‘One Amazing Morning on Orange Street’ explores childhood complexities

“ONE DAY AND ONE AMAZING MORNING ON ORANGE STREET,” by Joanne Rocklin, Amulet Books, April 1, 2011, $16.95 (ages 9-12)

There are so many books available, so how do you choose what’s best for you? To a certain degree it’s a guessing game — what covers you’re attracted to or if you’ve previously read something by the same author. Then there’s the 50-page test where if you don’t like a book by the time you’re 50 pages into it, then you put it aside.

But no matter what choice is made, readers shouldn’t limit themselves to only the latest trends, otherwise they’ll miss out on some gems like “One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street” by Joanne Rocklin.

Orange Street is aptly named. There is an orange tree in the middle of an empty lot that everyone who lives on the street seems to have some attachment to, especially the children. When a mysterious man arrives one day, the children decide to figure out why he’s there and what connection he has to their street.

What the children don’t know is that this man has a history, a history that connects him to the orange tree and to them and their own personal worries. The children address issues ranging from impressing friends, dealing with a new sibling and understanding a sibling’s illness, all under the umbrella of the orange tree.

“One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street” takes place over the course of a day and a half. And a lot happens during that time. This convention shows off Joanne Rocklin’s great skill as a storyteller. She weaves all these elements together seamlessly.

Rocklin focuses on the everyday, reminding us that a story can be found in even the simplest of actions. She looks at the world through a child’s eyes and invites readers to join her on a journey through the complexities of family and connections.

While its cover is sweet in its design, there’s more to this book than initial impressions, making it well worth your time.