Joy Applebloom and her family have lived a rather enviable life: travelling the world with her family and being schooled through experiences instead of in a classroom. Joy loves her life, until everything changes dramatically and the family move back to England in order to move in with Joy's maternal grandad. From the vibrancy of Zanzibar to 48 Plane Tree Gardens, live couldn't get more different, and Joy has to learn to adapt to living in a small house with a grandad who has very set routines, to going to school for the first time and adapting to all its rules. So can this girl, who is known for finding a silver lining in every situation, find a silver lining when she needs it most? And how can the ancient oak tree that stands in the school playground help?
The idea of starting again and finding the silver lining in whatever situation you are in seems particularly poingant at the moment and Joy's ability to do that is lovely to see. She is a wonderful character who enjoys being free to explore the world in her own unique way and is adept at finding the best in everything; however her resolve is tested when she has to go to school and follow the rules set out by the teacher (who, by the way, really annoyed me in her inflexibility towards Joy). Thank goodness for Benny, and for the tree!
This is a heart-warming and uplifting book that explores family, new beginnings but, above all, learning how to find the magic in everything you do.
Due for release on the 29th April, this book will be perfect for fans of Jaqueline Wilson
No comments:
Post a Comment