A review by booksandbesitos
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

I didn’t have any expectations for this one. I’m not a big middle grade reader but I really like Nina LaCour’s writing and this audiobook was only about an hour long and had no wait times on Libby so I figured why not give it a go. The book is three separate acts. each with its own little plot. The first one was cute, and a sweet introduction to the building and characters. As Ella gave Cleo and Leo a tour, the reader also gets one. The second one was so well done. It reminded me a bit about growing up in my grandmother’s apartment complex, where all the neighbors knew each other and the kids were raised communally. It made a bit emotional as I thought back to my own Matilda. I also liked the way Ella’s character struggles with being patient as she waits to have her tea party. The last act was the one that really shone for me. The wedding, the neighbors coming together and something about Ella, the littlest one in the building and the Robinson’s, the eldest in the building , befriending each other just made me emotional. I wasn’t expecting to tear up while folding my laundry but the part where they used their rose bushes for the wedding really got me. Overall a lovely book with a lovely setting and main character I’m sure curious and excited young readers will both relate to and love