How I Wonder What You Are

By L.M. Lynch

When a favorite climbing tree is mysteriously cut down from the town nature preserve, everyone begins whispering that the Holyfields, a new family in town, are the "tree-killers." Laurel is at first... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375906630
• ISBN13: 9780375906633
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Length: 199 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.8" x 8.7"
• Age Range: 9 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 8

Customer Reviews

Brilliantly explores Suburban Middle School Social Psyche

Although I purchased this book for my pre-teen and early teenage daughters, I was intrigued by the title, and was drawn to read "How I Wonder What You Are". I found myself shoulder deep within the often-twisted psychological world of a bright, intense and deeply caring middle school girl. I cannot imagine anyone reading this book without getting a twinge of "Ouch, I know all too well what that feels like!" The main character, Laurel, guides the reader through her world of insecurity, good intensions hampered by the instinct for social survival, and perplexing romantic twinges. Laurel is a deep and creative thinker, who's driving ambition to seek fairness within a highly imperfect and often confusing world spirals her into bouts of internal conflict and self-doubt. All of this coupled with an all too real, and wondrously funny, sibling rivalry between Laurel and her younger sister, Jeanie, makes for a complex and touching story about female adolescence. There is another dimension to this book, which should attract readers with technical or scientific leanings. The mystery of human intelligence versus that of machine is a secondary, yet richly explored and detailed theme throughout the story.Last, but certainly not of minor import, is the richness of thought and humor with which L.M. Lynch weaves her characters. While Laurel intensely seeks sense within a seemingly ill-logical world, her little sister Jeanie revels colorfully within her own self-made world of fantasy. It is worth reading "How I Wonder What You Are" for the pleasure alone of sharing even brief moments with Jeanie's touching and often-hilarious attitudes. My 10 year old found some of Jeanie's lines and ditties to be so full of mirth, she continues to quote them months after having finished the book.I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.

One of my favorite books

This book was phenomanal. Whether you enjoy science fiction, mysteries, or coming-of-age stories, this is the book for you. L.M. Lynch successfully mixes together elements from many different genres to make a story that is truly unique. With a strong moral and superb use of humor, this book is a gem that is not to be missed. The characters are well developed and as you read it, you will think, "This is what my middle school was/is like!"

Fantasy skirts with reality in this story of change

The largest, best-loved climbing tree in town has been cut down by the new family to own its property, and Laurel and her friends can't understand why. Her uncertain friendship with the new owner's daughter results in a growing certainty about the son in the family: is he human, or is he a computer clone? Fantasy skirts with reality in this story of change.

Wow!

This was definately a great book for people all ages, but more towards young adults. It's about Laurel Shade trying to find out about the newcomers, the Holyfeilds, and why they chopped down the neighborhood's favorite tree. While doing so, she befriends the new girl and has a secret liking for her brother. The end is a twist, so don't be tricked!

What A Wonderful Book!

This book reminded me in many ways of some books that I dearly loved when I was a girl; anything by E.L. Konigsburg (especially Mixed Up Files) and Louise Fitzhugh's Harriet The Spy. If you liked those classics, you will surely like this book. Although I bought this book for my 12 year old daughter, I read it first, and I loved it! I found this one of those rare books that I had to keep picking up during the day, when I really should have been busy at other things, because I couldn't wait to find out what happens. Yet it is not a book to plow through, lest you miss the beautiful prose which L.M. Lynch uses to craft her story. The characters, several of whom are pleasantly eccentric (especially the little sister Jeanie), are so well drawn that they become real for you. Laurel Shade, the main character of the book, suffers a moral dilemma when she goes against the grain of sixth grade society to befriend the new girl in school. Laurel sets a wonderful example with her bravery and kindness, and solves a couple of mysteries in the process. Laurel is part of the reason that this book is valuable to read, especially for young girls who could identify with the kind of social situations that Laurel has to grapple with. I found the honest view of suburban society refreshing and acurate. This is a wonderful book, beautifully written and imaginative, filled with humor, insight and warmth. I highly recommend it both for adults and young adults.