The Key to Extraordinary

Reviewed by: Patti Francis - Pownal Elementary School, Pownal, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2016

Review

Emma can’t wait to have her destiny dream. All of the women in Emma’s family, known as the Wildflowers, are extraordinary. Reaching back to the American Revolution, each Wildflower has received a destiny dream showing them how they are meant to make a difference in the world. While waiting for her own special dream, Emma gets caught up in a fight to save her family’s bakery, the Boneyard Cafe, and a mystery in the town’s graveyard. Then when her destiny dream finally comes, it points to a treasure that Emma thinks could be the answer to all of her problems. With the help of two good friends, the Book of Days (a record of all of the Wildflowers destiny dreams), magical talking flowers and a mysterious singing ghost, Emma sets out the find this legendary treasure, save the Boneyard Cafe, and fulfill her destiny.

A sweet, quirky adventure with a dash of magic to bring out the extraordinary. Lloyd once again brings us a her fanciful writing style; sweet, courageous, strong characters; and the conviction the everyone can make a positive difference in the world. This mystery adventure is a must for any children’s junior fiction collection. Recommended for grades 3rd through 6th.

Overall Book Score: excellent