About This Book
This Newbery Medal-winning graphic novel tells the heartwarming and humorous story of Flora Belle Buckman, a cynical girl grappling with her parents' recent divorce. Her life changes when she saves a squirrel, Ulysses, who gains superpowers and a poetic voice after a vacuum cleaner incident. Together, they embark on a series of adventures that help Flora confront her emotions, understand her family, and embrace hope. The book beautifully blends text with comic-book style illustrations, making it engaging for a wide range of young readers. It gently explores themes of family, friendship, and finding wonder in unexpected places.
Rescuing a squirrel after an accident involving a vacuum cleaner, comic-reading cynic Flora Belle Buckman is astonished when the squirrel, Ulysses, demonstrates astonishing powers of strength and flight after being revived. By the Newbery Medal-winning author of The Tale of Despereaux.
Concepts
Sadness & GriefLoneliness & BelongingSelf-Confidence & IdentityCuriosity & WonderJustice & FairnessCreativity & ImaginationLove & FamilyEmpathy & KindnessFriendship & LoyaltyResilience & PerseveranceJoy & GratitudeAnger & FrustrationParents DivorcingMaking FriendsGrowing UpBeing DifferentAnimalsSuperheroesFamily & Siblings
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Flora calls herself a cynic at the beginning of the story? How does she change by the end?
2
What are some of Ulysses's superpowers? If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
3
How does Ulysses's poetry help Flora and her mother understand each other better?
4
What does this book teach us about family, even when things are difficult?
5
How do the illustrations and comic panels help tell the story?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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