Almost There and Almost Not by Linda Urban

 

California Poppy has been dropped off, yet again, with an unsuspecting relative. This time it’s her eccentric Great-Aunt Monica, a woman she’s never even met. Aunt Monica has no idea what to do with an eleven-year-old, so she puts California to work researching their ancestor, the once-famous etiquette expert Eleanor Fontaine.

California soon discovers that Great-Great-Great Aunt Eleanor is...not exactly alive and well, but a ghost—and a super sensitive one at that. The grand dame bursts into clouds of dust whenever she loses her composure, which happens quite often. Still, an unexpected four-legged friend and some old-fashioned letter writing make this decidedly strange situation one that California can handle.

Just as California’s starting to feel like she’s found a place for herself, life turns upside-down yet again. Thankfully, this time she has some friends almost by her side...

REVIEW: California Poppy is a resourceful eleven year old whose height and maturity sometimes make it difficult for people "to see the eleven in her". As she begins to help Aunt Monica with her research, California learns a lot from the ghosts of Aunt Eleanor; she also begins writing letters (most of which she never intends to send) that help the reader learn more about the unfortunate circumstances that brought California to Aunt Monica's house in the first place. California's lively voice is endearing and believable as she begins to find her place in the world and the story moves at a quick pace that kept me engaged throughout. Highly recommend this book for younger readers - 4.5 stars.