The Humming Room
"Fans of the classic [The Secret Garden] will delight in the similarities and differences."--School Library Journal “Ms. Potter revives the story [ofThe Secret Garden]with such grace and sensitivity.” --­­TheWall Street Journal"Potter excels in creating quirky yet sympathetic characters with richly allusive connections to classic children's literature..."--BCCB"Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, this noteworthy novel stands wholly on its own, as Potter, with classic and contemporary storytelling flair, deftly interweaves fantasy, mystery, suspense, and realism. Beautifully wrought, eloquent prose combines with vivid setting details and diversely-drawn characters to affectingly portray themes of loneliness and grief. Roo is a memorable character—her experiences prove transformative in unexpected ways and, ultimately, her complexities and growth ring true. Poignant without sentimentality, this is a compelling read that is certain to resonate—and linger—with young readers."—Booklist,starred review"Potter intentionally evokes the [Secret Garden], capturing its bittersweet emotions and fey qualities. But it is not a clone in modern dress. The author has created a fresh tale with a strong-willed heroine. . . . . An homage to a cherished classic that can work as a companion piece or stand alone as a solid, modern tale for young readers in the 21st century.--Kirkus Reviews"Potter lavishes attention on the gothic island setting and Roo’s uncle’s estate; it’s a thrilling ghost story, but one that, like the story it’s drawn from, has love and rebirth at its heart. --Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review Praise for THE KNEEBONE BOY:“…The story is fresh, funny and surprising. A quirky charmer.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred review“With a dark, witty absurdity suggestive of Lemony Snicket, Potter (the Olivia Kidney books) draws readers into this compelling mystery-adventure about a missing mother…. Often laugh-out-loud funny, this tale quietly solves a deeper mystery: how to heal the hearts of this immensely likable trio.” –Publishers Weekly“Hilarious and heartbreaking, wild and down-to-earth…The combination of fantasy and realism makes a compelling story, and young people will relate easily to the characters’ struggles. As the author tells the reader, ‘All great adventures have moments that are really crap.’”--BooklistPraise for Ellen Potter:“Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel . . . Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. A must-have for middle school libraries everywhere.”—Kids Lit for Slob“Dashes of Dahl, snippets of Snicket, and heaps of Horvath humor abound, and like its prequel, this can be read on many levels . . . Sparkling writing, madcap characters, and serious themes contribute to a read-aloud that adults will enjoy as much as the children.”—Booklistfor Olivia Kidney Stops for No One