Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is by Casey Lyall
ISBN: 0063239825
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Lemon decides this is the summer she will make contact with Gnemo, the gnome-like alien that her grandfather met thirty years ago. If only she could find Gnemo and also figure out how to evade the nurse guarding the door at her grandfather’s nursing home. When she discovers Gnemo and her crew have actually crash-landed in the woods, she must convince her friends to help her make contact. Reminiscent of Leonard, My Life as a Cat, this science fiction gem explores family relationships – especially when family members are stuck in their ways and beliefs. The author also tells a poignant story about grief and loss – especially when families are dealing with Alzheimer’s. This book is perfect for middle grade readers, especially readers who profess not to like science fiction. While delightful and innovative, it does not quite rise to the level of cream of the crop. The mushroom storyline was a little confusing and the gnome joke spread out over an entire novel verged on the silly.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham