Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is: A Tenderhearted Novel About Family, Alzheimer's, and Alien Help for Children

by Casey Lyall

Lemon Peabody is certain that aliens visited Grandpa Walt thirty years ago, but she's running out of time to prove it before he forgets his best story. This humorous and tenderhearted story about family, friendship, and always believing in yourself is for fans of Greg van Eekhout, Stuart Gibbs, and Hour of the Bees . Lemon Peabody loves spending time with Grandpa Walt. Even though he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moved to an assisted living facility, he’s still the same funny, loving grandpa he’s always been. One of Grandpa’s claims to fame is his story about meeting an alien years ago—and that it looked like a garden gnome. Ever since, it’s been something of a town-wide joke, and the cause of a rift between Grandpa and Lemon’s dad. Lemon is determined to find those extraterrestrial gnomes and vindicate Grandpa Walt—while Grandpa can still remember it. Late one night, after seeing the flash of a spaceship during a storm, Lemon enlists the help of two friends to find out what might have crashed in the woods. But then the aliens find her , and nothing goes the way she expected. Lemon is sure she can convince the aliens to fix Grandpa Walt’s memory and bring back the grandpa she misses so much for good. But the aliens are dealing with problems of their own. With a little creativity and compassion, maybe they can all help one another. Casey Lyall’s lively, voice-driven novel bursts with heart and humor. With family and friendship—and aliens!—at its core, Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is will captivate readers of Rebecca Stead’s and Wendy Mass’s Bob , Greg van Eekhout’s Weird Kid , and Adam Rex’s The True Meaning of Smekday.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Humor, Adventure

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2023

About the author

Casey Lyall lives in Southwestern Ontario where she also works at her local library. When she’s not writing, Casey loves to bake, doodle, and learn extremely groan-worthy jokes to tell her friends.

Reviews

[Kathie]

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.

GNOME IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS is such a unique read, told from the perspectives of 12-year-old Lemon and the alien that she encounters. It's a blend of realistic fiction with sci-fi written in a very clever way that will appeal to both audiences.

Lemon's grandpa has Alzheimer's, and she desperately wants to prove to the world (especially her dad, who thinks it's all a farce) that his encounter with an alien thirty years ago really did happen. Lemon and her grandpa have been working on Project Validation for some time, but her grandpa's memory is slipping, and she wants to help repair the rift between her dad and grandpa before it's too late. Without giving away too many spoilers, Lemon and her friends have their own alien encounter, but the interspecies meeting complicates things and threatens the balance between their worlds.

I most enjoyed the intergenerational storyline with Lemon, her dad, and her grandpa. There were complicated emotions and hurt feelings to resolve, but having a grandparent forget who you are and something that was an integral part of your relationship was well written. Lemon wanted so badly to "fix" things but had to come to terms with the limitations of love. I also really enjoyed the alien storyline, which isn't usually my cup of tea, but it worked for me in this story. I think young readers are going to enjoy how it all ties together.

[Laurie Hnatiuk]

What a delightful read from Casey Lyall, who brings humour and fun while dealing with the sensitive issue of Alzheimer's. Using alternating chapters, readers get to know twelve-year-old Lemon and gnome-alien Gnedley. Lemon is extremely close to her grandfather, who recently moved into a home due to his Alzheimer's diagnosis. Grandpa Walt's claim to fame in their small town is his insistence on meeting the gnome-looking alien Gnedly, when Lemon's father was young. Unfortunately, this made both Grandpa Walt and Lemon's father the butt of many jokes and teasing.

When Gnedley returns after 30 years, is it by accident or perhaps for other reasons? When Lemon realizes Gnedley and the aliens are back, she is determined to prove her father was wrong; Gnedley does exist, and needs to reunite him with her grandfather. Gnome is Where Your Heart Is, is a tender story about family relationships and the special bonds grandchildren can have with grandparents.

[Julie Van Can · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welcome to a new section of reviews: middle grade books I read at bedtime with my 9 year old. I’ll let him do the talking!

“This was ok. Not that much happened and sometimes
I was kind of confused! But I liked how they named all the gnome characters with silent g’s.”

…I have to agree. There’s a portrayal of an aging grandparent with Alzheimer’s that may be helpful and cathartic for families walking that path, and the friendship of the main trio was lovely. But yes, it was slow going for this 38 year old too!

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read! This book follows the adventure of Lemon and her friends as she tries to help her Grandpa Walt. It was a quick read with laughs and, I will admit, almost tears. Very relatable from a relational standpoint. The garden gnome/alien story line was super cute. The story jumps between Lemon's shenanigans and that of Gnedley, the alien. Would be a good family read aloud book!

[Wendy MacKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! Lyall has created memorable characters and a thrilling adventure story, but at the heart of it, this story is about the power of love, friendship, and most of all, the power of believing and hope. Truly heartwarming. Bravo, Casey!

[Read by Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

[Lauren Hennick · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to HarperCollins Publishing for my advanced reader copy**

The things we do to make connections and bring happiness to those we love ❤️

Lemon is a 13 year old girl who has grown up listening to her Grandpa tell her the story of the time he met an alien gnome named Gnemo. This experience he had is something that they connect through, and they have been working on a plan to find the gnomes and prove he wasn't making it all up. Lemon's dad, Patrick, keeps his distance from her grandpa due to the stigma attached to their family over the years.

But, Lemon is now facing a new problem. Her grandpa is beginning to forget. She has to find the truth before he can't remember they are looking.

This is one of the sweetest stories I have read, and it is a perfect middle grade book. It explores love, loyalty, mystery, science fiction, and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship. There is representation for LGBTQ+ and POC. The story is beautiful and I recommend everyone take the time to read this well crafted story ❤️

[Chelsea Reining · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much NetGalley for the ARC!

This was absolutely adorable - a quick and easy read for an afternoon but one that had great characters, a well developed plot, and hit on some important topics for the target audience. Casey Lyall manages to cover grief, aging, illness (Alzheimer’s), and other tough topics in a way that is accurate but appropriate for middle-grade readers and the story is really stinking cute too.

Highly recommend for all young readers, and honestly any adult that just needs something fun to escape into. It’s worth the couple hours it will take to get through - excellent work!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: The golden rule of shady Elms Retirement Home was listed clearly on the front door: No unaccompanied minors on the premises after six p.m. Which was why I was not using the front door.

Premise/plot: Lemon Peabody, our heroine, has been working on Project Validation for most of her life. Her Grandpa Walt--so says he--had an alien encounter thirty years ago. Few--if any--believe him. In fact, the town has collectively made light sport of his story. It's a 'thing' apparently, to paint the faces of garden gnomes green in this town. Lemon's father HATES garden gnomes because of this; he has little appreciation for a daughter who "encourages" and "supports" Grandpa Walt's so-called delusions. Now that he's in a nursing home, he's hoping EVERYONE will forget the whole aliens thing. This seems likely since Walt has Alzheimer's and his memory is touch and go at best. Lemon finds it heartbreaking that she's losing her Grandpa and doing so before she could prove his claims to be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. She must find proof that her Grandpa really, truly had an alien encounter....

So it is super convenient that the SECOND narrator (or should that be gnarrator) is a space alien--a cadet, I believe--whose space ship crashes on earth in the very same town, in the very same woods as thirty years ago. Lemon happens, of course, to witness this! Finally, an opportunity to prove to her dad (and others) what she's always believed--her Grandpa is telling the truth.

My thoughts: This is a strange little book. On the one hand, you've got a HEAVY book. Lemon loves, loves, loves her Grandpa. Yes, the book might try to make this one fun and light-hearted by shifting the focus to HOW DELIGHTFUL Grandpa Walt met and befriended a super-cute-adorable-alien (who looks like a garden gnome). But Grandpa's medical condition is real and devastating. As an adult, I can see the dad making some very valid points. Lemon's insistence on breaking all the rules and getting her Grandpa flustered up and having breakdowns because he can't remember things...is problematic. Yes, readers learn the truth. But it could have easily gone the other way (in another genre for another audience). On the other hand, as I mentioned, the gnome-alien-race is SUPER adorable and cute. They all have adorable names. There's nothing threatening or dangerous--just super precious and adorable.

I think age and experience might play a role in if you see this one as hilarious and delightful or heartbreaking.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lemon/Lenore Peabody has a grandfather she loves dearly and best friend of 8 years who sticks by her through multiple adventures that are the stuff that Marlo’s books are made of. But in “Gnome,” Lemon is struggling to face the realities of her beloved grandfather slipping away from her due to worsening Alzheimer’s and has set out to prove his story of meeting a gnome-like alien decades before in an effort to make a lasting connection with him. But Lemon’s dad won’t talk about the supposed alien visitation and harbors great resentment against his father for perpetuating the fabrication that has led to garden gnomes everywhere and a lifetime of teasing. But when Lemon and Marlo hook up with mushroom-loving Rachel and discover not only a patch of mysterious shroons but a cloaked spaceship filled with green-faced, gnome-like visitors! Casey Lyall’s alien searching book is fun fantasy with an underlying thread of reality that will leave middle grade readers entertained and perhaps a bit more knowledgeable on the subject of Alzheimer’s disease. The trio of friends are different, but mesh together nicely and would provide teachers with great opportunities for character studies. Plenty of literary tools implemented to create vivid images of the aliens’ ship and their abilities and goals. Altogether a great read and perfect for grades 4-6. Representation: Lemon presents as Caucasian, Marlo has two moms and one is Hispanic, one of the aliens uses the pronouns they/them without commentary on the choice. Text is free of profanity or sexual content and the weapons used by the gnome-aliens freeze their targets rather than kill or maim them.

Thanks for the print arc, Casey Lyall.

[Paige V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl sets out to prove the existence of aliens with her grandfather's story, and a group of aliens by accident land on Earth as some twist of fate.

Lenore Peabody, or Lemon, wants to continue Project Validation (a project she and her Grandpa Walt made to find the alien he met 30 years ago) the whole summer. So, one night, Lemon sneaks out of the house and into where Grandpa Walt had talked to Gnemo (the alien). There she sees an alien spaceship, setting her plan into action. Meanwhile, the aliens (the same kind that Grandpa Walt had met) try to fix their ship to get out of Earth and investigate the planet.

This book is out-of-this-world. I love the theme of trying to prove the existence of aliens (I believe aliens could be out there), and I love the aliens' gnomish theme. Their technology is excellent too, and some could help us.

Lemon has a very naughty streak. She is very impulsive, which is pretty funny to read about, and has a serious side to her when it comes to her Grandpa Walt (who has Alzheimer's Disease). Her Grandpa Walt is charming, and the aliens are interesting characters.

Give this book to any UFO and Alien Believers who love a story with heart.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highlights:
Nerdy girl trio of heroines;
Small town paranormal legend/conspiracy theory;
Rogue aliens that look just like garden gnomes;
Kids save the day (with the help of aliens and a grandpa with dementia);
Brilliant dementia rep;

What a fun story! Preteen "Lemon" decides to spend her summer redeeming the reputation of her grandfather (now struggling with dementia) who's been the butt of a town joke ever since he claimed to see aliens as a young man.

With perfect timing, Grandpa's alien friend has returned... having gone rogue.

Hilarity ensues... with, strangely, a lot of lessons about believing in yourself and learning to be a friend to others.

Lyall's representation of dementia is something we need more of in kidlit: She captures the nuances, the way it impacts others; and gently helps kids understand a more compassionate way to interact with people with dementia. (I have a disability that mimics dementia - try not to be too jealous).

Give to fans of Melissa D. Savage (who is on my auto-buy list).

Thank you for sharing with #BookAllies!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Thirty years ago, Lemon's grandfather Walter is sure that he saw space aliens, but Lemon's father has never believed him. Since Walter is now in an assisted living facility (where he hangs out with friends in their "grandpa uniforms" of khakis and bulky sweaters!) because he is in the early stages of dementia, Lemon wants to help him with his Validation Project and prove what he saw. They make some progress when there is another sighting, and Lemon hopes that the aliens will not only prove themselves, but help her grandfather as well. This would be a great choice for elementary readers who liked Schaefer's A Long Way From Home. I appreciated that the assisted living facility was not portrayed in an negative manner, although it was a bit odd that Lemon could sneak in after visiting hours; if she could sneak in, I would worry that her grandfather could sneak out!

[Río · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun, easy to follow, and touched on some serious topics in easy-to-understand ways. A young girl, called Lemon by her grandfather, is determined to help him prove that he did in fact see a gnome-looking alien 30 years ago - and she is not going to let anything stop them, even the super strict nurse at grandpa's new room at the old folks home. Despite promises to her parents that she will stop hunting for aliens -what do they know what will bother grandpa? Lemon knew this would make him happy - Lemon wrangles her friend into her schemes as they hunt for a spaceship in the woods.

Despite the lighthearted premise, this book shares a glimpse of what it is like for a loved one to deal with Alzheimer's, as well as shining a light on the complexity of emotions in parent-child relationships.

Lemon is eager to prove her dad wrong, but when things start to fall out of place, she begins to question if she really knows what is best for her grandfather afterall ...

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition.

Absolutely loved this middle grade novel! Full of humor and heart, readers follow almost 12 year old Lemon on her quest to prove that her grandpareally did meet an extraterrestrial gnome named Gnemo 30 years ago. Lemon’s plan includes gathering help from her best friend Marlo and avoiding getting caught by Nurse Edie from Grandpa’s retirement home. Lots of laughable moments and sticky situations for readers to enjoy as well as more serious topics such as aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

Filled with family, friendship, love, hope, and the power of believing, this middle grade novel publishes in May - preorder now.

[Kay S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claiming the spot as probably the best alien book I've ever read isn't that hard. But this book took it in spades. It's heartwarming, funny, full of adventure and action, all the while being full of little messages that kids need to hear. Friendship, international relations, parents aren't infallible, bullying has lasting consequences...

It also tackles Alzheimer very well (if a bit rapidly but I can imagine anything happening to ones loved ones as a child can appear intensely quick). Walt reminded me so much of my own grandfather's last few years (down to the chairs Lemon got from his house - his were ugly and brown and we've had them reupholstered. Good chairs though.). It almost had me in tears a few times.

I love this little dumb alien book.

[Heather Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you say no to a book about alien garden gnomes??

So, I love sci-fi, but I also love anything quirky and offbeat, and this book has quirky and offbeat in spades. But it's also a story with a really immersive and touching family dynamic and lovely intergenerational relationships. I just think kids would love this. My official blurb is below!

An endlessly delightful read that seamlessly marries the excitement and kid-appeal of a first contact with aliens plotline with a sensitive depiction of a child coming to terms with a loved one’s illness. Gnome is Where Your Heart Is is charming, witty, and just pure fun.

Thanks to HarperCollins/Greenwillow for the ARC.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun fantasy story about aliens who look a bit like green garden gnomes, landing in the clearing, just as Grandpa had seen when he was a kid, is a wonderful read, of adventure, family, friendship and understanding of things we don't yet know.
I love the personality the author gave the alien Gnedley - a bit lost and trying to prove himself - Ensign, Lemon, her friends and the just-out-of reach mystery lurking beneath the whole story about the aliens and Grandpa.
Bringing the multigenerational acceptance into the ending was brilliant! I could see it all!. A quick, clever, magical story everyone will love!

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lemon has always believed her Grandpa Walt’s story of meeting an alien, that looked very much like a garden gnome. Now that he is in the home and battling Alzheimer’s she is working with him on proving it with Project Validation. When she sees a spaceship land in the woods, she enlists the help of friends Marlo and Rachel. Her main goal is to contact grandpa’s alien, Gnemo, and see if alien technology can help him. The aliens have problems of their own, trying to fix their spaceship and find out who is behind the harvest of illegal invisibility mushrooms. This action-packed science fiction is filled with humour and heart.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Operation Gnomes from Outerspace” Perfect description for this heart-warming novel. Fast paced, laugh out loud, addressing grief, the need to believe that “they” are out there and illness (Alzheimer’s). Lemon aka Lenore is super feisty and devoted to her grandfather, her friends and Project Validation. Although there is a lesson learned, that not all illnesses can be cured and with the help of loved ones, we learn to accept and make the best of things. I cannot wait to get this in the hands of my students.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemon decides this is the summer she will make contact with Gnemo, the gnome-like alien that her grandfather met thirty years ago but first she must not only find Gnemo but evade the nurse guarding the door at her grandfather’s nursing home. When she discovers Gnemo and her crew have crash-landed in the woods, she must convince her friends to help her make contact and help her grandfather. Reminiscent of Leonard, My Life as a Cat, this science fiction gem explores family relationships and dealing with Alzeheimers. Readers will never look at garden gnomes the same way again!

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gnome is Where the Heart is is a quirky blend of intergenerational and intergalactic relationships. Years ago, Lemon's grandfather had an alien encounter, but nobody but his granddaughter believes him. She is determined to prove it to everyone and a chance encounter may help her solve all her problems.

As an aside, I found the audiobook narration rather irritating and it made Lemon a very unlikeable character. I struggled with it the whole time listening and even switched to the physical text for a while.

Gnome is Where the Heart is is a 2025 MYRCA Sundogs nominee.

[Marisa Pierucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book as much as I did. Once I got into the story it was great. Lemon is a wonderful main character with a heart of gold and the fearlessness of a true hero who will do anything to fulfill her grandpa’s biggest wish. Watching a family member deal with dementia in my real life made my heart break for Lemon dealing with losing the version of her grandpa she knew but she shows strength and courage to make his last days the fullest possible.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very emotional story about a granddaughter and her grandfather who is sick. She is determined to find a way to help him get better but Alzheimer's is not one she can cure. She hopes that these alien gnomes (from Grandpa's stories) may be the answer. Lemon doesn't take No for an answer and will fight to the end. I like how the author balances the emotional level presented with dealing with a loved one with this disease with a pinch of sci-fi first-contact aliens.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aliens, grandparent relationships, Alzheimer's, summer plans

Lemon and her grandpa Walt have been working for years on Project Validation, a project to relocate the garden gnome looking aliens that Walt saw many years ago. Then one summer night, Lemon sees something suspicious and upon investigation, it is the aliens! She and her friends set out to prove the aliens exist and have them visit with her grandfather before it's too late. A cute and touching story

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome read! I love the personalities of the characters in this book. The author shares an experience of an illness with an adventure. I would recommend this book to families that have a member with Alzheimer's. It gives insight to the disease for someone who hasn't experienced it before, and offers an out of this world distraction.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everybody believes that Lemon's grandfather met a green, gnome-like alien 30 years ago, but she knows it's true. Lemon is determined to find them again, with the help of her friends in the Junior Forest Rangers, before Grandpa Walt loses his memory. I adored this heartwarming and quick-paced story full of friendship, mystery, and wonderous surprises! Fans of Melissa Savage are sure to enjoy.

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this cute science fiction book, including the aliens that look like garden gnomes. There’s a sweet and gentle relationship between Lemon and her grandfather that doesn’t dominate the plot of the story, but does provide the motivation for it. This was an all around joyful book with enough to keep kids interested through all 300 pages.

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe a 3.5 star. It was cute. I was interested and wanted to keep reading. The friendships were good. Dealing with aging loved ones was sweet. But there were some things that it seemed like they were going to dive into and built up to it, then just skimmed the surface for a couple sentences, then left it at that. However, I'd love to meet some garden gnome aliens.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thirty years ago, Lemon Peabody’s grandpa met an alien and it looked just like a green garden gnome. Lemon is determined to find those extraterrestrial gnomes and vindicate Grandpa Walt while Grandpa can still remember it. But when the aliens find her, nothing after that goes the way she expected.