Две момичета, часовник и килната къща

by Michael Poore, Майкъл Пуър

Това е история за неща, които не са възможни.
Не е възможно Ейми да вижда духове. (Тя го прави.)
Не е възможно Ейми и Му да могат да общуват, използвайки само ума си. (Те го правят.)
Не е възможно пътуването във времето. (Засега.)
И определено не е възможно вещиците да съществуват. (Сериозно?)
Нищо от тези неща не е възможно. (Досега…)

Ако се чудите какво може да ви се случи, след като ви порази мълния, не се колебайте да се втурнете в забавния свят на Ейми и приятелката ? Му – две смели момичета с необикновено приятелство, въвлечени в едно невероятно приключение.

Две момичета, часовник и килната къща е експериментална диверсия от странни изчезвания и появявания, мистериозни горски обитатели, палави часовникови стрелки и чудати вещи, благородна вещица с неоспорими научни завоевания и авторитет, диви крави, извоювали случайно свободата си, страховита машина с пъклен план да унищожи природата… И когато пъзелът от минало и бъдеще се подреди, всичко си идва на мястото и всеки си получава заслуженото.

-----------------------

Майкъл Пуър може да говори с животните. Понякога се грижи за коне и крави, когато фермерите отидат на почивка. Преподава в училище. Изпитва откачено привличане към водата и към жени с името Джанин. Умее да жонглира. И да кара сърф. Живее в Северозападна Индиана със съпругата си Джанин и с дъщеря си Джиана. Може да спре хълцането ви, като ви погледне в очите и ви изпее бойната песен на Университета в Охайо.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Time Travel, Science Fiction, Childrens, Kids

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Michael Poore’s short fiction has appeared in Glimmer Train, Southern Review, Agni, Fiction, and Asimov’s. His story “The Street of the House of the Sun” was selected for The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2012 . His first novel, Up Jumps the Devil , was hailed by The New York Review of Books as “an elegiac masterpiece.” Poore lives in Highland, Indiana, with his wife, poet and activist Janine Harrison, and their daughter, Jianna.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Watch out for the witch," said Dad.
"Kay," said Amy. Dad's voice didn't sound like he was kidding around. And that's because he wasn't.

Amy, the daughter of two scientists, has spent much of her life exploring the implausible, improbable and impossible.

She has a best friend ("Moo") who never talks...well, until she could.

Amy gets hit by lightening and suddenly there seems to be a heck of a lot more "impossible'' things happening.

"Moo," she squeaked, "things like this don't really happen."
I agree, except, quite obviously, they do. (Moo's voice sounded shaky.)

Suddenly, Amy and Moo can communicate in a whole new way...and a few more improbable things occur.

And that happens just in time for Amy and Moo's adventure into the woods...the forbidden woods!

"The woods where the witch lived. The witch who ate kids. Seriously."

For in the dark forest, there's a crooked house and in that crooked house...was the witch!

Or so they think.

Everyone says there's a witch...so there's bound to be some truth to it.

"There was no such things as witches," said Amy experimentally, using reverse psychology.
"That's true," said Dad. "Except when it isn't."

Thank goodness the two of them have each other...because when they wander into the witch's house, they find something beyond their wildest expectations.

Amy's heart beat fast. She couldn't decide whether she was thrilled or frightened. Was there a difference?

Overall, this was a fun, short book!

I enjoyed the way the girls played off of each other - their friendship felt very natural and smooth.

One thing that I commend the author on was how he depicted Moo.

Moo is unable to speak due to a traumatic incident and while not always medically solid, it was tastefully done and did not fall into the "gimmick" territory.

I appreciated how Amy never pushed her friend to overcome her problems and always met Moo at her level.

It really was sweet and a good example for the younger audience.

Their friendship was never used as a lecture (which is something that seems to happen a lot in books targeted to younger audiences. I'm very pleased that that didn't happen).

I also loved all of the zany side characters - they made for an extremely interesting dynamic and certainly brightened the book considerably!

In addition, the dry humor was perfectly done and added in a hilarious little moments throughout the book.

The Possible Witch was now Pretty Definitely a Witch.

The only thing that threw me out of the book was that the girls ended up having too many powers - I think I would have been happy with just the telepathy and the time traveling with a dash of the unexplained rather than Amy inheriting a whole host of magic.

It just felt like too much was happening and not enough pertained to moving along the plot - it became a distraction.

Other than that, I really liked this book! Enjoyable from cover to cover!

I received a free digital copy from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for a honest review

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[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Amy Wood is struck by lightning, she realizes that she and her friend Moo can communicate telepathically. After learning about how her friend became unable to speak or move, Amy is shocked at the depth of cruelty in some humans and surprised that families often hide so many secrets. While her own parents, both scientists concerned with the environment, camp out in protest of the approach of Big Duke, a huge machine designed to dig into the earth for its natural resources, an action that will poison the land, Amy has her own adventure. She and Moo stumble upon a small house in the woods, one that they've been warned belongs to a witch, and then find a way to wind a clock and travel backward in time. They end up in their same community with some of the same individuals that populate their present-day world. There are bullies and heroes and a mystery about a missing boy who isn't actually missing. The same gossip about a witch living in the woods is being passed among the townspeople, but the two girls quickly learn that there is little truth to the rumors being spread about Ms. Goolagong. I loved how the story played out and all the surprises at the end, and I particularly enjoyed the antics of Tuba, who kept spouting out grocery lists or the embarrassing remarks others had made at one time or another. Although there were some holes and points of confusion about Moo's ability to move or Amy's ability to move her, I still enjoyed reading the book, and I'm sure that fans of When You Reach Me will enjoy this one.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The cover art reminds me of what’s been used for Charis Cotter, author published by Random House. I love the style.

The premise enticed me to read this book written by an author I was until now, unfamiliar with.

Needless to say, I’m glad I made this choice. What a lovely book for ages seven to ten and even younger children who are reading at a higher level. There’s magical overtures that spark the imagination, a great friendship with a cool character named “Moo;” and adventure, witches, environmental issues, and issues like bullying addressed.

There’s contrasts such as magic vs. science and good vs. evil laced throughout the plot. The plot moves quickly and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. I love the entire atmosphere of the language used. The characters are wonderfully developed and could easily fit into the gang, the “Goonies.” Even this adventure is something I could picture the whole gang going on.

I love Amy and Moo. They are fully developed and their antics kept a smile on my face. The connection these two friends have is endearing.

Ever wonder what could happen to you if struck by lightning?

[Книжни Криле · Rating 4 out of 5]

Спомняте ли си каква невероятно приятна изненада се оказа детският роман „Аврам, Богдан, вода гази. Азбучен роман“ на Владислава Войнович? Е, сега от изд. „Кибеа“ са ни подготвили нова изненада. Не, не от същата авторка. Но за сметка на това – от същия илюстратор! Каква история е вдъхновила този път сръбския художник и карикатурист Лука Тилингер? История за „Две момичета, часовник и килната къща“. Американският писател Майкъл Пуър ни праща на щуро приключение с крави и часовници, духове и вещици, телепатия и пътуване във времето… Изобщо, каквото ви душа иска! Присъединете се към сърцатите герои и пълен напред! Или… в случая с пътуването във времето, може би трябва да кажем „пълен назад“? Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This book was cute but also heckin’ weird but still cute. It was a mesh of things from being struck by lightning, deep science, freedom cows, time travel and witches. Like so much happened in this book that was odd and unexpected but i suppose that was the whole point. I thought Amy and Moo’s friendship was the most adorable thing. I liked how the time travel brought certain things back around that were questions in the beginning. Definitely a unique story to say the least and I enjoyed all of the artwork that went into this, the chapter heading illustrations were ✨chefs kiss✨

[January Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, I'm sure others will like it better than I did. It just really wasn't my thing. My kids skimmed it, but none of them wanted to read it. Just okay.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute and funny but at the same time very wise. The characters are lovable and well developed while the plot has some excellent twists and turns. Very imaginative, an entertaining read for sure!

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She had a nervous feeling in her stomach, because going to Moo's house was another kind of experiment. An adventure, in a way.

In order to get there, see, you had to get past the woods.

The woods where the witch lived. The witch who ate kids.

Seriously."

Amy is the daughter of scientists, and likes to live her life as a series of experiments. After she is struck by lightning she begins to see the world a little differently. While her parents are busy trying to ward off a behemoth of a drilling machine, Amy and her best friend Moo set off into the legendary woods. They may find cows, or the witch who eats children, but they will definitely find adventure.

Two Girls, a Clock and a Crooked House (while the title is a mouthful) is so whimsical and spirited! The main characters are eccentric, but not made into stereotypes. Amy and Moo are smart and brave, and the kind of kids I wish I had been friends with. I love the way magic is woven into the story. And beneath all the magic, the book also handles some serious issues like bullying and environmental activism. My review copy did not have the finished illustrations, but it looks like they will be amazing. Overall, this is a delightful middle grade book that I think will inspire curious minds of all ages.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for the review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Mary Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a lovely romp through cow fields and time. Super sweet.

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this middle grade tale of two girls, a time-traveling rocking chair, some missing children, and the woman everyone knows as the witch who ate the missing kids.

Amy's parents are scientists, so they know that the mining that's about to take place in their town will release dangerous chemicals. To try to prevent the mining from happening, they're camping out on a big red X, where the drilling is to start.

Amy has a friend she calls "Moo" because her friend always wears a hoodie with a cow face and ears on the hood. Moo can't move without help and she can't speak. But, Amy hopes someday she'll be able to. In the meantime, she's happy to just visit Moo, read her poems, chatter at her, and take her across the road to watch the wild cows in the pasture.

After Amy is hit by lightning on her way home from Moo's house, she develops the ability to see the spirit within people and trees and even rocks and water. She's also suddenly able to hear Moo's thoughts. When they go for a walk and get lost in the forest — the forest in which the child-eating witch is known to live — they find a crooked old house that's unoccupied. Amy and Moo can communicate nonverbally and they can also see time. So, they decide to travel through time by tying up a bunch of old things to a rocking chair.

Back in the 1980s, they find out the true story of a missing boy named Oliver, the other two children who disappeared, and the witch.

I could not put this book down and I imagine I'll return to it. As a child I would have read it over and over and over again, for the time travel, wit, magic and sweetness. As an adult, I figure there's no sense kids should have all the fun. Of course, there's an environmental message but it's also a tale of family, kindness, and friendship.

Funny thing . . . I did not recognize the author's name but I loved this book so much that I looked up the author when I closed the book. He's only written three books, but — surprise! — it turns out I've read one of the two grown-up novels he's written and I was every bit as unable to put it down as I was this one. I love his sense of humor and I hope the author will write more books for children. This book is special, in my humble opinion.

[Deanna Holdsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a book, not audio...
I loved this book and I would love to hang out with Amy and Moo!
Moo is a girl who doesn't talk or even move unless someone is there to help her begin to walk. Amy is a scientist and loves to talk. This makes their friendship work, with one talking all the time and one not talking at all. While riding her bike home from Moo's home Amy is struck by lightning and she can now hear Moo talking, her thoughts. With this new form of communication the girls decide to enter the "witch's home" that is in the woods near their homes. While in the abandoned home they gather together a clock, rocking chair, bell, and a few other items and this creates a time machine. The girls now find themselves 25 years in the past and when a truant officer finds time taking them to school as soon as he can. They create a story as to why their mother has not registered them and they are taken to the classroom where Amy currently attends 5th grade. She finds a much younger version of her current teacher too! The girls see the "witch" in town and try their best to avoid her, they have heard all their lives that the witch eats children. However, the witch begins to help the girls since she can also hear through thoughts. Now they are in the middle of the mystery of the missing Oliver, the witch and time travel! They figure out how to get back to their own time and see the grown up versions of many of those they saw in the past.
This adventure was so much fun, I couldn't put the book down until I finished!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy and Moo have an unlikely friendship. Amy is the daughter of scientists who are camping in a field to stop the Big Duke machine from destroying the land. After visiting Moo she is struck by lightning. She is fine, but soon realizes she has strange powers. One of those powers is that she can now hear Moo in her head. Moo can't talk after a traumatic incident. She also can't move unless you lead her somewhere. That has never stopped Amy from being her friend but it made the friendship a little different. Now she can hear everything Moo says.

They go for a walk to see the cows (Moo's favorite) in the field. They are reminded to stay away from the woods because there is a witch who eats children and lives in the woods...everyone says so. Of course there is a storm and of course they are forced to take shelter in the woods. Then they find the abandoned cabin that of course belongs to the witch. Only what they really find is time travel. Yep, the girls can seem strands of time and put together a time machine to visit the past. And that is where the real adventures begin.

I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I loved the humor and the perfect amount of quirkiness. Amy and Moo are fantastic friends and adventurers. I loved putting the puzzle pieces of the past together with them and figuring out how they affected their present (the future). It was whimsical and strange and dreamy and a lot of fun to read.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy, a daughter of scientists, and Moo, a brain-damaged girl who loves cows, are good friends. At ten-years-old, they decide to find out for themselves how the wild cows across the street from Moo’s house came to be there. Their adventure involves a lot of impossibilities including a witch and time travel. Together the friends find their way back home.

Without divulging too much, these girls have some pretty exciting adventures. Using both humor and sensitivity, our talented author, Michael Poore tells a remarkable tale of friendship and the value of sticking up for what is right. There is never a dull moment in this story, and anyone, not just a ten-year-old, would enjoy this cute adventure! It helped me to remember the magic of being a kid again! I read it in a day. I could not put it down!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly delightful story of lightening-strike survivor Amy and her non-verbal friend Moo as they travel back in time and discover the secret history of their hometown’s local witch. It’s engaging throughout, but becomes particularly appealing once Ms. Goolagong arrives on the scene and Amy’s new-found extrasensory perception allows her to see storm cloud horses and floating emoticons that reveal the true nature of those who share the world around her. There’s a delightful sense of whimsy that permeates throughout that lifts this book from the realms of “entertaining” to “genuinely charming.” It’s certainly a book I intend to be gifting to several folks upon publication.

ARC via NetGalley

[Sengentaro · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am having trouble figuring out exactly who this book was written for. I found it in the teen/young adult section. It feels more like it was written for children... But it's a big chapter book, so I don't get it. The beginning was fine, but by the end I was groaning, rolling my eyes and saying "Oh my god.... " it started with... "They fell, and fell and fell and fell, and fell, and fell, and fell, and fell. " on and on for like 10 minutes. Was the writer being paid per word? It only got more cringe from there. Advice to the author. Teens and young adults even children are smart and capable of understanding more than we adults give them credit for. Don't write down to your audience. Help you raise them up.

[Stewart Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Two Girls a Clock, and a Crooked House is very charming. It felt old and familiar and at the same time, new and topical. It’s funny in places but also packs emotional heft when required. Younger readers will appreciate the time travel story and fantastical elements; older readers will like the breezy pace and how the story is structured.

Two Girls a Clock, and a Crooked House is Michael Poore’s first book for younger readers, and I’d say he’s nailed it. It’s got great characters, and it’s the perfect length for an MG book. Buy it for your son or daughter, and then sneak a read for yourself later!

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Girls, a Clock and a Crooked House is unlike any book I’ve ever read. It’s quirky and a little weird and delightful in many ways. Amy and Moo are the reason the books work. Their way of looking at the surrounding world is unique.

Michael Poore’s prose mirrors his story. There’s a playfulness to it that makes what happens more believable, or unbelievable — depending on who you are. It’s this light tone that kept me reading, even when some of the elements became borderline too wacky.

Two Girls, a Clock and a Crooked House is a book that plays right to the middle-grade imagination and will be a good choice for the younger set.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read like a mash-up of A Wrinkle in Time and the Wizard of Oz. Through Amy's persistence and a little lightning strike, she is now able to communicate with her non-verbal friend, Moo. They go on a time-traveling adventure while her parents are protesting a mining project with a 'sit-in.' The 1980s truly feel like ancient times to these girls: Did they use the same money? Did they even have TV back in the day? They are surprised at who helps them along their journey and the ways in which those you've met in the past can shape your future.

[Casey Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The theory of this book is really cool. The hoodies they wear? Cool. The storyline itself? Pretty middling and unforgettable.

And a disability-awareness fail.
Moo doesn't speak, and doesn't move on her own. But she can communicate telepathically and is "cured" and able to move on her own by the end of the book. Meh.

Also the use of "stuck in a wheelchair" on p.84.

I liked that the two gutsy kids from the past being the MC's parents, but their t-shirts saying "Kung" and "Foo"? Not appreciated.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read Poore's adult fiction and was curious how he'd do with children's. It was a fun and different story with great characters. Themes of resilience, family and bravery were great. Warnings for strong domestic violence and bullying topics that might be heavy for younger kids. Overall, a good one!

Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review .

[Mandi Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is simply magical. I loved it! It is very quick, engaging read about two very bright and wonderful little girls named Amy and Moo. It has science, and time travel and cute illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. I am very much looking forward to reading this with my daughter in a year or so when her attention span for chapter books has improved. I highly recommend this to anyone that is fan of junior fiction about strong, adventurous, bright little girls.

[Kate Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - It was so clever and silly, and very fun to read. I honestly didn't even realize it was a children's book... maybe the image on the cover, or the name should have been my first clue - but after reading TJ Klune books, which also have colorful, young artwork, I figured it was going to be something like that. Regardless, I loved this book (even though I wasn't the target audience), and hope my son loves it as much as I do.

[Zazie · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I was kind of enjoying the first hour or so of this audiobook but my mind wandered a lot fairly quickly, which only happens when the stories I'm reading or listening to get boring. I have given up on about 15-20 books so far this year already so I wanted to keep going until the end of this one, but had it not been for that, I would have happily given up on this book at the first hour of the audiobook. I'm disappointed despite the 3-star rating.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute story about lightning strikes, time travel and witches. It also touches on some serious issues like bullying and abuse. I think the overall message about the book is how there is sometimes more to people than what you see at first. I look forward to purchasing this book for my library in September. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Kasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

The writing in the book was very stilted and hard to read, personally. This book would obviously appeal more to children or adults reading to their children. I'm sure the story is sweet and becoming, but I couldn't bring myself to get past 15%.

[Melissa Stutzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was disappointed that this was a children’s book

I have read two other books by Mr. Poore and greatly enjoyed them. But I am an adult, so I was expecting another adult book. But as I finish this marvelous tale, I am eager to share it with the elementary teachers I work with. So many reasons to love it!

[Cheongna Dalton]

This is a story of things that are not possible.
It's not possible for Amy to see spirits. (She does.)
It's not possible that Amy and Moo can communicate using only their minds. (They do.)
It's not possible to time-travel. (Yet.)
And it's definitely not possible that witches exist. (Seriously?)
None of these things are possible. (Until now . . .)

[JV Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of Kelly Barnhill - which is quite the compliment! I've enjoyed Michael Poore's two adult books & wondered what kind of YA book he would write. An entertaining, slightly complicated book with great characters - just like his adult books. I was pleasantly surprised to realize he is a Hoosier author like Vonnegut and John Greene. This is a good book for smart young readers.