Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Publisher Unknown (1969)
Description
In Wisconsin, fourth-grader Ida B spends happy hours being home-schooled and playing in her family's apple orchard, until her mother begins treatment for breast cancer and her parents must sell part of the orchard and send her to public school.
Media reviews
Ida B
I love this book I read it as a child and have read it multiple times.
User reviews
LibraryThing member MrsBond
Ida B. lives a good life. Her parents rescue her from the mean teacher, opting to home-school her instead. The family lives on an expansive farm, with plenty of trees. There is a never ending supply on fun available to Ida B., most of which she manufactures using her brilliant imagination. Then one
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day everything changes. Mom is diagnosed with cancer and it becomes painfully clear that this one little word seeps into every aspect of Ida B.'s life, altering it in ways she does not like. This book looks at a family crisis through the eyes of an honest and bold fourth grade girl. We see her struggling to deal with a suddenly quiet home, distant parents, re-entering school, and the loss of dear "friends." Show Less
LibraryThing member MssJos
It is impossible not to love Ida B. I'm not talking about the book, I'm talking about the girl herself. Unique and exhuberant, Ida B lets readers tag along as she makes plans to "Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World."
Ida B Applewood is a bright, witty, home-schooled girl,
Hannigan captures the 8-9 year old voice perfectly, and readers will be thankful they were able to get to know Ida B!
Ida B Applewood is a bright, witty, home-schooled girl,
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constantly planning for all possible outcomes while rambling around her parents' apple orchard. Ida talks to nature, and it talks back! Readers skip along with Ida B, fascinated by her bubbly enthusiasm for life. When Ida B's mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, Ida B's whole world turns upside down. Readers now walk sulkily beside Ida B while she works out her pain, anger, and frustration at the unfairness of life in ways that even grown-ups can relate to.Hannigan captures the 8-9 year old voice perfectly, and readers will be thankful they were able to get to know Ida B!
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LibraryThing member foggidawn
My main problem with this book is that it's trying too hard to be Kate DiCamillo -- and I'm going to admit something here: I generally don't like Kate DiCamillo's writing. (The exception to this would be The Tale of Despereaux.) So, to me, Ida B. felt disingenuous, like the author was straining to
The story, once you get beyond the narrative voice, is fairly good: Ida B. spends most of her time playing in the orchard (talking to the trees, which she has named) and by the brook near her house. She is home-schooled because traditional schooling didn't work for her, a free spirit. When her mother becomes ill, Ida B. is sent back to school for the first time in four years, and her father has to sell part of the farm (including a few of Ida B.'s beloved trees) to pay the bills. Ida B. must find some way to cope with these changes in her life, and her fears about her mother's health.
I'm not sorry to have read the book, and I did find it a quick read. I imagine its ideal reader (probably a big Kate DiCamillo fan) would really enjoy it . . . I'm just not that reader.
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make the main character unique and likable. Ida B.'s narration has a weird, folksy tone that I spent a large portion of the book trying to place. Was it Southern? Appalachian? All-purpose country-girl? In my head, I couldn't make it sound right for rural Wisconsin, which is where the book is set.The story, once you get beyond the narrative voice, is fairly good: Ida B. spends most of her time playing in the orchard (talking to the trees, which she has named) and by the brook near her house. She is home-schooled because traditional schooling didn't work for her, a free spirit. When her mother becomes ill, Ida B. is sent back to school for the first time in four years, and her father has to sell part of the farm (including a few of Ida B.'s beloved trees) to pay the bills. Ida B. must find some way to cope with these changes in her life, and her fears about her mother's health.
I'm not sorry to have read the book, and I did find it a quick read. I imagine its ideal reader (probably a big Kate DiCamillo fan) would really enjoy it . . . I'm just not that reader.
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LibraryThing member kdebros
Ida B. is wonderful. She has such a great character and really comes to life in the story. She's a very environmental little chick, and names all the trees in her orchard when she's not in homeschooling with her mom. But Ida B. falls on hard times when her mom is diagnosed with cancer, and Ida B.
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has to attend public school, where no one seems to understand her or the tragedy her family is coping with. I particularly enjoy Ida B.'s intentions to be the meanest little girl she can be - she makes an active effort to be a monster, and rather reminds me of a few students of my own. Her reading-aloud teacher helps get her back on her feet. Show Less
LibraryThing member jrbeach
The narrator of the audio book did a great job as Ida B. Ida B's plans, especially to maximize fun reminded me of Bud, not Buddys, rules for a funner life. The book starts out like an update version of the Moffats - very sunny and carefree, but it soon changes with the introduction of the mother's
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cancer. It doesn't get too gloomy, but I'm wondering if there are any books written for children and young adults that are just for fun. Show Less
LibraryThing member juanitaloo
Following Ida B. thoughts and feelings as she responds to her mother's unexpected cancer is delightful and fun. Her ability to exaggerate the intensity of her feelings and to describe with wit her frustrations and plans to control the world around her that's falling apart, makes this book an
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entertaining read. Show Less
LibraryThing member t1bclasslibrary
This is a great book- the main character is a fascinating person with a fascinating life. I wasn't big on the way she responded to her problems, but that is how some people, even fascinating people, respond. I loved her interesting forms of schooling, and her connection to nature. This book also
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reminds us of the things that school can be- good and bad. Show Less
LibraryThing member Omrythea
My daughter really enjoyed this book. It does an excellent job of showing how a girl works through her anger and grief when many changes occur in her family's life.
LibraryThing member allison1096
I think this is a very emotional book that is very enjoyable. It is a realistic-fiction that alot of people can relate to.
LibraryThing member avcr
As she impatiently tries to hurry her Father’s dish drying, Ida B. informs him, “Daddy, there is never enough time for fun.” My sentiments exactly! Ida can’t tolerate the boxed in trapped feeling all the rules of “time” engender, so Mom and Dad home-school Ida B. Hannigan deals with the
If You Liked This, Try: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry, Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan.
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issue of cancer through a child’s perspective, and when this cause Ida to have to go back to Miss Washington’s class at Earnest B. Lawson Elementary School, Ida hardens her heart and determines to get even. Love the description of the Bus: the yellow prison of propulsion. And, “we the undersigned” is a laugh out loud commentary on the focus of childhood.If You Liked This, Try: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry, Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan.
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LibraryThing member laurieleewalsh
My favorite thing about this book is the fact that Ida B talks to the trees in her family's orchard! Beyond the obvious sweetness of that, I feel like the trees are really Ida B's essence, her soul or subconscious . . . and I think by talking to the trees Ida B is really trying to talk to the
Of course there are big changes with her mom's cancer, going to public school for the first time, dealing with her anger, friendships and her teacher. I love how Ida B's teacher draws her out and how the story ends.
I enjoy using this book as a read-aloud, but in truth, I get a little emotional when I read it, but it is a beautiful story.
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deepest part of herself. Of course there are big changes with her mom's cancer, going to public school for the first time, dealing with her anger, friendships and her teacher. I love how Ida B's teacher draws her out and how the story ends.
I enjoy using this book as a read-aloud, but in truth, I get a little emotional when I read it, but it is a beautiful story.
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LibraryThing member hockey101
I enjoy the book and I think Ida B accomplished everything she was trying to accomplish, like when she scared her freind from school that was moving in next door. In the end she said sorry.
LibraryThing member irisiris
Surprisingly fierce narrator and loose-limbed plot form this nuanced slice of life, geared towards under-12-year-olds but lovely for a much wider audience.
Ida B. Applewood is in-between all kinds of grief for her cancer-stricken mother, her family's loss of land, and her changing personal
In lieu of resolution typical of fiction for children, Ida ends in limbo, safe because she's developed a few new tactics: reaching out to others and accepting her own hard times.
Sweet tough thing.
Ida B. Applewood is in-between all kinds of grief for her cancer-stricken mother, her family's loss of land, and her changing personal
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circumstances. To cope, she communes with trees, sasses (Hannigan lets her throw around fabulous off-the-cuff metaphors: hot rage is "lid barely on the pot and water bubbling all over") and changes in spite of herself. In lieu of resolution typical of fiction for children, Ida ends in limbo, safe because she's developed a few new tactics: reaching out to others and accepting her own hard times.
Sweet tough thing.
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LibraryThing member dreamerenglish2010
This is my favorite book of all time. Ida B's character is not only inspiring, but incredibly relatable. Everyone has gone through something like her, no matter how life-changing it was. You know, when everything is righter than right and suddenly you find everything is wrong in the blink of an
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eye? We've all been there. It is Ida B's journey to coping with her situation that is truly inspirational. This is a must-read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Phantasma
I thought this would be a fun book. It wasn't fun. It was sad and depressing. It was well written but I don't like sad children's books. Ida B. is both lovable and annoying. The characters were well written and fleshed out. I can see this helping other children get through a parent's diagnosis. It
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just wasn't my thing Show Less
LibraryThing member lekenned
A story about a unique little girl, Ida B. and her life on her farm with her parents and her struggles with life changes after her mother is diagnosed with cancer.
LibraryThing member Elizabeth11
Ida always has a big amagination and she loves to play and she never think there is enough time to play but after her mom get sick things turn around and she has to go back to school instead of being homeschooled
LibraryThing member hope123
This book is about a girl who's dad is sick and they have to move to a new City, State and Town. Only because Ida B's dad has a really bad desiese. It is sad because her dad is almost dieing but he never really ever dies.
LibraryThing member gkuhns
Ida B. lives happily on her farm with her parents. She spends her days being home-schooled and talking to the trees. Then, however, her mother is diagnosed with cancer, and everything changes. Ida must learn to deal with the public elementary school and to accept disappointment without anger. Ida
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B's realistic voice is the most compelling aspect of this book. She has a capacity to explain complex emotions in a way that is completely understandable to children. Thus, although this book targets older elementary students, it can be read aloud to younger students. Show Less
LibraryThing member meyben
This was a good book how a girl of that age might think. I think we all feel that way at time. I want to try and have that thinking myself.
LibraryThing member Celestius
I absolutely loved this book when I was younger.
Its been a while since I last read it.
Its been a while since I last read it.
LibraryThing member Sandra305
Ida B. is a character I will remember long after I have closed the book. Getting into Ida B's head and sharing her thoughts and feelings was a most remarkable experience. Katherine Hannigan is a very gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her work. Highly recommended!
LibraryThing member MsGemini
This was an enjoyable book about 9 year old Ida B Applewood. Ida is an only child who loves nature and the outdoors. She is a thinker and can be quite stubborn. I would definitely recommend this one for upper elementary and middle school aged children.
LibraryThing member sarahbatte
This book is about a young girl who lives, learns and plays on a farm. Her family raises crops and makes thier money off the farm. Ida B is a very imaginative little girl, who is a free spirit. She plays along the trees and her imagination takes her places. Her mom becomes ill and she has to return
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to school, which she does not like. I loved this book and I loved Ida B! Show Less
LibraryThing member ctmslime
This book is about a girl name Ida Applewood but she likes to go by Ida B, she is in 4th grade and is home schooled. She lives life to her perfect schedule always looking forward to new and interesting things. She says her life is perfect, but when Ida B's mom gets cancer everything changes. Ida b
I like this book, this is my 3rd time I've read it. But i do think this is a book you like or don't like. It matters what angle you look at while reading this book. Since you could say this book is about a braty girl who wants her way, cause everything she does is out of anger and sadness from all the changes. Who takes it all out on her parents. Also you could get confused cause she talks to trees. So this book does have flaws but it all comes to how you look at it. But i still like this book.
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takes everything and all the changes in a bad way.I like this book, this is my 3rd time I've read it. But i do think this is a book you like or don't like. It matters what angle you look at while reading this book. Since you could say this book is about a braty girl who wants her way, cause everything she does is out of anger and sadness from all the changes. Who takes it all out on her parents. Also you could get confused cause she talks to trees. So this book does have flaws but it all comes to how you look at it. But i still like this book.
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Subjects
Awards
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee — 2007)
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 2006)
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Award (Nominee — 2006)
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2007)
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2008)
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (Nominee — 2007)
Great Stone Face Book Award (Nominee — 2006)
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Children's Fiction — 2006)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2006)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2006)
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2007)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Junior — 2007)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2006-2007)
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (Nominee — 2006)
Nēnē Award (Nominee — 2006)
Indies Choice Book Award (Honor Book — Children's Literature — 2005)
Society of Midland Authors Award (Winner — Children's Fiction — 2005)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2006)
California Young Reader Medal (Nominee — 2007)
Mitten Award (Winner — 2004)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — Elementary — 2007)
Golden Archer Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2007)
Borders Original Voices (2005)
Josette Frank Award (Winner — 2005)
Flicker Tale Award (Nominee — Juvenile Books — 2006)
Colorado Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2007)
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Nominee — 2008)
South Carolina Book Awards (Nominee — Children's Book Award — 2007)
CCBC Choices (2005)
Read Aloud Indiana Book Award (Intermediate — 2005)
Books From All 50 States (and Washington, D.C.!) (Wisconsin)
Teacher Favorites Award (2005)
Original publication date
2004
Other editions
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