Almost There and Almost Not

"Almost There and Almost Not" by Linda Urban is a heartfelt and quirky middle-grade novel that follows the adventures of eleven-year-old California Poppy. Dropped off with her eccentric Great-Aunt Monica—whom she's never met—California is tasked with researching their ancestor, Eleanor Fontaine, a once-renowned etiquette expert. However, Eleanor isn't just a figure from the past; she's a ghost with an unpredictable tendency to burst into dust whenever she's upset.

Amidst navigating this peculiar situation, California finds solace in the companionship of a mysterious dog and the therapeutic process of letter writing. As she grows closer to her great-aunt and the ghostly Eleanor, California begins to feel a sense of belonging. But just when life starts to settle, a new upheaval tests her resilience and her budding connections.

Filled with humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, this story explores themes of family, loss, and finding one's place in the world, making it an engaging and poignant read for young audiences.