The Lottery Rose
The Lottery Rose book cover

The Lottery Rose

Paperback – January 8, 2002

Price
$8.16
Format
Paperback
Pages
181
Publisher
Berkley
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0425182796
Dimensions
5.2 x 0.53 x 7.86 inches
Weight
4.8 ounces

Description

Review Praise for the Novels of Irene Hunt “A deeply affecting, affirmative story.”— Booklist “A powerfully moving story.”— Chicago Daily News “An intriguing and beautifully written book, a prize to those who take the time to read it, whatever their ages.”— The New York Times “This is a beautifully written book, filled with bloodshed, hate, and tears, but also with love, loyalty, and compassion, with unforgettable characters, and with ideas and implications that have meaning for young people today.”— Chicago Tribune About the Author Irene Hunt was the author of many distinguished books for young readers. Her first novel, Across Five Aprils , was a Newberry Award nominee and received a Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. Her second novel, Up a Road Slowly , was awarded the Newberry Medal in 1966. Ms. Hunt was born in southern Illinois and received degrees from the University of Illinois and the University of Colorado. For many years she taught in the public schools of northern Illinois, and later taught psychology at the University of South Dakota. She died in 2001.

Features & Highlights

  • The Newbery Award-winning author of
  • Across Five Aprils
  • and
  • Up a Road Slowly
  • presents the story of a young boy from a troubled family who learns what it means to love…
  • Abused by his mother and her boyfriend, Georgie Burgess learns to hide his hurt. He withdraws into a safe and secret world of beautiful gardens filled with roses—just like those in the library book he treasures.When Georgie wins a small rosebush in a grocery store lottery he gives it all the love and caring he’s never had. Georgie’s life begins to open up for him when the courts send him to a home for boys where he will be safe. Slowly, and not without pain, Georgie learns to give—and to receive—love...

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(136)
★★★★
25%
(57)
★★★
15%
(34)
★★
7%
(16)
-8%
(-17)

Most Helpful Reviews

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... (and i am 35 ) LOL i fell in love with this book cause it was a very touching ...

The Only reason why i am Rating this book Because i have looked for this book since Jr High (and i am 35 ) LOL i fell in love with this book cause it was a very touching story plus one that i was able to relate too with my childhood .. Anyways This Is a wonderful book that all can read !!!
7 people found this helpful
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A symbol of trust

When I taught junior high school English, I often recommended this book to "make-me-read" students as they couldn't help but get caught up in the story line. Unfortunately, I am sure some students identified with Georgie's sad situation much too well; however, they had to be encouraged and reassured by the book's conclusion. The theme of this book is building trust, not just from Georgie's viewpoint but also from the perspective of Robin, Eddie, and especially Mrs. Harper. I recently ordered the book from Amazon for a gift and had to reread it just one more time before I wrapped it.
6 people found this helpful
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A Rose Is Still A Rose

With a book such as the one I read, one must be careful what kind of audience is hearing it. This book dealt with many sensitive issues which include abuse, death, and general life choices. The Lottery Rose by Irene Hunt takes on these issues very directly. Georgie Burgess, the hero of the story, must endure many hardships that no child should have to face. He lives a very difficult life, this is how Hunt chose to begin the story. The abuse he suffers is horrendous and really takes the reader into the story with him. Hunt follows this young boy from the beginning in school, and goes full circle with the ending as he finishes school. However, reading the beginning makes the reader feel powerless for him. This bothered me a bit about the story. I truly felt helpless, I kept having to reassure myself that this wasn't real. That is what made it a good story: the character was so real to me that I wanted to help him and make life a little bit better for him. This story is very touching, but it might seem very overwhelming to the younger readers. I read it originally in sixth grade and was very upset by the story. However, over the years I have read it many times and I learn more each time. I love watching Georgie as he goes from living with his mother and her boyfriend to living in his school and the progressions he makes while he's there. I loved the fact that, as a reader, Hunt allowed me to see Georgie's gradual successes. No matter how warm the book ends and progresses, it is a book geared toward the older students with the emotional capacity to handle such a tragic beginning. There are graphic depictions of the violence that Georgie endures in his tale. However, for the rocky beginning there is a touching ending that will bring tears to any reader's eyes. The touching tale comes to a close with Georgie Burgess traveling toward his own happiness. Irene Hunt, the author, spins this tale with knowledge of this way of life like it was first hand to her in some fashion. She has the talent to write a very real story, but she knows how to soften the ending and leave the reader feeling warm inside. The Lottery Rose is not a story for everyone. This story should only be read with forewarning of the pain that the reader will experience along with Georgie as he meanders through this touching tale.
6 people found this helpful
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I plan to use this in class with low-level readers. I bought five copies

I plan to use this in class with low-level readers. I bought five copies
2 people found this helpful
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Love the book, but it came bent

I love this book, always have, wanted a new copy, but I’m super annoyed that it came all bent up. The book itself is a must read and has stuck with me since I first read it in 7th grade (I’m 35 now).

This is the last time I buy a paperback via Amazon. The cover, the pages...all bent up. Annoying.
1 people found this helpful
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Years of appreciation!

I read this book as an 8th grader (many moons ago). I loved it then and I still do today! I recommend it frequently and think it is a wonderful introduction into a very sad world. While it is rather deppressing, it is not nearly so as "A Child Called It". This is a fictional tale about things that, unfortunately, happen in everyday life. Beautifully written and always brings a tear.
1 people found this helpful
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Okay, umm depressing much?

I understand that this is a deep book that speaks to many, but it is so depressing in the first chapter that it didnt make me want to finish. If you have a strong heart or love heartwrenching stories feel free to read this book. However, if you have a weak heart or a low tollerance for the needy listen STAY AWAY. But that's just my opnion.
1 people found this helpful
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Teaches lessons to kids

It was a good book, it showed the hidden truth about the way children feel. I recommend it to children and adults
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Good book

Read this all time ago, still a good short read
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Five Stars

Beautiful strong story where Georgie an abused child learns to give and to receive love.