Lolo Weaver Swims Upstream by Polly Farquhar is about a young girl trying to come to terms with the death of her beloved grandfather. Lolo Weaver is a young strong willed girl. When she gets an idea, she tries to execute it without thinking it through.
Her grandfather used to foster dogs and it brought great joy to the family. When he passed away, Lolo’s grandmother decided to give away the family’s dog, Hank. The entire family including Hank, was in despair over this death. Lolo is desperate to get Hank back and knows that it will cheer up her grandmother. She also feels that it was her fault that they gave the dog away.
Lolo is stuck in summer school with a teacher who doesn’t seem to like her. Lolo feels that the teacher is out to get her. She will need to find a way to get back Hank without alerting her teacher or her parents of her disappearance or plans.
She decides to take her grandfather’s canoe and paddle across the lake to retrieve Hank. However, she didn’t take into account that Hank’s new owner, Noah, wouldn't want to give him up. After convincing Noah that her grandmother would need Hank more, Noah gives up his ownership of the dog on the condition that he joins her on the trip back to her grandmother’s. What started off as a simple plan ended up turning messy when Lolo was unsure if her plan to take Hank from Noah was the best course of action. Will Lolo give back Hank to Noah or will she keep Hank?
The book was an okay read. I didn’t really care for Lolo as she was a bit temperamental at times. However, she did have a heart of gold. She cared about other people’s feelings and tried to help them even if it was detrimental to her own well being. It was interesting seeing her work through her different emotions and trying to understand her feelings.
The novel was filled with characters who were trying to do best with what they had. Lolo’s parents and the community were struggling after the draining of the lake. Many of the residents were struggling to stay afloat. I thought it was interesting that the author decided to include this tidbit into the story as it lends how the characters might be feeling with their current circumstances. Even though Lolo seems to think that her teacher had it out for her and that her family deserved to have Hank more, it was nice seeing her learn and accept that things aren’t always as we assume. The book is a heartwarming read about a young girl learning compassion and dealing with her grief.
**Disclosure - I received a free unedited version of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**
About The Book:
Title: LOLO
WEAVER SWIMS UPSTREAM
Author: Polly Farquhar
Pub. Date: April 25, 2023
Publisher: Holiday House
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 240
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/LOLO-WEAVER-SWIMS-UPSTREAM
"Not since Ramona Quimby has a
character marched right out of a book with so much bravado, humor, and
heart."--Barbara O'Connor, New York Times bestselling author of Wish
A headstrong girl’s quest to steal back her family’s dog goes awry in this
humorous and compassionate novel.
Lolo is stuck in summer school with a teacher who is out to get her while her
family is still reeling from her grandfather’s death. Even his dog is mourning,
howling outside all night and every night. Finally, lovable old Hank is sent to
a farm across the lake that takes foster dogs.
And it’s all Lolo’s fault.
Lolo knows she has to get Hank back. In a tippy canoe, Lolo crosses the
almost-dried-out lake to steal her dog back. But she runs into Noah, a student
in her summer school class and Hank's new owner—and he loves Hank as much as
she does.
As Lolo’s plan unravels and her uneasy alliance with Noah grows into a
friendship, the question of what’s best for Hank becomes muddier. Can Lolo
manage to do the right thing—for once?
Itch author Polly Farquhar returns to Ohio with a tale of a
big-hearted girl searching for answers to tough questions in all the wrong
places. Fans of Gary Schmidt will love Farquhar’s blend of honesty, humor, and
heart.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
About Polly Farquhar:
Polly Farquhar is the author of Itch. She earned her MFA in Creative
Writing from Ohio State University, and her short stories for grown-ups have
been published in literary magazines. She is also the recipient of multiple
Individual Artist Grants from the Ohio Arts Council. She resides with her
husband and daughters in the Columbus, Ohio area. Originally from upstate New
York, her favorite place to canoe is the Adirondacks.
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Giveaway Details:
1 winner
will receive a finished copy of LOLO
WEAVER SWIMS UPSTREAM, US Only.
Ends June 13th,
midnight EST.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
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