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arielthebookgargoyle 's review for:
Isle of Ever
by Jen Calonita
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was an excellent Middle Grade age adventure. I was expecting time travel, but it was slightly different. The past catching up to the future instead.
Benny is given a letter from her great great + grandmother telling her the family fortune depends on her. She must find an island that doesn't exist. This leads her on an adventure of uncovering the truth. She has to dig through the past to determine her future.
I loved that aspect, Benny having moved around or having much stability, discovering her roots. She makes friends and finds more connections than she's ever had, slowly filling in what she's been missing, but not necessarily realized it. I totally understood her doubting it would be real or lasting as she solves her great grandmother's riddles. Her internal struggle felt realistic and was a good center for the story as it uncovered more of its magic elements.
As a parent, would be more than happy to put this book in the hands of my kids. The story was simple and beautifully written to have meaning yet be fun. Its messages were about family, and ultimately doing right by them.. blood or found. Giving grace when missteps were made.
Benny is given a letter from her great great + grandmother telling her the family fortune depends on her. She must find an island that doesn't exist. This leads her on an adventure of uncovering the truth. She has to dig through the past to determine her future.
I loved that aspect, Benny having moved around or having much stability, discovering her roots. She makes friends and finds more connections than she's ever had, slowly filling in what she's been missing, but not necessarily realized it. I totally understood her doubting it would be real or lasting as she solves her great grandmother's riddles. Her internal struggle felt realistic and was a good center for the story as it uncovered more of its magic elements.
As a parent, would be more than happy to put this book in the hands of my kids. The story was simple and beautifully written to have meaning yet be fun. Its messages were about family, and ultimately doing right by them.. blood or found. Giving grace when missteps were made.