78 pages • 2 hours read
Flora And Ulysses
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Suburban America • Contemporary
2013
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
In Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo, young Flora Belle Buckman saves a squirrel, Ulysses, who gains superpowers after being vacuumed by a powerful machine. Flora, believing Ulysses to be a superhero, hides him from her skeptical mother, finding friendship and adventure along the way. The novel explores themes of family, friendship, and believing in the impossible. A child's strained relationship with a parent is depicted.
Humorous
Heartwarming
Fantastical
Emotional
Playful
Reviews & Readership
55,475 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Flora And Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo is a charming and whimsical tale that blends humor and heart. Reviewers praise its engaging characters and imaginative narrative. The novel's unique combination of prose and illustrated sequences is particularly appreciated. Some criticism includes occasional pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it's a delightful read for younger audiences.
Who Should Read Flora And Ulysses?
A reader who enjoys quirky, endearing characters and heartwarming adventures will love Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo. Fans of The Tale of Despereaux and Charlotte's Web will appreciate its charming blend of humor and poignancy, perfect for middle-grade readers seeking magical, thought-provoking stories.
55,475 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ulysses
Ulysses
Originally an ordinary squirrel, Ulysses gains superhero abilities, including super strength and flight, after a peculiar incident with a vacuum cleaner, forming a special bond with Flora.
Flora’s Father (George Buckman)
Flora’s Father (George Buckman)
A gentle and loving man who is deeply affected by his divorce, George shares a special connection with Flora through their mutual love for comic books.
Flora’s Mother (Phyllis Buckman)
Flora’s Mother (Phyllis Buckman)
A romance novel writer who struggles to connect with Flora, her skepticism about Ulysses leads to tension with her daughter.
William Spiver
William Spiver
Tootie's great nephew who claims to be temporarily blind and develops a friendship with Flora, sharing common feelings of being outcasts.
Dr. Meescham
Dr. Meescham
A philosophical doctor who offers wisdom and guidance, helping Flora understand her family dynamics and the broader possibilities of the world.
Tootie Tickham
Tootie Tickham
Flora’s adventurous neighbor who accidentally transforms Ulysses into a superhero, supporting Flora in discovering and protecting Ulysses's powers.
240
Novel • Fiction
Suburban America • Contemporary
2013
Middle grade
8-12 years
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