A Clatter of Jars by Lisa Graff
 | A Clatter of Jars and A Tangle of Knots share a familiar vibe. Lisa Graff has crafted another middle grade tale with multiple story threads which intially seem unconnected, family secrets, a generous sprinkling of magic, and bonus recipes. Readers will appreciate the fact that instead of heating up the oven by baking cakes, they are treated to directions for concocting smoothies, punches, ice cream floats, and more. Her original recipes add to the refreshing story line and are a delicious accompaniment to summer reading. I lined up some jars in the kitchen and gave a few of these beverages a try. The family opinion: Very tasty! Sip summer as you try to unravel the secrets hidden in A Clatter of Jars. |
Lily's Watermelon Limeade Float
 "reminiscent of all the best birthday parties | "Memory is a curious thing. Some details stick in our minds like peanut butter on crackers, and refuse to budge, as much as we might wish they would. Other memories - heavy ones sometimes, ones that seem unbudgeable - can be plucked right out when we least expect it. Lost memories leave remnants, of course, flavors that linger in the mind, but it's difficult to taste things when you don't know they're there." All memories have a flavor, although not everyone can taste them." |
Chuck's Frozen Mint Hot Chocolate
 "reminiscent of a cool swim on a hot day" | "Some memories hit like a wallop, all of sudden, and hard. Other times, for no reason that anyone can explain, memories take much longer to sink in. They seem to meander a bit before choosing which mind to settle into." "There was a hint of something lingering in her mind. A memory, perhaps, although Jo could only catch the flavor of a few remaining tendrils." |
Renny's Orange Cream Smoothie
 "reminescent of quiet nights on empty piers" | "Chuck clenched and unclenched her hand, trying to push away the memory of that look on Ellie's face, sad and small and stricken. But it was stuck in Chuck's mind like peanut butter on crackers." |
"Jars. Lily saw, searching the water...The sight was delicious and frightening both at once..."
Companion Book
 | A Tangle of Knots is the obvious choice here. It is included on the 2013 National Honor Book Award longlist and an absolute charmer! Another Lisa Graff book to love. |
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