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- set in the 1970s and from a 10-year-old girl’s POV, summer break is filled with nature-based adventures and a new friendship
- themes include: navigating relationships, grief, creativity/art (including photography), and reconciliation
- language: x1 butt, some mild name-calling, x2 stupid
- convo: a bully, mentions holy water, alcoholism and physical abuse implied (see below), rolling eyes at parent (brief), yoga is mentioned once (in a list of fads), a rumor of a ghost, describes how a past sibling died
Type: chapter book
Ages: 10-14
Author: Tory Christie
It was such a pleasure to read this middle grade novel!!
Regarding the conversation topic above, Christie does a superb job at introducing young readers to the difficult topic of abuse. Celie’s new friend, Honey, occasionally has markings on her body. Additionally, her mother goes through many “brown bottles” and the girls know how to navigate when to talk to her, depending on how many of those bottles she has drunk. Honey tells Celie that “Mother,” as she calls her, does not love her. This abuse (some bruises, some scratches) is only woven into the story a handful of times and is so delicately touched on that I’m quite confident sensitive readers will be okay with it. The ending is beautiful, too, but I won’t spoil it for you!
The main thrust of the story has the two girls competing with two boys–who will spot a rare lynx in the forest first and prove it with a photo? Readers who love animals, nature, or photography are all sure to love this story.
By the way, if any of you know my daughter in real life, keep your lips sealed! I’m 100% saving this one for a gift book. 🙂
Celie deals with some big emotions, as this age tends toward–it’s well done and age-appropriate. She learns to appreciate her family more, as Honey’s situation gives her a contrast to how good she really has it. Lastly, there is a neat message woven throughout: that sometimes other things come in view when you’re trying to focus on something else. This happens in photography (when trying to take a picture but, when developed, it focuses on a different area not aimed for) and it happens in life. May we all focus on what matters and see the world as beautifully as Honey does in this lovely book.
Happy reading!
