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Two for Joy
When an adored—and very independent—aunt suffers a fall and comes to live with them, Jenna and her mom discover what makes a family bond unbreakable.
Eight-year-old Jenna is dreaming of playing Olympic soccer when the phone call wakes her. Great-Great Aunt Tannie has broken her ankle, and Jenna's worried mom decides Tannie should move in with them. Tannie is no delicate old lady—she does heavy chores on her Virginia farm, drives a huge pickup, and even rides her own motorcycle. Plus she’s full of joie de vivre, given to kicking a soccer ball and teaching Jenna all about the birds she’s collected on her life list. Jenna’s excited to have her favorite aunt and cat, Butt, come to stay, but with so many changes to get used to, tempers around the house soon start to flare. Maybe with all the caring and being taken care of, they’ve forgotten what Tannie is still so good at—and neglected to have any fun. In a familiar story told through a child’s eyes, Gigi Amateau reminds us that everyone needs help sometimes, especially those who least expect it.
Eight-year-old Jenna is dreaming of playing Olympic soccer when the phone call wakes her. Great-Great Aunt Tannie has broken her ankle, and Jenna's worried mom decides Tannie should move in with them. Tannie is no delicate old lady—she does heavy chores on her Virginia farm, drives a huge pickup, and even rides her own motorcycle. Plus she’s full of joie de vivre, given to kicking a soccer ball and teaching Jenna all about the birds she’s collected on her life list. Jenna’s excited to have her favorite aunt and cat, Butt, come to stay, but with so many changes to get used to, tempers around the house soon start to flare. Maybe with all the caring and being taken care of, they’ve forgotten what Tannie is still so good at—and neglected to have any fun. In a familiar story told through a child’s eyes, Gigi Amateau reminds us that everyone needs help sometimes, especially those who least expect it.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2015
3 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Amateau
10 books44 followersGigi Amateau was born in northeastern Mississippi and raised in Mechanicsville, Virginia, just outside of Richmond. Her first young adult novel, Claiming Georgia Tate (Candlewick Press, 2005), described as “a moving first offering” by School Library Journal, was selected as a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, Voice of Youth Advocates Review Editor’s Choice, and a Book Sense Summer Pick. It was also nominated for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Children’s Book Award and the American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults list.
Among other upcoming titles, Chancey of the Maury River will be published by Candlewick Press in May 2008.
Among other upcoming titles, Chancey of the Maury River will be published by Candlewick Press in May 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 27, 2015
Warm, gentle story about the bond between a young girl and her great-great aunt.
July 19, 2015
Quiet and thoughtful book about melding generations into one household and what it means to be a family. Sweet pencil sketch illustrations.
September 22, 2015
Gentle story for all ages about a young girl and her beloved great aunt who must leave her independence behind.
May 30, 2017
This story for 3rd graders and up follows the changing relationship between Jenna, her mom and her great-aunt Tannie when Tannie has to move in with them after a fall. Tannie has always been independent and and a daredevil. She is a birder and has taught Jenna a number of birds, both in Mississippi and in Jenna's home in Virginia. How can they all learn to live together and refocus their relationships? This is a good family story and of interest to those wishing to share their interest in birding.
November 24, 2019
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Lovingly told story for young children about older adult(maybe grandparent) needing help as they age.
Lovingly told story for young children about older adult(maybe grandparent) needing help as they age.
December 19, 2019
Nice, short novel without too much drama. A gentle story about the relationship between a girl, her mother, and her great-aunt.
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October 10, 2015I don’t really remember where I saw Two for Joy recommended or reviewed, but I must have seen it on some blog if I found it to read. I do know I picked it up because it features a family taking on caring for an older member. So many stories seem to feature parent-child families living together with grandparents living some distance away or not featuring at all. But I think the reality is for many children that grandparents, older aunts and uncles, etc. live with them or near by. This was especially true in the economic crisis we had- a lot of people moved in with family – and it’s nice to see that reflected in some way in this book.
Care for elderly relatives often falls on families. Many people (most?) can’t afford expensive nursing homes and assisted living facilities so older parents end up living with their children.Even when someone lives in a nursing home there is still a fair amount of care and involvement required from families. I know my own mother is over at my grandmother’s apartment once and twice a week delivering supplies, paying bills, checking in and driving her to doctor’s appointments. This can really take a toll on a family and Two for Joy examines this from the perspective of a child. Being a kidlit novel the ending resolves fairly easily and there isn’t the drop-down, drag-out fight over Tannie leaving her home of 50+ years which I think would have been more realistic, if not appropriate. Again, seeing this relationship and its difficulties reflected in a children’s novel is really refreshing.
In content Two for Joy reminds me a lot of Pearl Versus the World which was another fantastic, short book about caring for an aging (and in Pearl’s case, dying) relative. Give kids Two for Joy if they liked Pearl or steer them to that one next (although use your judgement because of the ending in Pearl and based on what a child’s situation might be). Also give it to kids who may have had an older relative move in with them recently and to kids who like gentle family stories where members are supportive and caring, but not without their flaws.
Care for elderly relatives often falls on families. Many people (most?) can’t afford expensive nursing homes and assisted living facilities so older parents end up living with their children.Even when someone lives in a nursing home there is still a fair amount of care and involvement required from families. I know my own mother is over at my grandmother’s apartment once and twice a week delivering supplies, paying bills, checking in and driving her to doctor’s appointments. This can really take a toll on a family and Two for Joy examines this from the perspective of a child. Being a kidlit novel the ending resolves fairly easily and there isn’t the drop-down, drag-out fight over Tannie leaving her home of 50+ years which I think would have been more realistic, if not appropriate. Again, seeing this relationship and its difficulties reflected in a children’s novel is really refreshing.
In content Two for Joy reminds me a lot of Pearl Versus the World which was another fantastic, short book about caring for an aging (and in Pearl’s case, dying) relative. Give kids Two for Joy if they liked Pearl or steer them to that one next (although use your judgement because of the ending in Pearl and based on what a child’s situation might be). Also give it to kids who may have had an older relative move in with them recently and to kids who like gentle family stories where members are supportive and caring, but not without their flaws.
July 5, 2015
I won a copy from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed here are my own.
When Jenna's grreat-great-aunt Tannie breaks her ankle her mother becomes worried about her. Tannie lives on a large farm and has chickens. She has traveled all over the world and is a very active person. Jenna's mom is a nurse and knows how fragile her great-aunt's bones have become since she has gotten older. She and Jenna decided to have Tannie come and live with them. They prepare the house and try to convince Tannie she needs to move in with them. They go to bring her back over Spring Break and are able to convince her to move. She sells everything and moves in with them. But, it isn't as easy as just having someone move in with them.
I was able to relate to this simple book on such a large level. My mother lives with us. At first it wasn't so bad. She was very mobile and did a lot around the house so it felt like we all just lived together and shared the responsibilites. Then one day while we were gone she slipped and fell and broke both feet and her ankle. She is very resistant to some of our suggestions when we know it is for her best. In a lot of ways she has given up doing things we know she can do. As Tannie and her mom found out, there is a very delicate balance that has to be struck for everyone to live harmonioulsy. This is a great book to read any time, but especially if you have an older loved one who must come and live with you.
When Jenna's grreat-great-aunt Tannie breaks her ankle her mother becomes worried about her. Tannie lives on a large farm and has chickens. She has traveled all over the world and is a very active person. Jenna's mom is a nurse and knows how fragile her great-aunt's bones have become since she has gotten older. She and Jenna decided to have Tannie come and live with them. They prepare the house and try to convince Tannie she needs to move in with them. They go to bring her back over Spring Break and are able to convince her to move. She sells everything and moves in with them. But, it isn't as easy as just having someone move in with them.
I was able to relate to this simple book on such a large level. My mother lives with us. At first it wasn't so bad. She was very mobile and did a lot around the house so it felt like we all just lived together and shared the responsibilites. Then one day while we were gone she slipped and fell and broke both feet and her ankle. She is very resistant to some of our suggestions when we know it is for her best. In a lot of ways she has given up doing things we know she can do. As Tannie and her mom found out, there is a very delicate balance that has to be struck for everyone to live harmonioulsy. This is a great book to read any time, but especially if you have an older loved one who must come and live with you.
July 29, 2015
Jenna‘s life is completely changed when her Great Aunt Tannie falls and has to move in with Jenna and her mother. Jenna struggles with the fact that Aunt Tannie is not as physically capable as she used to be. Aunt Tannie used to ride a motorcycle and travel the world after all! Plus, her mother is acting strange. She’s been very stressed and doesn’t have as much time for Jenna as before. Jenna wants more than anything to get back to the way things used to be. Will this become the new normal? Can she get used to Mom missing soccer games and Aunt Tannie struggling with her physical abilities, always trying to do things she isn’t able to do? Find out in “Two for Joy.”
This book really found me in one of the hardest times of my life. My grandma recently had passed away and somehow this book was really comforting. Many children like me have aging relatives and parents struggling to manage everything. This book helps them see how they can help the ones they love through trying times. If you have a sensitive child, he or she might be a little sad reading the book. But don’t worry, no one dies and the sad parts are balanced with happy ones. This is a truly inspiring story. I highly recommend this book to ages 6-10 depending on the reading level of your child.
Reviewed by Martha C, age 11, Ohio Mensa
This book really found me in one of the hardest times of my life. My grandma recently had passed away and somehow this book was really comforting. Many children like me have aging relatives and parents struggling to manage everything. This book helps them see how they can help the ones they love through trying times. If you have a sensitive child, he or she might be a little sad reading the book. But don’t worry, no one dies and the sad parts are balanced with happy ones. This is a truly inspiring story. I highly recommend this book to ages 6-10 depending on the reading level of your child.
Reviewed by Martha C, age 11, Ohio Mensa
July 4, 2017
This is truly going to be a wonderful book for children, especially those who find that older family members or even family members that need more assistance are brought into the home to live with them. It is a reminder of the changes that families must go through to help each other, to remember to not be too overly attentive that we handicap each other and understanding the feelings each of us face as we learn to live with each other.
The writing is short, sweet and very simple to understand so a wonderful book for young children learning to read more chapter books. And scattered throughout to break-up the story are detailed black and white pictures that will tie the story up rather well.
Finally I love how the old woman's love for birds seems to appear throughout the book while it is those very same birds that bring all three together. By using the various birds scattered throughout Gigi Amateau passes on some of the deepest truths of the story and opens the doorway of understanding for her characters.
A true gem and a pleasure to read....
**Received this book as part of the Members Giveaway at Librarything.com for free in exchange for a reviews**
The writing is short, sweet and very simple to understand so a wonderful book for young children learning to read more chapter books. And scattered throughout to break-up the story are detailed black and white pictures that will tie the story up rather well.
Finally I love how the old woman's love for birds seems to appear throughout the book while it is those very same birds that bring all three together. By using the various birds scattered throughout Gigi Amateau passes on some of the deepest truths of the story and opens the doorway of understanding for her characters.
A true gem and a pleasure to read....
**Received this book as part of the Members Giveaway at Librarything.com for free in exchange for a reviews**
September 20, 2015
Two for Joy by Gigi Amateau was a heart-felt read with memorable characters. Jenna, the heroine, loves, loves, loves her mom and her great-aunt. The book opens with unsettling news: Tannie (the great-aunt) has fallen again. The two decide that perhaps Tannie shouldn't live by herself anymore. Maybe it is time for her to come and live with them instead. That will mean big, big, big changes for everyone. And the first step will be to convince Tannie--who is gloriously stubborn and independent--that this would be for the best, that they genuinely love her and want her. The first step may be the hardest, in some ways, but the next steps aren't exactly easy either...the family has a lot of learning and growing to do as they go through this transition.
Two for Joy is an interesting coming-of-age novel. I enjoyed it very much. I love to see books highlighting the special bond between generations. There is something precious about it. The book is quite honest and heartfelt. I definitely liked it.
Two for Joy is an interesting coming-of-age novel. I enjoyed it very much. I love to see books highlighting the special bond between generations. There is something precious about it. The book is quite honest and heartfelt. I definitely liked it.
November 6, 2015
This is a nice book for young girls to discover the joy and insights in caring for the elderly, especially when the family member lives in your home. At first, Aunt Tannie doesn't want to leave her large beautiful ranch but the young girl Jenna, and her mom lovingly persuade their great aunt to live with them. Facing a painful broken ankle injury, Aunt Tannie realizes and patiently surrenders to the idea of family support. Woven throughout the story are difficult issues of emotions for everyone to face, like asking for help and yielding to one another's needs when you don't feel like it or just too busy. Children of multigenerational families will relate to Jenna's attraction to Aunt Tannie's cat, and together their love of soccer and bird watching. Throughout the short easy to read book, you'll find many pencil sketched illustrations to enhance the story. Overall, it's a good book for grades 2-5.
May 4, 2015
When Great-Great Aunt Tannie breaks her ankle, Jenna and her mom convince her to move in with them, all the way from Mississippi to their home in Virginia. And, it takes a lot of convincing, since Aunt Tannie is feisty, independent and strong-willed, but loving.
Dynamics in the family change with a new person added, but slowly they all realize that everyone has to help out to feel valued and part of the whole. Jenna's mom doesn't realize this, at first, when she forbids Tannie to anything. Luckily, for all of them, Tannie calls a family meeting where voices are heard and feelings are expressed. Two for Joy is a simple, sweet story full of love,which tells us all a very valuable lesson.
Dynamics in the family change with a new person added, but slowly they all realize that everyone has to help out to feel valued and part of the whole. Jenna's mom doesn't realize this, at first, when she forbids Tannie to anything. Luckily, for all of them, Tannie calls a family meeting where voices are heard and feelings are expressed. Two for Joy is a simple, sweet story full of love,which tells us all a very valuable lesson.
August 14, 2015
This was cute and I have not read many books about the caregiver situation. I did have a tiny problem with the main character blurting out things without the reading understanding how she got there. An example, mom misses a soccer game due to the aunt's doctor's appointment. Now we are in the child's head the entire time, but from no where comes, "You love Tannie more than me!" As a reader, I was like what? Where did that come from? Overall it was good, but I would have liked a bit more meat to it. It's too long to be an easy chapter book and really short for a juvenile fiction.
September 1, 2015
Jenna is initially glad to hear that her elderly great-aunt will be moving into her home, but quickly discovers that her expectations were unrealistic. Gentle in tone, this novel explores the adjustments that must be made as family members require more care. One of the strengths of this book is the realization that the great-aunt still has much to contribute. After a few unpleasant emotions are respectfully aired at a family council, Jenna and her family are able to recapture the joy in their relationships.
June 16, 2015
This is a short and sweet story about having an elderly family member move into the house. I loved how the author did a great job keeping this light and from a child's perspective. I also loved how it addresses that everyone needs to be a little more understanding of each other when there is a big change. Great story for anyone living with an aging family member.
October 18, 2015
A short illustrated chapter book focused on a girl, her mother, and her great-aunt. Aunt Tannie is a farm-girl, still taking care of her chickens and her garden in Mississippi. When she falls again, Jenna and her mother bring her to live with them at their place in Virginia. A sweet story of family and togetherness but not particularly memorable.
September 20, 2016
This is an enjoyable realistic fiction story for beginning chapter book readers. Jenna and her mom bring Aunt Tannie to live with them because, although she has always taken care of herself, she has fallen a couple times and needs a bit of help. All three learn to become a new family through a bit a trial and error and lots of love.
July 11, 2015
Jenna's life changes when her beloved Aunt Tannie has to move in with her and her mother. This is a short, simple story that touches on a common reality for many young readers. A gentle novel about family changes, aging, and working together.
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May 14, 2015This was a delightful book for 8-12 year old children.
Jenna's aunt Tannie has fallen and broke her ankle. Her mom and her go and bring her to their home.
When she moves in there is friction between everyone. Will peace reigh or will trouble.
I highly recomend this wonderful book.
Jenna's aunt Tannie has fallen and broke her ankle. Her mom and her go and bring her to their home.
When she moves in there is friction between everyone. Will peace reigh or will trouble.
I highly recomend this wonderful book.
May 15, 2015
Lovely inter-generation story reminiscent of Patrica MacLachlan. I like the birding hobby that Jenna and her grandma Tannie shared, reminds me of my beloved grandma and the hobbies we shared. Dear reader section at the end is nice as well, albeit very small font size!
June 8, 2015
A sweet little multigenerational story that will have its biggest appeal for young readers and their families in similar situations (i.e. considering or transitioning into having an elderly family member move in).
June 17, 2015
Review to come...
June 23, 2015
When her elderly great aunt takes a fall, Jenna and her mom go to bring her home to live with them. But adjusting will be hard on everyone. A sweet, quick read.
July 31, 2015
Picked this up for Bella due to the very sweet title and front cover. Short and sweet. She read it on our Austin trip and I read it tonight, just because. Sweet story.
September 13, 2015
A nice short book about caring for older relatives.
October 20, 2015
A moving story about a young girl, her mother and an elderly aunt who needs assistance. Important read for children, especially if they are dealing with the same situation in their own life.
November 16, 2015
A very simplistic story about a family that has to make some changes because an elderly relative can no longer live on her own.
June 3, 2016
Just a sweet quiet little story. More of a novella or short story than novel.
June 30, 2016
A nice little read. See http://www.eatreadandbemommy.com/2016... for specifics!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews