Books with author Joanne Rocklin

This gem of a novel takes place in Pittsburgh in 1952. Franny Katzenback, while recovering from polio, reads and falls in love with the brand-new book Charlotte’s Web. Bored and lonely and yearning for a Charlotte of her own, Franny starts up a correspondence with an eloquent flea named Fleabrain who lives on her dog’s tail. While Franny struggles with physical therapy and feeling left out of her formerly active neighborhood life, Fleabrain is there to take her on adventures based on his extensive reading. It’s a touching, funny story set in the recent past, told with Rocklin’s signature wit and thoughtfulness.Awards Bank Street Children's Books "Best Books of the Year," Fiction Ages 9-12 Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Older ReadersPraise for Fleabrain Loves Franny "Heartwarming and endlessly funny, Fleabrain Loves Franny will delight readers of all ages. Rocklin’s sharp wit and exuberant writing style are refreshing. This book is not to be missed." --VOYA "Franny—a compassionate, thoughtful and sympathetic protagonist—is believably erratic in her emotions and reflections on her illness and its effects on her previously carefree life." --Publishers Weekly "Rocklin perfectly captures the era of 1952 and creates a sympathetic, realistic character in Franny, who begins to accept her condition, rejoin her friends and even protest her school’s inaccessibility." --Kirkus Reviews "Comedic and philosophical, readers will find multiple levels to enjoy." --School Library Journal

A lively and evocative novel full of sweet, sad, and funny moments in the history of a Jewish family.Imagine a cozy kitchen in another time and place. A family is baking apple strudel together, and while they work, they tell each other stories of the past--the cherished stories of their family history. There is the boy who danced with ghosts, the greatest baseball moment ever, and the almost-a-disaster day. There are stories of braving war, of daring the difficulties of immigration, and of enjoying the simple pleasures of friendship and sports--stories of joy and sadness, mistakes and triumphs, courage and love.This warm and intimate novel is an inspiring portrait of a truly memorable family.

Jake's little brother, Pete, is a real pest--always copying Jake and following him around. If Jake does a somersault, so does Pete. If Jake sets up a fruit punch stand, suddenly Pete has a stand of his own. It's more than an older brother should have to bear! But when Jake's cat, Fanny, gets caught in a tree, Pete comes up with the solution that saves the day. Maybe copycat little brothers aren't so bad after all.

In this warmhearted middle-grade novel, Oona and her brother, Fred, love their cat Zook (short for Zucchini), but Zook is sick. As they conspire to break him out of the vet’s office, convinced he can only get better at home with them, Oona tells Fred the story of Zook’s previous lives, ranging in style from fairy tale to grand epic to slice of life. Each of Zook’s lives has echoes in Oona’s own family life, which is going through a transition she’s not yet ready to face. Her father died two years ago, and her mother has started a relationship with a man named Dylan—whom Oona secretly calls “the villain.” The truth about Dylan, and about Zook’s medical condition, drives the drama in this loving family story.Praise for The Five Lives of Our Cat ZookSTARRED REVIEW"Rocklin’s characters are fully developed: readers will be invested. Set in Oakland, readers are also treated to a refreshingly authentic child’s view of a diverse city. The only imperfection in this novel is that it ends."—Booklist, starred review“Oona’s character is a combination of Harriet the Spy in curiosity and Anastasia in spunk. Another emotionally satisfying outing from Rocklin; hanky recommended.”—Kirkus Reviews"Just as she did in One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street, Rocklin intertwines her characters so smartly that the many coincidences and serendipitous events feel organic to the story. The story’s ending—bittersweet, inevitable, and true—offers much-needed catharsis for the family and for anyone who has ever loved a pet."—The Horn Book"This heartwarming family tale is filled with resilient and thoughtful characters who are willing to learn from their mistakes. Readers who enjoy the novels of Jeanne Birdsall and Leslie Crunch will appreciate this charming story."—School Library Journal"There is a strong sense of place in this loving story with the ending sure to generate some tears. This would make a strong library lesson extension activity."—Library Media Connection