children's fiction (eBook edition). Sweet but highly unlikely (a recently-home-from-brain-surgery baby brother would probably not be let out of the parents' sight, I'm thinking, much less sent down the block to hang out with nanny and older sis), and ultimately unmemorable ( )

3 1/2 stars
I liked a lot of this story but it felt uneven to me. Some chapters were compelling and others were boring. My favorite character and story was the old woman with some kind of unspecified memory loss. ( )

Narrated by Lisa Baney. There is an orange tree in the vacant lot that is the gathering place for all the kids living on Orange Street, and a reminder for elderly “Ms Snoops” of how the neighborhood used to be. One morning an orange traffic cone appears in front of the vacant lot which sets off speculation of what it could mean. This is a pleasing story about the quiet, strong presence of a tree and the many meanings and stories it holds for the neighborhood. Baney voices the story in a quiet compassionate tone that suits the themes. ( )

A delightful series of intertwined stories about the kids and adults who make up one neighborhood, culminating in some unexpected twists and connections. This is a great selection for 4th and 5th grade teachers looking for a class readaloud. ( )

Good book about friendship and family. It takes place in Los Angeles. ( )