Lula Bell on geekdom, freakdom + the challenges of bad hair

Select an Action

Title:

Lula Bell on geekdom, freakdom + the challenges of bad hair

Author:

Payne, C. C. (Catherine Clark)

ISBN:

9780761462255

Edition:

1st ed.

Publication Information:

Las Vegas, NV : Amazon Children's Pub., c2012.

Physical Description:

266 p. ; 22 cm.

Reading Level:

790 L Lexile

Subject Term:

Self-actualization (Psychology) -- Fiction.

Grandmothers -- Fiction.

Bullying -- Fiction.

Middle schools -- Fiction.

Schools -- Fiction.

Death -- Fiction.

Families -- Tennessee -- Fiction.

Geographic Term:

Tennessee -- Fiction.

Summary:

Ten-year-old Lula Bell Bonner of White House, Tennessee, tries to fade into the background to avoid a bully, but after her beloved grandmother's death Lula Bell understands about letting her light shine in the darkness.

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury)	J FICTION PAY	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

While Lula Bell Bonner tries desperately to fit in by not standing out, her wise and irrepressible Grandma Bernice says: Let your light shine! It's Grandma Bernice who provides the joy that balances Lula Bell's difficult school life, but when this balance is upended, when Kali Keele turns up the heat on her cruel teasing, and when the talent show--that she should NEVER have signed up for--is about to happen, how in the world can Lula Bell cope?

This funny, heartfelt novel exploring friendship, family, and forgiveness, introduces an unforgettable hero, lost in the wilderness of fifth grade, searching for her own shining light.

The author of Lula Bell has donated this book to the Worldreader program.

Reviews (3)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-6-Fifth-grader Lula Bell is having a rough year. Her former best friend has made her the target of her bullying, and she ignores her true friend, Alan, because the popular kids think that he is a geek. She has one person whom she can count on to understand how she feels, her grandmother. Grandma Bernice encourages Lula Bell to be herself and to "let her light shine." She also convinces Lula Bell to enter the school's talent show even though she is terrified to do so. The child's world changes forever when her beloved relative unexpectedly passes away. The book gives readers a sense of what Lula Bell feels; she could be any child who is being bullied and wants to become invisible. In the end, she learns some important lessons about real friends, life and death, and about herself.-Tammy Di Bartolo, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Review

Fifth-grader Lula Bell longs to escape the attention of strident bullyand former BFFKali. In her endeavor to blend in, Lula Bell forgoes her favorite lunches, spurns Alan, her staunchest ally, and dismisses her talents. However, her vivacious Grandma Bernice has different ideas, encouraging Lula Bell to "let [her] light shine no matter who's watchin' " and be true to herself. Lula Bell's desire to embrace anonymity is at odds with her mother and Grandma Bernice's wishes for her to participate in the school's talent show. Grandma Bernice's unexpected death provides the impetus for Lula Bell to reconsider the status quo, leading her to take decisive action and bravely confront her anxieties. A surprising plot development finds Lula Bell demonstrating extraordinary generosity in the true spirit of her beloved grandmother. Ultimately, she realizes that in her quest to be accepted, she has overlooked a true and steadfast friend. Payne thoughtfully examines the grieving process as Lula Bell struggles to accept and adjust to her loss. With an authentic voice, the wryly humorous Lula Bell contemplates life and the nature of true friendship with distinctive candor. Payne's hopeful tale encourages readers to rejoice in what makes them unique. (Fiction. 9-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Booklist Review

For fifth-grader Lula Bell Bonner, being the school freak in her Tennessee town wouldn't be so bad if bully (and former BFF) Kali wasn't constantly reminding her of it. At least she has kindhearted Grandma Bernice and her words of wisdom, as well as preparing for the school talent show, in which to take comfort. But when her grandmother dies unexpectedly, Lula's grief drives out all desire to perform. Drawing upon inspiration from her musician father, a practical approach to life (and bullies) from estranged classmate Alan, and the spirit of Grandma Bernice, Lula not only finds the courage to sing at the talent show but to confront Kali and renew her friendship with Alan. In a first-person narration with a southern flair, Lula intermittently offers her own advice to readers: Here's a little tip for you: nobody wants any kind of vegetable casserole when someone has died or ever, if you ask me. While trying to fit in, Lula learns how to stand out in this heartwarming tale.--Leeper, Angela Copyright 2010 Booklist

Available:*

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

Summary

Reviews (3)

School Library Journal Review

Kirkus Review

Booklist Review

Helpful Links

Research Links

Contact

Events and Rooms

Follow Us

Today's Hours