Keeper in Mock Newbery 2026

May 10, 2011 Tracy rated it really liked it

Shelves: middle-grade

Blog Review: http://bcplreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Audience: Middle Grade/Tween
Genres: Magical Realism

Summary:
Ten-year-old Keeper believes in wishes and magic, and truly thinks her long-lost mother is a mermaid. She’s safe and happy living in a small, close-knit Gulf Coast community with her guardian Signe and an extended family made up of eccentric neighbors and pets. But on the day of the blue moon, everything goes wrong. Keeper makes a series of mistakes that angers everyo Blog Review: http://bcplreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Audience: Middle Grade/Tween
Genres: Magical Realism

Summary:
Ten-year-old Keeper believes in wishes and magic, and truly thinks her long-lost mother is a mermaid. She’s safe and happy living in a small, close-knit Gulf Coast community with her guardian Signe and an extended family made up of eccentric neighbors and pets. But on the day of the blue moon, everything goes wrong. Keeper makes a series of mistakes that angers everyone she loves and the only solution she can think of is to find her magical mother to ask for help. Setting off alone to find a mermaid could be dangerous, but Keeper has a plan and her dog BD and Captain the seagull for company. Unfortunately, not everything goes as planned.

Tracy's Thoughts:
It has been months since I first read this book, and yet thinking of this charming tale still puts a smile on my face. The setting is beautifully and evocatively drawn, and a hint of magic runs throughout. It's not a fairy tale, but there is a dreamy, nostalgic quality to Appelt's writing that is similar. From the beginning, I doubted Keeper's belief in magic and mermaids, but her faith had me constantly thinking "what if?" Between Keeper's rich imagination and Appelt's lyric writing style, even the most common things are lent a measure of magic.

Keeper is a clever, loveable girl with a unique personality. In fact, all of Appelt's characters in this wonderfully written book have a distinct personality and history—even BD and Captain! Keeper contains several flashbacks and is narrated from multiple perspectives, which may challenge some younger readers, but the payoff is definitely worth it. There are actually several storylines woven together here, though Keeper's adventure remains central. One set of flashbacks involves Keeper and Signe's neighbor and good friend Mr. Beauchamps, an older gentleman with regrets about a youthful romance and missed chances. His relationship with another young man is mostly implied and contains nothing objectionable for young readers, but some readers/parents might want to be aware of this small piece of the overall storyline.

This is a very quiet book. The action builds slowly, only gradually reaching a point where the tension is so high that I actually, literally, held my breath as I turned the pages. I was genuinely worried about the characters, as if they were real people that I knew. Going into too much detail would ruin this enchanting story of family, love, and secrets—but if you enjoy vivid settings, a touch of nerve-wracking adventure, and colorful characters, this book is a rewarding, unforgettable read. It is especially good for thoughtful tweens who consider most middle grade fiction too childish. ...more

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Mar 12, 2016 Dolores rated it really liked it

This is a story that finds joy in the small things. The wonders and magic that can be found in the world within itself, and the happiness that we find within the families we create for ourselves. The characters are all wonderful, and I enjoyed meeting them all. I was just the tiniest bit disappointed that the mermaids made an appearance, even if it was only to the reader. I would have preferred all the magic to have been of a more practical sort.

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Apr 26, 2011 Carol Royce Owen rated it really liked it

I was attracted to this book because I loved The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. This book was another great story, alathough The Underneath will be my favorite of hers for now. I look forward to seeing more by this author. This is a story of a girl who believes in mermaids, even believing her mom is one. She lives with her mom's friend in a beach house where she has a band of adult friends who help her. ...more

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Jul 21, 2010 Karen Arendt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: middle-grade, coming-of-age

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but I did! The voice is so relaxing even as the story builds. I enjoyed all the characters in Keeper's "family" and finding out the history of each person throughout the story.

Keeper herself is a strong character, but I think my favorite is BD and Captain.

...more

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Jun 17, 2010 Jessica rated it it was ok

Shelves: listened-to, realistic, 3-4, 4-5

I wasn't going to add a review of this book but after reading many of the low star reviews I feel the need to say that while I did not enjoy this book it had nothing to do with the secondary story line of two male characters who are in love. In fact I thought that aspect of the book was handled in a manner that was totally appropriate. I applaud the author for working this story line in without attracting too much attention to it. Many children may not even think of this relationship as anything ...more

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Sep 30, 2010 Charlotte rated it really liked it

Shelves: children-s-chapter-books

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 09, 2012 Meredith rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, childrens-fiction, lgbtq

When Keeper's fanciful and impulsive nature lands her in trouble with her guardian, she decides to row out to the nearby sandbar in search of her mother whom she believes is a mermaid.

Mermaid folklore and a spunky girl as the main character makes for a great book! The name Keeper is both apropos for its allusion to the fishing term and an extremely cute variation on the popular trend of girls' names ending in -er such as Harper, Piper, Ever, Ember, Asher, Winter, Summer, Skyler, Sawyer, Pepper, ...more

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Feb 23, 2011 Paige Y. rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2011-books-read, 2011-ya-fiction

I wasn't sure how much I was enjoying this but after I finished I kept on thinking about it -- a sure sign of a good read. ...more

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Aug 12, 2010 Christina rated it liked it

Shelves: 2010-kids-ya

Readers who liked Appelt's blend of animal fiction and magical realism in The Underneath likely will appreciate this book, too. Keeper blends multiple perspectives, including those of mythical and animal characters, into a sweet story about a ten year-old girl living on the Texas Gulf Coast who sets off in a boat in the middle of the night, along with her dog BD and a seagull named Captain, to seek advice from the mermaid mother who abandoned her seven years earlier. A worthy Newbery contender b ...more

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Sep 17, 2010 Teresa Garrett rated it really liked it

A story with mermaid lore. Keeper, the main character, sets off on a mission to find her mother who may be a mermaid? Keeper has very fuzzy memories of her mother and is in dire need of her mother's help after an epic bad day. Lots of mysterious happenings. ...more

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Apr 10, 2011 Deanna Day rated it it was ok

Traditional/fantasy, beach/ocean life, identity,

So far I am really enjoying this book. Love the simple and quick chapters, the language and the storyline. Somewhat different from The Underneath but a little similarities.

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Oct 15, 2010 Kimberly rated it it was amazing

One of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Part magic, part realism this book will touch your heart with its themes of family, love, and forgiveness. ...more

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