★ "A young girl learns about honesty, integrity, and friendship when she finds a lost rabbit and starts school for the first time... The beauty in Lord's tale of finding home in a new community is the way Emma's grandfather reaches her with his stories of magic even after he is gone, teaching her important lessons about following through on one's promises... Delightful." —Kirkus Reviews
★ "Emma learns the rewards of patience and understanding the perspectives of others. [An] insightful story -- lucidly written from the heart." —Publishers Weekly
★ "Lord uses clear, straightforward sentences to relate experiences in ways that speak directly to children. From Emma's relationship with her brother to her insecurities about attending school to her procrastination in calling a family that's lost a rabbit, her emotions are mixed but layered and evident to readers. A heartfelt chapter book with broad appeal." —Booklist
Because of the Rabbit
Cynthia Lord
Scholastic Press / 2019
On the last night of summer, Emma tags along with her game warden father on a routine call. They're supposed to rescue a wild rabbit from a picket fence, but instead they find a little bunny. Emma convinces her father to bring him home for the night.
The next day, Emma starts public school for the very first time after years of being homeschooled. More than anything, Emma wants to make a best friend in school.
But things don't go as planned. On the first day of school, she's paired with a boy named Jack for a project. He can't stay on topic, he speaks out of turn, and he's obsessed with animals. Jack doesn't fit in, and Emma's worried he'll make her stand out.
Emma and Jack bond over her rescue rabbit. But will their new friendship keep Emma from finding the new best friend she's meant to have?