DiCamillo, K. (2013). Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.Newbery Medal Winner (2014)NewberyThis book is about a girl named Flora that befriends a squirrel that gains superpowers from being sucked up into a vacuum. Both Flora and the squirrel, named Ulysses, end up on many crazy adventures that lead them to new friendships and relationships with Flora’s family members. I enjoyed reading the story and getting to see the relationship grow between Flora and Ulysses. The story was written very well and it was a good mixture of funny moments and anxious moments as well. The illustrations were also set up in a comic book manner and I felt that it added to the whole idea of Ulysses having superpowers. I can see 3rd-6th grade students enjoying this story and I think students can learn about poetry from this book. I enjoyed reading this story and I found myself missing Flora and Ulysses after I was done reading. I was excited to read this book because I really enjoyed past books by Kate Dicamillo. I was disappointed though...it just wasn't a story I enjoyed. I had to read it for a class and was falling asleep the whole time I was reading it. I felt like the story line wasn't developed enough and was almost trying too hard to make a story about a magical squirrel. Overall it was an okay read, but I wouldn't put this on the list of books to read again.
I just love Kate DiCamillo... And this one was just fun fun fun to read.
—zn1
Clever and unique. Love the graphic novel elements.
—book
This book is a glorious adventure in reading.
—Angel1
Adorable and sweet.
—flowerlaze
