ABOUT THE BOOK
Trunk No. 3
by Allie Millington
Ages 8-12
You can tell a lot about a person by what they pack inside a trunk, in this heartfelt story about an unforgettable correspondence by the author of the New York Times bestseller, Olivetti.
This is the story of a magical—and lifechanging—correspondence.
Trunk No. 3, a worn, wrinkled suitcase with a secret, was perfectly fine with staying closed forever. Until she’s stolen by a despondent boy with plans to run away. When a strange note appears in the trunk, however, an accidental correspondence begins to throw everything off course—and toward something, someone, entirely unexpected.
Eleven-year-old Earl Grey has been raised at the Repertorium—a rare library that holds once-forgotten items, each with a tangible memory tied to their very being. She longs to discover life outside of the library, and to find answers about her Before. Little does Earl Grey know that the mysterious pen pal she starts writing to will lead to a life-changing friendship and the unraveling truth of her past.
New York Times-bestselling author Allie Millington weaves together a poignant, uniquely delivered story about connection, worth, and seeing more in the seemingly ordinary—including ourselves.
About the Author
Allie Millington is a New York Times bestselling author of books for the young and young at heart. Olivetti, her debut middle-grade novel, was an instant national bestseller and received a glowing review by Tom Hanks in The New York Times. Her books have received several awards, including the Golden Kite Award; been named on many state reading lists; and are listed as best books of the year by publications such as NPR, School Library Journal, The Boston Globe, and others. Millington lives near Atlanta with her family, their dog Crumpet, and a collection of clacking machines.
Praise for Trunk No. 3
★ “Two tweens are brought together by an accidental magical correspondence and a sentient trunk in this luminous tale about connection . . . an affectionate and emotionally resonant story steeped in sparkling magic and infused with clever wordplay.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “With another expertly crafted work of magical realism, Millington tells the most human of stories through the lens of an extraordinary object. Eleven-year-old Earl Grey (named after the tea) accidentally leaves Trunk No. 3 outside her family’s Repertorium, a library of objects that store sharable memories. Meanwhile, new student Cleo, devastated by his parents’ recent separation, impulsively takes the abandoned trunk as he sets off in search of an escape. When he discovers that it can send and receive transmissions from other trunks, a connection is forged between two children searching for belonging and hope . . . Showcasing emotionally resonant magical realism like Millington’s Olivetti, this is a must-have for middle grade collections.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“In this engaging story touched by magic, two unhappy preteens discover the value of friendship and memories . . . Captivating and imaginative.”—Kirkus Reviews
“An enchanting exploration of family, friendship, and the joy that feeling seen can bring.”—Booklist
