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Saving Halloween
2012 Kay Snow Award Winner
2013 B.R.A.G. Medallion(TM) Honoree
2012 Amazon Bestseller
When book-smart Anne Parson meets Halloween Spavento, she sees exactly what she wants to see -- a friend. Halloween waves away trouble, magically silences school bullies and offers Anne unfailing friendship. But, when the Spavento family's enchanting exploits are exposed, will Anne face her fears and save Halloween?
A spellbinding tale of outcasts who find acceptance, a girl who discovers the true meaning of family, and characters who are not always what they seem.
2013 B.R.A.G. Medallion(TM) Honoree
2012 Amazon Bestseller
When book-smart Anne Parson meets Halloween Spavento, she sees exactly what she wants to see -- a friend. Halloween waves away trouble, magically silences school bullies and offers Anne unfailing friendship. But, when the Spavento family's enchanting exploits are exposed, will Anne face her fears and save Halloween?
A spellbinding tale of outcasts who find acceptance, a girl who discovers the true meaning of family, and characters who are not always what they seem.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2012
4 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Ard
5 books95 followersMy debut adult historical fiction novel Brighter Than Her Fears will release January 2024 -- follow my publishing journey on my Facebook author page! Visit my website and subscribe to my monthly newsletter for a behind-the-scenes look at my novel and the publishing process.
I have three children's books published and am a member of the Historical Novel Society and Willamette Writers. When not writing, you'll find me on the golf course or leading bike tours for the Palm Springs Historical Society.
I have three children's books published and am a member of the Historical Novel Society and Willamette Writers. When not writing, you'll find me on the golf course or leading bike tours for the Palm Springs Historical Society.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 22, 2012
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I found this book to be a great read for middle-graders, at a time when they are starting to become socially awkward and peer acceptance is starting to become central to them. Anne seeks acceptance from her parents by excelling in school, going to tutors, learning different languages, musical instruments, always sticking to the schedule. Unfortunately, that schedule is bereft of the one thing that children need most in their lives: their parents' presence and love. That being the norm for her, she doesn't realise what she is missing until she meets Halloween, the girl across the orchard.
Halloween couldn't be more different from Anne, she's a free spirit who is home schooled and has all the parental love and affection in her life that she could want. When Anne and Halloween start going to school together, they are immediately the object of the class' bully, and Halloween seems to wave away the trouble.
**SPOILERS BELOW**
As the book progresses, Anne sees what she is missing in her parents' absence and lack of affection. The only part I didn't agree with or like was the ending where Anne's parents just walk away from her. How can parents do this? I'm not saying its unrealistic, because god knows, parents do this all the time, but is this something you want to show middle-grade children, that parents can walk away from their children without some sort of consequences?
Despite that ending, I still thought it was a pretty good book and perhaps the ending can open up discussion between children and their parents.
Halloween couldn't be more different from Anne, she's a free spirit who is home schooled and has all the parental love and affection in her life that she could want. When Anne and Halloween start going to school together, they are immediately the object of the class' bully, and Halloween seems to wave away the trouble.
**SPOILERS BELOW**
As the book progresses, Anne sees what she is missing in her parents' absence and lack of affection. The only part I didn't agree with or like was the ending where Anne's parents just walk away from her. How can parents do this? I'm not saying its unrealistic, because god knows, parents do this all the time, but is this something you want to show middle-grade children, that parents can walk away from their children without some sort of consequences?
Despite that ending, I still thought it was a pretty good book and perhaps the ending can open up discussion between children and their parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
own-need-to-read
November 22, 2015Note from the author: "Thank you for the call out on my middle grade book 'Saving Halloween'. I had a lot of fun writing it and want to assure all parents that there is no bad language or questionable activity - it's appropriate for any age."
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096SDRVQ
I've just skimmed this one, so far, but it looks like a great story for the teen and tween crowd!
Note: Any time I recommend a "kids" book, I strongly encourage parents to read it themselves, first. This practice came about after a wee blunder with a book about a dancing bear I got for my grand-kids.
I swear I didn't know about those magic mushrooms!!
Saving Halloween:
144 pages
4.36 stars - 22 ratings - 17 reviews
2012 Kay Snow Award Winner
2013 B.R.A.G. Medallion(TM) Honoree
2012 Amazon Bestseller
When book-smart Anne Parson meets Halloween Spavento, she sees exactly what she wants to see -- a friend. Halloween waves away trouble, magically silences school bullies and offers Anne unfailing friendship. But, when the Spavento family's enchanting exploits are exposed, will Anne face her fears and save Halloween?
A spellbinding tale of outcasts who find acceptance, a girl who discovers the true meaning of family, and characters who are not always what they seem.
September 6, 2012
I am thrilled to share this story with readers. In the words of characters Aunt Mattie and Aunt Tilda, it's "Matilda meets the Munsters". 'Matilda' and all the works by Roald Dahl are favorites of mine and this book is a tribute to this great author and his ability to create the most awful parents. 'Saving Halloween' won a 2012 Kay Snow Writing Award. The illustrations, by Chris Adams, really enhance the story.
October 9, 2012
My daughter and I both read this magical tale of friendship, family and discovery. Anne Parson and Halloween Spavento remind us of our own abilities to bring out the best in those around us. Anne's integrity and unfailing friendship is admirable throughout the story. The Spavento's possess just the right amount of magic, surprise and quirkiness to make any reader want to spend an afternoon at their house. And while this story is partly about Halloween, it is also so much more than a story that fits into the fall season.
As a middle school teacher, I understand how much kids, tweens and teens need opportunities to explore their personal identities by trying on different roles and attitudes. Vicariously through Anne and Halloween, readers have a chance to test out what it's like to face a bully, stand up for what you believe in and discover the magic of true friendship.
SAVING HALLOWEEN is a delightful read!
As a middle school teacher, I understand how much kids, tweens and teens need opportunities to explore their personal identities by trying on different roles and attitudes. Vicariously through Anne and Halloween, readers have a chance to test out what it's like to face a bully, stand up for what you believe in and discover the magic of true friendship.
SAVING HALLOWEEN is a delightful read!
October 20, 2018
This was a nice, easy read. There's not much to the plot, to be honest, in terms of world building or backstory. And it makes huge jumps, and gaps in information and thought, but the message is very sweet.
The story encourages us all to look into ourselves and find what we really want. It makes you want to go after those things, if only you can find the bravery to take the first step. It drives a hard message of the safety and security of a loving family, and also takes on the issue of school bullying in an interesting way.
I'm not sure why these were included, but there's also a focus on a few different languages with many words as an educational twist thrown in.
The story encourages us all to look into ourselves and find what we really want. It makes you want to go after those things, if only you can find the bravery to take the first step. It drives a hard message of the safety and security of a loving family, and also takes on the issue of school bullying in an interesting way.
I'm not sure why these were included, but there's also a focus on a few different languages with many words as an educational twist thrown in.
November 1, 2012
Anne Parson has two parents who essentially ignore her and no friends at school. When she happens upon a girl her age named Halloween Spavento in the field that connects their two homes, she is intrigued by the unique girl and the open and loving family that she has. The two girls become fast friends and when Anne talks the Spavento family into sending Halloween to public school with her they become allies against the school’s mean girls.
The title Saving Halloween ended up having a double meaning, the holiday and the girl. The odd and endearing Spavento family wants the holiday to become what it once was, and Anne and Halloween end up saving each other with their friendship.
Between the oddball Spaventos and the over achieving Parson’s it was easy for me to pick my favorite family, the Spavento’s all the way.
It’s a story about two girls, their acceptance and friendship and about how we sometimes see what we want to see instead of facing the truth. It’s a short story filled with magic and fun written with the younger readers in mind but very engaging even to this mid-30ish reader. I even learned a little Italian along the way. I wasn’t sure what to expect of this story or exactly where it would take me, but the journey was fabulous. I highly recommend this tale for readers looking for a little Halloween spirit, or an excellently entertaining and appropriate tale for their tween girls.
Cherise Everhard, November 2012
The title Saving Halloween ended up having a double meaning, the holiday and the girl. The odd and endearing Spavento family wants the holiday to become what it once was, and Anne and Halloween end up saving each other with their friendship.
Between the oddball Spaventos and the over achieving Parson’s it was easy for me to pick my favorite family, the Spavento’s all the way.
It’s a story about two girls, their acceptance and friendship and about how we sometimes see what we want to see instead of facing the truth. It’s a short story filled with magic and fun written with the younger readers in mind but very engaging even to this mid-30ish reader. I even learned a little Italian along the way. I wasn’t sure what to expect of this story or exactly where it would take me, but the journey was fabulous. I highly recommend this tale for readers looking for a little Halloween spirit, or an excellently entertaining and appropriate tale for their tween girls.
Cherise Everhard, November 2012
November 5, 2012
(*Note I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
Anne’s parents expected a lot from her. They made sure she did well in school, but didn’t spend a lot of time with her. Anne didn’t have any friends and, in fact, she was bullied in school, until she met Halloween Spavento. People in Anne’s town thought the Spavento family was really nice and kind, except for the bullies, and Anne became close friends with Halloween. Anne finds out that Halloween’s family does some pretty strange traditions on Halloween, like talking to deceased relatives, but that doesn’t bother Anne because Halloween is a good friend. When Mrs. Spavento overhears the bullies from school in an ice cream shop saying that they “hate Halloween,” Mrs. Spavento thinks that they mean the holiday, not her daughter and tells the family (and Anne) that they need to do the best Halloween party in town! Will it work? Will the bullies get in the way? Will the party get ruined or will Halloween be saved?!?
I really enjoyed this book! I like how Ms. Ard tells the story. I love that one of the main characters is named Halloween. In addition to a great and unique plot there are really nice pictures throughout the book. I like how Anne and Halloween are good friends and like each other for who they are. I think this is a good Halloween-y book for young advanced readers. There is just the right amount of spookiness for kids 3rd grade and up.
Anne’s parents expected a lot from her. They made sure she did well in school, but didn’t spend a lot of time with her. Anne didn’t have any friends and, in fact, she was bullied in school, until she met Halloween Spavento. People in Anne’s town thought the Spavento family was really nice and kind, except for the bullies, and Anne became close friends with Halloween. Anne finds out that Halloween’s family does some pretty strange traditions on Halloween, like talking to deceased relatives, but that doesn’t bother Anne because Halloween is a good friend. When Mrs. Spavento overhears the bullies from school in an ice cream shop saying that they “hate Halloween,” Mrs. Spavento thinks that they mean the holiday, not her daughter and tells the family (and Anne) that they need to do the best Halloween party in town! Will it work? Will the bullies get in the way? Will the party get ruined or will Halloween be saved?!?
I really enjoyed this book! I like how Ms. Ard tells the story. I love that one of the main characters is named Halloween. In addition to a great and unique plot there are really nice pictures throughout the book. I like how Anne and Halloween are good friends and like each other for who they are. I think this is a good Halloween-y book for young advanced readers. There is just the right amount of spookiness for kids 3rd grade and up.
November 12, 2012
Saving Halloween is a thoroughly enchanting tale of the unlikely friendship between the very straitlaced Anne Parsons and the always surprising Halloween Spavento. Thirteen year-old Anne, who has her whole life planned out for her by her over-achieving parents, wanders away from her sleeping tutor one afternoon and meets the quirky, wild-haired Halloween - and from there, the fun begins!
Saving Halloween is delightful and not to be missed - put it on your eBookshelf for a special October treat - or read it anytime you are looking for some magic, some fun and some wonderful adventures between two unlikely friends.
Read a complete review of Saving Halloween.
Saving Halloween is delightful and not to be missed - put it on your eBookshelf for a special October treat - or read it anytime you are looking for some magic, some fun and some wonderful adventures between two unlikely friends.
Read a complete review of Saving Halloween.
October 28, 2013
Anne Parson has a very structured life. Her parents see to it every moment is filled with educational material. One day though, she is able to slip away and she meets Halloween. Time spent with Halloween and her family really opens Anne's eyes. What has she been missing?
Ms Ard wrote such a wonderful story here I'm sure your children will enjoy it. It's colorful, sweet and full of all the Halloween things children love. Well written and lively characters make this a book your children will read again and again.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because there's a lot to be said for all work and no play.
~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review
Ms Ard wrote such a wonderful story here I'm sure your children will enjoy it. It's colorful, sweet and full of all the Halloween things children love. Well written and lively characters make this a book your children will read again and again.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because there's a lot to be said for all work and no play.
~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review
October 2, 2012
When Anne, tormented by school bullies, finds a new friend, she is welcomed into the Spavento family. Anne finds a family different from her own rigid parents who are involved so much in their own careers leaves her with strict schedules, tutors and house servants. the Spavento family is considered strange by the town folk. When Anne finds out their secret, will the girls' friendship end?
Yes this is a Halloween story, but it is also the story of the struggle teen age girls have to fit in with the norm. Author, Lisa Ard has a great imagination. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Yes this is a Halloween story, but it is also the story of the struggle teen age girls have to fit in with the norm. Author, Lisa Ard has a great imagination. I look forward to reading more of her books.
October 26, 2012
This was such a quick fun read! Perfect for late October, it's about two different Halloweens, the holiday and the girl, and both are pretty magical. It has a Roald Dahl feel to it, but it isn't creepy. As you can see by the cover, the illustrations are very cool too.
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November 21, 2012
My girls and I really enjoyed this. It was a great book for discussing issues of friendship, honesty, finding your place and being yourself as well as touching on bullying and the whole "mean girls" issue. Plus the characters and the story were really delightful! My kids are 7 and 9 and it was just right for the 9 year old, a little tough for the 7 year old but she doesn't mind a challenge.
Read
September 20, 2012I thought this book was a great read. I loved the characters and how it all tied into the importance of support from family and standing up for what you want. I think the book is an interesting read for all ages.
October 7, 2012
This was a cute story about friendship and finding your place!
October 15, 2012
This is a wonderfully dark and funny Middle Grade
adventure perfect for reading aloud or alone this Halloween season. I highly recommend it.
adventure perfect for reading aloud or alone this Halloween season. I highly recommend it.
November 11, 2012
Gr8 book. Loved it so much. I'd definitely recommend this book to kids grades 2-4
March 22, 2023
Straight-laced Anne Parsons lives a very strict life and is afraid of school bullies. Anne befriends the offbeat and fun Halloween Spavento, who seems to have magical powers for everything, including scaring the bullies away. Halloween starts to attend the public school with Anne, and together, they are free from the school bullies, at least for a while.
While Anne learns that the Spavento family has a big secret, the Spavento family also learns that the bullies hate “Halloween.” The Spavento family sets out to throw the best Halloween party ever, in an effort to save the Halloween holiday, and also unknowingly, their own daughter.
Opinion:
The book is well-written and brings the spirit of the Halloween holiday to life. I like that the book deals with bullies, and ways that the girls are able to overcome the threats of those bullies. I like the colorful characters in the Spavento family, and how the mystery was solved in an unexpected way. I did feel that the magic in the book sometimes made the answers to the girls’ problems seem a little too simple. I also felt that a few of the characters could have come across as more authentic. Overall, however, I definitely do recommend Saving Halloween. The book brings the magical spirit of the Halloween holiday to life. It also teaches readers to feel confident about who they actually are.
While Anne learns that the Spavento family has a big secret, the Spavento family also learns that the bullies hate “Halloween.” The Spavento family sets out to throw the best Halloween party ever, in an effort to save the Halloween holiday, and also unknowingly, their own daughter.
Opinion:
The book is well-written and brings the spirit of the Halloween holiday to life. I like that the book deals with bullies, and ways that the girls are able to overcome the threats of those bullies. I like the colorful characters in the Spavento family, and how the mystery was solved in an unexpected way. I did feel that the magic in the book sometimes made the answers to the girls’ problems seem a little too simple. I also felt that a few of the characters could have come across as more authentic. Overall, however, I definitely do recommend Saving Halloween. The book brings the magical spirit of the Halloween holiday to life. It also teaches readers to feel confident about who they actually are.
November 2, 2023
Sure to be your next favorite!
It was a lovely read on a lazy afternoon.
Would make a great bedtime read, too!
Opening this book, you enter a world with a little magic where family, friendships, and the season of fall are all brought life.
Whether heading into autumn, or on days we wish it were - you can't go wrong picking up this read.
I can't wait to give this to kiddos in my life, family, and friends alike!
It was a lovely read on a lazy afternoon.
Would make a great bedtime read, too!
Opening this book, you enter a world with a little magic where family, friendships, and the season of fall are all brought life.
Whether heading into autumn, or on days we wish it were - you can't go wrong picking up this read.
I can't wait to give this to kiddos in my life, family, and friends alike!
October 16, 2016
Fun little story!
This was a really fun read! The target audience is middle school aged children, so definitely a little younger for me. I love the fact that it's about Hallowed! There aren't enough Halloween themed stories for kids.
This was a really fun read! The target audience is middle school aged children, so definitely a little younger for me. I love the fact that it's about Hallowed! There aren't enough Halloween themed stories for kids.
December 15, 2022
This is a charming story for all ages.
November 1, 2012
Cute story about friendship, family, and the magic of Halloween. It's too bad that the Italian phrases sprinkled throughout are full of mistakes.
December 30, 2012
Nice middle grade read. Really liked it <3
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews