Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 — Content Guide for Parents

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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Welcome to 1106 Wildflower Place: It is no ordinary apartment house, but you, reader, are no ordinary visitor. So, please, come in!
Two new tenants have just arrived, and nine-year-old Ella is determined to help them settle in. Who better to teach them about the glitchy lights and the nighttime noises? After all, Ella knows all the neighbors. Well, almost all. No one has met the mysterious Robinsons who live on the top floor. Will a special neighborly celebration change all that? This bighearted chapter book by bestselling author Nina LaCour, highlighted by lively illustrations throughout, celebrates community, friendship, family, and home. It is a place of walking dogs that aren't yours, keeping surprises secret, and making everyone feel welcome.
Here, the eccentric joy of Armistead Maupin's Tales of The City merges seamlessly with the antic fun of Ivy + Bean, the family tenderness of The Penderwicks, and the madcap adventure of Eloise in an irresistible story that will leave you eager for the next one!
BESTSELLING, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Nina LaCour is a highly acclaimed author of both YA and adult novels. This is her first novel for younger readers and a terrific introduction of a talented writer to the next generation.
HILARIOUSLY UNIVERSAL: Ella is a strong protagonist that readers of all ages and genders will love. She is bighearted, curious, and just a tad mischievous.
DIVERSE CAST OF CHARACTERS: Featuring many different family structures, this story is wonderfully diverse and inclusive. Any reader can imagine themselves living at 1106 Wildflower Place.
DRAWN FROM AUTHOR'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The charming characters and their stories were conjured by LaCour and her young daughter during the long walks they took through San Francisco during the early days of Covid-19 and inspired by the people they encountered along the way.
Perfect for:
- Parents, teachers, and librarians
- Gift-givers looking for entertaining chapter books for kids who enjoy stories full of humor and heart
- Readers who love such bestselling book series as Ivy + Bean, Clementine, Judy Moody, and Junie B. Jones
Frequently asked questions
Is Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 appropriate for a 7-year-old?
No violence detected in the book. The story revolves around Ella's experiences and adventures in her apartment building, emphasizing community and friendship rather than conflict or violence. No scary content present in the book. The story is light-hearted and focuses on Ella's explorations and friendships, making it suitable for young readers.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have violence?
No violence detected in the book. The story revolves around Ella's experiences and adventures in her apartment building, emphasizing community and friendship rather than conflict or violence.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have scary content?
No scary content present in the book. The story is light-hearted and focuses on Ella's explorations and friendships, making it suitable for young readers.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The narrative focuses on Ella's life in her apartment building with her moms and the community around her, without any mention of religious practices or beliefs.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racial themes in the book. The narrative includes diverse characters, but race is not a central theme or plot point.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have profanity?
No profanity detected in the book. The language used is suitable for a young audience, aligning with the book's target demographic.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the book. The story centers on community and personal relationships rather than environmental issues.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have sexual identity?
No sexual content in the book. The narrative is appropriate for children and focuses on Ella's interactions with her neighbors and her adventures in the apartment building.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have gender roles?
The book features a young girl as the protagonist living with her two moms, but it does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. The focus is on Ella's adventures and friendships rather than on gender expectations.
Does Ella Josephine and the Apartment House on Poppy Hill Book 1 have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features LGBTQ+ themes, including Ella's interactions with a gay married couple and an engaged couple, indicating a positive representation of diverse family structures. The narrative includes elements such as Ella attending the wedding of a gay couple, showcasing acceptance and community.



