*One day last week I had the best mail surprise. This middle-grade ARC was sent to me by the author/publisher. I know when a book arrives and I had no idea it was coming my way. I've enjoyed other works of fiction by Ventrella and was intrigued by the title and cover of her upcoming novel. I actually spent yesterday, Saturday, reading the entire story. I could NOT put it down.
What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
1. *Sam has lost his Pa, and is now moving from Louisiana to Oklahoma with his Aunt Jo.What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
2. *Sam and his aunt have not seen each other for years because of an incident involving his aunt.
3. *He is not thrilled to be living in a new house, a new town, and with someone he barely remembers. Sam is determined to keep his heart closed, and find a way back to his true home.
4. *With a half-faced cat, a mysterious young boy, an enormous crocodile, and a tree that appears to be a portal to another world; Sam is torn between his old life with Pa and the new one he is being forced to create with Aunt Jo.
5. *The themes of loss, friendship, family, and grief are presented through the eyes of Sam, his Aunt Jo, and a new friend with purple hair.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1. *From the moment I opened to the book to the final minute on the last page, I was captivated by the story of Sam and his family.
2. *I could feel Sam's heartbreak and found myself wanting to jump into the pages to rescue him.
3. *Ventrella did a fantastic job of weaving together a realistic and magical realism story that had me convinced 100% of what was happening within the pages of the book.
4. *Sam was not the only character I fell in love with. Aunt Jo was complex, dynamic, loving, and someone that every young child needs in their life.
5. *The friendship with Edie was an integral aspect of the story and she portrayed the strength and bounds young people will go to in order to survive and be successful; even when knee-deep in a different situation.
Who Should Read It:
*I already know this is going to either be a class read aloud or "Breakfast with Books" book club selection with my fourth grade class during the 2020-21 school year. The story line, content, and themes would be perfect for all readers in grades four, five, and six. Of course, the middle-school reader will love the story of Sam and his journey. Adult readers that navigate toward middle-grade books, must put this on their TBR list. Happy Reading!
Rating: 5+ STARS out of 5 Stars
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