For the current generation of kids on Orange Street, the single orange tree on their block—all that’s left from what was once an entire grove—is a gathering place. As their individual stories unfold in this short, extraordinary novel, so, too, does a sense of the neighborhood and relationships—both within and beyond their families—that are so much a part of their lives. Ali’s little brother Edgar is recovering from surgery for a brain tumor; once a lively toddler, he hasn’t spoken since. Bunny is as quiet as her name suggests and goes through rituals every time her mom travels for business to make sure her plane will land safely. Leandra is bold and bossy but has been hiding several secret fears since her mom announced her pregnancy. Robert is learning magic so that he can wow everyone with his tricks, especially his dad—and Ali. The stories of other individuals on Orange Street, most notably Mrs. Snoop, who can vividly recall the details of her childhood on the block but not what she did five minutes ago, and a mysterious stranger who, it turns out, has something to do with the orange cone that’s been placed on the street near the tree, also unfold in a story that touches on history (the Great Depression, the Vietnam War) while revealing the small miracles of everyday life found in family, friendship, and community. (Ages 9–12)

When a mysterious man arrives one day on Orange Street, the children who live on the block try to find out who he is and why he’s there. Little do they know that his story—and the story of a very old orange tree—connects to each of their personal worries in ways they never could have imagined. From impressing friends to dealing with an expanding family to understanding a younger sibling’s illness, the characters’ storylines come together around that orange tree.

Taking place over the course of a day and a half, Joanne Rocklin’s masterful novel deftly builds a story about family, childhood anxieties, and the importance of connection. In the end the fate of the tree (and the kids who care for it) reminds us of the magic of the everyday and of the rich history all around us.


Praise for One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street
STARRED REVIEWS
“Unfolding in one day’s time, the story recounts how secrets are revealed, curiosity is satisfied and wishing becomes hope because the spirit and ties of friendship and community are resilient and strong. Fully realized characters and setting definitely make this one morning on Orange Street amazing.”
–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Fascinating and thought-provoking, the writing has a gentle cadence, richness in detail, and is charged with emotion. The book, like the oranges on the Orange Street tree, presents segments of life that are both sweet and tart and sure to satisfy."
–School Library Journal, starred review

“A touching story, beautifully told in multiple viewpoints.”
–Booklist

“Each chapter focalizes the third-person narration through a particular child, and the book weaves the singular tales into a larger story about a community that is pleasingly quirky but still believable. Readers and parents looking for some wholesome sweetness will want to make a visit to Orange Street.”
–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

AWARD:
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) Young Adult Top Forty list