Pennypacker, Sara. Leeva at Last. Matthew Cordell, Illus. Balzer + Bray, 03/2023. 305pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-311442-5. GRADES 4–8. OUTSTANDING.
Leeva has the worst parents in children’s literature since those in Roald Dahl’s Matilda (Viking, 1988), because they practically keep her imprisoned doing housework. Leeva decides to sneak out while they are at work, and visits the library next door, run by Mrs. Flowers and her nephew, where she discovers knowledge, kindness, and friendship. Filled with Dahl-like exaggeration and humor, this is partly a satiric look at corrupt politicians, since Leeva’s mother is the mayor and her father the town’s treasurer. The ink sketches appear once per chapter, showing the Flowers family as Black and most other characters (including Leeva) as white. A funny, silly look at bad parenting that will appeal to many readers who enjoy the books of Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and other humor writers.
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool