MMGM Review: One Day And One Amazing Morning on Orange Street by Joanne Rocklin

About The Book: When a mysterious man arrives one day on Orange Street, the children who live on the block try to find out who he is and why he’s there. Little do they know that his story—and the story of a very old orange tree—connects to each of their personal worries in ways they never could have imagined. From impressing friends to dealing with an expanding family to understanding a younger sibling’s illness, the characters’ storylines come together around that orange tree. Taking place over the course of a day and a half, Joanne Rocklin’s masterful novel deftly builds a story about family, childhood anxieties, and the importance of connection. In the end the fate of the tree (and the kids who care for it) reminds us of the magic of the everyday and of the rich history all around us.

First Line: It was a hot summer day on Orange Street, one of those days that seem ordinary until you look back on it. 


One Great Line: "Mostly sweet, but tart, like happiness and sadness mixed together." (144)

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Cover Art: Chris Buzelli

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Who:After graduating from Rhode Island School of Design, I moved to New York City and began my career as an illustrator. Fortunately my oil paintings have appeared in many national publications, books and projects for design firms/advertising agencies. Currently I also show my original paintings in various galleries throughout the US and teach once a week at RISD and SVA. I live with my wife, SooJin, and mini-pinscher, Sota.

What Others Are Saying: "...realistic, evocative novel, which features a warm and believable community of adults and children... culminating in a confrontation that resolves several mysteries and brings out the best in everyone." -Publishers Weekly

" Fascinating and thought-provoking, the writing has a gentle cadence, richness in detail, and is charged with emotion." -School Library Journal

What I Thought: In about thirty minutes my new grandson will be born. These milestone events often crown our lives and connect us to one another. Rocklin's story about an ordinary orange tree highlights how many ways we are connected, the small ways that we often forget about. As she describes each character, we get a glimpse of their own thoughts and dreams. The orange tree standing alone in the vacant lot provides a sense of place, a grounded tangible metaphor for life. With its roots firmly planted it is free to extend itself with all it has to offer. This multifaceted story would be a great read aloud, an opportunity to discuss these similarities we all share.

About The Author:Joanne Rocklin Website

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Who: Joanne Rocklin, Ph.D. has written over 20 books for children, encompassing several genres. She has a doctorate in psychology and is a former elementary school teacher, presently writing children's books full-time. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Joanne lived in Los Angeles for many decades. She now resides in Oakland, California with her husband Gerry, one cat and one golden retriever. When not writing she enjoys babysitting regularly for her four grandchildren, singing in a choir, gardening, baking artisan breads and reading voraciously. -Balkin Buddies