Author: J.C.

Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence

Title: Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen

Author: Millie Florence

Published By: Sprouting Pen Press (2019)

Synopsis:

Lydia Green never had reason to worry much before.

She lived in a timeless Glen on the edge of the Valleylands with her mismatched family of fairies, philosophers, and two troublemakers known as the Zs.

But now, at age eleven, her world is turned upside down when rumors reach Mulberry Glen about a mysterious Darkness that dwells in the forest Tenebrae.

Lydia knows it is nothing to be trifled with, but, fiery and headstrong, the Zs have other ideas. A foolish choice puts their lives in danger, and although she is no hero, Lydia realizes that family is something she is willing to fight for.

But among the shifting library shelves and lonely stone towers of her quest, Lydia is chased with more questions than answers. The Darkness of the forest lurks within her own mind, and how can you fight something which is all in your head?

In her second novel, Millie Florence weaves a tapestry of passion, heart, and magic. Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen is a pure, hopeful fantasy for both parents and children alike. (Taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen is such a heartfelt and inspiring novel, from the creative storytelling, to the lovable characters, to the powerful thematics. Millie’s tangible writing style draws you in like a cup of warm tea, and her lovable characters wrap their arms around your heart. The story is uniquely told, with many instances of, “Dear reader,” which made for a tale feeling much like a fairytale. The storyline weaves intricately, telling a careful tale of a young girl resisting change, and the themes that unravel are ones that readers young and old will resonate with.

The story follows young Lydia, who has never left the Glen, her treasured and well-loved home, but times are changing, and she is about to be apprenticed. Dreading this change with every fiber of her being, she suddenly finds herself leaving of her own accord when the Zs, who are family to her, disappear on a fruitless mission and Lydia knows she must stop them. Along the way we are met with a traverse band of characters—spunky, logical Prehna; sweet Coran; sly Cole; and many others. As Lydia journeys, we also watch as she takes an inward journey, too: a journey of character, strength, determination, and loyalty. 

At certain times scenes droned for a bit longer than I felt necessary, but outside of that, the story was excellently structured. I was absolutely blown away by how the thematics of light vs darkness manifested in this novel. Lydia’s character arc was also incredible. Every character was so carefully crafted and brought the story together through all their different personalities, and I absolutely loved it. The story demonstrates incredible talent and I can’t wait to see what Millie comes out with next!

Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

Recommended To: All ages!

The Long Ride by Marina Tamar Budhos

Title: The Long Ride

Author: Marina Tamar Budhos

Published By: Wendy Lamb Books (Coming Sept 2019)

Synopsis:

In the tumult of 1970s New York City, seventh graders are bussed from their neighborhood in Queens to integrate a new school in South Jamaica.

Jamila Clarke. Josie Rivera. Francesca George. Three mixed-race girls, close friends whose immigrant parents worked hard to settle their families in a neighborhood with the best schools. The three girls are outsiders there, but they have each other.

Now, at the start seventh grade, they are told they will be part of an experiment, taking a long bus ride to a brand-new school built to “mix up the black and white kids.” Their parents don’t want them to be experiments. Francesca’s send her to a private school, leaving Jamila and Josie to take the bus ride without her.

While Francesca is testing her limits, Josie and Jamila find themselves outsiders again at the new school. As the year goes on, the Spanish girls welcome Josie, while Jamila develops a tender friendship with a boy–but it’s a relationship that can exist only at school. (Taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

**I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

While it felt genuinely well-intentioned, this book fell very flat for me.

Positives:

The main character’s voice was very authentic. I liked the concept of dealing with segregation and mixed-race kids, and I thought addressing school system issues and middle graders was a great idea.

Negatives:

I was confused by most the book. The plot really went nowhere; the book ends exactly where it starts, with the characters not having grown or changed at all. Scenes jump without scene breaks, characters appear and disappear without notice, and characters draw conclusions not supported by the text, making it a very difficult story to follow. Random interactions occur consistently that do nothing to move the storyline, and the story is full of random and pointless events. No conflict is overcome, it just fades away without resolution or growth.

The story was just incredibly weak, as much as I feel bad saying that, strongly lacking morals or themes. There was nothing inherently terrible per se about it, but it was just a really weak novel. Things were explained poorly or not at all; I’m still confused on the setting, and if not for a few—and I mean a few, like maybe three—lines about the girls being mixed race and segregration, I wouldn’t have even be able to tell this time period. The whole concept of switching schools was never fully explained; why they were an experiment, never really explained; just almost nothing was explained. Like the reader is just expected to understand, when in reality, we’re utterly lost. There are instances of misbehavior and references to sexual behavior, but no morality—again, the story strongly lacked in the moral and theme department. 

Not recommended.

Rating: 2.0 / 5.0

6 Great Book Series for Middle Graders (And Beyond!)

PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

This Peter Pan retelling is intense, but so good! Crazy dramatic storylines full of action and nonstop adventure; deep characters with flaws, relatability, and complex arcs; and a little bit of darkness, too (though not celebrated or promoted – the whole series is a fight of light vs darkness). . It’s definitely deep/dark/intense enough to be enjoyed by an adult, but this was read to me when I was 8 and my brother was 5 – so while it is intense, there is nothing that is inappropriate or too much for the younger audience (they just may not understand the depth as much). 

The Series: Peter and the Starcatchers; Peter and the Shadow Thieves; Peter and the Secret of Rundoon; Peter and the Sword of Mercy; and spinoff novel, The Bridge to Neverland.

SAVVY by Ingrid Law

I didn’t read this series until a few years ago (so it’s not a childhood favorite of mine, per se), but I was so impressed by it! The characters are just SO much fun and the story is equally as enjoyable and captivating. The magic is gentle and unlike magic you typically read about in stories, and there are some very subtle but really cool themes that line up with Christianity as well. Wholesome and fun, and just so creatively written!

The Series: Savvy, Scumble, and Switch

 

 

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS by Lemony Snicket

Classics in my opinion, this series is just so unlike all middle grade novels. I have yet to find a writing style as distinct, unique, and quirky as Snicket’s. There are fantastic themes about growing up and independence, trust and loyalty. Violet, Klaus and Sunny are excellent role models, full of flaws no doubt, but yet demonstrate incredible bravery and integrity even under the most harrowing of circumstances. Highly recommend.

The Series: The Bad Beginning; The Reptile Room; The Wide Window; The Miserable Mill; The Austere Academy; The Ersatz Elevator; The Vile Village; The Hostile Hospital; The Carnivorous Carnival; The Slippery Slope; The Grim Grotto; The Penultimate Peril; The End.

THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY by Trenton Lee Stewart

Another example of a series full of fun adventures that teach characters valuable lessons, and a series full of genuine characters easy to root for. Well written and thorough, this was such a great series and I enjoyed it so much. Just so masterfully executed!

The Series: The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma. **There is a prequel and a 4th book in the series, but I have read neither. 

 

THE DOLL PEOPLE by Ann. M Martin & Laura Godwin

This series was the epitome of my 8yr old self’s imagination. The story follows a family of dolls and how they keep their lives hidden from their owners, the kids, and have all sorts of grand, but dramatic, adventures. Fantastic reads for young imaginations, but yet rich stories even for older readers.

 

The Series: The Doll People, The Meanest Doll in the World, and The Runaway Doll

ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS by Andrew Peterson (The Wingfeather Saga)

The Wingfeather Saga pretty much contains my favorite books of all time, ever. I read it for the first time when I was 8 and loved it, and have reread it countless times since, finding more to love about the series each time I read through. I cannot recommend this series enough. Here’s the synopsis: Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera…

The Series: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness; North! Or Be Eaten; The Monster in the Hollows; The Warden and the Wolf King

100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons

100 Days Of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons 

Expected Publication: August 2019

Synopsis: When 16-year-old poetry blogger Tessa Dickinson is involved in a car accident and loses her eyesight for 100 days, she feels like her whole world has been turned upside-down.

Terrified that her vision might never return, Tessa feels like she has nothing left to be happy about. But when her grandparents place an ad in the local newspaper looking for a typist to help Tessa continue writing and blogging, an unlikely answer knocks at their door: Weston Ludovico, a boy her age with bright eyes, an optimistic smile…and no legs.

Knowing how angry and afraid Tessa is feeling, Weston thinks he can help her. But he has one condition — no one can tell Tessa about his disability. And because she can’t see him, she treats him with contempt: screaming at him to get out of her house and never come back. But for Weston, it’s the most amazing feeling: to be treated like a normal person, not just a sob story. So he comes back. Again and again and again.

Tessa spurns Weston’s “obnoxious optimism”, convinced that he has no idea what she’s going through. But Weston knows exactly how she feels and reaches into her darkness to show her that there is more than one way to experience the world. As Tessa grows closer to Weston, she finds it harder and harder to imagine life without him — and Weston can’t imagine life without her. But he still hasn’t told her the truth, and when Tessa’s sight returns he’ll have to make the hardest decision of his life: vanish from Tessa’s world…or overcome his fear of being seen.

100 Days of Sunlight is a poignant and heartfelt novel by author Abbie Emmons. If you like sweet contemporary romance and strong family themes then you’ll love this touching story of hope, healing, and getting back up when life knocks you down. (Taken from Goodreads)

My Review…

** I received a free ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Aaaagh! I’m in love with this book!—which is also the MOST adorablest book I have ever read. It could not get any cuter. End of discussion.

Dislikes:

The swearing wasn’t necessary. It wasn’t excessive, and it didn’t affect my overall opinion of the story. But it also added nothing to character development or plot. It was just unnecessary.

The beginning was a *little* convienent. Weston happens to find the ad at just the right time, he happens to be randomly interested, and he suddenly feels like he needs to talk to Tessa, just out not nowhere? It felt a little unrealistic/forced.. Especially since this story takes place in modern times, but people of today don’t really rely on newspaper ads.

Another neutral—I really didn’t like how Tessa was the homeschooler whose closest friends are Internet friends she’s never met… That’s not the reality for most of us…:)

Likes:

Mmmmkay, so Weston and Tessa were THE most adorablest.

Weston was such a vivid character—I was impressed by his authentic contradictory nature, his genuine emotion, and his transperancy to the reader—and, to an extent, to the other characters. His friendship was Rudy was fantastic! Strong guy friendships aren’t something that shows up a lot in fiction, but Emmons pulled it off so skillfully. I also loved watching Weston interact with his brothers.

Tessa was also phenomenal. Emmons shied away from nothing with Tessa. Tessa could be such a horrid character, but it was still impossible NOT to like her. The growth in her character was so gently painted and soo honest and genuine. It brought me so much joy to watch her grow!

*** SPOILERY ***

Her relationship with Weston, which was, I repeat, THE CUTEST THING EVER, also brought me so much joy 😀 Especially because of how sweetly innocent and clean it was! There was one scene Tessa feels Weston’s face and thinks about what it feels like, but that’s because she’s blind and Weston is being just so sweet and showing her to reconnect with her other senses— like touch! Other than that, they kiss at the end of the story without any details—that’s it. It was so refreshing to read such an adorable love story without any uncomfortable or weird aspects!

OVERALL…

Lastly, the story was excellently paced. A little predictable at times, but it didn’t ruin the story. Generally, I just loved this sweet, original, adorable story so much. I can’t wait to see what else the author comes out with!

CONTENT:
Characters swear a couple times.

RATING: 4.5 / 5.0

(.5 removed for language)

My Favorite Childhood Novels (Part 1)

MY FAVORITE CHILDHOOD NOVELS (PART 1)

While these are certainly not all of them…these are the books I read so many times I had parts memorized, the books that really helped shape me as a writer and a person. Even though they might be labeled as “juvenile fiction,” they are still some of my favorite books of all time and I highly recommend to all ages—though especially for ages 8-12 🙂 * STAY TUNED FOR MORE BOOKS!

LOVE, AUBREY by Suzanne LaFleur

A heartwarming story about a young girl learning to live through grief. LaFleur’s ability to so accurately tap into the eleven-year-old mind is incredible, and her storytelling is fluid and easy to read. Even for children who have never been through anything traumatic, I think they will still identify with young Aubrey’s struggles- for she is so authentic it is nearly impossible to not relate to her on some level, and this is why I think 11-year-old me just inhaled the story. Not because I had been through anything horrific, but because Aubrey was so impossible to not like or not empathize with.

FULL REVIEW HERE 🙂

A tragic accident has turned eleven-year-old Aubrey’s world upside down. Starting a new life all alone, Aubrey has everything she thinks she needs: SpaghettiOs and Sammy, her new pet fish. She cannot talk about what happened to her. Writing letters is the only thing that feels right to Aubrey, even if no one ever reads them.
With the aid of her loving grandmother and new friends, Aubrey learns that she is not alone, and gradually, she finds the words to express feelings that once seemed impossible to describe. The healing powers of friendship, love, and memory help Aubrey take her first steps toward the future. (Taken from Goodreads)

 

EIGHT KEYS by Suzanne LaFleur

A sweet coming-of-age story/mystery about bullying, friendship, and growing up. Like with Love, Aubrey, our main character, Elise, is authentic and relatable, and the story is compelling and full of truth and adventure all at once.

FULL REVIEW HERE 🙂

Elise and Franklin have always been best friends. Elise has always lived in the big house with her loving Uncle and Aunt, because Elise’s parents died when she was too young to remember them.  There’s always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors on the second floor.
When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. Bullying. Not fitting in. Franklin suddenly seems babyish.  Then, soon after her 12th birthday, Elise receives a mysterious key left for her by her father. A key that unlocks one of the eight doors upstairs in the barn… (Taken from Goodreads)

EMMY AND THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING RAT by Lynne Jonell

A thrilling adventure full of clean magic, evil nannies, magical rats, and brave heroines, this unique book is bursting with fun, exploration, and imagination. Jonell writes adventure stories with no fear and a lot of humor, with entertwined themes of family, friends, and bravery. There’s also two more books in the series just as good, if not better: Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls and Emmy and the Rats in the Belfry.

FULL REVIEW HERE!!

Emmy was a good girl. At least she tried very hard to be good. She did her homework without being told. She ate all her vegetables, even the slimy ones. And she never talked back to her nanny, Miss Barmy, although it was almost impossible to keep quiet, some days.

She really was a little too good. Which is why she liked to sit by the Rat. The Rat was not good at all . . .

Hilarious, inventive, and irresistably rodent-friendly, Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat is a fantastic first novel from acclaimed picture book author Lynne Jonell. (Taken from Goodreads)

ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS by Andrew Peterson

This is definitely my favorite series of all time. Adventure, fantasy, family, mythical-esq creatures, crazy characters, action, thrill, suspense, gentle thematics, and so much more. I cannot recommend it enough.

Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad. (Taken from Goodreads)

 

THE SECRET OF ZOOM by Lynne Jonell

Imagination and suspense combine to create this fantastical novel. I read this book so many times. Jonell so effortlessly taps into that childlike imagination and turns it into carefully crafted stories. There is some more intense content (children get trapped in a garbage truck), but it is all addressed lightheartedly and everything is clean.

Christina lives in an old stone mansion on the edge of a forest surrounded by barbed wire and signs that read TRESPASSERSWILL BE BOILED. Deep within the forest is the laboratory where her father works—and where her mother was blown to bits years ago. Christina is not supposed to talk to the orphans down the road. But when an orphan boy named Taft tells her of a secret tunnel, she finds it and helps him escape. Soon she and Taft discover there is far more to the orphanage and the mystery of her mother’s supposed death than they ever suspected. (Taken from Goodreads)

 

 

 

 

 

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

Title: Until the Mountains Fall (Cities of Refuge, #3)

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Published By: Bethany House Publishers (2019)

Summary:

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband’s brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh’s head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother’s death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah’s father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek? (Taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

*** I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***

Like all of Connilyn Cossette’s books, this was beautiful, breathtaking, inspiring, and moving. I absolutely adore the Biblical setting and have come away from her books with such a richer understanding of these Old Testament times!

While maybe moving a little slower than past novels, with more focus on character development in fewer characters, the richness and impact of this novel is not to be disregarded. The whole story being a Prodigal Son analogy blew me away—and I loved the New Testament/Old Testament crossover. Rivkah was an especially amazing character, her arc so incredible to watch, and so easily to care about. Malahki as well. Both these characters drove the story more powerfully than many plot lines, and held me captive as I watched them unfold into who they were created to be. (SPOILER) Even though their romance was predictable, it did not lessen the enjoyment I found in reading it, nor my smile at their eventual union. (SPOILER). Each character, though many, held a significant part in the plot, creating a very lifelike story. The author does amazing at keeping all the characters straight and distinct and pulling them all in so very carefully.

As with the author’s other novels, this book is one of the very few that I really soaked in its length without feeling dragged out or bogged down by unnecessary scenes. I could have read about Rivkah and Malahki forever!

All in all, this book impressed me in creativity and setting and character and story, held my attention all the way through, and is another amazing installment in the author’s works. I’m already counting down until her next book!