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52 pages 1 hour read

Raymie Nightingale

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Kate DiCamillo

Raymie Nightingale

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • 1970s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

550L

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Super Short Summary

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo is a middle-grade novel set in Florida in 1975, following 10-year-old Raymie Clark, who, in an attempt to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire pageant and bring her estranged father back, forms an unexpected but deep friendship with two girls, Beverly Tapinski and Louisiana Elefante, as they navigate personal struggles and missions that reveal the strength of their bond. The book addresses themes of parental abandonment, grief from a neighbor's death, and poverty.

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

23,206 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo is widely praised for its poignant storytelling and well-developed characters, particularly the protagonist's emotional journey. However, some readers find the narrative pacing slow and the resolution somewhat unsatisfying. Overall, it is lauded for its tender portrayal of friendship and resilience, appealing to both young readers and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Raymie Nightingale?

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo appeals to readers aged 10-14 who enjoy emotionally resonant, character-driven stories. Similar to Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, it beautifully explores themes of friendship, loss, and personal growth.

4.3

23,206 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Raymie Clarke

A 10-year-old girl dealing with her father's departure, who seeks emotional growth and friendship through baton-twirling classes.

An imaginative young orphan with angelic features, who often lives in a hopeful fantasy world to cope with her hardships.

A tough and independent young girl with a skeptical view of life who initially seeks to sabotage a local contest.

A former baton-twirling champion who, despite her harsh demeanor and lack of patience for children, provides lessons to Raymie, Louisiana, and Beverly.

Raymie’s quirky elderly neighbor and spiritual guide known for her eccentric behavior and philosophical stories.

The secretary at Raymie’s father’s insurance company, who offers warmth, comfort, and optimistic support.

Raymie's lifesaving coach, who imparts important skills and relaxation techniques that help guide her actions.

Raymie's absent father who left with a younger woman, serving as the initial catalyst for her journey.

Raymie’s emotionally unavailable mother, struggling with her husband's abandonment and consumed by her own grief.

Beverly's mother, a former beauty queen prone to frustration, whose actions indirectly affect Beverly's motivations.

Louisiana’s eccentric, loving grandmother who creates a safe and joyful world amidst their challenging circumstances.

The compassionate hospital nurse who provides warmth and reality checks to Raymie and her companions.

A spicy resident of the Golden Glen Nursing Home whose dismissive nature inadvertently leads Raymie into pivotal adventures.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • 1970s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

550L

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