Staff Pick
The Lotterys are nothing like a traditional family — two dads, two moms, and seven kids, all living in a large Victorian home in Toronto. Named for the winning ticket that changed their fortune, this diverse family spends their days visiting museums, exploring the woods behind their home, playing with friends, and studying ancient Mesopotamia. However, after an estranged grandfather moves in, their delicate balance is thrown off, and no one takes this harder than nine-year-old Sumac. Touching, humorous, and vibrant, The Lotterys Plus One is an exploration of family, love, and acceptance. Recommended By Carrie L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Sumac Lottery is nine years old and the self-proclaimed "good girl" of her (VERY) large, (EXTREMELY) unruly family. And what a family the Lotterys are: four parents, children both adopted and biological, and a menagerie of pets, all living and learning together in a sprawling house called Camelottery. Then one day, the news breaks that one of their grandfathers is suffering from dementia and will be coming to live with them. And not just any grandfather; the long dormant "Grumps," who fell out with his son so long ago that he hasn't been part of any of their lives. Suddenly, everything changes. Sumac has to give up her room to make the newcomer feel at home. She tries to be nice, but prickly Grumps's clearly disapproves of how the Lotterys live: whole grains, strange vegetables, rescue pets, a multicultural household... He's worse than just tough to get along with ��� Grumps has got to go! But can Sumac help him find a home where he belongs?
Review
"One of the most diverse families readers are likely to meet, the Lotterys—whose name was inspired by the winning lottery ticket that made a dream for a family come true—are four longtime friends turned co-parents (a lesbian couple and a gay one) and seven homeschooled children of various racial backgrounds, quirks, and talents. The family enjoys a harmoniously unconventional existence in its 32 room Toronto mansion until the estranged father of one of the Lottery parents arrives for a visit of undetermined length. The change in dynamics caused by the elderly man’s stubbornness and conservatism is especially hard on nine year old Sumac, who is assigned to be his personal guide. In a drily funny story about adjusting to new situations, Donoghue (Room) vividly captures the Lotterys’ chaotic but always loving home through a flurry of inside jokes, banter, and nicknames. If some readers have difficulty keeping the members of the large family straight, Hadilaksono’s lively David Roberts–esque illustrations (not all seen by PW) provide a colorful guide to the Lotterys’ wonderfully offbeat home. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Kathleen Anderson Anderson Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman Writers House. (Mar.) " Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Synopsis
The bestselling author of the adult novel Room bursts onto the children's book scene with this cross between Little Miss Sunshine, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Modern Family.
Sumac Lottery is nine years old and the self-proclaimed good girl of her (VERY) large, (EXTREMELY) unruly family. And what a family the Lotterys are: four parents, children both adopted and biological, and a menagerie of pets, all living and learning together in a sprawling house called Camelottery. Then one day, the news breaks that one of their grandfathers is suffering from dementia and will be coming to live with them. And not just any grandfather -- the long dormant Grumps, who fell out with his son so long ago that he hasn't been part of any of their lives.
Suddenly, everything changes. Sumac has to give up her room to make the newcomer feel at home. She tries to be nice, but prickly Grumps clearly disapproves of how the Lotterys live: whole grains, strange vegetables, rescue pets, a multicultural household... He's worse than just tough to get along with -- Grumps has got to go But can Sumac help him find a home where he belongs?
About the Author
Emma Donoghue, born in 1969, is an Irish novelist, playwright, and historian who lives in Canada. Her novel Slammerkin was named a notable book of the year by the New York Times and the Washington Post.