The Great Treehouse War
By Lisa Graff
May 16, 2017
Philomel
Source: from publisher for review
Kids vs. parents! An epic treehouse sleepover! An awesome group of friends! An exciting new book from National Book Award finalist Lisa Graff.
Winnie's last day of fourth grade ended with a pretty life-changing surprise. That was the day Winnie s parents got divorced, the day they decided that Winnie would live three days a week with each of them and spend Wednesdays by herself in a treehouse smack between their houses, to divide her time perfectly evenly between them. It was the day Winnie s seed of frustration with her parents was planted, a seed that grew and grew until it felt like it was as big as a tree itself.
By the end of fifth grade, Winnie decides that the only way to change things is to barricade herself in her treehouse until her parents come to their senses and her friends decide to join her. It s kids versus grown-ups, and no one wants to back down first. But with ten kids in one treehouse, all with their own demands, Winnie discovers that things can get pretty complicated pretty fast! Even if they are having the most epic slumber party ever.
In the newest novel by beloved National Book Award finalist Lisa Graff, kids have turned the tables on their parents, and all the rules have been tossed out the window. But does Winnie have what it takes to hold her ground and keep everyone happy?
This story, with a pitch-perfect middle grade voice and zany yet poignant situation, is perfect for fans of Sharon Creech, Louis Sachar, and Jack Gantos.
Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / Indiebound
Winnie’s divorced and constantly arguing parents are obsessed with making sure Winnie spends equal amounts of time with each of them...which is why they decide that Winnie will spend three days a week with each parent and spend Wednesdays by herself in a treehouse located directly between their houses. Winnie loves her treehouse Wednesdays, especially since her parents are currently trying to outdo each other by celebrating wacky and weird holidays, which has caused Winnie to fall way behind on her fifth grade education. But when Winnie’s friends decide that they’re tired of their own parents unfair treatments, the ten kids decide to stay in Winnie’ treehouse and NOT come out until their demands are met! Ten kids, one treehouse, and a whole lot of drama...what could go wrong?
Lisa Graff’s The Great Treehouse War is a witty, heartwarming, and charming middle-grade book. Graff’s signature pitch-perfect storytelling, engaging characters, and honest yet age-appropriate approach to tough subjects, are all present in her newest tale.
The Great Treehouse War is told from Winnie’s precocious and endearing POV, in a scrapbook type format that tells the story of the Treehouse 10 and their experiences during their almost three week standoff in the treehouse. This creative format will captivate and entertain readers with all the extra notes, drawings, how-to’s, and more, included. Young readers will love the awesomely absurd idea of a child spending one day a week alone in a cool treehouse...and Winnie’s two story treehouse, with its bathroom; art station; zip line; and more, makes for a super fun setting.
The Treehouse 10’s time in the treehouse is full of laughs, excitement, and relatable conversation. And each of the Treehouse 10 have a unique, diverse personality that adds a great deal to the story and dynamic. I really like the main heroine Winnie and so will young readers.
And of course, The Great Treehouse War explores subjects like divorce, sibling rivalry, growing up, and more, with a lot of humor, honesty, and heart.
The Great Treehouse War kept me chuckling and entertained with its wild premise, likable characters, and different format...all things middle-grade readers will highly enjoy!
MY RATING
4/5 Cupcakes
Lisa Graff (lisagraff.com) is the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of Lost in the Sun, Absolutely Almost, A Tangle of Knots, Double Dog Dare, Sophie Simon Solves Them All, Umbrella Summer, The Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower, and The Thing About Georgie. Lisa Graff’s books have been named to more than 40 state award lists and have been touted as best books of the year by booksellers, teachers, and librarians. A Tangle of Knots was long-listed for the National Book Award in 2013. Lisa Graff lives with her family just outside of Philadelphia. Follow her on Twitter @LisaGraff.
LITTLE A's DREAM TREEHOUSE
Winnie's treehouse in The Great Treehouse War is pretty cool and got me thinking about how neat it would be to build my own treehouse...but then I thought it would be even MORE fun to ask my three year old niece, Little A, to describe her dream treehouse. This is what she came up with:
- her treehouse would look like a pink castle
- it would have little windows
- there would be both a ladder AND a slide
- she wants a dog, cat, and bunny to live in her treehouse
- she also wants a supply of jello and pudding in the treehouse
- and she would name her treehouse Popsicle
And here's my gorgeous (lol) mock up of that dream treehouse:
Enter for a chance to win one (1) of five (5) copies of The Great Treehouse War
by Lisa Graff
(ARV: $16.99 each).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on May 15, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 2, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
