2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
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Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge
2026 52 Club Reading Challenge
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Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)
2026 Countdown Reading Challenge
Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo
2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge
2026 Reading Challenge (by Linz the Bookworm)
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European Reading Challenge 2026
2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)
2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge
The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge
The Life Skills Reading Challenge
Showing posts with label LDS Authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDS Authors. Show all posts
Thursday, August 06, 2026
Campy, Smile-Inducing You Had Me at Bigfoot a Fun, Entertaining Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
I needed a light, diverting read after buzzing through a series of intense books and You Had Me at Bigfoot by Nancy Campbell Allen provided the perfect pick-me-up. As you can tell from its cover and title, it's a fun novel, both a rom-com and a cozy mystery. It's being billed as Nancy Drew meets Scooby Doo, which is an apt description. With plenty of nods to both franchises, it's playful, campy, upbeat, and entertaining.
The story stars journalist Daphne Drew, a recent college graduate whose dreams of hosting a true crime podcast with a popular national syndicate, have just been cruelly dashed. When her aunt offers her a job writing for the sketchy tabloid magazine she's just purchased, Daphne takes it, not having a lot of other options. Her first assignment involves an awkward road trip to the Pacific Northwest with her gorgeous new co-worker, a former war photographer with PTSD. Along with their dogs, they head to Washington State to cover the society wedding of an octogenarian millionaire and his much younger fiancée.
Naturally, nothing goes quite as planned. Not only are Daphne and Clark forced to share an outdated hotel room, but their accomodations appear to be haunted. Then, there are the Bigfoot sightings, the missing maid, and rumors about a treasure hidden somewhere in the hotel. Add in the usual wedding drama, along with what's sparking between Daphne and Clark, and you've got a very exciting weekend in the woods. If our dashing duo make it out alive, they might just have a career-making story to tell.
Like I said, You Had Me at Bigfoot is just as entertaining as it sounds. Is the plot predictable? It is. Is the romance a bit insta-lovey? Yes. Did I care? No. This book provides a quick, enjoyable story that made me smile. Bonus: in spite of the forced proximity trope, the tale is squeaky clean and very wholesome. If you're looking for an engaging read to lift your spirits, this is it.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of You Had Me at Bigfoot with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Sanderson Satisfies With Rollicking *Secret* Pirate Adventure
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
If you know anything about my taste in books, you know how unusual it is for me to read anything even close to high fantasy. (To be honest, I'm not sure I even understand what that term means!) Even though I'm really not into the genre, I have enjoyed my dips into Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere series (empire? realm? universe?). The original Mistborn novels were my first foray into the author's sphere and Tress of the Emerald Sea is my latest. I enjoyed the former, but I adored the latter. Let's just say that while fantasy still isn't my jam, if it's written by Sanderson, I've learned to at least give it a chance.
Not gonna lie, I'm not quite sure how Tress of the Emerald Sea fits into the Cosmere series (Goodreads says it's installment #28 and #1 of the Secret Projects). I just know that it works fine as a standalone. It isn't necessary to read the previous books to get what's going on in this one, although I think I read somewhere that there are some characters in this book that have appeared in other Cosmere novels.
Our titular heroine is a young woman who lives on a barren island called the Rock. Her life is a simple, but not unhappy one. She spends her days washing windows at the duke's mansion, hanging out with her best friend Charlie (who's maybe more than just a pal, despite their very different social stations), and collecting cups sailors bring from faraway lands. As much as she might dream of something more, she doesn't really expect her routine life to change in any way. Until it does. When Charlie is sent away from their island, a devastated Tress risks everything to follow him. Stowing away on a ship, she soon finds herself on a vessel with a bloodthirsty captain at its helm. To avoid walking the plank, she needs to prove her worth. Luckily for her, the most dangerous job on the boat—a Sprouter—has just become available thanks to the untimely death of the sucker who previously held the position. With little other choice, she does the best she can to perform her duties well enough to keep her head above water. Although she has managed to escape certain death at the hands of the cruel captain—at least for now— there are plenty of other ways for her to meet her maker on the open spore sea. With danger without and just as much (if not more) within, she must navigate her way through her very precarious situation in order to find and rescue Charlie. In the meantime, there's a deadly date with an evil Sorceress to look forward to...
As you would expect from a magical pirate adventure, Tress of the Emerald Sea is a rollicking tale full of excitement, suspense, humor, and even a little heartbreak. It's 365 pages long, but I never got bored with it. In fact, I was sad to learn that it's not the first in a series of related books featuring these characters that I've come to love (the "secret projects" books do not contain related stories, apparently). I would absolutely read more novels featuring Tress and her friends.
Gah! I'm failing to describe exactly how enchanting and entrancing this delightful YA novel is. All I can say is: believe the hype and read it already. It's a wonderful read, very deserving of all the attention it's getting.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, scenes of peril, and mild innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Tress of the Emerald Sea with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, May 04, 2023
Newest Amy Harmon Historical My Favorite So Far
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When war breaks out, the Thomas boys start enlisting one-by-one. Deborah's heart shatters each time, not just because of worry for her "brothers," but because she wishes she could fight by their sides. In 1782, she gets tired of waiting. Donning her brothers' old clothing, she enlists in the army under a false name. An enthusiastic "Robert Shurtliff" heads off to war, eager to fight, especially under the leadership of the respected General John Paterson. In addition to the challenge of keeping her identity a secret from the men around her, Deborah is soon dealing with the gruesome realities of war, which is nowhere near as glamorous as it seemed from the sidelines. Desperate to prove herself on the battlefield while not drawing undue attention to herself, she is dismayed to find that she's somehow attracted the admiration of General Paterson. As proud as she is to be assigned his aide-de-camp, being in his constant presence is unsettling to say the least. She's hiding several major secrets from him, including her growing romantic feelings for the handsome widower. How can she make sure he never discovers what she's concealing? And what will happen when he—inevitably—does? If she survives the war, what will the future hold for an unusual woman like herself?
A Girl Called Samson is the newest historical novel by Amy Harmon. This is the third book I've read by her and my favorite one so far (although I do really love Where the Lost Wander). Deborah Samson was a real woman who truly did disguise herself as a man in order to serve in the Revolutionary War. Although Harmon tells a fictionalized version of Deborah's story, it's based in the remarkable truth about an extraordinary woman. In Harmon's hands, at least, she's a compassionate, brave, forthright, and passionate heroine who's both sympathetic and admirable. The author imbues her with a complex personality, a diverse range of emotions, and enough challenging experiences to prove her grit and fortitude, all of which make her a well-crafted character who comes alive on the page. John Paterson (also a real person) is just as likable and appealing. The sparks flying between the two are felt almost instantly, but their bond is built over time, giving their relationship a realistic warmth and depth. Besides their budding romance, there is plenty of action and other turmoil in A Girl Called Samson to keep the tale exciting, compelling, and, of course, heartbreaking. In addition, Harmon's prose is vivid, even poetic, but it's never sentimental or overdone. All of these things combine to create an engrossing, resonant novel that shines light on people who really lived, breathed, and loved their country so much that they did remarkable things in its defense. A Girl Called Samson is a gripping must-read for any historical fiction lover.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe and Sisters of Shiloh by Kathy and Becky Hepinstall)
Grade:
for violence, blood/gore, mild sexual content/innuendo, and mild language (no F-bombs)
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of A Girl Called Samson from the generous folks at Lake Union Publishing via those at NetGalley. Thank you!
Wednesday, July 07, 2021
Middle-Grade Whale Tale Warm and Empowering
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Grief-stricken over the recent death of her marine biologist mother with whom she lived in Japan, 12-year-old Willa Twitchell is trying to adjust to her new normal. Now residing on an island in Washington State, she shares a loud, chaotic home with her dad, stepmom, three younger step-siblings, and a baby half-sister. The best thing about being back on Tupkuk Island is her renewed friendship with her long-time best friend Marc Mendoza, but even he is acting strangely. With her life all upside-down, Willa finds solace in the same place her mother always did: the sea.
on the sympathetic humpback. When a blue whale washes up on Tupkuk's shore, she becomes especially scared. Willa's only a small girl. How can she save the dying creature? The townspeople are talking about all kinds of inhumane solutions to get rid of its body, including blowing it up or letting it rot. Willa knows her mother would do everything in her power to save the whale; Willa intends to do the same. With Meg's help, she puts a plan into action. Will it work? And what will happen when it's time for Meg to move on with her pod? How will Willa, already wracked with sorrow, say goodbye to her friend?
Willa and the Whale, the newest middle-grade novel by husband-and-wife writing team Chad Morris and Shelly Brown, is a gentle, hopeful novel about grief, friendship, and healing. Filled with whale trivia, it teaches the reader about whales while also imparting greater life lessons. Willa is a sympathetic character, although she sometimes comes off as self-centered and victim-y. She does show growth during the course of the novel, but I still found her a little irritating. Likewise, I found the magical realism element of this book a tad annoying. It just wasn't convincing to me, which made the whole story fall a bit flat for me. Add to that the fact that there's no real plot to keep the tale focused and you can see why Willa and the Whale was a like-it-didn't-love-it read for me. I always appreciate a warm, empowering middle-grade novel; this is certainly that, even if it wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington and Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Willa and the Whale from the generous folks at Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Monday, May 17, 2021
Middle Grade Zoo Adventure a Fun Mash-Up of Genres
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Lex has always felt a special connection with Nyah, but when the pachyderm sends her a telepathic message, Lex is puzzled. The elephant seems to be telling her to go outside the zoo, into the woods beyond, to find the answers to the many questions Lex has about her past. Is she crazy to listen to the advice of an animal? As nervous as she is to leave the safety of her precious zoo, Lex feels compelled to follow Nyah's instructions. When Lex makes an otherworldly discovery out there, she embarks on a magical adventure involving a ghost, a treasure hunt, and a mystery, all of which promise to lead her back to her own inexplicable beginning.
Magical realism is common in middle-grade books, but to find it combined with a mystery, a ghost story, and a tale of lost treasure? That's something special. The Elephant's Girl, a debut novel by Celesta Rimington, offers this enticing genre mash-up along with a unique setting, two likable heroines (one human, one pachyderm), and an exciting plot. Not only does the book educate readers about elephants, but it also teaches important lessons about humans' responsibility toward animals, kindness, the true meaning of family, standing up for one's self, and finding courage to do hard things. The story is predictable and I didn't always find the magical realism bits convincing, but overall, I found The Elephant's Girl to be a delightful, entertaining book. Young animal lovers looking for a fun, magical reading adventure won't be disappointed.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling, and books by Kate DiCamillo)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Elephant's Girl from the generous folks at Penguin Random House as part of an awards program I'm helping to judge. Thank you!
Friday, March 19, 2021
Middle-Grade Dystopian/Survival Story Riveting and Thought-Provoking
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
As the sons of an avid survivalist, 13-year-old John Lockwood and his younger brother, Stewart, know how to cope with any doomsday scenario. Not that they'll really need their father's advice about boiling toilet water and using yucca leaves to wash their clothes. After all, Dad has stocked their home with enough supplies to last for two apocalypses. The three of them can ride out any disaster in their isolated desert house, no problem.
Growing up with a Secret Service agent who was obsessed with emergency preparedness, J.L. Esplin was born to write this kind of debut novel. 96 Miles is infused with real survival strategies that will fascinate anyone who's ever wondered what to do in a disaster scenario. These tips add an intriguing element to the story, which is already taut, tense, and compelling. John is a sympathetic character who's brave and resolute, even while he struggles under the pressure of making decisions in a brutal situation where the consequences of every choice can be dire. He's determined to save his brother no matter what the cost, which makes him an appealing, root-worthy hero. Although 96 Miles is a pretty straightforward dystopian/survival novel, there is a story swerve toward the end that caught me by surprise (although it really shouldn't have, considering...) and upped the ante for the boys considerably. With an engrossing plot, likable characters, and skilled storytelling, 96 Miles is a riveting, immersive read. Not only is it entertaining, but it's also thought-provoking, asking intriguing questions like: How would I handle a crisis situation? How would I act as things became increasingly desperate? Would I keep my carefully-stocked supplies to myself or share them with others? What decisions would I be forced to make and would I be able to live with myself afterward? These discussion-worthy themes are just one more element that makes 96 Miles an excellent read.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Alone by Megan E. Freeman, Dry by Neal Shusterman, and other middle-grade/YA dystopian/survival novels)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, scary situations, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, March 12, 2021
Middle Grade #OwnVoices Novel Eye-Opening and Empowering
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Despite the endless hours she works, Mamá always comes home in the evenings to say goodnight to her girls. When she fails to appear one night, Minnie hopes Mamá has just been unable to get away. With no word from her, however, Minnie begins to fear the worst: she's been detained by ICE. Knowing she can't confide in anyone—not even a surprising new school friend—she carries on as best she knows how, trying to keep her sisters calm, fed, and entertained. Nothing seems to go her away, although somehow, the girls seem to be getting a bit of help from the Peques, the Argentine fairies Minnie's younger sisters still believe in.
Even the Peques can't help with Minnie's upcoming audition for Peter Pan. Minnie knows a penniless Latinx girl has no real hope of playing Wendy, but she's desperate to try for the part. Mamá knows how important the audition is to Minnie and promised to be there. Is she really going to miss it? If she could be there, Minnie knows she would be. What has happened to Mamá? She can't conceal her family's situation for much longer, but her mother has always insisted strangers can't be trusted. What is Minnie to do?
Let's be honest here, the cover of On These Magic Shores by Argentine-American Yamile Saied Méndez is...not great. Thank goodness it came to my attention because of The Whitney Awards. Had I seen the book in a library or bookstore, I never would have picked it up. And that would have been a shame because there's a lot to like about this #OwnVoices middle grade novel. It touches on a lot of tough issues—racism, poverty, fear of deportation, children with too much responsibility, etc.—in a way that is eye-opening but also approachable. As Minnie struggles, she learns the value of friendship, forgiveness, asking for help when you need it, and being grateful for what you have even if it's not a lot. Some of the lessons are more subtle than others, but they're all there. Although the plot of On These Magic Shores isn't always logical, the transitions between scenes not always smooth, and the prose a little rough in places, overall the story is engaging and compelling with enough going on to keep me turning pages. The magical realism isn't my favorite element of this novel, but it worked well enough. Character-wise, Minnie and her sisters are sympathetic heroines. Minnie's prickly personality makes her difficult to like, especially when she acts like a victim-y brat. She does grow and change because of her struggles, but she's still a bit hard to take. Others act inconsistently (Maverick, for instance), but they're still a likable lot overall. There are enough issues with On These Magic Shores that I didn't end up loving it. However, it is an eye-opening, empowering, empathy-inducing story. I liked it overall.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar and Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for scary situations (absent parent, racism, fear of deportation/police, etc.)
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of On These Magic Shores from the generous folks at Lee & Low Books as part of an awards competition I am helping to judge. Thank you!
Monday, March 08, 2021
Middle Grade Grief Novel Sad, But Hopeful
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Everything has changed since Annie Lee Fitzgerald's father died two months ago. Not only did the 11-year-old and her mom have to move to a tiny apartment in a rundown neighborhood, but now that her mom is working full-time as a housekeeper, Annie Lee is on her own a lot more. Despite cutting costs in every possible way, they are still barely making ends meet. The constant struggle just adds to the overwhelming grief that already looms between them.
Despite her father's absence, there are things that haven't changed. The bathroom still smells like his aftershave, the radio plays his favorite music, there's stubble in the sink every morning, and the coffeemaker sometimes brews his preferred brand of coffee—even though no one buys it anymore. Annie Lee's getting used to these strange things, so she's not all that surprised when she notices more magic while she's listening to an old man playing the piano at the mall. It seems like a sign, maybe even from her dead father, that Annie Lee needs to go back to the lessons she abandoned long ago. When she learns about a piano competition that pays out a significant prize, she persuades the elderly pianist to teach her.
As Annie Lee attends her clandestine piano lessons, loses herself in books, and gets to know a new friend, she starts to process her grief and even feel a little bit of hope. When an emergency threatens to blow everything apart, however, she has to make a choice that could ruin everything.
Beginners Welcome, a new middle grade novel by Cindy Baldwin, covers a lot of territory, so it's tough to describe its plot. In fact, the story's more episodic than tightly told, which makes it seem unfocused at time. Nevertheless, it features warm, likable characters; an engaging storyline; and solid prose. While magical realism, even lightly sprinkled, isn't always my favorite, it worked for me in this case, giving the story an extra punch to make it more memorable. I also appreciate that although this novel deals with some tough subjects, it remains upbeat and hopeful throughout. While I didn't end up absolutely loving this heartfelt novel, I did enjoy it.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin as well as other middle grade grief novels, although no specific titles are coming to mind.)
Grade:
for difficult subject matter and brief, mild language (no F-bombs)
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Beginners Welcome from the generous folks at HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Debut MG Novel a Spuderrific Read
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Potatoes have never been good to 12-year-old Ben Hardy. Now that he's living in small-town Idaho in the heart of spud country, he feels positively cursed by his least favored vegetable. A for-instance: after accidentally causing the school mascot to fall and sprain his ankle, Ben is sentenced to finishing out the season as Steve the Spud. There are only two weeks left, but that's plenty of time for all of Ben's popularity plans to go straight down the toilet. If his classmates know he's the one inside the dorky potato man suit? That's it for Ben. He'll go down forever as the nerdiest of nerds. Since that absolutely cannot happen, he vows to keep his substitute Steve the Spud act top secret. What could possibly go wrong?
la Gordon Korman, Lincoln Peirce, and Jeff Kinney.
(Readalikes: books by the authors mentioned above)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of My Life As a Potato with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
MG Sisters Novel Warm and Hopeful
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Twelve-year-old Libby Monroe is great at science, being optimistic, and talking to her famous, accomplished friends (okay, maybe that last one is only in her head). She’s not great at playing piano, sitting still, or figuring out how to say the right thing at the right time in real life. Libby was born with Turner Syndrome, and that makes some things hard. But she has lots of people who love her, and that makes her pretty lucky.
When her big sister Nonny tells her she’s pregnant, Libby is thrilled—but worried. Nonny and her husband are in a financial black hole, and Libby knows that babies aren’t always born healthy. So she strikes a deal with the universe: She’ll enter a contest with a project about Cecilia Payne, the first person to discover what stars are made of. If she wins the grand prize and gives all that money to Nonny’s family, then the baby will be perfect. Does she have what it takes to care for the sister that has always cared for her? And what will it take for the universe to notice? (Plot summary from publisher)
When her big sister Nonny tells her she’s pregnant, Libby is thrilled—but worried. Nonny and her husband are in a financial black hole, and Libby knows that babies aren’t always born healthy. So she strikes a deal with the universe: She’ll enter a contest with a project about Cecilia Payne, the first person to discover what stars are made of. If she wins the grand prize and gives all that money to Nonny’s family, then the baby will be perfect. Does she have what it takes to care for the sister that has always cared for her? And what will it take for the universe to notice? (Plot summary from publisher)
(Readalikes: Hm, nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for material most suited for readers over 8
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, September 14, 2020
Middle Grade Debut Heartfelt and Hopeful
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Where the Watermelons Grow, Cindy Baldwin's debut, is an atmospheric, heartfelt novel about family, mental illness, and the pain and confusion that often goes along with growing up. Della is a sympathetic, authentic heroine—it's easy to root for her success. My favorite aspect of the novel was the idea of the magic honey. While I understand that Della had to learn a lesson about tackling tough problems with real solutions, I still wanted more of the magical element. Overall, though, I enjoyed this poignant, hopeful story.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of Rules by Cynthia Lord)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for subject matter (erratic/dangerous behavior of a parent due to mental illness) that might be disturbing for readers under 12
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, April 09, 2020
Oregon Trail Adventure/Romance Novel Gives Me All the Feels
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
After a short, disappointing marriage, 20-year-old widow Naomi May is ready to move on with life. Her restless spirit longs for adventure, which is exactly what she gets when she and her family embark on a journey along the Oregon Trail. What she doesn't expect is to fall in love. Even though Naomi knows a match between her and John "Two Feet" Lowry, a half-Pawnee muleskinner, would be considered scandalous even in the wild, wild West, she can't help but be drawn to his quiet strength. As the two trek along the trail with their company, they experience problems of every kind—illness, inclement weather, theft, broken wagon parts, animal stampedes, contention among the travelers, etc.—but when the worst happens, Naomi's heart is ripped in two. Abducted by hostile Indians, her baby brother ripped from her arms, she fears she'll never see those she loves again. Will she ever be reunited with her family? What about John? And what about all the happiness and prosperity they were hoping to find in Oregon? When everything else has been stripped away, where does one find the hope to carry on?
Perhaps it's my own pioneer ancestry or the fact that I grew up along The Oregon Trail, but I love me a good wagon trail story. Where the Lost Wander (available April 28, 2020) by Amy Harmon certainly fits the bill. It's an epic, expansive road trip novel that offers adventure, excitement, romance, heartbreak, and joy. Harmon's vivid prose helped me put myself in my ancestors' place and really feel these characters' emotions—everything from boredom with the monotony of walking the trail to frustration with slow wagons and nasty weather to fear of attack by man and beast to the excitement and wonder of first love and childbirth to the sorrow of loss and grief. Harmon doesn't romanticize the pioneer experience, but she does capture it in all its glorious triumph and agony. I loved Naomi and John, with their respective family and friends. While none of them gets an entirely happy ending, our leading lad and lady do receive a satisfying and hopeful one. If you can't tell, I loved this book, which swept me away, making me laugh, cry, and celebrate the indomitable strength and spirit of my own ancestors, who—like the May Family—risked their lives to find a place of safety and refuge far away, in the West.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder; Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee; Heart's Journey by Kristen McKendry; The Gold Seer trilogy [Walk On Earth a Stranger; Like a River Glorious; and Into the Bright Unknown] by Rae Carson; and The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Where the Lost Wander from the generous folks at Lake Union Publishing via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
MG Novel Tells Sincere, Heartwarming Tale About the Importance of Farming, Family, and Friendship
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
There's nothing 12-year-old Paige McBride likes better than working the Idaho farm her family has owned for generations. Even with the recent death of her father, which has caused financial hardship, extra chores, and heavy sorrow, Paige is determined to keep the place running smoothly. When she learns about her mother's decision to sell her beloved land, she vows it will never happen. Not only does Paige have a foolproof plan to sabotage their realtor's schemes, but now she's got two unexpected secret weapons—a journalist who wants a hands-on farming experience and a wounded peacock of mysterious origins. Paige will use them, as well as every other trick she's got up her sleeve, to rescue the farm she loves. Will it be enough?
Wendy S. Swore's debut novel, A Monster Like Me, was one of the best books I read last year. I loved it so much that I couldn't wait to read her sophomore effort, The Wish and the Peacock. While her newest didn't move me as much as her first, I still enjoyed this poignant middle-grade novel. Paige is an admirable heroine—she's smart, loyal, hard-working, and focused. Her love for her home and family shines brightly. Young readers will enjoy the story for the funny antics Paige and her friends employ to foil the adults' actions, but what will really stand out is our heroine's dogged determination to save the things and people she loves. Paige's affinity for her land as well as the work she does on it ring with authenticity because Swore, herself, is a full-time farmer. It's not surprising, then, that The Wish and the Peacock exudes sincerity and heart. Overall, it's an empowering tale about the importance of friendship, family, legacy, and fighting for what you believe in. I enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The Wish and the Peacock from the generous folks at Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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2024 - Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction
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