Bob

Bob is a middle-grade novel that blends realistic fiction and fantasy, including elements of magical realism, to tell the story of Livy, a 10-year-old American girl visiting her grandmother in Australia, and Bob, a green creature Livy finds awaiting her in a bedroom closet. Livy must fulfill the promise she made to Bob five years previously to help him return to his home. However, Livy has no memory of Bob, no knowledge of who (or what) he is, and no way to determine where his home is. The novel addresses the power of friendship and familial times, the importance of memory, as well as the power of identity.

The novel is co-written by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead and structured in alternating narrations; Stead authored the chapters narrated by Livy and Mass those narrated by Bob. Both authors are prolific writers. Mass has authored 29 books for young readers. Her numerous awards include the American Library Association’s Schneider Family Book Award, the Great Lakes Book Award, and awards from 11 states. Stead is the author of five previous books. Stead’s notable awards include a Newberry Medal in 2010, a Guardian Prize in 2013, and the New York Times Notable Book for Children Award.