Wish You Well by Jamie Sumner

Today's read heads toward the deep thought and heart direction...at least, that's the vibe I"m getting. If I understood things correctly, this centers around three children with three difficult diseases. And they are on a mission to make sure each of them gets their wish from a foundation granted. I'm a bit confused on how they think they can scam a foundation or what exactly their wishes are, but I'm intrigued enough to want to find out. I'm hoping this is an entertaining read and not too serious (that's just a personal thing with me), but it sounds promising.

So, let's open in up and take a look!

WISH YO WELL

by Jamie Sumner

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Contemporary

288 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 1st!!!

From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a luminous, sharply funny novel about three kids with big diagnoses, bigger personalities, and one outrageous plan to team up and scam a wish-granting foundation.

Violet Marino doesn’t want sympathy. And she definitely doesn’t want friends. She just wants to play soccer and deal with the whole slowly-going-blind thing on her own terms.

Then she witnesses a boy choke on a hot dog at a hospital picnic. Enter dangerously charming and full of terrible ideas, especially for a kid with a newly transplanted heart. Add sharp-as-a-blade Noor, who is always armed with excellent snacks she can’t eat, thanks to chemo. Other than their illnesses, the three don’t have much in common—except for the fact that a wish-granting foundation keeps calling.

Ever the optimist, Wyatt has a team up to game the foundation, even if it means faking friendship. One wish is fine, but three sick kids on three epic adventures? That’s history-making. The scheme starts off as a distraction. But soon the stakes feel real. Because when you finally let someone in, there’s more to lose.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

When three kids with difficult and deadly diseases meet, expect anything but a pity-party because these three have something bigger planned.

Violet is going blind, which is causing all sorts of problems with her mom, who insists she find friends and attend events with other kids suffering from illnesses. Violet just wishes she could be left alone and play soccer. When a kid, Wyatt, at one of the events chokes and needs to be saved, Violet ends up talking to him and the daughter of the nurse, Noor. Wyatt is a bit too perky and wants to be instant friends, and Violet goes along for the ride to be left alone...which doesn't work because the three start getting closer, but not for friendship reasons.Since Wyatt suffers from a bad heart and Noor is battling cancer, all three of them have been receiving flyers from a wish foundation that won't seem to leave them alone. But Wyatt sees this as a sudden opportunity. They should each make a wish and claim they need their lifelong, best friends with them to make the event perfect...a little lie. That way, each of them receives three fun events. Now, they just have to figure out what they want to do and how to weave this to trick the foundation.

Placed with three main characters with three serious illnesses, this book had me wondering if it was going to hold too heavy of a dark cloud to make it fun, but the author finds a nice balance. All three kids pack personality and none of the three are dwelling in depression. They want to live their lives and take things on as best they can. At the same time, the author doesn't underplay the seriousness of the situations. All three are struggling in their own way, and the tale allows each one growth, discovery, and learning to let others in even if they've built their walls. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but this is a fun adventure with a group who is out to scam a huge foundation. Plus, Wyatt's computer skills add a tiny hint of spy feel to add spice. Also, the three don't get along right away, and the forming friendship despite friction is inspiring and puts a smile on the face.

The tale runs along smoothly and allows the reader to sink right in. There's just enough tension to keep the reader wondering if they can pull off their scam, while subtle humor keeps things light. There is a wonderful dose of mother-daughter discord, which brings across the warmth and love but by no means seamless and, at times, even frustrated relationship between Violet and her mom. As an action girl, this did slow down a bit much for me here and there, but those who enjoy spice for life and heartfilled reads with thought won't have any trouble with those few moments. 

It's a read which digs into difficult themes but it doesn't weigh down. Instead, it inspires, strengthens awareness, and leaves a little food for thought.

And here she is...

Jamie Sumner is the author of the Roll with It trilogy, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, Schooled, Glory Be, and Wish You Well. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com. 

A Fish Like Me by Jamie Sumner

We're heading into swimming and water fun with today's read. I bet there are more than a few young readers out there, who are already ready to jump into the water and have some fun. As soon as the pools open or the days get a tad bit warmer, of course. And see that wheelchair in the background on the cover? I'm betting that will have something to do with this read, too.

But I won't know anything else until I dive in...so off we go with a splash!

A FISH LIKE ME

by Jamie Sumner

Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Atheneum Books 

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING APRIL 28th!!!

In the spirit of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and I Talk Like a River, this lyrical picture book from acclaimed author Jamie Sumner tells the story of a child in swim therapy and celebrates the ways differently abled bodies can move in the water.

Under here, there is
no top or bottom,
no left or right—
only fields of water to wander in
as topsy-turvy as I like.

Underwater, everything looks different—and every body moves differently, too. During swim therapy, a child discovers he can be a catfish, a seahorse, a starfish cartwheeling across the universe. He finds the magic of moving in wholly new ways, just like he does on land in his trusty wheelchair.

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The entire world changes when swimming in the water, especially when a little imagination gets involved.

These pages are a delightful ode to the fun of swimming as a little boy flips, twists, and turns underwater. With imagination, he pictures various sea creatures around him and shows how he can be a little like them. There are gentle additions of facts dabbed in naturally with the text. The text carries a lyrical atmosphere to match the fun flow of the water and seems to swish and glide with the descriptions of what is happening. The illustrations pack color and playfulness to let the freedom and enjoyment come across clearly. It invites young listeners and readers to jump in and swim right along with the boy and other kids.

While this could be a lovely book just with enjoyment the boy experiences while swimming, it goes a step further to embrace a little more diversity. About halfway into the read, it becomes clear that there's more to the swim than just normal fun. This is actually hinted at during the first pages, just not very obviously. For a couple pages, the boy shows how much fun he also has doing small tricks and packing imagination as he's underway in his wheelchair. When it switches back into the water, he's joined by a therapist for a couple pages, too, before gliding right back into pure swimming fun. This raises awareness for individuals in this circumstances or similar in a very positive way and inspires from beginning to end.

And here they are...

Jamie Sumner is the author of the Roll with It trilogy, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, Schooled, Glory Be, and Wish You Well. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com. 

Devon Holzwarth is an award-winning American children’s book illustrator of titles including The Story of a Book,Listen, and Tía Fortuna’s New Home. She grew up in Panama, surrounded by nature, her dad’s art supplies, and lots of places to swim. Today, she lives in Aachen, Germany, along with her family. Visit her on Instagram @DevonHolzwarth and at DevonHolzwarth.com.

 

Happy Book Birthday, Glory Be by Jamie Sumner!

 

It's a very busy month on the book birthday end, but there can never be enough celebrations! Today's read hits the shelves today with poetic flair. Yep, this is a book written in prose for the middle grade audience and promises tons of heart. I'm looking forward to seeing how it flows.

And what about that doggy? Well, let's find out!

GLORY BE

by Jamie Sumner

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Contemporary   /   Poetry

208 pages

ages 8 to 12

A girl searches for her lost dog and truths about her family in this heartwarming, poignant illustrated novel in verse from Jamie Sumner, the acclaimed author of Roll with It.

Disappeared. Vanished. Vamoosed.

Glory has the best dog in the world. Roux wags his tail so hard his whole round little body shakes. He touches his nose to hers like E.T. phoning home. Roux is always there for her—but now he’s gone. And Glory is worried her daddy had something to do with it.

Daddy’s been getting into trouble since the day Glory was born. Now it’s worse than worse. As she searches all over New Orleans for her lost pup, Glory discovers some things about her city and herself. Enough to make her How do you know when to hang on to the ones you love…and when to let go?

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER    /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Emotions glide on every page as a girl not only searches for her dog but faces some harsh, family realities.

Glory has skipped school, but she has no choice. Her dog has gone missing, and she's determined to find him. She leaves no stone unturned and even uses her mother's ties to the homeless encampment to see if any of them have seen her favorite pet. Her search takes her all over town, but instead of finding her dog, she's learning more unpleasant things about her father...although he hasn't lived with her and her mother for awhile. When she returns home, her father arrives with the dog, but the joyous moment sours and carries harsh barbs, instead.

The prose format flows very well and lets emotions come across clearly the entire way through. The reader gets to dive deep into Glory and understand her concern and efforts. Glory is a very independent spirit, and her wanderings through the town (alone) give an extra edge. Thanks to her mother's kindness of handing out food and water to the homeless every now and then, Glory feels comfortable enough to enter an encampment...which adds an interesting touch. But then, it's clear from her search through the town, that she's accustom to being on her own while her mother works. Little by little, the reader is brought into the difficult family situation surrounding the father, and this aspect carries bite. While the author handles the entire thing well, it might be heavy for more sensitive, younger readers. I, personally, see this as a better fit for ages ten and up, than the lower end of the middle grade range. The themes will also be more understandable for this slightly older age group. 

And here she is...

Jamie Sumner is the author of the Roll with It trilogy, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, Schooled, Glory Be, and Wish You Well. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.

Happy Book Birthday, Schooled by Jamie Sumner!

 

I'm all smiles because it's time to shout-out another book birthday! Today's read hits the shelves tomorrow and promises all sorts of middle school life goodness. I'm expecting tons of weaves around friendship and family, and hope all of this is handled in a grabbing, smooth way. 

So, let's open it up and take a look!

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

SCHOOLED

by Jamie Sumner

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Fiction

224 pages

ages 10 and up

Eleven-year-old Lenny Syms is about to start college—sort of. As part of a brand-new experimental school, Lenny and four other students are starting sixth grade on a university campus, where they’ll be taught by the most brilliant professors and given every resource imaginable. This new school is pretty weird, though. Instead of hunkering down behind a desk to study math, science, and history, Lenny finds himself meditating, participating in discussions where you don’t even have to raise your hand, and spying on the campus population in the name of anthropology.

But Lenny just lost his mom, and his Latin professor dad is better with dead languages than actual human beings. Lenny doesn’t want to be part of some learning experiment. He just wants to be left alone. Yet if Lenny is going to make it as a middle schooler on a college campus, he’s going to need help. Is a group of misfit sixth graders and one particularly quirky professor enough to pull him out of his sadness and back into the world?

AMAZON    /      GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Lenny is eleven and headed to college. Well, sort of. After the passing of his mother due to cancer, his father has decided to homeschool him. Together with three other 6th graders, his father, a Latin professor at the college, wants to use the college resources as a background to the school day...which is somewhat weird and definitely doesn't take a traditional mold. Each day of the week is devoted to an activity: meditation, observing students, auditing classes. There is a general project due at the end of the semester, though. Thanks to a literature professor Lenny befriends, Lenny figures out a theme pretty quick, but his dad doesn't like it. Not that his dad pays attention to him much, anyway. 

 Lenny's school day is anything but normal as he roams the campus and takes in the life and knowledge around him. The lack of structured learning, math, reading assignments, and will, no doubt, have readers wondering if they could leave their classrooms for that type of school, too. Even Lenny's new friendships offer fun and support to make this an unique and inviting world.

The grief after the loss of the mother remains at the center of this read as Lenny not only deals with his own emotions but battles with those of his father. There are quite a few reads, right now, which deal with the loss of a loved one (too many). This one hits the topic with a slightly different twist and looks at the difficult parental relationships which can occur.  The father's attitude weighs down and keeps a serious tone to the read the entire way through. But this builds a nice arc by the end and leaves with a sense of hope.

It's a smooth read and fits the suggested audience level. I would suggest this one as a solid middle grade read and not just for the upper end, though. There were some questionable aspects on the realistic end of the homeschooling in regards to state regulations, ability of 6th graders to meld so well on the campus, and such, but this won't bother readers, and doesn't break the flow of the story, either. 

Readers which dream of college or wonder how it would be to spend time in a school, where exchanging test answers is encouraged, will be intrigued by this one.

 

And here she is...

Jamie Sumner is the author of Roll with It, Time to Roll, Rolling On, Tune It Out, One Kid’s Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, and Schooled. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.

Review: Roll With It by Jamie Sumner

ROLL WITH IT

by Jamie Sumner

Atheneum Books

Middle Grade Contemporary

256 pages

ages 10 and up

The story of an irrepressible girl with cerebral palsy whose life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to a new town.

Ellie’s a girl who tells it like it is. That surprises some people, who see a kid in a wheelchair and think she’s going to be all sunshine and cuddles. The thing is, Ellie has big dreams: She might be eating Stouffer’s for dinner, but one day she’s going to be a professional baker. If she’s not writing fan letters to her favorite celebrity chefs, she’s practicing recipes on her well-meaning, if overworked, mother.

But when Ellie and her mom move so they can help take care of her ailing grandpa, Ellie has to start all over again in a new town at a new school. Except she’s not just the new kid—she’s the new kid in the wheelchair who lives in the trailer park on the wrong side of town. It all feels like one challenge too many, until Ellie starts to make her first-ever friends. Now she just has to convince her mom that this town might just be the best thing that ever happened to them!

MY TIDBITS

Determination, heart and clever spunk make Ellie a girl to follow and root for until the end.

Ellie's life is all right. There are some troubles, but all in all, she deals with things and takes challenges as they come. Until too many come. The one great change is that her seizures seem to be gone, and she can stop taking the medicine she's learned to hate. But with her father more interested in his new family than her, her grandpa's quickly worsening Alzheimer, her mother's idea to move to Oklahoma to help Ellie's grandparents, and being the new kid in school have overshadowed any happiness her health might have brought along. Somehow, Ellie's going to have to figure out how to deal with all of it.

Ellie has cerebral palsy and has to deal with the troubles it causes every day of her life. This does frustrate her at times, but it's not the only problem she has. While this book does demonstrate the everyday challenges Ellie faces thanks to her personal situation, it also presents issues young readers face themselves. Being raised by a single parent, watching grandparents face diseases like Alzheimer, and simply dealing with bullying due to economic or other differences are problems kids will recognize and sympathize with.

While Ellie does grow frustrated, she never gets depressed but rather works her way through things. This alone makes this type of character refreshing. Plus, she's got quite a bit of spunk, which makes her even more fun. The addition of a love for cooking/baking give her a well-rounded personality and offer an interesting hobby, which might draw the interest of some readers as well.

The pacing flows nicely, and there's always something happening which makes the book hard to put down. Ellie is fully aware of what each problem truly means, and this does make her seem a little mature for her age sometimes. I was a little surprised how long it took for her to actually get to the new school, but there are enough familiar problems to keep things rolling as it is. It is an interesting read with a fun character, and I'm sure kids ages 9 to 12 will enjoy it.


And here she is...

Jamie Sumner's work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids and is the author of the middle grade novel Roll With It. She is also the mother to a son with cerebral palsy and lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.