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The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry
Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives in a cabin with her family deep in the wild woods. Living off the grid is usually exciting, like the time she chased off three growling raccoons with a tree branch and some acorns, or when she thought she glimpsed the legendary Bigfoot. But her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and the family moves to the city to be closer to the hospital.
Juniper and her older sister are sent to live with cousins they hardly know and attend a public school for the first time, which is harder to navigate than the wild woods ever were. Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack.
When Juniper notices that her cousin, Alayna, is being bullied by so-called friends, she’s ready to fight back like the wild geese do when protecting their goslings, but her cousin tells her to stay out of it; she doesn’t want Juniper making things worse.
As the hospital bills for her brother start piling up, Juniper knows they’ll need to be paid before the family can go back to the woods, so she decides to make enough money to help out. With Alayna’s support, Juniper starts posting videos filled with her wisdom from the woods, hoping to get a following. But what if it doesn’t work? What if the bills never get paid? Not going home to the wild is Juniper’s worst nightmare. But while she’s stuck in the city, she might as well make the most of it, like sticking up for her cousin, for starters.
The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a story about perseverance when faced with difficult and unfamiliar challenges, belonging and finding your identity, compassion for others, and learning that our differences can sometimes be our strengths.
Juniper and her older sister are sent to live with cousins they hardly know and attend a public school for the first time, which is harder to navigate than the wild woods ever were. Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack.
When Juniper notices that her cousin, Alayna, is being bullied by so-called friends, she’s ready to fight back like the wild geese do when protecting their goslings, but her cousin tells her to stay out of it; she doesn’t want Juniper making things worse.
As the hospital bills for her brother start piling up, Juniper knows they’ll need to be paid before the family can go back to the woods, so she decides to make enough money to help out. With Alayna’s support, Juniper starts posting videos filled with her wisdom from the woods, hoping to get a following. But what if it doesn’t work? What if the bills never get paid? Not going home to the wild is Juniper’s worst nightmare. But while she’s stuck in the city, she might as well make the most of it, like sticking up for her cousin, for starters.
The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a story about perseverance when faced with difficult and unfamiliar challenges, belonging and finding your identity, compassion for others, and learning that our differences can sometimes be our strengths.
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First published August 15, 2023
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About the author
Chad Morris
11 books287 followersChad Morris coauthored The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry, Virtually Me, Mustaches for Maddie, Squint, and Willa and the Whale, with his wife, Shelly Brown. He is also the author of the Cragbridge Hall series (The Inventor's Secret, The Avatar Battle, and The Impossible Race). He has won the Utah Book Award, the Buckeye Award, and the Nebraska Book Award, and the Silver Foreword INDIES award for Juvenile fiction. Chad also wrote one of the short stories in True Heroes: A Treasury of Modern-day Fairy Tales Written by Best-selling Authors. His story was based on JP Gibson, an amazing boy who faced cancer with courage, heart, and a basketball dream.
Chad grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. (Inspired by Animal from The Muppets, he has been banging on drums since he was eight years old.) Neither of those plans quite panned out. After high school, he left the Rocky Mountains to live in Brazil for a few years then returned home to write and perform sketch comedy while going to college. He graduated from BYU with a couple of degrees and became a teacher and a curriculum writer.
Chad grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. (Inspired by Animal from The Muppets, he has been banging on drums since he was eight years old.) Neither of those plans quite panned out. After high school, he left the Rocky Mountains to live in Brazil for a few years then returned home to write and perform sketch comedy while going to college. He graduated from BYU with a couple of degrees and became a teacher and a curriculum writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
October 7, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“She’s convinced that people living in society are like animals in the zoo and should also be freed. I’m really glad we don’t live like that. I’m meant to live in the wild.”
I love how vibrant the cover is for The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry. It really captures so vividly how free-spirited Juniper is and how she seems to be leaping through life - not to be the one to be anchored down by the rigid facets of society. It makes sense, seeing how her parents left society behind and chose to raise their children in the open wilderness - completely devoid of any electricity or technology or basic needs - totally cut off from human interaction and solely surviving on what the Earth provides them with. It's a harsh life, but it's a happy one and it's theirs - until the time comes when they have to make the decision to enter back into society, hence starting the wild journey of Juniper Berry of embracing the norms of modern-day civilization.
“If we ever let ourselves become squirrels, we will totally get eaten alive. Society was going to take all we could give. We had to be the foxes.”
Juniper, the cleverest eleven-year-old girl grew up wild and free - 'meant for running and jumping and swimming. I was meant for sneaking and climbing and swinging. I was meant to be nothing but me—Juniper Berry.' So, to see her suddenly thrust into the hallways of middle school, learning about day-to-day etiquette, and handling the basic needs of functioning normally really hit hard on her - and me, as well. I really felt bad for her; her older sister, Sky, may have adjusted easily, but for someone who grew up wild and free - it definitely takes a toll. 😟
And the authors really excelled in showing how difficult it was for. It's hard enough being a normal kid, imagine when you have a different sense of thinking and reasoning and even living that may not resonate with others. It's tough, but so is Juniper. And I really was amazed in how resilient she was - how she didn't back down from the bullying or the peer pressure or even the criticism she faced for just being who she was. ❤️🩹
But, it's not like she didn't try to learn about the strange new world she had suddenly been forced into. It's not like her parents completely kept them in the dark about certain things, but when she learns about the marvels that are computers and cell phones and washing machines and even how a functioning toilet works - I liked how it was portrayed. The wonderment and fascination that transfixed her to the marvels of every-day life - 'society had some genius ideas' was so very honest and real. I laughed at how she brought a little bit of the wild to California that really was both unwelcoming and alarming but still so very dear to her. 🤍🤍
From the first taste of pizza to the visit to a hospital to see how many different kids there were and what is the hidden meaning behind subjects in school - is English really just about English?! I enjoyed those little inclusions to her experience. She reacted in a very believable and relatable way for someone who has been so attuned with nature for so long - how would they react to seeing something that is not considered a novelty but a necessity nowadays in life - just really appreciated the authenticity of it. 🤌🏻🤌🏻
“I’m not weird. I’m Juniper Berry, and I’m amazing.” I said it louder than I said the other things to him, just so he really knew it was true.”
Kids can be so cruel to change; it's a sad facts of life. And Juniper definitely had her fair share of bullying. It was tough to read, but she was definitely tougher. I loved when she stood up to the bully - called her out on it - and still try to be the better person about it. LOVED IT! 😀 My heart really felt for her in that one pivotal moment. The idea behind what is the basis of a panic attack was very interesting, but fit well to how she was raised. Juniper had so many moments that she really shined for me - that I really hoped that everything would work out for her - for the better.
I enjoyed how Juniper's school-life became an integral part to the storyline. I liked how she was so passionate in showing that their way of living - 'people who live off the grid' but still have such 'grit, determination, and resourcefulness' eventually became something that others were interested in. They wanted to hear about her stories of growing up in seclusion and also learn about the challenges she was facing and how she was rising above them. It kept me interested and not at all questioning that this could happen. 🥺
What did bother me, and it continues to still bother even after completing it, is that there was never any dialogue between Juniper's parents and their kids where they could sit and discuss that this sudden change would be difficult, but they would have to work together to make it work. 😞 To quote Timon from Lion King's iconic quote, 'when the world turns it's back on you, you turn your back on the world'. And that's what her parents did - 'they left for a lot of reasons. Society hadn’t been that nice to them.... and so they decided to try something new. And so, I grew up learning that society was harsh.'
But, they never talked to their kids about it! Not once! I kept waiting for a moment where even Juniper's father consoled her or sat her down and said that he understands it's a challenge, but just try to be strong or ask if there's anything that she doesn't understand, but... They just expected them to make do with this sudden change. I understand they had a lot more pressing matters on their plate, so they assumed and hoped that their older children would work it out, but it just didn't seem real to me on that note, that none of the parents expressed any concern about how they were coping. It's a big change! Such a momentous step, in a time when they have never even see cars before, but the parents never asked if they needed help to adjust or talk about their issues. Again, I understand that they really were caught up on more important matters, but it didn't seem right doe me to accept that her parents never even considered it of importance. If the story could have shed a little light on that, I think it could have made it a much more impactful read. 😮💨
“I thought that society was bad and growing up in the woods was good. But now that I’m here I can see that it’s trickier than that.”
Still I did enjoy reading this, despite this personal grievance. It was an interesting Middle Grade book that explored friendship, acceptance and understanding in a unique setting for an unexpected premise. Juniper definitely is an unforgettable character and so many of the reactions to so many moments really were memorable to me - so very real. Definitely one that was not perfect, but definitely one I won't soon forget. 👍🏻👍🏻
“She’s convinced that people living in society are like animals in the zoo and should also be freed. I’m really glad we don’t live like that. I’m meant to live in the wild.”
I love how vibrant the cover is for The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry. It really captures so vividly how free-spirited Juniper is and how she seems to be leaping through life - not to be the one to be anchored down by the rigid facets of society. It makes sense, seeing how her parents left society behind and chose to raise their children in the open wilderness - completely devoid of any electricity or technology or basic needs - totally cut off from human interaction and solely surviving on what the Earth provides them with. It's a harsh life, but it's a happy one and it's theirs - until the time comes when they have to make the decision to enter back into society, hence starting the wild journey of Juniper Berry of embracing the norms of modern-day civilization.
“If we ever let ourselves become squirrels, we will totally get eaten alive. Society was going to take all we could give. We had to be the foxes.”
Juniper, the cleverest eleven-year-old girl grew up wild and free - 'meant for running and jumping and swimming. I was meant for sneaking and climbing and swinging. I was meant to be nothing but me—Juniper Berry.' So, to see her suddenly thrust into the hallways of middle school, learning about day-to-day etiquette, and handling the basic needs of functioning normally really hit hard on her - and me, as well. I really felt bad for her; her older sister, Sky, may have adjusted easily, but for someone who grew up wild and free - it definitely takes a toll. 😟
And the authors really excelled in showing how difficult it was for. It's hard enough being a normal kid, imagine when you have a different sense of thinking and reasoning and even living that may not resonate with others. It's tough, but so is Juniper. And I really was amazed in how resilient she was - how she didn't back down from the bullying or the peer pressure or even the criticism she faced for just being who she was. ❤️🩹
But, it's not like she didn't try to learn about the strange new world she had suddenly been forced into. It's not like her parents completely kept them in the dark about certain things, but when she learns about the marvels that are computers and cell phones and washing machines and even how a functioning toilet works - I liked how it was portrayed. The wonderment and fascination that transfixed her to the marvels of every-day life - 'society had some genius ideas' was so very honest and real. I laughed at how she brought a little bit of the wild to California that really was both unwelcoming and alarming but still so very dear to her. 🤍🤍
From the first taste of pizza to the visit to a hospital to see how many different kids there were and what is the hidden meaning behind subjects in school - is English really just about English?! I enjoyed those little inclusions to her experience. She reacted in a very believable and relatable way for someone who has been so attuned with nature for so long - how would they react to seeing something that is not considered a novelty but a necessity nowadays in life - just really appreciated the authenticity of it. 🤌🏻🤌🏻
“I’m not weird. I’m Juniper Berry, and I’m amazing.” I said it louder than I said the other things to him, just so he really knew it was true.”
Kids can be so cruel to change; it's a sad facts of life. And Juniper definitely had her fair share of bullying. It was tough to read, but she was definitely tougher. I loved when she stood up to the bully - called her out on it - and still try to be the better person about it. LOVED IT! 😀 My heart really felt for her in that one pivotal moment. The idea behind what is the basis of a panic attack was very interesting, but fit well to how she was raised. Juniper had so many moments that she really shined for me - that I really hoped that everything would work out for her - for the better.
I enjoyed how Juniper's school-life became an integral part to the storyline. I liked how she was so passionate in showing that their way of living - 'people who live off the grid' but still have such 'grit, determination, and resourcefulness' eventually became something that others were interested in. They wanted to hear about her stories of growing up in seclusion and also learn about the challenges she was facing and how she was rising above them. It kept me interested and not at all questioning that this could happen. 🥺
What did bother me, and it continues to still bother even after completing it, is that there was never any dialogue between Juniper's parents and their kids where they could sit and discuss that this sudden change would be difficult, but they would have to work together to make it work. 😞 To quote Timon from Lion King's iconic quote, 'when the world turns it's back on you, you turn your back on the world'. And that's what her parents did - 'they left for a lot of reasons. Society hadn’t been that nice to them.... and so they decided to try something new. And so, I grew up learning that society was harsh.'
But, they never talked to their kids about it! Not once! I kept waiting for a moment where even Juniper's father consoled her or sat her down and said that he understands it's a challenge, but just try to be strong or ask if there's anything that she doesn't understand, but... They just expected them to make do with this sudden change. I understand they had a lot more pressing matters on their plate, so they assumed and hoped that their older children would work it out, but it just didn't seem real to me on that note, that none of the parents expressed any concern about how they were coping. It's a big change! Such a momentous step, in a time when they have never even see cars before, but the parents never asked if they needed help to adjust or talk about their issues. Again, I understand that they really were caught up on more important matters, but it didn't seem right doe me to accept that her parents never even considered it of importance. If the story could have shed a little light on that, I think it could have made it a much more impactful read. 😮💨
“I thought that society was bad and growing up in the woods was good. But now that I’m here I can see that it’s trickier than that.”
Still I did enjoy reading this, despite this personal grievance. It was an interesting Middle Grade book that explored friendship, acceptance and understanding in a unique setting for an unexpected premise. Juniper definitely is an unforgettable character and so many of the reactions to so many moments really were memorable to me - so very real. Definitely one that was not perfect, but definitely one I won't soon forget. 👍🏻👍🏻
September 19, 2023
Juniper Berry lives deep in the woods in a makeshift house with her parents and her brother and sister. They live totally off the grid, growing and catching their food. Washing their clothes by hand and using herbal medication when sick, that is until her little brother gets ill and needs an operation.
After his operation Juniper’s brother is still very sick and needs to stay in the hospital for a while so the family moves in with her uncle and his daughters, people she had never heard of let alone met. Staying with relatives, living in a flat, and having to attend the local school are all new to Juniper and she is finding it hard to fit in. No one seems to like her, including her cousins.
But as the medical bills start to pile up Juniper is shown how she could make some money by posting videos online, but are people ready to take in Juniper’s wisdom or will she be a laughing stick?
The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a fabulous middle-grade novel. Juniper is an amazing character who views the world very differently from most other children as she has never seen a city, a TV, electrical items, cars, etc. Her life seemed so peaceful and fun, apart from laundry day, and it was wonderful to see how people could live without modern amenities.
I adored Juniper’s enthusiasm for everything and how she was so confident and didn’t care what others thought of her. Her little speeches to herself will resonate with readers and hopefully have them becoming more confident too.
There are a lot of life lessons within the pages alongside a truly spectacular story. The plot was full of adventure, humour, and fun, and surrounded by love which came across strongly. This is definitely a book all middle graders should be reading.
After his operation Juniper’s brother is still very sick and needs to stay in the hospital for a while so the family moves in with her uncle and his daughters, people she had never heard of let alone met. Staying with relatives, living in a flat, and having to attend the local school are all new to Juniper and she is finding it hard to fit in. No one seems to like her, including her cousins.
But as the medical bills start to pile up Juniper is shown how she could make some money by posting videos online, but are people ready to take in Juniper’s wisdom or will she be a laughing stick?
The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a fabulous middle-grade novel. Juniper is an amazing character who views the world very differently from most other children as she has never seen a city, a TV, electrical items, cars, etc. Her life seemed so peaceful and fun, apart from laundry day, and it was wonderful to see how people could live without modern amenities.
I adored Juniper’s enthusiasm for everything and how she was so confident and didn’t care what others thought of her. Her little speeches to herself will resonate with readers and hopefully have them becoming more confident too.
There are a lot of life lessons within the pages alongside a truly spectacular story. The plot was full of adventure, humour, and fun, and surrounded by love which came across strongly. This is definitely a book all middle graders should be reading.
August 15, 2023
Tense, interesting, compelling, emotional, funny and all the other good adjectives. You should definitely buy it. Full disclosure: I’m completely biased; I co-wrote it.
July 25, 2023
I love the books Chad Morris and Shelly Brown right for middle grade readers. They write the best stories with amazing characters. I LOVED this one so much!
This one features Juniper Berry and her family. They live in the middle of a forest. They don't have electricity, cars, fridges, access to a grocery store or even a doctor. And they were happy, because they were together. I loved the way Clara and Zephyr taught their kids about the earth in earth school.
It was because of her lessons that Juniper became confident in her own abilities. But...one day, things changed. Juniper's little brother got very sick. Clara and Zephyr had to make the hard decision to take him to society so that he could have care from a doctor.
And that changed life for all of Juniper's family. I loved the way Juniper was still confident in her abilities. Even though she had to learn about new things, and places. And go to the dreaded place called school. People there were not kind to Juniper. But she still kept trying, even when things were hard.
I loved how Juniper tried so hard to help her family. She works so hard to be able to help.
This is such a great middle grade book! I can't wait to pass it on to my son to read.
I was sent a copy of The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This one features Juniper Berry and her family. They live in the middle of a forest. They don't have electricity, cars, fridges, access to a grocery store or even a doctor. And they were happy, because they were together. I loved the way Clara and Zephyr taught their kids about the earth in earth school.
It was because of her lessons that Juniper became confident in her own abilities. But...one day, things changed. Juniper's little brother got very sick. Clara and Zephyr had to make the hard decision to take him to society so that he could have care from a doctor.
And that changed life for all of Juniper's family. I loved the way Juniper was still confident in her abilities. Even though she had to learn about new things, and places. And go to the dreaded place called school. People there were not kind to Juniper. But she still kept trying, even when things were hard.
I loved how Juniper tried so hard to help her family. She works so hard to be able to help.
This is such a great middle grade book! I can't wait to pass it on to my son to read.
I was sent a copy of The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2023
Have you ever wondered how a fish out of water would survive in our crazy, technological, social-media-filled society? The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Authors Chad Morris and Shelly Brown has written a story for middle-grade readers that shows you exactly this.
Eleven-year-old Juniper has lived her whole life with her family off the grid and learning to love nature. When her younger brother Hank becomes ill, the family is forced to re-enter modern society to get medical help for him. This is when the changes begin for Juniper whose POV is used to tell this story. There are many humorous moments as Juniper is introduced to many things we take for granted, like a fridge, microwave, a shower, using a flush toilet, and eating pizza for the first time. I really liked Juniper who despite realizing she really doesn't fit in doesn't change to make her blend in. She truly is a strong and confident girl who loves her family and will support them whatever it takes.
There are some strong themes of bullying, split families, and anxiety attacks, that are beautifully written for this age readers to understand. This novel also has such wonderful characters from Zombie the Goose, grumpy Mrs. Nakamura, stuck-up Sophie, and Juniper's cousins. Readers will learn lessons of having confidence in your own gifts and talents, standing up for others...even if you don't like someone, and staying strong as families in any circumstance.
Chad and Shelly write the best books for Middle-Grade readers. The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is another accomplishment in their growing list of novels that change kids' lives as they navigate the journey toward being an adult. I highly recommend this heart-filled book.
Eleven-year-old Juniper has lived her whole life with her family off the grid and learning to love nature. When her younger brother Hank becomes ill, the family is forced to re-enter modern society to get medical help for him. This is when the changes begin for Juniper whose POV is used to tell this story. There are many humorous moments as Juniper is introduced to many things we take for granted, like a fridge, microwave, a shower, using a flush toilet, and eating pizza for the first time. I really liked Juniper who despite realizing she really doesn't fit in doesn't change to make her blend in. She truly is a strong and confident girl who loves her family and will support them whatever it takes.
There are some strong themes of bullying, split families, and anxiety attacks, that are beautifully written for this age readers to understand. This novel also has such wonderful characters from Zombie the Goose, grumpy Mrs. Nakamura, stuck-up Sophie, and Juniper's cousins. Readers will learn lessons of having confidence in your own gifts and talents, standing up for others...even if you don't like someone, and staying strong as families in any circumstance.
Chad and Shelly write the best books for Middle-Grade readers. The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is another accomplishment in their growing list of novels that change kids' lives as they navigate the journey toward being an adult. I highly recommend this heart-filled book.
August 11, 2023
I am always happy picking up a book from Shelly Brown and Chad Morris. They are the perfect authors to tell this type of story. Their humor and goodness shine through with these excellent characters. This is such a unique book and I’ve never read anything like it before. It was so interesting seeing our busy phone paced world through Juni’s eyes. The way the authors expressed it was pretty great. There are some very funny lines and moments. (The sisters seeing a toilet for the first time and the leaves! Juni eating pizza for the first time. So funny!) Also some serious and sad, but truly wonderful moments. Too many to name without spoilers, but Ms. Nakamura! Oh my heart. This book has many great lessons about being yourself and being brave. Juniper Berry is pretty awesome.
I received an ARC from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
March 25, 2023
I had so much fun reading this adventure of Juniper! She is such a great character and how this story was written really surprised me to be honest. I wasn't sure what to expect and there was a lot packed into the pages. The book starts out with Juniper and her family living in the woods and living off the land and off grid. This creates for a very unique life perspective for Juniper and her siblings. While the "world" considers it to be weird and not normal this book flips your perspective. The family has to go to the city where the hospital is located so Juniper discovers what lies beyond the woods. Her parents had settled in the woods because they did not want to be a part of the culture in city/town life. Not only are the people all different in the city but the general day to day is vastly different. There are some pretty strong points about what the world "values" and also how the world reacts to those that are different. I appreciated the plot line that included panic attacks and social anxiety as it was well written. Juniper doesn't care that she is different and she stands up for herself.
I really enjoyed this story and I think it will create a lot of interesting conversations. Well worth the read!
Five stars.
"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
I really enjoyed this story and I think it will create a lot of interesting conversations. Well worth the read!
Five stars.
"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
August 21, 2023
Juniper Berry, the main character in The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry, lives off the grid in the wilderness with her family. She knows how to hunt, forage for food, and has many survival skills. When her brother gets sick, her family goes to stay with family that live in the city. For the first time in her life, Juniper goes to public school and faces society.
I love the storytelling and the many different themes in this book. It's a great book for a class discussion, book project,or just to read for fun. The authors dive into themes of being true to yourself, not judging others based on their experiences, going out of your comfort zone, ways technology and society are harmful, good in society, healing family wounds, and many more. The themes were age appropriate and themes that I love my kids to take-in before approaching middle-school. I loved that this book offered so much and also had rich storytelling. You come to understand the characters and feel for their ups and downs. Overall, I was very pleased with this book. It's a book that my kids will enjoy and love. I would like to see a sequel from this book.
Please note that I received a free copy of this book to review, however, this is my honest opinion.
I love the storytelling and the many different themes in this book. It's a great book for a class discussion, book project,or just to read for fun. The authors dive into themes of being true to yourself, not judging others based on their experiences, going out of your comfort zone, ways technology and society are harmful, good in society, healing family wounds, and many more. The themes were age appropriate and themes that I love my kids to take-in before approaching middle-school. I loved that this book offered so much and also had rich storytelling. You come to understand the characters and feel for their ups and downs. Overall, I was very pleased with this book. It's a book that my kids will enjoy and love. I would like to see a sequel from this book.
Please note that I received a free copy of this book to review, however, this is my honest opinion.
September 19, 2023
I'm always up for a good homeschool story, and this one commits. Juniper is not only homeschooled, her parents are live-off-the-land extremists and she's never seen society. So when she's plunked into her uncle's apartment with her unwilling cousin and forced to go to school things are tough. But Juniper has a core of self confidence that never quite dims, and also a solid center of decency that makes her very admirable. I like how she makes mistakes and acknowledges them but doesn't ever accept hypocrisy as a norm. And I like how she finds friends at the end.
The end is a bit super good, and I wish I could see the arrangements with the school that allow that innovative attendance plan, but I'm happy for Juniper Berry.
The end is a bit super good, and I wish I could see the arrangements with the school that allow that innovative attendance plan, but I'm happy for Juniper Berry.
May 25, 2025
One of those books where the concept is so fun that it’s basically guaranteed 3 stars. Here we have a girl moving from the woods to the city, quite literally as she has spent her entire life living off the grid with her hippie parents. When her little brother gets appendicitis they are forced to temporarily move in with an uncle who lives in the city. You can probably picture the culture clash, and it’s pretty much exactly what you expect but I loved how Juniper took absolutely zero crap and stood up for herself and her family constantly. Best of all it’s not a book that glorifies one version of society over the other, but looks at how incorporating more primitive elements into a modern society where social media is literally killing kids.
April 23, 2025
4.5 stars! This is a really fun middle grade story. It would make a great family read aloud because it provides plenty of opportunities to have discussions about bullying, kindness, culture, societal expectations, self esteem and self worth, and mental illnesses. I only deducted half a point because I started getting tired of the wilderness similes and the constant "what is this mysterious thing that I'm gonna give a funny name too?" But I doubt that the intended audience will be bothered by it :)
August 1, 2023
Juniper Berry grew up outside of society in the woods with her parents, brother, and sister fir the first 11 years of her life. When she arrives in 'society' for the first time, she has a lot of questions and misses home. She finds ways to share what she knows and make friends with others and is able to help her family through really tough things.
I really liked the adventures Juniper had and thinking about the good and bad parts of living off the grid versus living in society.
I really liked the adventures Juniper had and thinking about the good and bad parts of living off the grid versus living in society.
July 12, 2025
The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a heartfelt adventure about family, healing, and finding your place in the world. Juniper’s story is filled with warmth and hope, and I loved every moment of it!
November 13, 2024
3.5/5 stars
April 5, 2025
Loooovvvve! So sweet and unique with lots of beautiful life lessons.
April 12, 2025
~ 3.5 Stars ~
April 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this story! Juniper is a wood-wise 11 yr old girl, living off grid with her family, and loves it. A family emergency takes them to the city to live closer to a hospital. It has a little bit of a Crocodile Dundee feel, with all of the surprises that being in a big city- no less middle school brings. Throw in cousins who are very much into school popularity and cool culture- and Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack.
Her efforts to help out the financial situation, her cousin who is getting bullied, and her little brother don’t go as planned and she worries they may be stuck in the city forever.
The parallels to animal behaviors and her new life are so insightful and spot on. I learned, I laughed, I loved, and I cheered (out loud a couple of times!) for Juniper. It is going to help all readers see the world from a new perspective- and create opportunities for great discussions.
Another home run by Chad and Shelly. It gets all the stars.
“Aren’t the lights in the city pretty too?” Sky asked. “Not like the stars. In the city they don’t see the real light. Not in the stars, not in people,” Clara said. “I didn’t know if people saw my light. I was constantly worried that my light wasn’t as bright as someone else’s, or that someone else’s was just better, or that my light had to be like theirs. It wasn’t until I was able to get away that I could really shine and not worry about all of their pressure.”
“You’re like a chicken, and when you don’t like someone, you peck at them and try to get the other chickens to peck at them too. You injure them, hoping the others will think they’re weak. It works, because you all don’t have bigger brains than a chicken.” That kind of sums up middle school!
Her efforts to help out the financial situation, her cousin who is getting bullied, and her little brother don’t go as planned and she worries they may be stuck in the city forever.
The parallels to animal behaviors and her new life are so insightful and spot on. I learned, I laughed, I loved, and I cheered (out loud a couple of times!) for Juniper. It is going to help all readers see the world from a new perspective- and create opportunities for great discussions.
Another home run by Chad and Shelly. It gets all the stars.
“Aren’t the lights in the city pretty too?” Sky asked. “Not like the stars. In the city they don’t see the real light. Not in the stars, not in people,” Clara said. “I didn’t know if people saw my light. I was constantly worried that my light wasn’t as bright as someone else’s, or that someone else’s was just better, or that my light had to be like theirs. It wasn’t until I was able to get away that I could really shine and not worry about all of their pressure.”
“You’re like a chicken, and when you don’t like someone, you peck at them and try to get the other chickens to peck at them too. You injure them, hoping the others will think they’re weak. It works, because you all don’t have bigger brains than a chicken.” That kind of sums up middle school!
February 14, 2024
So, Juniper and her siblings have lived their whole lives in the wilderness and suddenly have to start living in a city with people and machines and buildings. They know absolutely nothing about kitchens, or bathrooms or computers. After a few days Juniper and her sister are taken to schools and dropped off. No discussion on what it will be like, how to behave or anything! They are basically feral! Apparently no one warned the teachers or the principal. So of course things do not go well!
January 1, 2026
Cute book. I like how it.makes you think about society.
August 14, 2023
Juniper Berry lives in the woods with her parents Zephyr and Clara, her older sister Skylark, and her 5-year old brother Hawk. It seems that her parents moved into the woods in their twenties to get away from “society” and all its problems. They were all very content until Hawk becomes ill from appendicitis.
They take Hawk into town and while he is in the hospital, the family moves in with Clara’s brother Uncle Parker (of whom the children) were unaware and his two daughters, both to stay near Hawk and to earn money for the growing hospital bill. Juniper and Sky notice that Uncle Parker refers to their parents as “Sarah” and “Paul” and wonder what else they don’t know.
Although Sky adjusts quickly to school, wearing her cousin’s skimpy outfits, society is full of curiosities—some positive (the laundry box and pizza) but most negative for Juniper. She questions of the function and utility of much she sees. “And her nails were so long, they were more like claws—painted claws. What kind of person needed claws? Someone who had to defend themselves against predators? Someone who had to climb cliffs? Someone who had to tear apart their supper? And if they did, why would they paint them bright colors? I didn’t understand this new world of fire hair and people claws.” (ARC 63)
When Juniper starts school, she embarrasses her cousin Alayna by her clothing, her lack of understanding in classes (even though she had attended Earth School taught by Clara), climbing a tall tree in the school yard, and kicking the most popular boy. But she sees how mean the middle school girls can be. As she observes Alayna being humiliated and hurt by her popular friends, she realizes that Alayna’s “friends” are like chickens—“It just depends on the pecking order. If the top chickens don’t like one of the others anymore, it can get dangerous.” (ARC 171) Even though Juniper stands up for Alayna to her “friends,” her cousin makes her walk three houses behind her and ignores her in school even as they become closer at home. “Having me as a cousin in society was not a good thing.” (ARC 170)
But Juniper finds out she runs fast and earns the respect of the popular boy. “But then Keenan looked over. He still couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t either. But he nodded. It wasn’t a coyote nod, like he was going to bite my ankle and take me down. It was more like a stag nod. Like we had run together. Like we were the same. Like he respected me.” (ARC 139) And Juniper is invited to join the track, and later, the soccer teams.
Juniper still desperately misses the woods, and when she finds some—“I closed my eyes and felt like I was home. The birds chirped. They weren’t singing for anyone else like all of the music on everyone’s phones and in their ears. The birds chirped for themselves.” (ARC 141)
When Juniper realizes that she needs to make money to help with Hawk’s hospital bills, she is offered help in some unexpected places and when she finds out why Clara/Sarah left society, she is able to help her also.
Readers will learn not only about nature and survival but, through Juniper Berry’s eyes, will be able to examine their own society. Juniper’s story tackles issues of mental health, bullying, acceptance, and being open to learning about others. “I had spent most of my time in school not liking people, because I was sure they didn’t like me. I hadn’t realized that I was acting like a surly bobcat and hissing at people before I even got to know them.” (ARC 227)
“’I’m not worried about embarrassing,’ I said, and I wanted to prove it. ‘I’m not embarrassing. I’m amazing.’” (ARC 151)
They take Hawk into town and while he is in the hospital, the family moves in with Clara’s brother Uncle Parker (of whom the children) were unaware and his two daughters, both to stay near Hawk and to earn money for the growing hospital bill. Juniper and Sky notice that Uncle Parker refers to their parents as “Sarah” and “Paul” and wonder what else they don’t know.
Although Sky adjusts quickly to school, wearing her cousin’s skimpy outfits, society is full of curiosities—some positive (the laundry box and pizza) but most negative for Juniper. She questions of the function and utility of much she sees. “And her nails were so long, they were more like claws—painted claws. What kind of person needed claws? Someone who had to defend themselves against predators? Someone who had to climb cliffs? Someone who had to tear apart their supper? And if they did, why would they paint them bright colors? I didn’t understand this new world of fire hair and people claws.” (ARC 63)
When Juniper starts school, she embarrasses her cousin Alayna by her clothing, her lack of understanding in classes (even though she had attended Earth School taught by Clara), climbing a tall tree in the school yard, and kicking the most popular boy. But she sees how mean the middle school girls can be. As she observes Alayna being humiliated and hurt by her popular friends, she realizes that Alayna’s “friends” are like chickens—“It just depends on the pecking order. If the top chickens don’t like one of the others anymore, it can get dangerous.” (ARC 171) Even though Juniper stands up for Alayna to her “friends,” her cousin makes her walk three houses behind her and ignores her in school even as they become closer at home. “Having me as a cousin in society was not a good thing.” (ARC 170)
But Juniper finds out she runs fast and earns the respect of the popular boy. “But then Keenan looked over. He still couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t either. But he nodded. It wasn’t a coyote nod, like he was going to bite my ankle and take me down. It was more like a stag nod. Like we had run together. Like we were the same. Like he respected me.” (ARC 139) And Juniper is invited to join the track, and later, the soccer teams.
Juniper still desperately misses the woods, and when she finds some—“I closed my eyes and felt like I was home. The birds chirped. They weren’t singing for anyone else like all of the music on everyone’s phones and in their ears. The birds chirped for themselves.” (ARC 141)
When Juniper realizes that she needs to make money to help with Hawk’s hospital bills, she is offered help in some unexpected places and when she finds out why Clara/Sarah left society, she is able to help her also.
Readers will learn not only about nature and survival but, through Juniper Berry’s eyes, will be able to examine their own society. Juniper’s story tackles issues of mental health, bullying, acceptance, and being open to learning about others. “I had spent most of my time in school not liking people, because I was sure they didn’t like me. I hadn’t realized that I was acting like a surly bobcat and hissing at people before I even got to know them.” (ARC 227)
“’I’m not worried about embarrassing,’ I said, and I wanted to prove it. ‘I’m not embarrassing. I’m amazing.’” (ARC 151)
August 2, 2023
Plot:
Juniper Berry is awesome and she knows it. Growing up in the woods, Juniper Berry lived with her dad Zephyr, mom Clara, older sister Sky and younger brother Hawk. Her parents ran to the woods when they were young to escape the uncaring world society has created and raised their family to be loving and accepting as they work together for survival. Juniper Berry loves her life, but when Hawk falls sick, Juniper Berry accepts that her family must do all they can to save him, which means returning to society. Meeting an uncle and cousins Juniper Berry never heard of before, they are thrust into the social life of living downtown. When a mishap with a toilet happens, a reminder to all that leaves do not belong in the toilet, Juniper Berry finds herself attending school for the first time ever, alongside a cousin, Alayna, who wants nothing to do with her. At school, Juniper Berry learns the reason why her mother left society as those at the school try to make Juniper Berry feel bad about who she is. Unfortunately for those kids, Juniper Berry was not budging. Knowing that she is a smart, friendly, kind person, Juniper Berry refuses to bend to fit society's norms and chooses to be herself, which is amazing. Seeing how her cousin Alayna struggles with mean friends and panic attacks, Juniper Berry knows that animals that do not stand up for themselves get eaten, and if Alayna will fight for herself, then Juniper Berry is willing to take on the bullies.
Thoughts:
Chad Morris and Shelly Brown work fantastically together to create this fish-out-of-water story, as Juniper Berry enters society for the first time in middle school. Told from the first person point of view of Juniper Berry, we get to experience all her thoughts as she experiences her firsts of modern society like refrigerators, washing machines, and pizza while learning from her wisdom of understanding nature, natural medicines, and survival techniques. Juniper Berry is a fantastic narrator as even during the sad bits of her story, Juniper Berry kept a positive upbeat attitude and a willingness to lend a hand. Morris and Brown focus a large theme of this story based on how you do not have to change yourself or “fit in” to societal norms. Juniper Berry's idea that she is awesome just being her curious, and fun-loving self, is a great role model for young readers to follow. Another big concept Morris and Brown made the book about was dealing with panic attacks and social phobia both from a younger point of view with Alayna and an older point of view of Clara. Referring to panic attacks as “storms” Juniper Berry witnesses the effect these storms have on people she loves, and how important it is to be there for the person in a calming way. As some children suffer from panic attacks, Morris and Brown's usage of the wording of feelings as being weather patterns can help kids put words to what they are feeling. For writing Morris and Brown do a fantastic collaborative effort to make this book easy to read with its moving plot and clear motives. Showing character growth in all characters, Morris and Brown give readers an ending to root for and a family to love, making this a fantastic novel to read and enjoy.
Juniper Berry is awesome and she knows it. Growing up in the woods, Juniper Berry lived with her dad Zephyr, mom Clara, older sister Sky and younger brother Hawk. Her parents ran to the woods when they were young to escape the uncaring world society has created and raised their family to be loving and accepting as they work together for survival. Juniper Berry loves her life, but when Hawk falls sick, Juniper Berry accepts that her family must do all they can to save him, which means returning to society. Meeting an uncle and cousins Juniper Berry never heard of before, they are thrust into the social life of living downtown. When a mishap with a toilet happens, a reminder to all that leaves do not belong in the toilet, Juniper Berry finds herself attending school for the first time ever, alongside a cousin, Alayna, who wants nothing to do with her. At school, Juniper Berry learns the reason why her mother left society as those at the school try to make Juniper Berry feel bad about who she is. Unfortunately for those kids, Juniper Berry was not budging. Knowing that she is a smart, friendly, kind person, Juniper Berry refuses to bend to fit society's norms and chooses to be herself, which is amazing. Seeing how her cousin Alayna struggles with mean friends and panic attacks, Juniper Berry knows that animals that do not stand up for themselves get eaten, and if Alayna will fight for herself, then Juniper Berry is willing to take on the bullies.
Thoughts:
Chad Morris and Shelly Brown work fantastically together to create this fish-out-of-water story, as Juniper Berry enters society for the first time in middle school. Told from the first person point of view of Juniper Berry, we get to experience all her thoughts as she experiences her firsts of modern society like refrigerators, washing machines, and pizza while learning from her wisdom of understanding nature, natural medicines, and survival techniques. Juniper Berry is a fantastic narrator as even during the sad bits of her story, Juniper Berry kept a positive upbeat attitude and a willingness to lend a hand. Morris and Brown focus a large theme of this story based on how you do not have to change yourself or “fit in” to societal norms. Juniper Berry's idea that she is awesome just being her curious, and fun-loving self, is a great role model for young readers to follow. Another big concept Morris and Brown made the book about was dealing with panic attacks and social phobia both from a younger point of view with Alayna and an older point of view of Clara. Referring to panic attacks as “storms” Juniper Berry witnesses the effect these storms have on people she loves, and how important it is to be there for the person in a calming way. As some children suffer from panic attacks, Morris and Brown's usage of the wording of feelings as being weather patterns can help kids put words to what they are feeling. For writing Morris and Brown do a fantastic collaborative effort to make this book easy to read with its moving plot and clear motives. Showing character growth in all characters, Morris and Brown give readers an ending to root for and a family to love, making this a fantastic novel to read and enjoy.
April 2, 2024
Juniper Berry and her family live off the grid in the woods of California. Juniper loves her life there and hasn't known anything different. But when her little brother, Hawk, gets very sick, the whole family has to hike out to get him help. It turns out Hawk's appendix burst, and he is now fighting a raging infection that requires a hospital stay. The family is staying with their uncle and his 2 daughters until Hawk is recovered, which doesn't appear to be any time soon. While Clara (their mom) stays with Hawk, Zephyr (their dad) gets a construction job to pay bills, and after the toilet flooding fiasco, Juniper and her older sister Sky, get enrolled at the same schools as their cousins. Sky and Kori go to the high school and seem to be quick friends, Juniper and Alayna go to the middle school but Alayna tells Juniper to keep her distance. Juniper doesn't understand the weird rules of school, like why tree climbing isn't allowed, or why people seem to care so much about their phones and what others think. Juniper totally gets why Clara doesn't like society and why she and Zephyr moved to the woods. She can't wait for Hawk to get better so they can go back. But is that day going to happen?
I absolutely loved Juniper's voice, and how she is so rooted in who she knows she is that the middle school drama pretty much rolls off her. She is more tempted to treat the bullies like they're an angry raccoon than let what they say bother her. I was impressed by how well Morris & Brown wrote Juniper's voice to make it really sound as if she's grown up off the grid in the woods with no modern technology or knowledge of how things are typically done. She sounds so authentic. Eventually in the story Juniper realizes that the medical bills are also a huge stumbling block to getting back to their life in the woods and tries to come up with money making ideas. This leads her to meet an elderly neighbor who gives her wise advice and helps bring healing to the family in ways Juniper didn't realize were needed. It was a profoundly moving addition to the story. I felt like the resolution of the story seemed realistic and was the happiest possible conclusion in the circumstances. I'll be recommending this one to a lot of students as Juniper is so amazing.
Notes on content:
Langauge: None
Sexual content: None. Alayna talks about crushes, but that's it.
Violence: Juniper talks about hunting for food. There's a goose she finds and thinks is dead but turns out not to be. Juniper does kick a bully in the shins before she knows the school rules. There's another bullying incident involving foot stomping and pushing.
Ethnic diversity: Juniper's family appear to be White Americans. Classmates are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The elderly neighbor has a Japanese last name.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Alayna is being bullied by supposed friends who tell her there's going to be a get together and tell her the wrong location. Bullies try to bother Juniper but she sees through much of what they are trying to do and calls them on it. Alayna lashes out at Juniper in her hurt. Clara and Alayna both have panic attacks. The broader family has 2 generations of moms who walked out on their kids.
I absolutely loved Juniper's voice, and how she is so rooted in who she knows she is that the middle school drama pretty much rolls off her. She is more tempted to treat the bullies like they're an angry raccoon than let what they say bother her. I was impressed by how well Morris & Brown wrote Juniper's voice to make it really sound as if she's grown up off the grid in the woods with no modern technology or knowledge of how things are typically done. She sounds so authentic. Eventually in the story Juniper realizes that the medical bills are also a huge stumbling block to getting back to their life in the woods and tries to come up with money making ideas. This leads her to meet an elderly neighbor who gives her wise advice and helps bring healing to the family in ways Juniper didn't realize were needed. It was a profoundly moving addition to the story. I felt like the resolution of the story seemed realistic and was the happiest possible conclusion in the circumstances. I'll be recommending this one to a lot of students as Juniper is so amazing.
Notes on content:
Langauge: None
Sexual content: None. Alayna talks about crushes, but that's it.
Violence: Juniper talks about hunting for food. There's a goose she finds and thinks is dead but turns out not to be. Juniper does kick a bully in the shins before she knows the school rules. There's another bullying incident involving foot stomping and pushing.
Ethnic diversity: Juniper's family appear to be White Americans. Classmates are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The elderly neighbor has a Japanese last name.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Alayna is being bullied by supposed friends who tell her there's going to be a get together and tell her the wrong location. Bullies try to bother Juniper but she sees through much of what they are trying to do and calls them on it. Alayna lashes out at Juniper in her hurt. Clara and Alayna both have panic attacks. The broader family has 2 generations of moms who walked out on their kids.
September 5, 2023
I have loved Chad Morris and Shelly Brown’s previous books! They’re so fun and they always have the best lessons in them for the middle graders! When I saw The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by them, I was excited to read it! Many of us enjoy camping—leaving civilization and going into nature. Juniper’s family is the opposite, they need to leave nature in order to go to civilization. Living off the grid like that may seem fun for a few days, but I’ll take my house, thank you!
At first, I felt a bit skeptical about this book because it starts off describing why Juniper’s family lives in the woods. It goes into a bit of detail about how they live in the woods because Juniper’s mom doesn’t like plastic, doesn’t like cars because they spew poisonous gases into the air, etc. I thought there might be some activism and politics in it, which I do not like in children’s books. However, that’s where it stops. The story moves on, and it really isn’t discussed again.
It's a cute book about some challenges a family faces. I have had sick kids. I can’t imagine living deep in the woods and seeing one of my children super sick and not being able to just drive down the street to a doctor’s office. That’s one challenge. Then, the challenge for Juniper and her sister is growing up in the deep woods and suddenly being dropped into modern civilization.
I loved the characters in this book. Juniper felt a little hard to relate to at times because she had such a different upbringing, but you could also feel her sincerity and know she was doing what she knew. Juniper’s sister Sky is even harder to relate to, and is a little grumpier, but she still has a good heart. I liked Juniper’s dad and uncle. You don’t see a lot of her mom, Clara, but when you learn her story, you understand why she thinks and believes as she does. Juniper’s cousin Alayna is not very kind at first but grows a lot.
The book is well written and has lots of great lessons. Being kind, not judging, getting to know people so you understand them better, not taking yourself too seriously, learning who your real friends are, having fun, learning new things, looking at things from different perspectives, and many more!
Content Rating: PG
• Profanity: None
• Intimacy: None
• Violence: None (There is some harassing and bullying, but it doesn’t get violent.)
• Other: A child is very sick and is in the hospital.
Age Recommendation: Middle-graders (4th-6th)+
You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com.
At first, I felt a bit skeptical about this book because it starts off describing why Juniper’s family lives in the woods. It goes into a bit of detail about how they live in the woods because Juniper’s mom doesn’t like plastic, doesn’t like cars because they spew poisonous gases into the air, etc. I thought there might be some activism and politics in it, which I do not like in children’s books. However, that’s where it stops. The story moves on, and it really isn’t discussed again.
It's a cute book about some challenges a family faces. I have had sick kids. I can’t imagine living deep in the woods and seeing one of my children super sick and not being able to just drive down the street to a doctor’s office. That’s one challenge. Then, the challenge for Juniper and her sister is growing up in the deep woods and suddenly being dropped into modern civilization.
I loved the characters in this book. Juniper felt a little hard to relate to at times because she had such a different upbringing, but you could also feel her sincerity and know she was doing what she knew. Juniper’s sister Sky is even harder to relate to, and is a little grumpier, but she still has a good heart. I liked Juniper’s dad and uncle. You don’t see a lot of her mom, Clara, but when you learn her story, you understand why she thinks and believes as she does. Juniper’s cousin Alayna is not very kind at first but grows a lot.
The book is well written and has lots of great lessons. Being kind, not judging, getting to know people so you understand them better, not taking yourself too seriously, learning who your real friends are, having fun, learning new things, looking at things from different perspectives, and many more!
Content Rating: PG
• Profanity: None
• Intimacy: None
• Violence: None (There is some harassing and bullying, but it doesn’t get violent.)
• Other: A child is very sick and is in the hospital.
Age Recommendation: Middle-graders (4th-6th)+
You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com.
May 15, 2025
PLOT: A family living in the wilderness without any modern conveniences have to enter society (for the children's first time) when the youngest gets sick and needs a hospital.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: No sex (talk of boyfriends), some mild violence (kicking and tripping) A goose is killed and plucked. The language is clean. There is bullying, a panic attack and abandonment.
INITIAL RESPONSE: I loved this story! I couldn't put it down. Nobody is perfect, they all make good and bad choices but everyone is trying to do what they think is best. I am going to recommend this book to everyone, especially anyone with social anxiety or who has been bullied. I wanted to read it again as soon as I finished.
STORY ELEMENTS
SETTING: Redburn California, in the wilderness, and in a small town.
CHARACTERS: Juniper (11/12 female) loves the wilderness and thrives on physical activity. Skylark (16 female) Loves her family but wants something more. Hawk (5 Male) spends most of the book sick, Zepher (Paul) the father, Claira (Sara) is the mom, Others include cousins, and uncle, neighbors and students.
WRITING STYLE: The story was told through Junipers point of view so you only learned things as she learned them. The students at school don't understand her, she gets bullied by them and family, and she has trouble understanding rules and social expectations. It was a clever way to show how different people might interpret situations.
CONFLICT: The whole family is trying to figure out how to live in modern society and earn money to pay for Hawks hospital bills.
THEME: The challenges and experiences that youth go through growing up. Gives a lot of good advice in a clever and interesting way. I thought the events of the story were accurate for the situation. It is a little unbelievable that a family could live in the California wilderness and not ever be spotted but not entirely unbelievable.
IMPACT: The writing was realistic and easy to understand and grasp the significance and meaning
The purpose of the story was to show differences and similarities in families and communities, and how to cope with bullies. The audience is for youth but adults as well.
I have never read anything thing like this story before. Yet the subject matter is very relevant.
The message and the story are a great starting point for parents discussing the topic of bullying and how to deal with it, as well as the reality of anxiety and how it effects our lives.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: No sex (talk of boyfriends), some mild violence (kicking and tripping) A goose is killed and plucked. The language is clean. There is bullying, a panic attack and abandonment.
INITIAL RESPONSE: I loved this story! I couldn't put it down. Nobody is perfect, they all make good and bad choices but everyone is trying to do what they think is best. I am going to recommend this book to everyone, especially anyone with social anxiety or who has been bullied. I wanted to read it again as soon as I finished.
STORY ELEMENTS
SETTING: Redburn California, in the wilderness, and in a small town.
CHARACTERS: Juniper (11/12 female) loves the wilderness and thrives on physical activity. Skylark (16 female) Loves her family but wants something more. Hawk (5 Male) spends most of the book sick, Zepher (Paul) the father, Claira (Sara) is the mom, Others include cousins, and uncle, neighbors and students.
WRITING STYLE: The story was told through Junipers point of view so you only learned things as she learned them. The students at school don't understand her, she gets bullied by them and family, and she has trouble understanding rules and social expectations. It was a clever way to show how different people might interpret situations.
CONFLICT: The whole family is trying to figure out how to live in modern society and earn money to pay for Hawks hospital bills.
THEME: The challenges and experiences that youth go through growing up. Gives a lot of good advice in a clever and interesting way. I thought the events of the story were accurate for the situation. It is a little unbelievable that a family could live in the California wilderness and not ever be spotted but not entirely unbelievable.
IMPACT: The writing was realistic and easy to understand and grasp the significance and meaning
The purpose of the story was to show differences and similarities in families and communities, and how to cope with bullies. The audience is for youth but adults as well.
I have never read anything thing like this story before. Yet the subject matter is very relevant.
The message and the story are a great starting point for parents discussing the topic of bullying and how to deal with it, as well as the reality of anxiety and how it effects our lives.
November 4, 2024
“I’M NOT WEIRD. I'M JUNIPER BERRY, AND I'M AMAZING.”
~Juniper Berry knows how to handle bobcats, bears, and mountain lions, but can she survive the toughest predator of all-middle school? Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives with her family deep in the wild woods.
Living off the grid is pretty exciting, but her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and they move to the city to be closer to the hospital...
“She had a big heart that leaked out her eyes.”
-The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry, is a story with a lot of heart, adventure, a good pace, delightful humor, great relationships, and some wonderful lessons for kids (and their parents). It’s a fun and moving middle-grade novel read! Juniper is a refreshing and delightful character, you simply can’t get enough of and want to cheer on. I adored her curiosity and enthusiasm for everything. Her confidence and not caring about what others thought of her was refreshing and inspiring! Even with facing some pretty big challenges, Juniper has courage, and does her best to keep trying and not give up. Juniper puts her all into what she does, and is extremely resourceful and resilient. This dear story gently offers a perfect blend of humor and heart, and shows the importance of empathy. It’s told in short, quick-moving chapters that keep the tale exciting and interesting. This is a heartwarming story about being yourself, and learning how to rise to meet challenges with a little help from unexpected places. It is worth the read, any day!🙌🏻📚❤️
-Shout out to dear @authorbrookehampton for bringing this book to my attention. Your enthusiasm and love for this story had my full attention! This story does not disappoint! My ten year old daughter and I thoroughly enjoy this delightful fast-paced moving story together!
“You’ll never learn to do flips if you’re afraid of flopping sometimes. You’ve got to try.”
-Content: bullying, parental abandonment, split families, life-threatening illness, and anxiety attacks. (all written in age-appropriate ways.)
#allaboutthebestreads
#thewildjourneyofjuniperberry
#greatreadaloud
“Stupid can get you dead.”
~Juniper Berry knows how to handle bobcats, bears, and mountain lions, but can she survive the toughest predator of all-middle school? Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives with her family deep in the wild woods.
Living off the grid is pretty exciting, but her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and they move to the city to be closer to the hospital...
“She had a big heart that leaked out her eyes.”
-The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry, is a story with a lot of heart, adventure, a good pace, delightful humor, great relationships, and some wonderful lessons for kids (and their parents). It’s a fun and moving middle-grade novel read! Juniper is a refreshing and delightful character, you simply can’t get enough of and want to cheer on. I adored her curiosity and enthusiasm for everything. Her confidence and not caring about what others thought of her was refreshing and inspiring! Even with facing some pretty big challenges, Juniper has courage, and does her best to keep trying and not give up. Juniper puts her all into what she does, and is extremely resourceful and resilient. This dear story gently offers a perfect blend of humor and heart, and shows the importance of empathy. It’s told in short, quick-moving chapters that keep the tale exciting and interesting. This is a heartwarming story about being yourself, and learning how to rise to meet challenges with a little help from unexpected places. It is worth the read, any day!🙌🏻📚❤️
-Shout out to dear @authorbrookehampton for bringing this book to my attention. Your enthusiasm and love for this story had my full attention! This story does not disappoint! My ten year old daughter and I thoroughly enjoy this delightful fast-paced moving story together!
“You’ll never learn to do flips if you’re afraid of flopping sometimes. You’ve got to try.”
-Content: bullying, parental abandonment, split families, life-threatening illness, and anxiety attacks. (all written in age-appropriate ways.)
#allaboutthebestreads
#thewildjourneyofjuniperberry
#greatreadaloud
“Stupid can get you dead.”
March 3, 2023
Release date: August 2023
Synopsis (from publisher)
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Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives in a cabin with her family deep in the wild woods. Living off the grid is usually exciting, like the time she chased off three growling raccoons with a tree branch and some acorns, or when she thought she glimpsed the legendary Bigfoot. But her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and the family moves to the city to be closer to the hospital. Juniper and her older sister are sent to live with cousins they hardly know and attend a public school for the first time, which is harder to navigate than the wild woods ever were. Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack.
When Juniper notices that her cousin, Alayna, is being bullied by so-called friends, she’s ready to fight back like the wild geese do when protecting their goslings, but her cousin tells her to stay out of it; she doesn’t want Juniper making things worse. As the hospital bills for her brother start piling up, Juniper knows they’ll need to be paid before the family can go back to the woods, so she decides to make enough money to help out. With Alayna’s support, Juniper starts posting videos filled with her wisdom from the woods, hoping to get a following. But what if it doesn’t work? What if the bills never get paid? Not going home to the wild is Juniper’s worst nightmare. But while she’s stuck in the city, she might as well make the most of it, like sticking up for her cousin, for starters.
I don't read a lot of middle-grade fiction but I did enjoy this one: Juniper is a fierce young lady who loves and protects her family just like any animal from the wild would do. The story was wonderfully crafted and this middle-aged (vs middle-grade) woman loved the story from beginning to end. Utterly READA BLE I will recommend this book far and wide to our readers who are looking for something to read, especially the kids I see bullied on a daily basis as I am still bullied by my siblings.
5/5 stars
Synopsis (from publisher)
***************************
Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives in a cabin with her family deep in the wild woods. Living off the grid is usually exciting, like the time she chased off three growling raccoons with a tree branch and some acorns, or when she thought she glimpsed the legendary Bigfoot. But her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and the family moves to the city to be closer to the hospital. Juniper and her older sister are sent to live with cousins they hardly know and attend a public school for the first time, which is harder to navigate than the wild woods ever were. Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack.
When Juniper notices that her cousin, Alayna, is being bullied by so-called friends, she’s ready to fight back like the wild geese do when protecting their goslings, but her cousin tells her to stay out of it; she doesn’t want Juniper making things worse. As the hospital bills for her brother start piling up, Juniper knows they’ll need to be paid before the family can go back to the woods, so she decides to make enough money to help out. With Alayna’s support, Juniper starts posting videos filled with her wisdom from the woods, hoping to get a following. But what if it doesn’t work? What if the bills never get paid? Not going home to the wild is Juniper’s worst nightmare. But while she’s stuck in the city, she might as well make the most of it, like sticking up for her cousin, for starters.
I don't read a lot of middle-grade fiction but I did enjoy this one: Juniper is a fierce young lady who loves and protects her family just like any animal from the wild would do. The story was wonderfully crafted and this middle-aged (vs middle-grade) woman loved the story from beginning to end. Utterly READA BLE I will recommend this book far and wide to our readers who are looking for something to read, especially the kids I see bullied on a daily basis as I am still bullied by my siblings.
5/5 stars
November 20, 2023
Juniper Berry won me over from the very first word of the story. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, I felt frustrated. Juniper gave me quite the ride. Having grown up in the woods, Juniper's arrival in 'society' is abrupt and shocking to her. While her brother stays in the hospital it's up to Juniper and her sister, Sky, to find a way to adapt to the very different environment in which they find themselves. Juniper's spunkiness helps her cope with everything that gets thrown at her, but it leaves her bristling a bit at those around her. Juniper and her cousin, Alayna, don't get along, and it leads to conflict and Juniper getting in trouble when she tries to protect her cousin. She struggles with sitting in her classes all day but enjoys the freedom of P.E. even if she doesn't really know how to play soccer. The tension between family members grows as the bills pile up, Sky changes to blend in, and Juniper tries to find work as well as post videos in an attempt to earn money to help pay the hospital bills so the family can return to the woods. But her inner bear bursts out when she discovers that not everyone in the family wants to return to the woods.
Juniper makes for a very winning heroine as she faces some pretty big challenges with courage, if not wisdom. She tries and tries, even when things don't go right. The animal and woods imagery that Juniper uses to refer to modern appliances as well as the people she meets made me smile over and over. For example, the first boy she meets who isn't kind to her she calls 'coyote boy' because of his behavior. There were lots of fun little details that added to the fun of the story, glimpses into Juniper's parents and why they moved to the woods. Societal expectations and the power of social media play an especially big part in the world Juniper enters, but she struggles to fully understand it while taking advantage of it. All in all, a delightful story about coming at real world challenges from a different perspective that offers a perfect blend of humor and heart while reminding readers of the importance of empathy.
Juniper makes for a very winning heroine as she faces some pretty big challenges with courage, if not wisdom. She tries and tries, even when things don't go right. The animal and woods imagery that Juniper uses to refer to modern appliances as well as the people she meets made me smile over and over. For example, the first boy she meets who isn't kind to her she calls 'coyote boy' because of his behavior. There were lots of fun little details that added to the fun of the story, glimpses into Juniper's parents and why they moved to the woods. Societal expectations and the power of social media play an especially big part in the world Juniper enters, but she struggles to fully understand it while taking advantage of it. All in all, a delightful story about coming at real world challenges from a different perspective that offers a perfect blend of humor and heart while reminding readers of the importance of empathy.
December 4, 2023
So many things about this warm, big-hearted novel appeal to me. The premise, for one, is both unique and compelling. I've read several books with the same story setup, but none of them portrayed extreme, off-the-grid living as anything other than weird, cult-y, or all-out child abuse. THE WILD JOURNEY OF JUNIPER BERRY tackles the issue in a sensitive way that shows why loving parents might choose to raise their children in an unusual way. It shows both the positives and negatives of purposely living away from "society" (as Juniper's family calls it), allowing the reader to make their own judgements.
Juniper is a delightful character. She's refreshingly different with her guileless and forthright manner. While her bluntness (which is borne of being raised in a simpler, more straightforward environment, not out of malice) gets her into trouble, it also provides those around her (and thus the reader) with some thought-provoking insights about modern living that they may not have considered before. She may be rough around the edges, but it's impossible not to admire Juniper for her fierce nature skills, her constant devotion to her family, and her valiant desire to use her strength to help the weak (even if her protective instinct leads her awry at times). She's one of the best characters I've encountered in middle-grade fiction lately. I adore her.
THE WILD JOURNEY OF JUNIPER BERRY is told in short, quick-moving chapters that keep the tale exciting and interesting. Although it's almost 300 pages long, it moves fast, never feeling sluggish or dull. Although it's filled with some important life lessons, the story isn't at all didactic or lecture-y. It's moving and powerful, but in a way that is subtle, funny, entertaining, and enjoyable. The book is brimming with kid appeal. I'd recommend it to anyone (child or otherwise).
If I could, I would give this book 4 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
Juniper is a delightful character. She's refreshingly different with her guileless and forthright manner. While her bluntness (which is borne of being raised in a simpler, more straightforward environment, not out of malice) gets her into trouble, it also provides those around her (and thus the reader) with some thought-provoking insights about modern living that they may not have considered before. She may be rough around the edges, but it's impossible not to admire Juniper for her fierce nature skills, her constant devotion to her family, and her valiant desire to use her strength to help the weak (even if her protective instinct leads her awry at times). She's one of the best characters I've encountered in middle-grade fiction lately. I adore her.
THE WILD JOURNEY OF JUNIPER BERRY is told in short, quick-moving chapters that keep the tale exciting and interesting. Although it's almost 300 pages long, it moves fast, never feeling sluggish or dull. Although it's filled with some important life lessons, the story isn't at all didactic or lecture-y. It's moving and powerful, but in a way that is subtle, funny, entertaining, and enjoyable. The book is brimming with kid appeal. I'd recommend it to anyone (child or otherwise).
If I could, I would give this book 4 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
November 11, 2023
This tender story told with heart and humor, and will leave you smiling and full of warm fuzzies.
Having been around a good number of 11 year odds over the years, I would say that the authors did an amiable job of writing in a believable voice, making Juniper Bean really sound her age. I loved that about this story. Told entirely from Juniper’s point of view, we learn about her family and how they have lived in the mountains, off grid, and wholly reliant on what they can glean from wild, Juniper’s entire life. But when a medical emergency for her brother sends them back into the city so he can get treatment, Juniper suddenly has to learn to navigate a foreign—and seemingly cutthroat—world.
I adored Juniper’s curiosity and confidence. Her little confidence boosting talks she would give herself were beautiful, and I hope my kids can say things like that to themselves. Juniper is a character who puts her all into what she does, and is extremely resourceful and resilient. I loved watching her navigate this new world, with new relationships, and do so with her head up high.
There are also some deeper themes throughout this one, including strong family and friendships, bullying, parental abandonment, split families, life-threatening illness, and anxiety attacks. But it’s all written in age-appropriate ways, and I think any middle grade reader could benefit from the lessons woven throughout this delightful story.
**thanks to the publisher for the copy!
Quotes I loved:
Stupid can get you dead.
She had a big heart that leaked out her eyes.
I was fine. You’ll never learn to do flips if you’re afraid of flopping sometimes. You’ve got to try.
Having been around a good number of 11 year odds over the years, I would say that the authors did an amiable job of writing in a believable voice, making Juniper Bean really sound her age. I loved that about this story. Told entirely from Juniper’s point of view, we learn about her family and how they have lived in the mountains, off grid, and wholly reliant on what they can glean from wild, Juniper’s entire life. But when a medical emergency for her brother sends them back into the city so he can get treatment, Juniper suddenly has to learn to navigate a foreign—and seemingly cutthroat—world.
I adored Juniper’s curiosity and confidence. Her little confidence boosting talks she would give herself were beautiful, and I hope my kids can say things like that to themselves. Juniper is a character who puts her all into what she does, and is extremely resourceful and resilient. I loved watching her navigate this new world, with new relationships, and do so with her head up high.
There are also some deeper themes throughout this one, including strong family and friendships, bullying, parental abandonment, split families, life-threatening illness, and anxiety attacks. But it’s all written in age-appropriate ways, and I think any middle grade reader could benefit from the lessons woven throughout this delightful story.
**thanks to the publisher for the copy!
Quotes I loved:
Stupid can get you dead.
She had a big heart that leaked out her eyes.
I was fine. You’ll never learn to do flips if you’re afraid of flopping sometimes. You’ve got to try.
January 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris and Julie Brown was published in 2023 and is realistic fiction.
Juniper’s parents stepped away from society and have raised their three children in the wilderness. No electricity, technology, or medical care. When Juniper’s brother needs a hospital, the family reenters society, and Juniper struggles to fit in, know the rules, or how to interact with people and things.
I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. I loved Juniper’s confidence and strength. I liked how they dealt with anxiety attacks.
I thought a lot about my family who lived at The Order’s mining camp before they left The Order and wondered if they felt like Juniper trying to traverse the city after living in the mountains/woods, and if they struggled to erase Order messaging like Juniper had to erase her parents’ messaging about the dangers of society, especially since some of her parents’ messaging was spot on.
Quotes I liked:
When Juniper felt she’d failed: “. . .if I hadn’t been trying so hard to help Hawk, I wouldn’t have met her. Even though things didn’t turn out exactly how I thought they would, it was good I was trying” (226).
“Some people are like bees, they work hard and make something amazing, and they share it, but other people are like minks. They might have shiny hair and walk all slinky, but they destroy things” (231).
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit. I think all ages from 8 and up could read this independently. I think adults should also read this book as it can help all of us be kinder, better, more understanding people. This would make a great read aloud for ages five and up.
Juniper’s parents stepped away from society and have raised their three children in the wilderness. No electricity, technology, or medical care. When Juniper’s brother needs a hospital, the family reenters society, and Juniper struggles to fit in, know the rules, or how to interact with people and things.
I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. I loved Juniper’s confidence and strength. I liked how they dealt with anxiety attacks.
I thought a lot about my family who lived at The Order’s mining camp before they left The Order and wondered if they felt like Juniper trying to traverse the city after living in the mountains/woods, and if they struggled to erase Order messaging like Juniper had to erase her parents’ messaging about the dangers of society, especially since some of her parents’ messaging was spot on.
Quotes I liked:
When Juniper felt she’d failed: “. . .if I hadn’t been trying so hard to help Hawk, I wouldn’t have met her. Even though things didn’t turn out exactly how I thought they would, it was good I was trying” (226).
“Some people are like bees, they work hard and make something amazing, and they share it, but other people are like minks. They might have shiny hair and walk all slinky, but they destroy things” (231).
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit. I think all ages from 8 and up could read this independently. I think adults should also read this book as it can help all of us be kinder, better, more understanding people. This would make a great read aloud for ages five and up.
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