A Library of Lemons

Calypso’s mum died a few years ago and her emotionally incompetent Dad can’t, or won’t, talk about Mum at all. Instead he throws himself into writing his book A History of the Lemon. Meanwhile the house is dusty, there’s never any food in the fridge, and Calypso retreats into her own world of books and fiction.
When a new girl, Mae, arrives at school, the girls’ shared love of reading and writing stories draws them together. Mae’s friendship and her lively and chaotic home – where people argue and hug each other – make Calypso feel more normal than she has for a long time. But when Calypso finally plucks up the courage to invite Mae over to her own house, the girls discover the truth about her dad and his magnum opus – and Calypso’s happiness starts to unravel.

‘A story of great warmth and emotional wisdom’ LINDA NEWBERY

Author Biography

Jo Cotterill has had twenty three books and plays published for children and young people. She has been writing since 2004 and has also been a professional actor, musician and English teacher. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two daughters and in her spare time enjoys crafts and writing music. Her latest book, Looking at the Stars, has been nominated for the Carnegie and longlisted for the Oxfordshire Book Award and the UKLA Book Award.