The Umbrella House

By Colleen Nelson

A young filmmaker races to save her home by uncovering a mysterious artist's identity.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 258 ratings

224 pages

$18.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Roxy, a spirited middle-schooler, dreams of making a name for herself in journalism. When her beloved East Village apartment is threatened by a real-estate mogul, she seizes the chance to document her community's vibrant spirit. As she delves into the mystery of the Midnight Muralist, a legendary artist whose work could save her home, Roxy faces a race against time. Will uncovering the artist's identity be enough to preserve her community's legacy? Dive into a tale of art, courage, and the power of storytelling.

From the publisher

In this intimate and inspiring novel about the power of art and the value of community, award-winning author and former New Yorker Colleen Nelson brings life and liveliness to an eccentric cast of New York City neighborsMiddle-schooler and Manhattanite Roxy Markowski wants to tell the truth fearlessly and powerfully, just like her idols at Veracity News. She and her best friend Scout already make YouTube videos together about East Village life, so when Veracity News announces a Young Voices video competition, Roxy knows it’s the perfect opportunity to make a name for herself, if only she can find a story worth telling. When a real-estate mogul threatens to buy her historic East Village apartment building, Umbrella House, Roxy sets out to create a video about the people who live in her building, depicting their love for art, community, and family.With time–and her options for saving Umbrella House–running out, Roxy finds herself caught up in the mystery of the Midnight Muralist, a famous East Village artist whose murals once made buildings famous and valuable. Could finding this enigmatic artist be the key to saving her historic East Village apartment building?

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