Book Review | Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker

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Leeva Thornblossom loves to learn but her parents, the insufferable mayor and selfish tax collector of their small town, don’t want to send her to school, and they certainly don’t want her to meet other people.

Leeva sets out to finds answers: what have her parents been hiding from her?

This hilarious and heart-warming new adventure from Sara Pennypacker, the best-selling author of Pax, with illustrations by Caldecott Medal-winner Matthew Cordell, is perfect for fans of Matilda, Flora and Ulysses, and A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Leeva’s her local newspaper teaches her a new word every day, and soap operas show her the many shades of human expression. And when she comes across the announcement that all children are required to go to school, Leeva sees an opportunity to do something that newspapers and television alone can’t provide: the chance to meet people.

But why don’t her parents want her to?

With the help of the town’s librarian and her son, unforgettable hero Leeva sets out to finds answers.

Leeva at Last is a delightful story perfect for young readers in the 9 to 11 year age group.

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Kidspot reader reviews

We gave some Kidspot kids the opportunity to read and review the book. Check out their feedback below.

Book review by Leo (age 9.5 years)

Leeva at Last, written by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Matthew Cordell, is a book about a girl named Leeva Spayce Thornblossom. She is the daughter of the town Mayor who is obsessed with being famous, and the town Treasurer who only cares about money.

Leeva’s parents aren’t very nice people at all, and Leeva decides one day to sneak out of her home and figure out an answer to her question: “What are people for?”

I really enjoyed this book. The friends Leeva makes along the way are interesting and funny characters including Bob the badger. The story is funny and well written. I found it hard to book the book down and I kept wanting to read more! I would definitely recommend this book for everyone to read.

Leeva at Last

Book review by Eden (age 9)

Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker is quite a sad book because Leeva’s parents are really mean to her. She has to make her parents dinner every night and her parents never let her out of the house. But one day she escaped and found out there was a library next door. There she meets some new friends that change her life.

Leeva starts to feel happy for the first time in her life. Every day she visits the library and starts finding out about the real world outside of her house. This leads to her going on an adventure where she ends up bringing home a new furry friend.

Will Leeva end up finding out the answer to her question “what are people for?” You will need to read the book to find out.

Leeva at Last

Book review by Kaitlyn (age 12)

Leeva Spayce Thornblossom is an eight year old girl with awful parents. At the beginning of the book, she had never stepped out of doors because her parents forbade her. Her parents are obsessed with fame and fortune. They only had her because they thought that she would bring them fame.

Leeva wonders what on earth people are for. Her mother says fame, and her father says money, but Leeva is not quite so sure. She finds out, learning many other things in the process.

Leeva at last is an enjoyable read for practically any age. Sara Pennypacker packs her book with humour which makes it a pleasure to read. I reckon children who love Matilda will also love this book, as it is based on the same principles- awful parents, finding friends among the people her parents think are awful.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot and would probably rate it an eight out of ten.

The reviewers were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.

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