“She hit him in the best way, like a rainstorm after five years of drought, healing the parched earth with a gentle touch; and in the worst way, like an unexpected earthquake, leaving dust and debris in her wake. She was, in equal parts, a gift and a natural disaster. Her name was Juniper Jones.”

Wrapping up my amazing month of reading by sharing my review for this beautiful YA historical fiction book.  I picked this up on a whim after viewing an IG story from @mamajustwanttoread.  I had never heard about this book and didn’t know much about it.  Her story made me want to pick it up! We have the opportunity to create change in some small way with the books we share and recommend.  Use your platform for good! 

Synopsis

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is a coming of age story about a young, biracial boy named Ethan. He gets sent to a small town in Alabama for the summer after getting in a fight at school.  His white dad thinks it will be a good idea but Ethan is not prepared for all that he sees and learns. As he wrestles with his emotions and the new truths he’s learning in this strange place, in walks Juniper Jones. She is a joyful, quirky little redheaded girl from town set to change his mind.  

“She showed me that people can be good and there can be hope, even when it hurts.”

Juniper’s entire goal for the summer becomes to show Ethan all that is good about her town.  She knows he sees the racism & fear & anger from the locals. However, she wants him to see the beauty, joy, and light of her town, too.  She comes up with a list of things to do – from climbing a tree to bike races and sunflower planting – and they begin to check things of the list together.  The two become the best of friends and try to make the best of their circumstances.

Thoughts

If you loved Stand By Me, you will enjoy this book!  It is emotional, sweet, and heart breaking; a dance between light and dark.  The author’s writing style is personal and descriptive.  I was transported to the 1950’s and felt the palpable tension of racism always lingering in the sweetest of moments.  For instance, I felt the disgust when they entered the divided movie theatre and Ethan’s confusion of wondering which bathroom to go into.  We mourn the loss of youth and innocence and feel the burden of wanting things to change. 

To purchase your own copy go here! To read more reviews by Leighellen, check out her blog or her Instagram account.