magical realism

J.R. Silver Writes Her World

/ Laurie / Leave a comment

Author: Melissa Dassori

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Release Date: July 19/22

Page Length: 272

Reviewer: Laurie

Thank you to the author Melissa Dassori, the publisher Christy Ottaviano (Hachette Book Group), and Edelweiss + for a digital copy of J.R. Silver Writes Her World.

Do you have a thing for New York City? The Metropolitan Museum of Art? Or have an undying love for a middle-year classic From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg? Enjoy magical realism books? If so, then Melissa Dassori’s debut, J.R. Silver Writes Her World, is the book for you.   

J.R. Silver and Violet are best friends starting sixth grade, love From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and the MET, where both their mothers work. Unfortunately, things are different at the start of the school year. Violet is now close friends with Ava from summer camp, her local bookstore may have to move to another location, and her parents still refuse to give her more independence. All of that is about to change when J.R. discovers that her writing assignments from her language arts teacher Ms. Kline using the old covers from the Gothamiteher magazines, come true. As J.R. writes new futures, she realizes the domino effect of those changes and now may have even more challenges.

A coming of age story that readers will connect with the friendships and the inevitable changes, some wanted and some not, but happening regardless. How J.R confronts these changes is accurately portrayed, along with her discovery and acceptance of her own self-identity, which was not perfect, making it realistic. I also loved the focus on writing and seeing how J.R. evolved as a writer. We need more titles that specifically focus on writing so readers with this passion have a mirror to see themselves. I love the New York City setting and the nod to the E.L. Konigsburg From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

A great addition to classrooms and libraries, and I look forward to reading Melissa Dassori’s next book.

Similar Titles

All the Answers by Kate Messner

Annie’s Life In Lists by Kristin Mahoney

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by  E.L. Konigsburg

Picture Book Connections

How to Write a Story by Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel

You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Creator Contact

You can find Melissa Dassori on Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram and her website. 

First Line Blastoff

“That one,” said Violet as she stepped so close to the railing that a blue-suited guard waved her back.

My Mending Summer by Ali Standish

/ Kathie MacIsaac / Leave a comment

Author: Ali Standish

Publisher: HarperCollins

Reviewer: Kathie

Release Date: May 25/21

Thank you to the author and publisher for a link to this eARC.

Georgia’s family is struggling since The Shadow Man came to stay. That’s what she calls her dad when he’s been drinking, and he doesn’t sound or act like the person she adores. Her mom returned to school to get her degree in biology, so there wasn’t money to send Georgia to summer camp. But when The Shadow Man goes too far one day, Georgia is sent to Great Aunt Marigold’s place in the country during the summer weekdays while her mom is busy with school. Georgia isn’t excited about living in a quiet house with no TV where there’s nothing to do until she meets a new friend while out exploring the woods. Georgia and Angela quickly become summer sisters and discover the magical lake where they meet is separate from the world they live in. Some wishes can come true in this special place, and Georgia wishes for her family to be like it used to be. But the more complicated things get at home, the more Georgia sees that it’s important to be careful what you wish for.

I thought the author dealt with the topic of alcoholism very well. Georgia adored her dad and turned him into The Shadow Man to deal with her conflicting feelings about him. Her relationship with her mom becomes closer as the story progresses, and I love the way she connects to Aunt Marigold and helps her come to terms with her past. I enjoyed seeing Georgia appreciate the country lifestyle and help out with chores. The magic of the island and the kid’s reactions to it was a unique element to the story, and it gave Georgia important perspective on her life.

I would recommend this book for strong readers who enjoy realistic fiction with a touch of magic. I’m not personally a fan of these types of stories, and the length of 368 pages will keep me from purchasing it for my collection unless a patron asks for it.

Recommended: Gr. 5-7