The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones Published by Wattpad Books by Daven McQueen
on May 5, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Historical, YA
Pages: 312
Source: Netgalley
Format: eBook, ARC
Find the Author: Goodreads
Find the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
ISBN: 1989365167
Rating:
It’s the summer of 1955. For Ethan Harper, a biracial kid raised mostly by his white father, race has always been a distant conversation. When he’s sent to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle in small-town Alabama, his Blackness is suddenly front and center, and no one is shy about making it known he’s not welcome there. Except for Juniper Jones. The town’s resident oddball and free spirit, she’s everything the townspeople aren’t―open, kind, and full of acceptance.
Armed with two bikes and an unlimited supply of root beer floats, Ethan and Juniper set out to find their place in a town that’s bent on rejecting them. As Ethan is confronted for the first time by what it means to be Black in America, Juniper tries to help him see the beauty in even the ugliest reality, and that even the darkest days can give rise to an invincible summer.
Daven McQueen’s Juniper Jones is a character for all ages in this sweet coming of age story set in 1950s Alabama.
I actually really did enjoy this story. I felt like the characters were endearing and even though the story takes place in the past–they were very relatable.
My issue is that the writing was a little off for me. I felt like this was more middle-grade and the writing reflected that.
But, I was able to finish the story because of the characters. They were charming and I had to stay with them to the end.
This story could be a bit frustrating at times because of the adversity presented. It is honestly frustrating that the world is full of people represented in this story. Poor Ethan Harper. I felt for him so much.
Even though the writing was difficult for me at times, I still feel like this is a story that needs to be experienced.
About Daven McQueen
I love historical fiction but I’m not always a fan of historical YA fiction so not sure if I would be a fan of this either. But great review!! 😀
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Guest Post: Greek Land Warfare by author Wilbur Arron
You know, now that you say that–I think I’m the same! Historical YA is usually a difficult one for me, too. 🙂
It’s good to see more books with biracial rep, and that you were able to enjoy this story despite the execution.
Sam@wlabb recently posted…#AmReading YA: The Sequel Edition
I agree wholeheartedly! I would love to read more books like this! 🙂
It sounds like a great story. You say the writing is middle grade, would it be suitable for my ten-year-old?
Lu recently posted…Review: The French Wife, by Diney Costeloe
I can sometimes ignore some things if I’m attached to the characters and it sounds like that was the case here.
As for it coming off as MG – I guess I would be ok with that now that I know going in.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
That’s how I feel, too. As long as I know going in… 🙂