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Everyday Angel #1
New Beginnings
Meet a guardian angel like no other, from a writer like no other. Bold rising star, Victoria Schwab, makes her whimsical, inspiring, and clever middle-grade debut.
At a first glance, Aria seems like your average twelve-year-old girl. She has coppery hair, colored shoelaces, and a passion for cupcakes. But there's more to Aria than meets the eye. She can dream things into existence, use her own shadow like a door, and change the world in small, important ways. Aria is a guardian angel. She's been sent here to earn her wings. But to do that, she'll have to help three different girls.
Aria's first mission is Gabby Torres. Gabby's always been quiet, but ever since her brother got sick, she's barely said a word.When a new school offers her a fresh start, Gabby wants badly to be someone new, but she quickly learns it's hard to make friends while keeping half her life a secret.
And then Aria shows up. Aria, who knows exactly what to say and do to make Gabby feel better. Will she be able to help Gabby find her voice? And will Gabby still trust Aria when she finds out exactly what she is?
At a first glance, Aria seems like your average twelve-year-old girl. She has coppery hair, colored shoelaces, and a passion for cupcakes. But there's more to Aria than meets the eye. She can dream things into existence, use her own shadow like a door, and change the world in small, important ways. Aria is a guardian angel. She's been sent here to earn her wings. But to do that, she'll have to help three different girls.
Aria's first mission is Gabby Torres. Gabby's always been quiet, but ever since her brother got sick, she's barely said a word.When a new school offers her a fresh start, Gabby wants badly to be someone new, but she quickly learns it's hard to make friends while keeping half her life a secret.
And then Aria shows up. Aria, who knows exactly what to say and do to make Gabby feel better. Will she be able to help Gabby find her voice? And will Gabby still trust Aria when she finds out exactly what she is?
208 pages, ebook
First published May 27, 2014
119 people are currently reading
2801 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Schwab
79 books129k followersThis author also writes under the name of V.E. Schwab.
VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Fragile Threads of Power. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she can be found in Edinburgh, Scotland, tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Fragile Threads of Power. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she can be found in Edinburgh, Scotland, tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
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August 28, 20202018
you’re joking? i read this when i was in elementary school. this book is literally sitting under my desk. i can’t believe i read a victoria schwab book when i was just a kid. this shouldnt be as funny as it is
2020
nothing to see here... just editing reviews from two years ago to correct my horrid grammar
you’re joking? i read this when i was in elementary school. this book is literally sitting under my desk. i can’t believe i read a victoria schwab book when i was just a kid. this shouldnt be as funny as it is
2020
nothing to see here... just editing reviews from two years ago to correct my horrid grammar
August 15, 2018
3.5 stars. I’m just trying to live my life all the way up by reading every book my one true god Victoria Schwab has written.
And, well, aww. Heart eye emoji. This was nice. Not particularly outstanding or memorable, but I probably would've adored it in elementary school. I STILL can't believe Victoria wrote the Everyday Angel series (that fluffy lil pink cover in comparison to the nightmare that was everything else she's written, wow) but I'm weirdly proud of her for what a journey she's made.
So anyway, New Beginnings is about a guardian angel named Aria who is earning her wings by helping out Gabby, a 12-year-old girl who has been going through a rough time due to her brother's illness. It's fairly predictable and doesn't have the twisty twists or wild creativity of her later works. It was fun and cute, though! I read it in a single hour. And the ending totally hit me in the feels in a warm fuzzy way.
I'm pretty sure that Victoria is the one author who can consistently make me care about familial love subplots. I usually couldn't care less about family conflicts. However, there are multiple family relationship plotlines in Shades of Magic, The Archived, and New Beginnings, and I've been genuinely invested in all of them. *admires her writerly sorcery*
Although it only has 1k ratings on this site, so you wouldn't think it was that successful, I remember seeing that Victoria wrote somewhere (I forget where) that she sold this to Scholastic for book fairs and it sold over 600k copies. Which... WOW??? I am just so proud of my fave author and everything she does.
And, well, aww. Heart eye emoji. This was nice. Not particularly outstanding or memorable, but I probably would've adored it in elementary school. I STILL can't believe Victoria wrote the Everyday Angel series (that fluffy lil pink cover in comparison to the nightmare that was everything else she's written, wow) but I'm weirdly proud of her for what a journey she's made.
So anyway, New Beginnings is about a guardian angel named Aria who is earning her wings by helping out Gabby, a 12-year-old girl who has been going through a rough time due to her brother's illness. It's fairly predictable and doesn't have the twisty twists or wild creativity of her later works. It was fun and cute, though! I read it in a single hour. And the ending totally hit me in the feels in a warm fuzzy way.
I'm pretty sure that Victoria is the one author who can consistently make me care about familial love subplots. I usually couldn't care less about family conflicts. However, there are multiple family relationship plotlines in Shades of Magic, The Archived, and New Beginnings, and I've been genuinely invested in all of them. *admires her writerly sorcery*
Although it only has 1k ratings on this site, so you wouldn't think it was that successful, I remember seeing that Victoria wrote somewhere (I forget where) that she sold this to Scholastic for book fairs and it sold over 600k copies. Which... WOW??? I am just so proud of my fave author and everything she does.
January 21, 2018
I told you I loved Victoria Schwab and now after reading New Beginnings, which will be my third book from her, I can say that I am in love with her writing.
I loved both Gabby and Aria. Gabby just wants to be notice for being herself - not because of her super sick brother. Then there's Aria, who is Gabby's guardian angel who actually ENJOYS helping people. I loved everything about these two girls just because they were so likable.
Again, I'm so freaking beyond happy that I found this book/series because I really missed Victoria's writing. Both girls were such lovely characters and now I can't wait to dive into the second book.
I loved both Gabby and Aria. Gabby just wants to be notice for being herself - not because of her super sick brother. Then there's Aria, who is Gabby's guardian angel who actually ENJOYS helping people. I loved everything about these two girls just because they were so likable.
Again, I'm so freaking beyond happy that I found this book/series because I really missed Victoria's writing. Both girls were such lovely characters and now I can't wait to dive into the second book.
August 31, 2020
3.5 stars
Um, I'm sorry, what? Who gave this book permission to be so good?! I mean, it's Schwab, I know it wouldn't be awful, but... It just looks like light fun fluff. I should have known better. It WAS happy (mostly), but I was literally crying at parts. RTC.
Um, I'm sorry, what? Who gave this book permission to be so good?! I mean, it's Schwab, I know it wouldn't be awful, but... It just looks like light fun fluff. I should have known better. It WAS happy (mostly), but I was literally crying at parts. RTC.
November 19, 2021
~~edit 11/18/21~~
man. i am emotionally not okay.
"Maybe none of this would be okay. Life wasn't fair. Death wasn't fair. And nothing she could say right now would make it easier to bear."
This book just is all the emotional feels - joy, anger, anxiety, grief - that a person could feel. My first review is undoubtedly better than this one, so I'm going to cut my self short here.
Have a wonderful evening.
~~original~~
ring ring
"hi, yes? oh, I'm calling because of the emotional *pain* this book put me through."
5.0 stars
I know. I know. But I promise the book is 100% better than the cover.I don't know who designed this book cover, but it is appealing to exactly no one.
Aaaaanyways. I just would like to pledge my love and appreciation to the amazing author who is Victoria Schwab. For always being there to make me bawl my eyes through a middle-grade book.
Thank you.
Characters. I appreciate V.E. so much for not being afraid to really dig deep psychologically when writing twelve-year-old characters. Our MC, Gabby (which I despise that nickname, I'm sorry), was absolutely fantastic. Her problems and situation felt so real, and I wishwishwish that I read this book when I was in middle school because, while my family was not going through something as taxing and heart-breaking as hers was at the time, I know that middle-school me could definitely relate to this protagonist so so much. It deals with some heavy stuff. Fear and anxiety, feeling invisible but not wanting attention at the same time, not knowing how to manage friendships--I could go on. Just so you know, I cried three times while reading this so, it's fine, I'm fine. Aria was also so delightful, and I felt like I was able to understand and appreciate all the side characters as well, so THANK YOU (my dear writing goddess) Victoria Schwab for just like being able to write.
Plot. This part of the book was so solid. Talk about an amazing idea-vs-execution type book. I thought the whole guardian angel concept was so sweet and fantastic. Honestly, I felt like I was watching It's a Wonderful Life and I dearly hope we hear a bell ring when Aria gets her wings. To be honest I could not say that this was "such a fun book," because well...picture me slouching over my laptop with dried tear tracks down my cheeks trying desperately hard not to start weeping ungracefully.
Writing. I mean, is there any more to be said. If you've committed yourself to read this far through my review, then you probably already know my passion and obsession with the breathtaking writing style of our dear Victoria Schwab. I don't say this lightly, but also don't take my word for it, but this book may be the most well-written middle-grade book I have ever read.
Well, have a fantastic evening--watch Shadow and Bone on Netflix (you won't regret it) 😎.
man. i am emotionally not okay.
"Maybe none of this would be okay. Life wasn't fair. Death wasn't fair. And nothing she could say right now would make it easier to bear."
This book just is all the emotional feels - joy, anger, anxiety, grief - that a person could feel. My first review is undoubtedly better than this one, so I'm going to cut my self short here.
Have a wonderful evening.
~~original~~
ring ring
"hi, yes? oh, I'm calling because of the emotional *pain* this book put me through."
5.0 stars
I know. I know. But I promise the book is 100% better than the cover.
Aaaaanyways. I just would like to pledge my love and appreciation to the amazing author who is Victoria Schwab. For always being there to make me bawl my eyes through a middle-grade book.
Thank you.
Characters. I appreciate V.E. so much for not being afraid to really dig deep psychologically when writing twelve-year-old characters. Our MC, Gabby (which I despise that nickname, I'm sorry), was absolutely fantastic. Her problems and situation felt so real, and I wishwishwish that I read this book when I was in middle school because, while my family was not going through something as taxing and heart-breaking as hers was at the time, I know that middle-school me could definitely relate to this protagonist so so much. It deals with some heavy stuff. Fear and anxiety, feeling invisible but not wanting attention at the same time, not knowing how to manage friendships--I could go on. Just so you know, I cried three times while reading this so, it's fine, I'm fine. Aria was also so delightful, and I felt like I was able to understand and appreciate all the side characters as well, so THANK YOU (my dear writing goddess) Victoria Schwab for just like being able to write.
Plot. This part of the book was so solid. Talk about an amazing idea-vs-execution type book. I thought the whole guardian angel concept was so sweet and fantastic. Honestly, I felt like I was watching It's a Wonderful Life and I dearly hope we hear a bell ring when Aria gets her wings. To be honest I could not say that this was "such a fun book," because well...picture me slouching over my laptop with dried tear tracks down my cheeks trying desperately hard not to start weeping ungracefully.
Writing. I mean, is there any more to be said. If you've committed yourself to read this far through my review, then you probably already know my passion and obsession with the breathtaking writing style of our dear Victoria Schwab. I don't say this lightly, but also don't take my word for it, but this book may be the most well-written middle-grade book I have ever read.
Well, have a fantastic evening--watch Shadow and Bone on Netflix (you won't regret it) 😎.
July 7, 2021
This was a sweet middle grade story about a 7th grade gal finding her voice again after her family is swept up in big medical issues.
November 19, 2021
~5.0~
book 5 of schwab-athon done!
eek! I loved this book so much! It filled my heart with so much joy and happiness. Aria is a wonderful character and so quirky and I love her so much.
ahhh ve schwab! just send daggers in my heart for poor gabby. I cried once in this book AND IT WAS IN THE FIRST CHAPTER. LIKE COME ON. WHAT THE HECK. I can't believe I cried nine pages in the book, it's fine. i'm fine.
jk, i was not fine reading this entire book, I was put on the edge (and came VERY close to tears on many occasions) and I just - oianrg ouearhg oaergn aer.
the cover is horrible. SORRY, let me just get that out of the way. Lizzie told me today that she was embarrassed to take it out of her backpack today a school because it just looks like a middle grade book (not in a good way) BUT IT IS SOOOO GOOD. wayyyy better than the cover (and that's saying something...coming from me)
well, i must go calm myself down and study for my engineering test that is happening tomorrow (I just had to finish this book so I pushed it off...) so I must take my leave but it was sooo good and I feel both sorrow and happiness!
peace.
book 5 of schwab-athon done!
eek! I loved this book so much! It filled my heart with so much joy and happiness. Aria is a wonderful character and so quirky and I love her so much.
ahhh ve schwab! just send daggers in my heart for poor gabby. I cried once in this book AND IT WAS IN THE FIRST CHAPTER. LIKE COME ON. WHAT THE HECK. I can't believe I cried nine pages in the book, it's fine. i'm fine.
jk, i was not fine reading this entire book, I was put on the edge (and came VERY close to tears on many occasions) and I just - oianrg ouearhg oaergn aer.
the cover is horrible. SORRY, let me just get that out of the way. Lizzie told me today that she was embarrassed to take it out of her backpack today a school because it just looks like a middle grade book (not in a good way) BUT IT IS SOOOO GOOD. wayyyy better than the cover (and that's saying something...coming from me)
well, i must go calm myself down and study for my engineering test that is happening tomorrow (I just had to finish this book so I pushed it off...) so I must take my leave but it was sooo good and I feel both sorrow and happiness!
peace.
October 23, 2021
This is a really sweet and charming book about an angel who is sent to help a girl!!💕💕 I really loved this book!! The ending was so sweet!!❤️❤️
Everything about this book was so sweet!!💕💕
I loved it!!❤️❤️
Everything about this book was so sweet!!💕💕
I loved it!!❤️❤️
Read
April 1, 2020BRO
i used to read these when I was younger
you're telling me
VICTORIA FUCKING SCHWAB WROTE THESE
I HAVE BEEN READING SCHWAB SINCE I WAS A FETUS
oh my god that makes me so happy
i used to read these when I was younger
you're telling me
VICTORIA FUCKING SCHWAB WROTE THESE
I HAVE BEEN READING SCHWAB SINCE I WAS A FETUS
oh my god that makes me so happy
April 1, 2020
I read this during the PositiviTea and Books readathon and it was exactly the kind of gently uplifting book I was after.
Aria, a young new angel, comes to earth to find and protect her charge, Gabbie. Gabbie is just starting a new school and feels lost until Aria arrives and befriends her. Aria shows her the importance of friendship and honesty but also learns a lot about herself in the process. Gabbie realises she wants to make new school friends and find her passion in life and Aria helps her do both those things.
The plot is simple and straight forward, but that's what I'd expect from a middle grade series aimed at younger readers and it didn't stop me from enjoying it. There were messages about love, hope, and trust woven into this story and it was lovely to read a pretty innocent book about two young girls growing closer as friends and stronger as people.
This is a really positive story about helping others and being the best version of yourself you can be, and I'm glad I finally picked it up.
Aria, a young new angel, comes to earth to find and protect her charge, Gabbie. Gabbie is just starting a new school and feels lost until Aria arrives and befriends her. Aria shows her the importance of friendship and honesty but also learns a lot about herself in the process. Gabbie realises she wants to make new school friends and find her passion in life and Aria helps her do both those things.
The plot is simple and straight forward, but that's what I'd expect from a middle grade series aimed at younger readers and it didn't stop me from enjoying it. There were messages about love, hope, and trust woven into this story and it was lovely to read a pretty innocent book about two young girls growing closer as friends and stronger as people.
This is a really positive story about helping others and being the best version of yourself you can be, and I'm glad I finally picked it up.
December 9, 2024
Çocuk kitabı olmasına rağmen Schwab’ın kalemini buram buram hissettim. Hem umut verici hem de hüzünlü en neşeli karakterlerine bile hüzün bulaştıran bir yazar
July 7, 2024
Trzeba mieć nadzieję, że nad każdym z nas czuwa taki codzienny anioł stróż.
W momencie, kiedy jej starszy brat zapada na chorobę nowotworową, Gabby Torres czuje się, jakby spłynął na nią czar niewidzialności. Rozdarta między troską o rodzinę a potrzebą własnego życia, odsunięta na bok w domu i wyobcowana w nowej szkole dziewczynka odnosi wrażenie, że nikt jej nie dostrzega. Pomoc dla nastolatki przyjdzie z najmniej spodziewanego źródła w równie nieoczekiwanej, barwnej postaci - Arii.
W obszarze literatury dziecięcej Everyday Angel jest wartościowym nabytkiem. Victoria Schwab umiejętnie odpowiada na wątpliwości budzące się w sercach dzieci oraz łączy te historie z elementami magicznymi. Doceniam przedstawioną perspektywę dzieci zmagających się z chorobą bliskich; w obliczu rodzinnej tragedii najmłodsi mają w zwyczaju osuwać się w cień, a wraz z nimi robią to ich lęki i trudności. Tak jak pięknie tłumaczy to nasza anielska Aria, kiedy pojawia się choroba, staje się ona dużym problemem, a wszystkie pozostały tracą na wadze. Lecz należy zastanowić się, czy gdyby tego pierwszego nie było, jak byśmy wtedy postrzegali nasze trudności, sprawy, które nadal spędzają nam sen z powiek? Mam nadzieję, że młodzi czytelnicy znajdujący się w podobnej sytuacji jak Gabby, odnajdą tę książkę. Odkryją w niej część siebie, poczują się zrozumieni i widzialni oraz zaznają choć odrobiny pokoju. Dodatkowo autorka przygląda się sytuacji rozpoczynania nauki w nowej szkole, zjawisku, które nadal zdaje się być aktualne dla dzieci i nastolatków oraz przyprawiać ich o stres. Everyday Angel ładnie przedstawia związane z tą zmianą niepokoje, oczekiwania oraz marzenia, rozpoczynanie nowych przyjaźni oraz potrzebę bycia akceptowanym. Schwab kryje w tym wątku ogrom nadziei.
New Beginnings jest historią czarującą, barwną, wzruszającą i pełną wiary, wiary, która przyjmuje różne odcienie, ale jej istota się nie zmienia. Nawet sceny tak smutne jak te związane z postacią Henry'ego zostały napisane wdzięcznie i łagodnie, choć wiążą się z ogromnymi emocjami. Wątek tego wyjątkowego chłopca został stworzony tak, by zarazem nie przeciążyć dziecięcych czytelników, jak i rozmawiać o nim w sposób szczery i jawny. Muszę przyznać, że pojawiły mi się łzy w oczach. Coś, co należy docenić w tej książce autorki to też postacie, które wzbudzają sympatię czytelników (Gabby jest bardzo odważną, silną i przyjazną dziewczynką, a Aria to czysty uśmiech nieba w swych kolorowych sznurówkach). Kolejną cechą aniołka pod postacią nastoletniej dziewczynki, która jest dla mnie znacząca, jest jej życzliwość związana ze szczerością w sytuacjach trudnych. Myślę, że jej sposób postrzegania ludzkich dramatów i głos pełen spokoju byłby w stanie dotrzeć do czytelnika w zmartwieniu. Również bardzo spodobało mi się przedstawienie wątku anielskości; ciekawe jest to, jak Aria musi w pewnym sensie zasłużyć, by uzyskać swoje skrzydła, przypomina to motyw questu, który ostatnio jest bardzo popularny w literaturze dziecięcej i young adult. Cieszyłam się również z wątku życia wewnętrznego naszego anioła, tego, że mimo bycia istotą inną niż człowiek, potrafi odczuwać podobne do naszych uczucia, sympatie i tęsknotę. Aria staje się przez to bardziej przystępna dla czytelnika oraz porusza go. A rzeczą, która najbardziej zdobyła moją sympatię, są fantastyczne obrazy z nią związane: motyw cienia przypomina mi klatki z filmu o Piotrusiu Panu, kolorowe schody sprawiły, że się uśmiechnęłam, a scena z ogromną drabiną rzuciła na mnie urok.
Nawet jak przekroczyłam ten magiczny 25. rok życia, nie utraciłam swej sympatii i ciekawości literaturą dziecięcą. Choć Victoria Schwab nie uderzyła jeszcze w te wyjątkowe klawisze w moim sercu, to pierwsza część jej serii o pomocnym aniele stróżu sprawiła, że poczułam ciepło i miłość.
W momencie, kiedy jej starszy brat zapada na chorobę nowotworową, Gabby Torres czuje się, jakby spłynął na nią czar niewidzialności. Rozdarta między troską o rodzinę a potrzebą własnego życia, odsunięta na bok w domu i wyobcowana w nowej szkole dziewczynka odnosi wrażenie, że nikt jej nie dostrzega. Pomoc dla nastolatki przyjdzie z najmniej spodziewanego źródła w równie nieoczekiwanej, barwnej postaci - Arii.
W obszarze literatury dziecięcej Everyday Angel jest wartościowym nabytkiem. Victoria Schwab umiejętnie odpowiada na wątpliwości budzące się w sercach dzieci oraz łączy te historie z elementami magicznymi. Doceniam przedstawioną perspektywę dzieci zmagających się z chorobą bliskich; w obliczu rodzinnej tragedii najmłodsi mają w zwyczaju osuwać się w cień, a wraz z nimi robią to ich lęki i trudności. Tak jak pięknie tłumaczy to nasza anielska Aria, kiedy pojawia się choroba, staje się ona dużym problemem, a wszystkie pozostały tracą na wadze. Lecz należy zastanowić się, czy gdyby tego pierwszego nie było, jak byśmy wtedy postrzegali nasze trudności, sprawy, które nadal spędzają nam sen z powiek? Mam nadzieję, że młodzi czytelnicy znajdujący się w podobnej sytuacji jak Gabby, odnajdą tę książkę. Odkryją w niej część siebie, poczują się zrozumieni i widzialni oraz zaznają choć odrobiny pokoju. Dodatkowo autorka przygląda się sytuacji rozpoczynania nauki w nowej szkole, zjawisku, które nadal zdaje się być aktualne dla dzieci i nastolatków oraz przyprawiać ich o stres. Everyday Angel ładnie przedstawia związane z tą zmianą niepokoje, oczekiwania oraz marzenia, rozpoczynanie nowych przyjaźni oraz potrzebę bycia akceptowanym. Schwab kryje w tym wątku ogrom nadziei.
New Beginnings jest historią czarującą, barwną, wzruszającą i pełną wiary, wiary, która przyjmuje różne odcienie, ale jej istota się nie zmienia. Nawet sceny tak smutne jak te związane z postacią Henry'ego zostały napisane wdzięcznie i łagodnie, choć wiążą się z ogromnymi emocjami. Wątek tego wyjątkowego chłopca został stworzony tak, by zarazem nie przeciążyć dziecięcych czytelników, jak i rozmawiać o nim w sposób szczery i jawny. Muszę przyznać, że pojawiły mi się łzy w oczach. Coś, co należy docenić w tej książce autorki to też postacie, które wzbudzają sympatię czytelników (Gabby jest bardzo odważną, silną i przyjazną dziewczynką, a Aria to czysty uśmiech nieba w swych kolorowych sznurówkach). Kolejną cechą aniołka pod postacią nastoletniej dziewczynki, która jest dla mnie znacząca, jest jej życzliwość związana ze szczerością w sytuacjach trudnych. Myślę, że jej sposób postrzegania ludzkich dramatów i głos pełen spokoju byłby w stanie dotrzeć do czytelnika w zmartwieniu. Również bardzo spodobało mi się przedstawienie wątku anielskości; ciekawe jest to, jak Aria musi w pewnym sensie zasłużyć, by uzyskać swoje skrzydła, przypomina to motyw questu, który ostatnio jest bardzo popularny w literaturze dziecięcej i young adult. Cieszyłam się również z wątku życia wewnętrznego naszego anioła, tego, że mimo bycia istotą inną niż człowiek, potrafi odczuwać podobne do naszych uczucia, sympatie i tęsknotę. Aria staje się przez to bardziej przystępna dla czytelnika oraz porusza go. A rzeczą, która najbardziej zdobyła moją sympatię, są fantastyczne obrazy z nią związane: motyw cienia przypomina mi klatki z filmu o Piotrusiu Panu, kolorowe schody sprawiły, że się uśmiechnęłam, a scena z ogromną drabiną rzuciła na mnie urok.
Nawet jak przekroczyłam ten magiczny 25. rok życia, nie utraciłam swej sympatii i ciekawości literaturą dziecięcą. Choć Victoria Schwab nie uderzyła jeszcze w te wyjątkowe klawisze w moim sercu, to pierwsza część jej serii o pomocnym aniele stróżu sprawiła, że poczułam ciepło i miłość.
December 29, 2023
Not usually a huge fantasy reader so someone suggested starting off with this middle grade series from Victoria Schwab and I love it!
Aria is a guardian angel. She has to earn the wings on her bracelet by helping a certain number of children. She knows who she is supposed to help by the blue smoke swirling around them. The smoke begins to thin and eventually disappear once she has done her job and helped them.
In this first story, we meet Gabby. Gabby is very quiet and reserved, especially since all of the attention is focused on her brother Marco, who is in the hospital. As Gabby starts a new school, she wants a fresh start, to meet people who know her for her and not for being her brother's sister. She wants to find her voice again, to find people who will listen to what she has to say, other than her brother who loves her beyond compare. Insert Aria. Can Aria help Gabby not only trust her enough to help her but also take the leap to let out her voice again?
This story was so heartwarming! It may not be the most outstanding novel that Schwab has written but it is still one that many younger readers would really enjoy. It does bring up an important issue of how it feels to be the sibling of someone who is sick. When the attention all changes to one person, how do you make sure that the other sibling(s) don't get left behind? This book will teach you quite a few lessons about honesty, love, and friendship and it really touched my heart. A fantastic book for younger ages and a quick heartwarming story for the older generation.
Aria is a guardian angel. She has to earn the wings on her bracelet by helping a certain number of children. She knows who she is supposed to help by the blue smoke swirling around them. The smoke begins to thin and eventually disappear once she has done her job and helped them.
In this first story, we meet Gabby. Gabby is very quiet and reserved, especially since all of the attention is focused on her brother Marco, who is in the hospital. As Gabby starts a new school, she wants a fresh start, to meet people who know her for her and not for being her brother's sister. She wants to find her voice again, to find people who will listen to what she has to say, other than her brother who loves her beyond compare. Insert Aria. Can Aria help Gabby not only trust her enough to help her but also take the leap to let out her voice again?
This story was so heartwarming! It may not be the most outstanding novel that Schwab has written but it is still one that many younger readers would really enjoy. It does bring up an important issue of how it feels to be the sibling of someone who is sick. When the attention all changes to one person, how do you make sure that the other sibling(s) don't get left behind? This book will teach you quite a few lessons about honesty, love, and friendship and it really touched my heart. A fantastic book for younger ages and a quick heartwarming story for the older generation.
August 10, 2020
This was an amazing read, really impactful at times. I would have definitely given it 5 stars if I were younger.
August 14, 2020
A book I will surely be recommending to my middle-grade students this year. Super sweet characters, supportive friends and a lovely happy ending.
March 14, 2016
*I received this book from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review*
Victoria Schwab continues to stun me with her gorgeous writing, incredible characters, and surprising plots. This is a middle grade book, but the only thing that makes it feel that way is the age of the characters. Other than that, I think this book could and should be enjoyed by people of all ages. It was so good!
I really loved that Aria is a guardian angel, but she isn't centuries old. She doesn't understand some things in our world since she's only been alive for about a week and on Earth less than that. Sure, she's sent to help, but she can only help in small ways. She can't heal Gabby's brother. She can't magically make Gabby discover that she's her own person. But she can be a friend and encourage Gabby to step outside her comfort zone, make friends, and find her voice. There are rules for guardian angels, and I thought that it was interesting to see how Aria would find ways to accomplish her mission in spite of those rules.
This book switches perspectives every chapter, and I think that that really helped developed both Gabby and Aria. It allows the reader to get inside each girl's head and find out how they're dealing with certain situations. Because, even though this is a middle grade book about angels, there's still hard subjects to deal with like sickness and death. We get to see Gabby struggle with her brother's sickness, and we get to see Aria's outsider perspective. I thought that the hard subjects were dealt with really well, and that this book could even help young girls who might be in a situation similar to Gabby's.
Another thing I really appreciated about this book was that, although Aria is a guardian angel sent to help Gabby, there's no mention of who sent her or where she came from or how she got to be an angel. I think that will help this book hit home for a larger audience, since you can believe whatever you want about Aria's beginnings. It makes it easier to relate to this story, and it helps the reader not become hung up on things that don't matter to the story.
I wish that there were books like this at my book fairs when I was in middle school, because I would have picked it up, devoured it, and then made all of my friends read it too. I'm really excited about this series, and I think that fans of any of Victoria's other books will really enjoy New Beginnings. It's a fresh new take on guardian angels, and I can't want to read the rest of the series! 5/5, for sure.
Victoria Schwab continues to stun me with her gorgeous writing, incredible characters, and surprising plots. This is a middle grade book, but the only thing that makes it feel that way is the age of the characters. Other than that, I think this book could and should be enjoyed by people of all ages. It was so good!
I really loved that Aria is a guardian angel, but she isn't centuries old. She doesn't understand some things in our world since she's only been alive for about a week and on Earth less than that. Sure, she's sent to help, but she can only help in small ways. She can't heal Gabby's brother. She can't magically make Gabby discover that she's her own person. But she can be a friend and encourage Gabby to step outside her comfort zone, make friends, and find her voice. There are rules for guardian angels, and I thought that it was interesting to see how Aria would find ways to accomplish her mission in spite of those rules.
This book switches perspectives every chapter, and I think that that really helped developed both Gabby and Aria. It allows the reader to get inside each girl's head and find out how they're dealing with certain situations. Because, even though this is a middle grade book about angels, there's still hard subjects to deal with like sickness and death. We get to see Gabby struggle with her brother's sickness, and we get to see Aria's outsider perspective. I thought that the hard subjects were dealt with really well, and that this book could even help young girls who might be in a situation similar to Gabby's.
Another thing I really appreciated about this book was that, although Aria is a guardian angel sent to help Gabby, there's no mention of who sent her or where she came from or how she got to be an angel. I think that will help this book hit home for a larger audience, since you can believe whatever you want about Aria's beginnings. It makes it easier to relate to this story, and it helps the reader not become hung up on things that don't matter to the story.
I wish that there were books like this at my book fairs when I was in middle school, because I would have picked it up, devoured it, and then made all of my friends read it too. I'm really excited about this series, and I think that fans of any of Victoria's other books will really enjoy New Beginnings. It's a fresh new take on guardian angels, and I can't want to read the rest of the series! 5/5, for sure.
August 27, 2016
Plot: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Style: 5 stars
Pace: 5 stars
I am so, incredibly lucky. ALA midwinter just happened to be less than a mile from my home this year, so I went. There were lots of lovely, wonderful people, and amazing books. I didn't figure they'd have this one (Given as her next book, The Unbound, comes out tomorrow, I figured if any, they'd have that!), but I was looking at Scholastic's books anyway.
I may have squealed when I saw this. Then gaped at the lovely person behind the desk and grinned like a maniac as I glomped this. Luckily, this kind of behavior is pretty normal in a book-event, so it resulted in grins right back.
I forced myself to wait until today to read it. I now have a bookhangover from this. Seriously. Middle grade books are not supposed to hit you in the warm, fuzzy, feels. The wet on my face is from onions, I swear. Funny, sweet, sad, and hopeful, all at once. I loved Aria, she's refreshing and spunky, and the magical elements are gorgeously done. And Gabby has a quiet courage that's perfect for her. Also, I have to point out: The Spanish in this book fits. It's not random words thrown in to emphasize "Oh hey, this character is Hispanic." but words with emotional context, which is (in general) the words bilingual people will slip back into Spanish with the most. That's a personal pet peeve of mine, and wonderfully done here.
I know I gush at Victoria's books a lot. But she constantly surprises me with how everything a character does, says, and (for POV characters) thinks ends up blending into a coherent whole. More than anything else, her characters keep me coming back. The fact that they're built with such style and grace, that even when told in the clarity of middle grade prose, they can still make me have "all the feels"? That's so rare that you can expect more gushing and glomping of her books. Every. Single. Time.
Characters: 5 stars
Style: 5 stars
Pace: 5 stars
I am so, incredibly lucky. ALA midwinter just happened to be less than a mile from my home this year, so I went. There were lots of lovely, wonderful people, and amazing books. I didn't figure they'd have this one (Given as her next book, The Unbound, comes out tomorrow, I figured if any, they'd have that!), but I was looking at Scholastic's books anyway.
I may have squealed when I saw this. Then gaped at the lovely person behind the desk and grinned like a maniac as I glomped this. Luckily, this kind of behavior is pretty normal in a book-event, so it resulted in grins right back.
I forced myself to wait until today to read it. I now have a bookhangover from this. Seriously. Middle grade books are not supposed to hit you in the warm, fuzzy, feels. The wet on my face is from onions, I swear. Funny, sweet, sad, and hopeful, all at once. I loved Aria, she's refreshing and spunky, and the magical elements are gorgeously done. And Gabby has a quiet courage that's perfect for her. Also, I have to point out: The Spanish in this book fits. It's not random words thrown in to emphasize "Oh hey, this character is Hispanic." but words with emotional context, which is (in general) the words bilingual people will slip back into Spanish with the most. That's a personal pet peeve of mine, and wonderfully done here.
I know I gush at Victoria's books a lot. But she constantly surprises me with how everything a character does, says, and (for POV characters) thinks ends up blending into a coherent whole. More than anything else, her characters keep me coming back. The fact that they're built with such style and grace, that even when told in the clarity of middle grade prose, they can still make me have "all the feels"? That's so rare that you can expect more gushing and glomping of her books. Every. Single. Time.
March 30, 2021
I didn't expect to love that book because I didn't like the cover. I thought it would be too girly for me...
How could I be so stupid? It's Queen Schwab after all!
Anyway, love that book. It made me cry, I cried with relief and happiness and hope that everything gets better if we give ourselves the chance. Of course, life is sad, of course, things happen but in life, we have two options: give up or go ahead.
It also showed us that we need to protect the people we love. Guardian angels don't exist so we need to be attentive and to help the ones who are desperate to be seen. One person can do the difference and if in this book it is Aria, why can't it be us?
I loved that book and I highly recommend it! Even if you are an adult, I think there are still things you could learn.
I also wanted to quickly speak about Queen Schwab writing. She doesn't have lots of complicated sentences or various vocabulary. Not at all. She has pretty simple sentences but the way she uses words to exactly put the finger on every feeling I can't express is truly incredible. I've never read an author who made me feel so well understood and less alone.
It's official, she's my favourite author.
How could I be so stupid? It's Queen Schwab after all!
Anyway, love that book. It made me cry, I cried with relief and happiness and hope that everything gets better if we give ourselves the chance. Of course, life is sad, of course, things happen but in life, we have two options: give up or go ahead.
It also showed us that we need to protect the people we love. Guardian angels don't exist so we need to be attentive and to help the ones who are desperate to be seen. One person can do the difference and if in this book it is Aria, why can't it be us?
I loved that book and I highly recommend it! Even if you are an adult, I think there are still things you could learn.
I also wanted to quickly speak about Queen Schwab writing. She doesn't have lots of complicated sentences or various vocabulary. Not at all. She has pretty simple sentences but the way she uses words to exactly put the finger on every feeling I can't express is truly incredible. I've never read an author who made me feel so well understood and less alone.
It's official, she's my favourite author.
February 16, 2015
I really liked this book. I liked how it wasn't focused towards Gabby's brother, but towards Gabby herself. I liked that this book addressed that even if you have someone close to you, who is seriously sick, you shouldn't become less. Your problems might not seem as dire as that person's, and maybe they aren't, but you're still important, and your problems are real to YOU! Aria is a wonderful character. I look forward to reading more Everyday Angel books.
October 4, 2016
If you like angels, I bet you would love this book. This book tells you to help others with their feelings. Help others the way people help you. As I was reading, I made a connection with Aria because she helps people and I help people too. As I read the book I was sad and happy. I recommend this book to 6th graders who believes angels. I recommended the book because angels mean happiness, and that's what the book's about.
March 26, 2014
I had no idea that Victoria Schwab could write a heartwarming Middle Grade book, but that's what she did! I really enjoyed Gabby finding her voice, Aria's quirks and Gabby's relationship with her brother. I would have loved a book like this back in my MG days (so incredibly long ago).
January 15, 2016
I loved the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2017
Book #12 for 2017; #5 for the Mt TBR Challenge
The Legendary Book Club of Habitica's Ultimate Reading Challenge Task: The first book in a series that you haven't read before
Better World Books Prompts:
- A book under 200 pages
- A fantasy novel
- A book by a female writer
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge Prompts:
- A fantasy novel
- A YA or middle grade novel by an author who identifies as LGBTQ+
Possible Book Bingo Squares:
- A book with a female heroine
- A book with multiple perspectives
PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge Prompts (max 3):
- A book involving a mythical creature
- A book written by someone you admire
- The first book in a series you haven't read before
I am clearly not in the target demographic for this book, and I've never been really into the whole angel thing, but I quite enjoyed this middle-grades fantasy novel. Probably because Schwab presented the angel narrative as pretty straightforward fantasy and didn't go in for a bunch of religious crap. (So if you're a huge fan of Touched by an Angel, you will likely be disappointed by the lack of condescension and proselytizing.)
I thought it was interesting that Aria (our "everyday angel") seemed to be not just new to angeling but also new to existing in general, at least on any human plane. So it was fun to watch her adjust to her own humanity as she was learning how to be an angel and also how to help her assignment, Gabby, find her sense of self. Not to mention, just a little bit ironic.
I'm glad Schwab didn't portray the adult characters as enemy combatants. Gabby's mother was just overwhelmed and in need of a break herself, and she and Henry's parents were simply doing what they felt was most supportive of their sick children. Even the teacher who caught Gabby in her lies was reasonable and compassionate.
This is a sweet and very well written tale of self-discovery during a phase of childhood that is difficult under even the best circumstances. I intend to pass my copy along to a friend who has a 9-year-old daughter.
The Legendary Book Club of Habitica's Ultimate Reading Challenge Task: The first book in a series that you haven't read before
Better World Books Prompts:
- A book under 200 pages
- A fantasy novel
- A book by a female writer
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge Prompts:
- A fantasy novel
- A YA or middle grade novel by an author who identifies as LGBTQ+
Possible Book Bingo Squares:
- A book with a female heroine
- A book with multiple perspectives
PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge Prompts (max 3):
- A book involving a mythical creature
- A book written by someone you admire
- The first book in a series you haven't read before
I am clearly not in the target demographic for this book, and I've never been really into the whole angel thing, but I quite enjoyed this middle-grades fantasy novel. Probably because Schwab presented the angel narrative as pretty straightforward fantasy and didn't go in for a bunch of religious crap. (So if you're a huge fan of Touched by an Angel, you will likely be disappointed by the lack of condescension and proselytizing.)
I thought it was interesting that Aria (our "everyday angel") seemed to be not just new to angeling but also new to existing in general, at least on any human plane. So it was fun to watch her adjust to her own humanity as she was learning how to be an angel and also how to help her assignment, Gabby, find her sense of self. Not to mention, just a little bit ironic.
I'm glad Schwab didn't portray the adult characters as enemy combatants. Gabby's mother was just overwhelmed and in need of a break herself, and she and Henry's parents were simply doing what they felt was most supportive of their sick children. Even the teacher who caught Gabby in her lies was reasonable and compassionate.
This is a sweet and very well written tale of self-discovery during a phase of childhood that is difficult under even the best circumstances. I intend to pass my copy along to a friend who has a 9-year-old daughter.
February 20, 2022
Aria materializes outside a hospital and starts looking for someone with an aura of blue smoke. She finds Gabby who is dealing with her brother struggling with cancer. It's turned her life upside down. Not only her brother being sick, but the way people are treating her. She is no longer Gabby, but rather the girl with the sick brother. When they move to be close to the hospital and she goes to school, she's going to keep that part of her life quiet.
Middle Grade, it was understandable and went incredibly fast. I loved the characters, especially Aria. 4.5 stars.
Middle Grade, it was understandable and went incredibly fast. I loved the characters, especially Aria. 4.5 stars.
February 6, 2020
This series was one of Victoria Schwab's first. I always meant to read it, but never got around to it. I got this at a library book sale and thought I'd give it a whirl.
This is a sweet middle grade novel about what it's like when someone close to you is sick and it encompasses everything. Gabby loses herself as everyone worries about her brother. This is the story of how she finds her voice again.
This is a sweet middle grade novel about what it's like when someone close to you is sick and it encompasses everything. Gabby loses herself as everyone worries about her brother. This is the story of how she finds her voice again.
August 29, 2023
So different from the VE Schwab of now, but also so familiar.
This was a really sweet story about a young girl trying to find how this version of herself fits into this new town and life where her brother is sick, her mother is preoccupied, her friends treat her differently because of it.
Spoiler: she figures it out with the help of and angel and a little self reflection.
Great for maybe a 5-6th grader
This was a really sweet story about a young girl trying to find how this version of herself fits into this new town and life where her brother is sick, her mother is preoccupied, her friends treat her differently because of it.
Spoiler: she figures it out with the help of and angel and a little self reflection.
Great for maybe a 5-6th grader
June 14, 2023
This is kid lit as only VSchwab could do it: serious, well written, thought provoking, and maybe a little teary, when it comes down to it.
I enjoyed the story of Gabby finding herself again after the kind of stress and worry I’d wish on no child, and I liked the idea of guardian angels as they’re written here.
All in all a good book for kiddos.
I enjoyed the story of Gabby finding herself again after the kind of stress and worry I’d wish on no child, and I liked the idea of guardian angels as they’re written here.
All in all a good book for kiddos.
May 10, 2021
This book is so sweet, it was given by my bestie and it was exactly what I needed. Full of hope, positivity and faith, showing when life gets hard there is always hope for the future. I've read a few of Victoria Schwab books and I've got to say this one made me smile.
March 21, 2020
I'm genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
February 3, 2022
Read this book so much when I was younger. Loved it!
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