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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Ticks the boxes for a cute mystery in a small town, but not enough for me to look for the sequel or anything, but fun for a code cracker type sleuth.
{originally posted on my blog: Ciao Bella}
Ask me to list my favorite books from my childhood, and the novels of Heather Vogel Frederick’s Mother-Daughter Book Club series would be some of the first books I’d name. Even though it’s been a couple of years since I read through one of the stories, I can still recall the lovable cast of characters, the small town setting, and the engaging, heart-warming plot. Fortunately, Frederick’s latest novel – and the first in a new series – is no different than her past books; Absolutely Truly was a delight to read from cover to cover. As an old fan of the author’s work and a lover of mysteries, I may be biased, but I hope you’ll take my word when I say Absolutely Truly is a middle grade to try.
Truly is no stranger to moving with her family, but when they finally settle in Texas, she thinks she’s finally found her home. However, Truly’s glee doesn’t last for long when her parents are asked to move to Pumpkin Falls to assist with the family business, a beloved bookstore. Pumpkin Falls fits the definition of a small town; there are independently owned businesses, a town busybody, and a small schoolhouse. While it’s hard to find a town like Pumpkin Falls outside of the fictional world, I adore the cozy atmosphere this setting provides. Even if Truly doesn’t begin a fan, I would move to Pumpkin Falls in a heartbeat :) Furthermore, Frederick’s passion for reading and books seeps through the story with Truly’s family business, Lovejoy’s Books; encouraging a love of words is always welcome in middle grade fiction.
It’s clear that Frederick knows her audience. Readers at Truly’s age will surely relate to her worries about fitting in versus standing out or find themselves in Truly as she playfully fights with her siblings. Her passion for swimming, although mentioned briefly, was a refreshing element, as was Truly’s love for bird-watching. Both were hobbies I rarely see in MG or YA fiction, only adding to the novel’s charm! Truly also had a distinct voice as narrator – Frederick conveyed her variety of emotions perfectly. On a similar note, I adored reading about the Lovejoy family. From Truly’s hilarious, fun-loving brothers to her steadfast, dedicated mom, the Lovejoy’s earned their spot as one of my favorite fictional families.
While the positives of the novel far outweigh the bad, there are a few flaws to point out. I wish more background was given on Truly’s life as a military brat, as well as the change in her father’s demeanor after his injury. Frederick addressed these, but I think given more depth, these two elements of the story could strengthen the book as a whole. I also found that stereotypes limited the development of a few secondary characters. Thankfully, this didn’t grow to be a major concern, as it’s most likely just a result of the small town setting.
I wait eagerly for a new Heather Vogel Frederick book each year, and Absolutely Truly didn’t disappoint. The Pumpkin Falls mysteries are sure to become a beloved middle grade series, and I would happily recommend them to the middle school audience. Truly’s relatable voice and the entertaining small town citizens ensure this novel’s success, but I really had no doubt. This one is a winner – truly!
Ask me to list my favorite books from my childhood, and the novels of Heather Vogel Frederick’s Mother-Daughter Book Club series would be some of the first books I’d name. Even though it’s been a couple of years since I read through one of the stories, I can still recall the lovable cast of characters, the small town setting, and the engaging, heart-warming plot. Fortunately, Frederick’s latest novel – and the first in a new series – is no different than her past books; Absolutely Truly was a delight to read from cover to cover. As an old fan of the author’s work and a lover of mysteries, I may be biased, but I hope you’ll take my word when I say Absolutely Truly is a middle grade to try.
Truly is no stranger to moving with her family, but when they finally settle in Texas, she thinks she’s finally found her home. However, Truly’s glee doesn’t last for long when her parents are asked to move to Pumpkin Falls to assist with the family business, a beloved bookstore. Pumpkin Falls fits the definition of a small town; there are independently owned businesses, a town busybody, and a small schoolhouse. While it’s hard to find a town like Pumpkin Falls outside of the fictional world, I adore the cozy atmosphere this setting provides. Even if Truly doesn’t begin a fan, I would move to Pumpkin Falls in a heartbeat :) Furthermore, Frederick’s passion for reading and books seeps through the story with Truly’s family business, Lovejoy’s Books; encouraging a love of words is always welcome in middle grade fiction.
It’s clear that Frederick knows her audience. Readers at Truly’s age will surely relate to her worries about fitting in versus standing out or find themselves in Truly as she playfully fights with her siblings. Her passion for swimming, although mentioned briefly, was a refreshing element, as was Truly’s love for bird-watching. Both were hobbies I rarely see in MG or YA fiction, only adding to the novel’s charm! Truly also had a distinct voice as narrator – Frederick conveyed her variety of emotions perfectly. On a similar note, I adored reading about the Lovejoy family. From Truly’s hilarious, fun-loving brothers to her steadfast, dedicated mom, the Lovejoy’s earned their spot as one of my favorite fictional families.
While the positives of the novel far outweigh the bad, there are a few flaws to point out. I wish more background was given on Truly’s life as a military brat, as well as the change in her father’s demeanor after his injury. Frederick addressed these, but I think given more depth, these two elements of the story could strengthen the book as a whole. I also found that stereotypes limited the development of a few secondary characters. Thankfully, this didn’t grow to be a major concern, as it’s most likely just a result of the small town setting.
I wait eagerly for a new Heather Vogel Frederick book each year, and Absolutely Truly didn’t disappoint. The Pumpkin Falls mysteries are sure to become a beloved middle grade series, and I would happily recommend them to the middle school audience. Truly’s relatable voice and the entertaining small town citizens ensure this novel’s success, but I really had no doubt. This one is a winner – truly!
There was a lot to like about this book, and a few things to roll my eyes at. It is a Battle of the Books selection for middle school in my state, and as I've taken the plunge into organizing a group at my school, I'm trying to read the selections I haven't read yet.
Pros: I love the cover. I went to college in a small Vermont town, and the setting is as lovely as shown here. I like the relationship between siblings, in which there are some that are closer than others. I liked the dad's journey, from fun-loving to realistically morose to slowly finding his new normal. The friendships were great, the teachers were great and (she stiffly adds for the benefit of a few reviewers who complained) I LIKE birds.
Cons: As many have noted, calling this a mystery is not very accurate. It's also super hetero-normative. Finally, I am surprised this was chosen for a middle school read instead of upper elementary. The characters are middle schoolers, but very innocent and mild ones.
Pros: I love the cover. I went to college in a small Vermont town, and the setting is as lovely as shown here. I like the relationship between siblings, in which there are some that are closer than others. I liked the dad's journey, from fun-loving to realistically morose to slowly finding his new normal. The friendships were great, the teachers were great and (she stiffly adds for the benefit of a few reviewers who complained) I LIKE birds.
Cons: As many have noted, calling this a mystery is not very accurate. It's also super hetero-normative. Finally, I am surprised this was chosen for a middle school read instead of upper elementary. The characters are middle schoolers, but very innocent and mild ones.