SEPTEMBER 2016 - AudioFile
This is the second book in an appealing series, but those who missed the first one, CODY AND THE FOUNTAIN OF HAPPINESS, can still enjoy the adventure. Narrator Natalie Ross gives Cody an assured, eager voice as she looks forward to helping her best friend, Spencer, become acclimated after moving into the neighborhood. Realistically, Spencer’s voice starts out meek as he worries about finding his way in a new school and making new friends and then grows in confidence as he finds his own place and value in the neighborhood. Diverse characters with unique voices, smart dialogue, and realistic situations that kids handle with humor and fairness make this series a winner. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Understated illustrations subtly reinforce these diverse identities and bring the cozy world to life. A perennial message, "different strokes for different folks," delivered with affection and tolerance, 21st-century style.
—Kirkus Reviews
Cody makes some keen observations about both herself and those around her. Those insights often lead to more questions than answers for her titular mysteries, but she remains more filled with awe and wonder than cynicism, making her an endearing heroine for kids just starting to puzzle out their own universes. Wheeler’s monochromatic illustrations add depth to many of the characters—slouching Spencer as he heads to school, Wyatt’s rueful smiles as he hangs out with Cody—and the homey details complement the warmth of the text.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Readers of all ages will readily relate to Cody and the characters around her. This book is perfect for young readers ready to move on from beginning books and early readers.
—School Library Connection
This sequel displays Springstubb’s knack for understanding the ever-shifting questions held by readers this age as their awareness of the universe around them grows in leaps and bounds. Brimming with charm, delight, and a diverse cast of characters.
—Booklist Online
Tricia Springstubb...has created an irrepressible free spirit in Cody and this charming novel for young readers is told from Cody's point of view.
—Buffalo News
SEPTEMBER 2016 - AudioFile
This is the second book in an appealing series, but those who missed the first one, CODY AND THE FOUNTAIN OF HAPPINESS, can still enjoy the adventure. Narrator Natalie Ross gives Cody an assured, eager voice as she looks forward to helping her best friend, Spencer, become acclimated after moving into the neighborhood. Realistically, Spencer’s voice starts out meek as he worries about finding his way in a new school and making new friends and then grows in confidence as he finds his own place and value in the neighborhood. Diverse characters with unique voices, smart dialogue, and realistic situations that kids handle with humor and fairness make this series a winner. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2016-02-02
Cody's impatient for Spencer Pickett's family to move in with his grandma, GG; as readers of the series' first installment know, waiting isn't Cody's strong suit. On the Picketts' arrival, surprises ensue (Spencer plays the violin) as well as mysteries: GG's duplex unit is full of Picketts (Spencer's parents are launching a business), but apart from the name "Meen" on the mailbox, the adjacent unit looks empty. When ant-fancier Cody's stung by a yellow jacket, Mr. Meen appears with a remedy—he's an exterminator! Unlike their dad, the Meen girls aren't friendly, and Molly forbids Cody and Spencer to play in the backyard. Cody tries to mentor Spencer, who's younger, but the teacher she warned him about (the Spindle) likes him—Cody finds them listening to Mozart during recess. Cody's classmate Pearl makes origami animals for Spencer and plays piano; soon they're rehearsing for a concert. Do they like each other better than they like Cody? Are the Meen girls bullies or friend material? Her big brother is there for Cody, when not romantically preoccupied, but her restless, inventive mind and kind heart are her best resources. The African-American Picketts are middle-class, while, like the Meens, Cody's family is more blue-collar (Dad drives a truck; Mom works in retail) and white. Asian-American Pearl, with her origami and music, hews rather too closely to stereotype. Understated illustrations subtly reinforce these diverse identities and bring the cozy world to life. A perennial message, "different strokes for different folks," delivered with affection and tolerance, 21st-century style. (Fiction. 7-10)
