Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan). Published March 26, 2024.
Olivetti is a beloved typewriter, owned by Beatrice Brindle and her family. Beatrice pours her thoughts into him while her four children take turns typing with grimy hands. Olivetti loves being part of the family and watching them grow up but, when he’s replaced by a computer, he’s sad. Years later she approaches him and he’s hopeful that Beatrice has realized he’s better than a computer. Instead, she sells him to a pawnshop. Olivetti is devastated.
Twelve-year-old Ernest is the quiet one of the Brindles. Friendless and lonely, he’s always buried in a dictionary. When his mother disappears, he believes it was his fault. While hanging up missing person flyers he met a girl who had seen his mother in a pawnshop selling a typewriter. Ernest is puzzled and decides to sneak into the shop to figure out why Olivetti was sold.
Though there is a typewriter code to never reveal your secrets Olivetti decided to break it when he realized Beatrice was missing. When Ernest approached him and put paper in his roller he started to type. Ernest was freaked out but figured Olivetti was his only hope. In time, as Olivetti reveals Beatrice’s memories, Ernest delves deeper into his own. Something happened in the past the family avoided talking about but, to find Beatrice, they will have to remember so they can all have a future.
Told through Olivetti and Ernest’s viewpoints, “Olivetti” is a story of determination, hope, and love. It will make a great addition to a middle school book club.
Highly recommended for ages 11-14.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
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