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jesstele's review
3.0
3.5 stars - just too repetitive, didn’t like the mom character, loved Queenie and Ray. Enjoyed the ending much more than the beginning. Found the ghost part of the story just odd.
amandarawsonhill's review against another edition
5.0
So lovely. I might like it even more than WHERE THE WATERMELONS GROW.
howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to @kidlitexchange and @harperbooks for sharing Beginners Welcome by @cindybaldwinbooks. This book publishes on February 11, 2020, so go ahead and add it to your wishlist! You won’t want to miss out on this touching, inspiring story.
Annie Lee’s home life hasn’t been the same since her daddy died, and that’s not just because it seems like his spirit is still lingering in the apartment. Annie Lee’s mom works long hours, and since Annie Lee’s friends didn’t know how to relate after her dad’s death, Annie Lee finds herself alone, wrapped in her invisibility cloak. While she searches for things to keep her busy after school, she meets someone who might help her rekindle the love of music that faded after her dad died. Add into the mix a girl who reaches out to her at school, and Annie Lee finds herself wondering if she should let people in again, even if she’s worried about getting hurt again.
The magical realism aspects of this book are faint, so I wouldn’t push it into the fantasy genre, but I do think they added an interesting layer to this story.
Annie Lee’s home life hasn’t been the same since her daddy died, and that’s not just because it seems like his spirit is still lingering in the apartment. Annie Lee’s mom works long hours, and since Annie Lee’s friends didn’t know how to relate after her dad’s death, Annie Lee finds herself alone, wrapped in her invisibility cloak. While she searches for things to keep her busy after school, she meets someone who might help her rekindle the love of music that faded after her dad died. Add into the mix a girl who reaches out to her at school, and Annie Lee finds herself wondering if she should let people in again, even if she’s worried about getting hurt again.
The magical realism aspects of this book are faint, so I wouldn’t push it into the fantasy genre, but I do think they added an interesting layer to this story.
shayemiller's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a beautiful, heart strings book full of love, loss, vulnerability, and friendship. Annie Lee's daddy died just a few months ago. He was never a planner because he lived in the moment. So Annie and her mother are left with only a tiny insurance policy while they can barely make ends meet. Annie Lee makes a new friend at school and their friendship blossoms into something quite beautiful. Annie begins sneaking away to the mall across town to take private piano lessons with an elderly gentleman willing to teach for free. But as so often is the case, secrets can damage so many people in their wake. I love that this story shares so much heartache, but also offers much-needed resolution. Just lovely!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
libwinnie's review
4.0
A heartbreaking and hopeful look at grief after Annie Lee's dad dies suddenly of a heart attack. This was multi-layered with great characters. There was also a touch of magical realism in the ghost of her father and the colors that come from the music when her piano teacher/friend plays. It took awhile for it to hook me, but when it did I finished it in one day.
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