy memories of reading it and I still remember most things that happened in the book! It’s fun to read to my son and enjoy the book together. I would definitely recommend and still wonder how this book isn’t more we’ll known.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2018this is my new favorite book! I love that the layout is like a diary and some things in the story are so relatable and some are touching. This story gave me many emotions and sometimes is was hard to stop reading because I was so tempted to know what happens next it also has some secrets that need to be uncovered. At first I thought this book was going to be really bad but trust me its great. I really recommend it. Bye peeps and you better read it ✌
-School Student
- Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2020This axialy is probably like one of my favorite books! I am not much of a reader and normally i hate the books and never finish them but this, this hooks you really fast! If your not much of a reader like me this is the book for you! It is so funny the way she talks about her cousin! But like all books there is a down side, i would only recommend this book for maybe 13 and older becuase of all the talk and mention of sex. And im not going to spoil much but also i was not t fond of her friends "boyfriend" cheated on her but that is all i think this book is the best!
-
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023Para los niños es un libro muy bueno
- Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2023Quick read for up and coming chapter book readers. Diary style.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on February 7, 20165.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
This is a great read.
lindaReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 20165.0 out of 5 stars Great story
Yet another great storyline from Sharon Creech. These books are not just for teenagers and have life telling themes to them - I read them all before I give them to my granddaughter.
Mrs. N. IronsReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 20124.0 out of 5 stars Bought for present
My daughter really enjoyed the book. She was totally absorbed from the moment she started reading it. It's an unusual story and typical of Sharon Creech.
BeccaReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 20181.0 out of 5 stars One Star
got a really old battered version of it.








