Two-time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry introduces a new girl in class who loves being the center of attention and tells the most entertaining “absolutely true” stories.

There’s never been anyone like Gooney Bird Greene at Watertower Elementary School. What other new kid comes to school wearing pajamas and cowboy boots one day and a polka-dot T-shirt and tutu on another?

From the moment Gooney Bird Greene arrives at Watertower Elementary School, her fellow second graders are intrigued by her unique sense of style and her unusual lunches. So when story time arrives, the choice is unanimous: they want to hear about Gooney Bird Greene.

And that suits Gooney Bird just fine, because, as it turns out, she has quite a few interesting and “absolutely true” stories to tell. Through Gooney Bird and her tales, the acclaimed author Lois Lowry introduces young readers to the elements of storytelling. This book encourages the storyteller in everyone.

This hilarious and heartwarming classroom story is perfect for young readers and aspiring writers, featuring:

• A School Story with Heart and Humor: Gooney Bird Greene’s arrival at Watertower Elementary turns Mrs. Pidgeon’s second-grade class upside down in the most wonderful way.
• Celebrating Individuality: With her unique outfits—from cowboy boots to tutus—and her boundless confidence, Gooney Bird shows kids the joy of being "right smack in the middle of everything."
• The Elements of Storytelling: Learn about characters, plot, suspense, and more as Gooney Bird shares her "absolutely true" stories about coming from China on a flying carpet and getting diamond earrings from a palace.
• An Unforgettable Main Character: She’s mysterious, interesting, and a natural-born storyteller. Young readers will fall in love with the one-of-a-kind Gooney Bird Greene.