The Key to Extraordinary

The Key to Extraordinary
Natalie Lloyd
Scholastic, 2016 227 pages
Grades 4-7
Magical Realism/Fantasy

Emma has always known that she was extraordinary, she just doesn't know why. All of the women in her family, who refer to themselves as the “Wildflowers” have a Destiny Dream that they then record  in "The Book of Days". All of the dreams involve something special and brave. Emma's grandmother, whom is currently her guardian, was a famous boxer and her deceased mother was blessed by an amazing musical ability. Emma can't wait to have her dream and one summer it finally happens, except she isn't sure exactly what it means. She does know that it has something to do with a treasure hidden in the old graveyard by her house from the Civil War days by the "conductor". The graveyard is haunted and Emma should know: she leads weekly tours through it, ending at the family bakery where tour goers can enjoy freshly baked muffins and Boneyard Brew (awesome hot chocolate with a secret ingredient that makes it special). An interesting young lady has just showed up in town. Is this a coincidence? And how does she know Emma's brother? Also new to town, a former classmate, Earl Chance, no longer speaks after surviving a tornado. Emma and her best friend, Cody Belle, team up with him to find the treasure. They desperately need it in order to save the family bakery and historic graveyard from a greedy  developer who wants the change the entire face of their small southern hometown. Emma and her friends gradually uncover the clues that lead to the treasure, only are they too late? Meanwhile, Emma learns many life lessons along the way, especially that which is the true treasure and the true interpretation of her Destiny Dream.

I loved this book so much, and not just because I have an extraordinary daughter also named Emma. I liked it even better than Lloyd's critically acclaimed and much read first novel A Snicker of Magic. Emma is such an interesting character. She is brave and flawed and, like so many of us in the world, trying to make sense of life and her place in it. The rural southern setting is also fully realized. Readers will love spending time in this enchanting, colorful town with all of it interesting inhabitants. The magical realism was believable and so cool. This is a world where flowers have magic, voices from the past can be resurrected, and hope is infused in every cup of hot cocoa.. Excerpts from past "Book of Days" ladies are infused in the narrative, adding an extra layer of history and nostalgia. Chapter headings are artfully designed to reflect the Book of Days and further add to the mood of the story. So many themes are touched upon in this story including the importance of family and community, respecting the past, overcoming adversity and fear, out of sadness comes hope, the power of music and dancing, finding your inner strength, and discovering what really matters in life and your true "treasure". There are so many great lines in this book it is hard to pick just one, but this quote from Emma's deceased mom is one of my favorites, "fear is like a flashlight that helps you find your courage". A diverting and lyrical read for lovers of magic and life.