Pearl has been abandoned by her mother, left at her aunt Ivy's without a word about when she'll be back. Pearl is understandably in a bad place because of this, not managing to endear herself to anyone around her and trying on her mother's bad habits for size. The characters around her are intriguing, with little bits of their past visible and others hidden, like Moonpi This is an odd little book - odd in that it combines a lovely writing style and strong characterizations with a glum story arc.
The characters around her are intriguing, with little bits of their past visible and others hidden, like Moonpie, the only other child around. I kept expecting more of Ivy, though - she takes care of Pearl and is kind to her, but also seems to be keeping herself at a distance or is it Pearl, telling the story, who's keeping Ivy at a distance? Pearl seems to want love and validation from her aunt, but sees it all go to Moonpie, instead. The story is realistic in these regards - no false happy endings - but ultimately a downer.
I could admire a lot of things about the book, but I never quite enjoyed it. I'm not surprised that it's been something of a shelf sitter here at the library, although I'm sure a better cover would help get it in the hands of kids who want and need stories devoid of sugar-coating. Aug 29, Adessa Leibfried rated it liked it. This is an okay book and I wish it was a little bit more detailed and exciting, but it is a pretty good book overall. I would recommend it to some people but not mst.
The theme of the book was that sometimes people are confused and they might come arounds, but then again they might not. Feb 23, Karen rated it liked it Shelves: I didn't love this book but I did think it did a nice job with realistic characterization.
Moonpie and Ivy: Barbara O'Connor: theranchhands.com: Books
The protagonist, Pearl, is just as confused and vulnerable as a year-old who's been temporarily and inexplicably abandoned by her mother should be. Pearl's longing for affection -- and her simultaneous conviction that she somehow doesn't deserve it -- becomes more concrete as she observes the neighbor child, Moonpie, receiving a heap of attention after a loss in his life. Moonpie receives affection beca I didn't love this book but I did think it did a nice job with realistic characterization.
- See a Problem?.
- Exsultate Justi;
- Moonpie and Ivy.
- ALFRED SHELDON and the Abduction.
- Law of Attraction and Money: How to Manifest Money and Get Rich...NOW!.
- Breakfasts (Tasty Caribbean Island Recipes).
Moonpie receives affection because he is outwardly kind, whereas Pearl can be grumpy and short with those who try to help her. My favorite scene is when Pearl seeks out Moonpie's grandmother -- an old, sick lady who drinks beer in her rocker when she's well enough to get out of bed -- for information on her mother.
See a Problem?
Grandma Nell in effect tells her, "Oh yeah, she stole from me and was hard to get along with, always disobeying her father, etc. Feb 23, Bethany Erickson rated it really liked it Shelves: This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was most likely not given higher ratings by other readers due to the ending. I, however,really enjoyed it. Pearl is a very real character in a real situation.
I could sympathize with her feelings and actions due to her circumstances. But the ending sucked - for Pearl. We don't always get a Cinderella, happily ever after ending. Jan 21, Ashley Blake rated it really liked it. This book is really unique. As the sweltering summer progresses, Pearl grows to appreciate both Ivy and her odd-looking neighbor, year-old Moonpie. Postcards that Pearl addresses to her absentee mother allow readers a glimpse into the girl's feelings and confusion, and Pearl learns a great deal about her mother and her roots through Ivy's and Moonpie's stories. Those who have read Rupert Goody may feel they have traveled this road before, but O'Connor's characters are just as eccentric and convincing as ever.
Although the ending is ambiguous Ruby returns, but is that good or bad? Customer Ratings We have not received enough ratings to display an average for this book. More by Barbara O'Connor. How to Steal a Dog.
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester. As she starts to understand what connects them, and how much she wants to be a part of it, Ruby appears. With a vividly depicted setting, emotional truth, and a distinctly Southern voice, Barbara O'Connor shows how Pearl develops a whole new notion of what she wants, and what she deserves.
Paperback , pages. Published April 2nd by Sunburst first published April 1st To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Moonpie and Ivy , please sign up. Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Jul 06, Jess rated it liked it Shelves: This is an odd little book - odd in that it combines a lovely writing style and strong characterizations with a glum story arc.
Pearl has been abandoned by her mother, left at her aunt Ivy's without a word about when she'll be back. Pearl is understandably in a bad place because of this, not managing to endear herself to anyone around her and trying on her mother's bad habits for size. The characters around her are intriguing, with little bits of their past visible and others hidden, like Moonpi This is an odd little book - odd in that it combines a lovely writing style and strong characterizations with a glum story arc.
The characters around her are intriguing, with little bits of their past visible and others hidden, like Moonpie, the only other child around. I kept expecting more of Ivy, though - she takes care of Pearl and is kind to her, but also seems to be keeping herself at a distance or is it Pearl, telling the story, who's keeping Ivy at a distance? Pearl seems to want love and validation from her aunt, but sees it all go to Moonpie, instead. The story is realistic in these regards - no false happy endings - but ultimately a downer. I could admire a lot of things about the book, but I never quite enjoyed it.
I'm not surprised that it's been something of a shelf sitter here at the library, although I'm sure a better cover would help get it in the hands of kids who want and need stories devoid of sugar-coating. Aug 29, Adessa Leibfried rated it liked it. This is an okay book and I wish it was a little bit more detailed and exciting, but it is a pretty good book overall. I would recommend it to some people but not mst. The theme of the book was that sometimes people are confused and they might come arounds, but then again they might not. Feb 23, Karen rated it liked it Shelves: I didn't love this book but I did think it did a nice job with realistic characterization.
The protagonist, Pearl, is just as confused and vulnerable as a year-old who's been temporarily and inexplicably abandoned by her mother should be.
Moonpie and Ivy
Pearl's longing for affection -- and her simultaneous conviction that she somehow doesn't deserve it -- becomes more concrete as she observes the neighbor child, Moonpie, receiving a heap of attention after a loss in his life. Moonpie receives affection beca I didn't love this book but I did think it did a nice job with realistic characterization.
Moonpie receives affection because he is outwardly kind, whereas Pearl can be grumpy and short with those who try to help her. My favorite scene is when Pearl seeks out Moonpie's grandmother -- an old, sick lady who drinks beer in her rocker when she's well enough to get out of bed -- for information on her mother. Grandma Nell in effect tells her, "Oh yeah, she stole from me and was hard to get along with, always disobeying her father, etc. Feb 23, Bethany Erickson rated it really liked it Shelves:
