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Where The Watermelons Grow By Cindy Baldwin Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Where The Watermelons Grow takes us on a journey with twelve-year-old, North Carolina girl, Della Kelly who tiptoes from her bed one steamy summer night only to discover her mother hearing voices that aren’t there. As the days progress, Della watches her Mama fall deeper under the veil of an acute episode of schizophrenia. Initially it’s just small things like her mother fearing watermelon seeds are toxic and air conditioners are bad for your health. But these irrational concerns and non existent voices become stronger until Della can no longer recognize her mother in the body of the woman who stands before her. Desperate to prevent her mother’s downward spiral, which has previously ended in a hospitalization, Della takes it upon herself to shoulder an increasing amount of responsibility - from household chores to caring for her eighteen month old sister, and helping her daddy on the struggling, drought-ridden farm. And when that doesn’t work, she seeks some medicinal honey from the legendary, local Bee Lady- who, much to Della’s despair, advises Della to heal her own aching heart and let the medical professionals care for her mother. Throughout the book, Della’s journey continues to be heart achingly sad but Cindy Baldwin’s beautiful writing gently wraps around your heart and mesmerizes, compelling you to read on like only a master storyteller can. And Baldwin’s secondary characters are just as rich and alive as her heroine. Especially Della’s exhausted but loving father, her loyal best friend, Arden, and new neighbor, Miss Lorena. Where The Watermelons Grow is a must-read story full of love and hope despite the seriousness of the mental illness portrayed. Grab an ice cold plate of watermelon, a patch of summer sun, a box of tissues, and get ready to walk in Della’s shoes. It’s an experience not to be missed.
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Paper Chains By Elaine Vickers Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Katie recently moved to Boston and became unlikely friends with Ana. Katie seems perfect. She has a loving family, exemplary school grades, and always knows the right thing to say. Ana isn’t even close to perfect. Her family’s falling apart, and her fast temper and adventurous spirit seem to land her in trouble far too often. But perfect Katie hasn’t told Ana the whole truth- she is adopted and longs to learn about her birth parents and birth country, Russia. Plus, she had a heart transplant as a young girl and must take medication and be careful not to get overexcited or push her body too much. All Katie wants is to feel like she belongs: to learn about her heritage and birth parents, and go ice-skating with the other fifth graders. Meanwhile, the weight of the world seems to be bearing down on Ana. Her Dad, a professional hockey player, left her family a few months ago and barely calls. And since then, her mom has spiraled down into depression and her younger brother cries all the time. The house is a mess and family mealtime has become non-existent. When her Russian grandmother, Babushka, arrives to help, Ana doesn’t think things could get much worse. The foreign food tastes funny and the household chores seem never-ending. She has to think of a plan to reunite her parents and fast. Ana longs for Katie’s perfect life. Katie longs for Ana’s freedom. Jealous of each other and engrossed in their personal struggles, their friendship falls apart. But luckily the girls realize, before it’s too late, that they are stronger together and can help each other. Paper Chains is a sweet, page-turning story about fitting in and finding your place in the world, with beautiful elements of Russian heritage woven in. Cozy up with a hot chocolate and enjoy! |
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