Elinor Malcolm, the 11-year-old protagonist in this coming-of-age story, rebels
after being forced to join a prestigious ballet academy by her domineering mother.
ISBN: 978-1-952536-22-9 (softcover only)
$13.95
While skipping lessons at the prestigious ballet academy that her mother forced her to enroll in, 11-year-old Elinor Malcolm meets Indira, a mysterious older girl who encourages her to explore her identity and expand her world. A touch of magical realism infuses their encounters and shapes their relationship. Indira’s influence helps Elinor find a path that ultimately is satisfying for both her and her mother. Friendship, family, identity, and the importance of honest communication and being true to oneself are interwoven themes that create a fascinating tapestry and a very compelling story.
ISBN: 978-1-952536-22-9 (softcover only)
Eleven-year-old Elinor Malcolm just wants to be normal. Lonely, she goes in search of her best self and a best friend.
In Elinormal, her bossy mom threatens to sue if Elinor is not granted a spot in a prestigious ballet academy. The problem is, Elinor has no interest in ballet. While sitting out the first class in an area park she meets Indira who helps her realize that she is a capable and kind individual. Elinor opens up and makes a friend at school who enjoys all the same things she does. The people in her life finally converge—secret identities are revealed, and Elinor has an epiphany about the nature of relationships and the power of love.
In the sequel, New Girl: The Further Adventures of Elinormal, Elinor is ready for the first day of seventh grade when a last-minute phone call turns her world upside down. She misses the first week of school and when she gets back she’s called “the new girl” even though she’s not. Elinor quickly learns that people are complicated and relationships take work. Lots of work. As she discovers who she is, who she wants to be, and what she wants most in life, she struggles to balance friendships, both old and new, while also unraveling her mother’s mysterious past.
Both of these delightful books explore the complexity of friendships, the reality of disappointments, and the trouble with secrets.
Click here to download Educator Guides and Activity Kits!
FOR READERS Ages 9-12 | Grades 4 – 8
FORMAT SOFTCOVER | 5″ x 8″
ISBNs 978-1-952536-22-9 | 978-1-952536-34-2
Elinor Malcolm is ready for the first day of seventh grade, when a last-minute phone call turns her world upside down, and she misses the first week of school. When she returns, she’s known as the new girl, even though she’s not.
In this sequel to Elinormal, Elinor learns all too quickly that people are complicated and relationships take work. Lots of work. As she’s discovering who she is, who she wants to be, and what she wants most in life, Elinor is balancing friendships, old and new. She’s also unraveling her mother’s mysterious past.
New Girl further explores the complexity of friendships, the reality of disappointments, and the trouble with secrets.
Click here to download Educator Guides and Activity Kits!
FOR READERS Ages 9-12 | Grades 4 – 8
FORMAT SOFTCOVER | 180 pages, 5″ x 8″
ISBN 978-1-952536-34-2
Elinor Malcolm, the 11-year-old protagonist in this coming-of-age story, rebels
after being forced to join a prestigious ballet academy by her domineering mother.
ISBN: 978-1-952536-22-9 (softcover only)
What happens when a group of friends sets off on a hunt for a certain kind of tree and uncover a buried cannonball instead? Who knew that the island they live on is also home to a whole lot of history? And, it turns out, a whole lot of mystery, too…
Meet the Cayuga Island Kids! It’s summer vacation, and that means there’s plenty of time for a hunt, a mystery, and an exciting adventure. Are you ready? Open the book and join the fun. Find out what the Cayuga Island Kids are up to in this mystery story based on historical events on Cayuga Island near Niagara Falls!
Stuck inside on a rainy day, two siblings and their beloved Boston Terrier learn about the wonders of exploration as they journey upstairs into a gloomy attic. Follow this intrepid trio as they discover an old trunk and the remarkable treasure hidden inside, and enjoy an interactive storytelling experience perfect for multilingual families and classrooms.
Watch the author Linda MacRitchie Graf read Treasure in the Trunk on Instagram Storytime Live |
Five mice. One box of rice. You can imagine the adventures these rodents have in pursuit of their prized cereal grain! By the way, as far as directly following the song goes, the book Five Hungry Mice does it best. See, while on the fourth day of Christmas in the song, the true love sends four calling birds, this book pub does you one better – we send you five mice (in illustrated form of course). They are much quieter than calling birds. Do lock up your Basmati though… And, just what a mouse (or mice) would like is the Buffalo favorite, sponge candy, a crisp chocolate-covered caramelly treat, in ornament form.
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The endearing, classic poem by Robert Louis Stevenson is brought to life by a charming little boy enjoying the experience of swinging. With his dog by his side, the child believes he can fly. And in his swing, he just might be right! Beautifully illustrated for contemporary children by Heather Lynn Harris, it is hoped that The Swing, will revive a lost gem to the delight of children everywhere. This book is a classic that will be treasured by even the youngest of readers.
Meet Fluff, Puff, and Stuff, three adorable dust bunnies ready to reveal their favorite hiding places, snacks, and games! In this charming rhyming book, young readers enter the world of dust bunnies—which happens to be right under their their own bed! Under the couch, in the corner, and anywhere crumbs and dust can be found, dust bunnies will be at play! Perfect for Easter baskets, spring cleaning season, or for any bunny-loving, chore-resistant child.
Where the Bathwater Goes is a story about Emily, a little girl who loves getting dirty and hates taking a bath. Find out how her Dad solves this dilemma – and creates an even bigger one: how to get Emily out of the tub once she discovers the fantastic voyage her sudsy bathwater takes, ending up in a royal tea cup.
Leigh S, Educator –
Thank you to the publisher for the e-ARC of this book. Elinor’s story is one that I think many children can unfortunately relate to. Her mother’s desire for her to be a prima ballerina neglects one key element – Elinor doesn’t want to dance. Her mother is a bully, using her legal prowess to push around everyone she encounters, and doesn’t stop when she gets to Elinor. I wish the book had gone a little further to show Elinor’s conversation with her mother in the end, but understand all too well that those conversations don’t always provide the happy ending we might want.
NH –
” Elinormal is a wonderful story of fining oneself
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2021
Verified Purchase
As I read Elinormal I kept thinking of my own journey to adulthood. McCarroll-Moore captures the struggle of growing up with humor, grace, and intelligence. Elinormal speaks to all young adults and their parents. You will enjoy Elinor’s journey every step of the way.”
Adam –
” AMAZING
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
Elinormal is the book that I and my ten year old daughter have been waiting for, and it’s here. This book is a MUST read and my 5th grader says the same times ten! Way to go Kathy and can’t wait for the sequel!”
Aila Malik –
“Elinormal is a coming of age book geared for teenagers/young adults. I read it on the plane recently and was pleasantly surprised about the focus of the book on the mother-daughter relationship (among other topics).
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I found myself wondering how closely related my “work-mom” self was to the character in the book, and it sparked a conversation with my tween daughter about whether I’m meeting her needs…now, she is reading it too. Loved the story and characters AND had a deeper love of the reflection it sparked between me and my daughter. ❤️❤️🙏🏽”
Terry Tringali –
Elinormal brings two distinct characters to life. They unfold in such a charming and creative way, making you want to walk through the park together hoping to learn more. I love the way the Kate truly understands preteens, their angst and inner conflict as well as the magic that can happen in the middle of it all. I especially enjoyed the way poetry has been worked with such finesse into the narrative climaxing at the art faire. Elinormal will enchant its readers and make them want to discuss it right away with a loved one. I can’t wait to share it with my daughter and granddaughter.
Mary D –
As a middle grades teacher, I read many young adult novels and appreciate a new author who speaks to her audience so authentically. The character development is excellent in Elinormal, and I think young readers will see themselves in the mother-daughter relationship and the internal struggle of the title character. I loved Elinor and was drawn into her world and her heart. I felt every anxious moment, and cheered for her journey of growth. I’ll share this book with my students.
Emily –
I loved Elinormal! I read a lot of sci-fi, fantasy, and afrofuturism and this book had just a touch of magic that kept me engaged – it was truly a delightful page-turner. I would recommend this book to people of all ages, Kate McCarroll Moore writes with a clarity and humor that captivates. I was able to picture each character she introduces, and was struck by the ways that she brings each person to life on the page.
Elinor Malcolm discovers parts of herself in this first book, through connections to the world around her, the people she knows and those she meets, and through identifying things that don’t bring her joy. I’m already excited to see what is in store for her as the story continues!
Susan Dobrodt –
This is a story about a young girl’s struggle to find the courage to be herself and to find a friend. Your heart will ache for Ellinor as she faces her workaholic attorney mother who, though she wants the best for her daughter, is so self absorbed she is completely unaware of Elinor’s true personality and desires. And you’ll cheer Elinor on as she haltingly begins to understand herself and to make friends.
This story is one for tweens and parents to read together, for a mother daughter book club or one for your middle grader to read on their own. ELINORMAL is less than 200 pages long and written in short chapters, which encourages readers who might be overwhelmed by a longer book. But it’s also a book which will be enjoyed by anyone who reads Elinor’s story.
Mother Daughter Book Club –
Eleven-year-old Elinor Malcolm feels the pressure of living up to her parents’ expectations. Especially those of her mom, a high-profile lawyer in New York City. Enrolled in a ballet school she doesn’t want to attend, Elinor takes to skipping out to avoid the embarrassment of not fitting in. That’s when she meets a girl unlike any she’s ever known.
Indira is a free spirit who seems to know what Elinor needs when she needs it. She teaches Elinor about meditating to find strength and calmness, and she encourages Elinor to fess up about her deception. But Elinor keeps avoiding the big issues until she can’t any more.
Elinormal by Kate McCarroll Moore is a story about finding yourself and pursuing what’s important to you as opposed to living someone else’s dream. Elinor avoids trouble by lying, and the more things she lies about the more she has to hide. Eventually, she has to face what she’s trying to avoid and tell her parents what she wants even if it doesn’t match up with what they want for her.
Elinor is a likeable character, and young readers aged 9 to 13 should enjoy following along as her story unfolds.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.