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Ivy, Homeless in San Francisco
In this empathetic tale of hope, understanding, and the importance of family, young readers confront the difficult issues of poverty and the hardships of homelessness. Its inspiring young heroine is Ivy, who finds herself homeless on the streets of San Francisco when she and her father, Poppy, are evicted from their artist loft. Struggling to survive day to day, Ivy and Poppy befriend a dog who leads them to the ramshackle home of octogenarian siblings, Eugenia and Oscar Orr. This marks the start of a series of desperate and joyful adventures that blend a spoonful of Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist with a dash of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City and a few pinches of the Adventures of Lassie. Ivy’s tale will appeal to young readers and adults, providing much material for discussion between generations.
- GenresChildrens
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Summer Brenner
28 books9 followersSummer Brenner was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She moved north, east, and eventually west, taking up residence in Berkeley where she has been a long-time resident.
Her writing has appeared in dozens of anthologies and literary magazines. Performances of her work include "The Flood," a poem for four voices at Links Hall, Chicago; The Missing Lover, a one-act play, with readings directed by Peter Glazer; and the poetry and musical extravaganza, Arundo (with Summer Brenner, Andy Dinsmoor, Bob Ernst, Hal Hughes, and GP Skratz). She has given scores of readings in the United States, France, and Japan. Grant awards include the California Arts Council, the Creative Work Fund, and in partnership with Community Works, The Christensen Fund and Lesher Foundation.
Currently, she works on literacy projects in Richmond, California. She is author of more than ten books of poetry and fiction.
Anthologies include:
American Poetry Since 1970: Up Late; American Poets Say Good-Bye to the 20th Century; Cradle and All; Deep Down: New Sensual Writing by Women; The Erotic Impulse; Rising Tides: 20th Century Women Poets; The Stiffest of the Corpse; The Unmade Bed; Wreckage of Reason: Anthology of XXperimental Women Writers Writing in the 21st Century, et al.
Her writing has appeared in dozens of anthologies and literary magazines. Performances of her work include "The Flood," a poem for four voices at Links Hall, Chicago; The Missing Lover, a one-act play, with readings directed by Peter Glazer; and the poetry and musical extravaganza, Arundo (with Summer Brenner, Andy Dinsmoor, Bob Ernst, Hal Hughes, and GP Skratz). She has given scores of readings in the United States, France, and Japan. Grant awards include the California Arts Council, the Creative Work Fund, and in partnership with Community Works, The Christensen Fund and Lesher Foundation.
Currently, she works on literacy projects in Richmond, California. She is author of more than ten books of poetry and fiction.
Anthologies include:
American Poetry Since 1970: Up Late; American Poets Say Good-Bye to the 20th Century; Cradle and All; Deep Down: New Sensual Writing by Women; The Erotic Impulse; Rising Tides: 20th Century Women Poets; The Stiffest of the Corpse; The Unmade Bed; Wreckage of Reason: Anthology of XXperimental Women Writers Writing in the 21st Century, et al.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 24, 2020DNF
April 25, 2013
Although it's easy to read this as one long teachable moment, Brenner's vivid and energetic style keep Ivy clear of any musty didacticism.
Alternately humourous, poignant and touching, the story manages to address a difficult subject with a light touch. Although Poppy and Ivy are living in a dire situation, their irrepressible love for one another -- and the screwball cast of supporting characters -- keep the clouds at bay as they struggle to survive a very difficult year.
Part bildungsroman, part political statement, part Annie and part love letter to classic children's literature, Ivy, Homeless in San Francisco is a a pleasure to read.
February 20, 2015
Good YA read.
Read
January 15, 2016Fiction B838i 2011
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews