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Flower Moon
Tempest and Tally Jo Trimble are mirror twins—so alike they were almost born the same person—and they've been inseparable since birth. But it's the summer they turn thirteen, and it seems like everyone can tell something is changing between them.
Pa Charlie, whose traveling carnival is the best part of every summer, is watching them closer than ever. Digger, who sneaks poor kids onto the carnival rides for free and smiles faster than anyone, seems to be fixing for a fight. Even Mama is acting different, refusing to travel with the carnival this year even though her own twin, who she hasn't seen since childhood, will be there.
And Tally and Tempest are the most different of all. There's a strangeness between them, a thickness to the air, an unseen push and pull, and it's getting stronger. It starts as a feeling, but soon it's sputtering and sparking, hurling them backwards, threatening to explode.
When Tally learns that she and Tempest may not be the first twins in their family to be separated by whatever this force is, she realizes she'll have to find a way to stop it—or she might lose not only her sister, but everyone she loves.
Pa Charlie, whose traveling carnival is the best part of every summer, is watching them closer than ever. Digger, who sneaks poor kids onto the carnival rides for free and smiles faster than anyone, seems to be fixing for a fight. Even Mama is acting different, refusing to travel with the carnival this year even though her own twin, who she hasn't seen since childhood, will be there.
And Tally and Tempest are the most different of all. There's a strangeness between them, a thickness to the air, an unseen push and pull, and it's getting stronger. It starts as a feeling, but soon it's sputtering and sparking, hurling them backwards, threatening to explode.
When Tally learns that she and Tempest may not be the first twins in their family to be separated by whatever this force is, she realizes she'll have to find a way to stop it—or she might lose not only her sister, but everyone she loves.
Hardcover
First published January 2, 2018
About the author
Gina Linko
8 books103 followerswriter, mom, believer in impossibilities
NOTHING ELSE IS LOVE (Oct 2021),
TRUSTING TRUE NORTH (April 2022)
NOTHING ELSE IS LOVE (Oct 2021),
TRUSTING TRUE NORTH (April 2022)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 2, 2018
Do you remember lazy summer afternoons as a child, laying on the grass under the shade of a tree, watching clouds pass overhead? You could hear the leaves rustle above you and feel the wind on your face. A friend was laying beside you and you’d laugh together, deciding what animals the clouds resembled. That’s what the first half of Flower Moon felt like to me. There was a pervading sense of nostalgia and I felt like the words were just washing over me.
Tempest and Tally Jo are twelve year old mirror twins. Tally has always been the leader and protector, whereas Tempest has been the shy follower. Throughout the past year the twins have started to grow apart. This summer, like every year, the girls will be spending time with the travelling carnival their Pa Charlie runs. Twin girls run in their family, as does the mysterious Greenly Curse. Told from abrupt Tally’s point of view, we follow the twins as they embark on a summer like no other.
I felt as though I was transported to 1950’s America, so much so that the occasional references to the present, like a Pokemon bandaid, felt jarring. I would have preferred for there to have been no references to any specific time period at all in this book. I could hear the words spoken in a southern accent and while some of the phrases didn’t sit right with me, overall I inhabited this world with Tempest and Tally Jo.
As an only child I grew up wishing for a sibling and romanticised the idea of being a twin for several years, most likely in response to my The Parent Trap obsession. That said, I can only imagine what having a sibling must be like. I’m also not quite sure the world could handle two of me!
Growing up I looked on with fascination at the relationships my friends had with their siblings and have witnessed some siblings cast long shadows, with others living their lives inside them. Even without siblings, I understand what it’s like to live in the shadow of someone’s expectations of you.
In Flower Moon, Tempest has lived in the shadow of Tally’s limelight all of her life, and both girls seem to think that the reason they’ve grown apart over the past year is because the other twin has changed and is pulling away. Sometimes you don’t realise what you’re projecting into the world and your relationships until it’s mirrored back to you.
There’s a growing tension in this book and from my perspective it felt like the heart of this tension really stemmed from the difficulties that come with trying to hold on to how things were in the past (or how you remember them to be) at the expense of appreciating what’s in front of you in the present. Fear and issues of trust are addressed, including the fear of what the future will look like if the dynamics in relationships change over time.
I really liked Digger and would have loved to have learned more about him and for his personality to be shown separate to his connection with Tally. I loved the animals and the atmosphere of the carnival. I had unresolved questions about the curse, including why it affects this family, and I wanted more background information about the twins’ mother and aunt, and their mother and her twin.
I didn’t always like Tally that much. She was quite abrasive and self-centred, and I spent some of the book wishing it had been written from Tempest’s point of view instead. However, the realisation that the world doesn’t solely revolve around her added more depth to Tally’s character.
The first half of the book may not have enough action for those who only equate magic with wands. The amount of introspection may also be off putting for some readers. While I expect I would have enjoyed this book as a child I doubt I would have appreciated its beauty like I do now.
I am almost certain I felt my heart grow while I was reading and although I spent some of the book feeling sad at the loneliness and disconnect between the twins, I came away feeling better about the world. While difficult subjects were raised, there was still enough of a feeling of childhood innocence that I felt heartened by it. I loved the messages of hope and empowerment. I think what I’m going to take away from this book above all is the reminder that magic is both around and within you.
Favourite section in the ARC: “Maybe that was what growing up was, understanding where the real magic lived in this world. Inside our very own hearts.” (89%)
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Sky Pony Press for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
Tempest and Tally Jo are twelve year old mirror twins. Tally has always been the leader and protector, whereas Tempest has been the shy follower. Throughout the past year the twins have started to grow apart. This summer, like every year, the girls will be spending time with the travelling carnival their Pa Charlie runs. Twin girls run in their family, as does the mysterious Greenly Curse. Told from abrupt Tally’s point of view, we follow the twins as they embark on a summer like no other.
I felt as though I was transported to 1950’s America, so much so that the occasional references to the present, like a Pokemon bandaid, felt jarring. I would have preferred for there to have been no references to any specific time period at all in this book. I could hear the words spoken in a southern accent and while some of the phrases didn’t sit right with me, overall I inhabited this world with Tempest and Tally Jo.
As an only child I grew up wishing for a sibling and romanticised the idea of being a twin for several years, most likely in response to my The Parent Trap obsession. That said, I can only imagine what having a sibling must be like. I’m also not quite sure the world could handle two of me!
Growing up I looked on with fascination at the relationships my friends had with their siblings and have witnessed some siblings cast long shadows, with others living their lives inside them. Even without siblings, I understand what it’s like to live in the shadow of someone’s expectations of you.
In Flower Moon, Tempest has lived in the shadow of Tally’s limelight all of her life, and both girls seem to think that the reason they’ve grown apart over the past year is because the other twin has changed and is pulling away. Sometimes you don’t realise what you’re projecting into the world and your relationships until it’s mirrored back to you.
There’s a growing tension in this book and from my perspective it felt like the heart of this tension really stemmed from the difficulties that come with trying to hold on to how things were in the past (or how you remember them to be) at the expense of appreciating what’s in front of you in the present. Fear and issues of trust are addressed, including the fear of what the future will look like if the dynamics in relationships change over time.
I really liked Digger and would have loved to have learned more about him and for his personality to be shown separate to his connection with Tally. I loved the animals and the atmosphere of the carnival. I had unresolved questions about the curse, including why it affects this family, and I wanted more background information about the twins’ mother and aunt, and their mother and her twin.
I didn’t always like Tally that much. She was quite abrasive and self-centred, and I spent some of the book wishing it had been written from Tempest’s point of view instead. However, the realisation that the world doesn’t solely revolve around her added more depth to Tally’s character.
The first half of the book may not have enough action for those who only equate magic with wands. The amount of introspection may also be off putting for some readers. While I expect I would have enjoyed this book as a child I doubt I would have appreciated its beauty like I do now.
I am almost certain I felt my heart grow while I was reading and although I spent some of the book feeling sad at the loneliness and disconnect between the twins, I came away feeling better about the world. While difficult subjects were raised, there was still enough of a feeling of childhood innocence that I felt heartened by it. I loved the messages of hope and empowerment. I think what I’m going to take away from this book above all is the reminder that magic is both around and within you.
Favourite section in the ARC: “Maybe that was what growing up was, understanding where the real magic lived in this world. Inside our very own hearts.” (89%)
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Sky Pony Press for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
December 23, 2017
See this full review along with others on my blog at: shesgoingbookcrazy.com
I received this copy from the publisher via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Release date January 2nd, 2018
It's hard to get through a read that you continually wait for something to happen. I'm not kidding when I say that I had to wade to 60% of the book before something really took place to distinguish the issue.
The main character Tally Jo's constant brooding throughout the first half made this all the more difficult, and painful at times, to even complete.
I found myself thinking over and over:
Granted, she has a right to feel this way. However, her feelings replayed continuously, and kept anything else from happening.
Perhaps I'm overthinking this and forgetting that this is a middle-grade read. I always try to picture myself when I was younger to see if this is something I could have related to, or enjoyed. I can say speculatively that it wouldn't have been up my alley. With little plot building, variation in content (especially considering the main body), and only scratching the surface on majority of the characters' persons, there really isn't much to this story. This may be a case of, "It's me, not you," as the content didn't reach my expectations.
The two main characters are Tally Jo and Tempest, twin daughters from a family with a long history of twin girls. At a certain age, these twins were driven apart for some unexplained reason. Tally believed it to be because of some feud between them, but an explanation was never divulged.
This particular Summer, the girls notice a gap forming between them. It is one that they cannot bridge no matter what they try. Feeling pushed apart more and more, Tally Jo loses herself to her grief in "losing" her sister's closeness, while Tempest appears to enjoy the space.
To her surprise, and by an unbelievable circumstance, Tally Jo discovers that there is a physical force behind the separation. Their strained relationship makes it difficult for the girls to work together to dig deeper.
This force, controlled by the waxing and waning of the moon, is most prominent when the Flower Moon appears, and causes the severing between the twins.
Tally Jo and Tempest make it their goal to overcome this thing that will inevitably cause their permanent separation. In order to do so, they must accept each others' differences first.
Things that I liked:
#1 I thought the twin theme, and highlighting the connections many of them share was clever, and a great opportunity for the way the magic functioned.
#2 The metaphor representing what a divide can do in a relationship was simple, yet also powerful. While opposites may attract in some scenarios, if there isn't a "pulling" action happening to bring them together, there will be separation instead.
#3 The difference in character types between the sisters made for an easy, but an applicable example. When one has a bolder personality, they can easily overrule the less-bold in situations, which can cause further issues to develop if not addressed.
#4 For the most part, the writing was clean and was easy to follow, excluding the point I will discuss in the "did not like" section of this review.
#5 The circus vibe is a fun addition for the middle-grade genre. It created a magical atmosphere of its own.
#6 The overall message that bravery, no matter what type of personality you have, is a good thing.
Things that I didn't like:
I have already listed a few in the introduction, but I will briefly restate them here.
#1 Tally's constant brooding take the spotlight from anything else in the first half, and bleed into the second half. It was too much.
#2 The lack of overall story and content. I wanted so much more when it came to the fable of the Flower Moon itself. I loved this concept, but it wasn't hashed out nearly enough to engage me as the reader.
#3 Excluding Tally Jo, Tempest, and Digger, the other characters were quite forgotten when it came to depth and meaning. Especially when it came to their mother and aunt, I think there could have been a more developed backstory.
#4 One thing that isn't vital to mention, but was something that caught my attention in a negative was the weird terms and phrases coined throughout the text.
Some examples are:
..."grade-A slime"
..."why in the saltine cracker did he"...
..."skinny as a Popsicle stick"...
..."son of a monkey's uncle"...
...and the like. I'm not sure if these were meant to be humorous? I found them to be awkward and...not funny...
Again, I'd like to note that the ending has a simple, yet effective lesson for a reader--which I think appropriate and applicable for the age-range this book is written for. Despite this positive aspect to the story, there was not enough meat to the plot to make it really engaging.
Vulgarity: None.
Sexual content: None. Talking about kissing.
Violence: Although it's not exactly violent, Tally Jo and her sister Tempest experience a magnetic force that pushes them apart from one another, sometimes in an "explosive" manner.
2 stars.
I received this copy from the publisher via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Release date January 2nd, 2018
"I looked up the Flower Moon, after Digger told me what y'all had found, and that's what they call it when the moon is as close as possible to Earth."
It's hard to get through a read that you continually wait for something to happen. I'm not kidding when I say that I had to wade to 60% of the book before something really took place to distinguish the issue.
The main character Tally Jo's constant brooding throughout the first half made this all the more difficult, and painful at times, to even complete.
"Digger was right: I was without my other half. But that wasn't quite right, though, was it? I mean, Tempest was more than that to me, because two halves of a whole implied an easy separation when really, it was much more complicated than that.
She was the butter on my toast, the sea to my shore, the stars in my night sky."
I found myself thinking over and over:
Granted, she has a right to feel this way. However, her feelings replayed continuously, and kept anything else from happening.
Perhaps I'm overthinking this and forgetting that this is a middle-grade read. I always try to picture myself when I was younger to see if this is something I could have related to, or enjoyed. I can say speculatively that it wouldn't have been up my alley. With little plot building, variation in content (especially considering the main body), and only scratching the surface on majority of the characters' persons, there really isn't much to this story. This may be a case of, "It's me, not you," as the content didn't reach my expectations.
The two main characters are Tally Jo and Tempest, twin daughters from a family with a long history of twin girls. At a certain age, these twins were driven apart for some unexplained reason. Tally believed it to be because of some feud between them, but an explanation was never divulged.
This particular Summer, the girls notice a gap forming between them. It is one that they cannot bridge no matter what they try. Feeling pushed apart more and more, Tally Jo loses herself to her grief in "losing" her sister's closeness, while Tempest appears to enjoy the space.
To her surprise, and by an unbelievable circumstance, Tally Jo discovers that there is a physical force behind the separation. Their strained relationship makes it difficult for the girls to work together to dig deeper.
This force, controlled by the waxing and waning of the moon, is most prominent when the Flower Moon appears, and causes the severing between the twins.
The Flower Moon was not part of a cycle. No, it was the spark, the igniter, blowing this thing between us wide open. Nothing was going to cycle back afterward.
Tally Jo and Tempest make it their goal to overcome this thing that will inevitably cause their permanent separation. In order to do so, they must accept each others' differences first.
Things that I liked:
#1 I thought the twin theme, and highlighting the connections many of them share was clever, and a great opportunity for the way the magic functioned.
#2 The metaphor representing what a divide can do in a relationship was simple, yet also powerful. While opposites may attract in some scenarios, if there isn't a "pulling" action happening to bring them together, there will be separation instead.
#3 The difference in character types between the sisters made for an easy, but an applicable example. When one has a bolder personality, they can easily overrule the less-bold in situations, which can cause further issues to develop if not addressed.
#4 For the most part, the writing was clean and was easy to follow, excluding the point I will discuss in the "did not like" section of this review.
#5 The circus vibe is a fun addition for the middle-grade genre. It created a magical atmosphere of its own.
#6 The overall message that bravery, no matter what type of personality you have, is a good thing.
"And that right there was another example of the real magic in this world: finding it inside yourself to be brave."
Things that I didn't like:
I have already listed a few in the introduction, but I will briefly restate them here.
#1 Tally's constant brooding take the spotlight from anything else in the first half, and bleed into the second half. It was too much.
#2 The lack of overall story and content. I wanted so much more when it came to the fable of the Flower Moon itself. I loved this concept, but it wasn't hashed out nearly enough to engage me as the reader.
#3 Excluding Tally Jo, Tempest, and Digger, the other characters were quite forgotten when it came to depth and meaning. Especially when it came to their mother and aunt, I think there could have been a more developed backstory.
#4 One thing that isn't vital to mention, but was something that caught my attention in a negative was the weird terms and phrases coined throughout the text.
Some examples are:
..."grade-A slime"
..."why in the saltine cracker did he"...
..."skinny as a Popsicle stick"...
..."son of a monkey's uncle"...
...and the like. I'm not sure if these were meant to be humorous? I found them to be awkward and...not funny...
Again, I'd like to note that the ending has a simple, yet effective lesson for a reader--which I think appropriate and applicable for the age-range this book is written for. Despite this positive aspect to the story, there was not enough meat to the plot to make it really engaging.
Vulgarity: None.
Sexual content: None. Talking about kissing.
Violence: Although it's not exactly violent, Tally Jo and her sister Tempest experience a magnetic force that pushes them apart from one another, sometimes in an "explosive" manner.
2 stars.
January 2, 2018
This is a sweet book about growing up and letting others grow up too, about sibling relationships and how you must love people in the way where you let them be themselves and do what's best for them, if you truly love them. Tally Jo and Tempest are twins, and they'll soon turn 13. As if the growing differences between them are not enough, there's also this looming family secret to find out. And they'll find out sooner than they want to.
It's a sweet tale, although I will admit, it did not hook me much, maybe lacked some charm. It's very short, but it wants to say all the right things (and succeeds). It's definitely a good middle grade read.
One thing that was quite funny, but also threw me off a little bit? The man character, a teen (pre-teen?), uses all these weird and kind of awkward euphemisms for swear words... They might be funny to kids? That's probably quite like me. But I just sort of cringed. Examples? Plenty:
- What in the jelly sandwich
- What in the peanut butter and bananas
- How in the creamed corn
- Sure as rhubarb pie
- Sure as shampoo
So what do you think of those? :D
It's a sweet tale, although I will admit, it did not hook me much, maybe lacked some charm. It's very short, but it wants to say all the right things (and succeeds). It's definitely a good middle grade read.
One thing that was quite funny, but also threw me off a little bit? The man character, a teen (pre-teen?), uses all these weird and kind of awkward euphemisms for swear words... They might be funny to kids? That's probably quite like me. But I just sort of cringed. Examples? Plenty:
- What in the jelly sandwich
- What in the peanut butter and bananas
- How in the creamed corn
- Sure as rhubarb pie
- Sure as shampoo
So what do you think of those? :D
February 16, 2018
You know the average middle age growing up story? Regular kid ends up in an irregular situation and with passion and love fights their way out. You know the one you've probably read it dozens of times by different people.
Now do you remember your very first story like this? The one that maybe got you hooked on reading, spoke to your soul or was just perfect to you. Was there anything super special about it?
Sadly the answer is probably not. It just happened to be the first time you read a book like that and now it lives in a place in your heart forever.
This is what Flower Moon could be to some middle grade kids. The first story that really touches them. Where the lead gal feels and thinks like they do. Where the selfish, annoying yet endearing moments are a reflection of what that kid feels many days.
But guess what? Rarely are these stories super special in any literary way.
Flower Moon is like that.
Carnival could be cool
While Gina Linko sets up this cute story about twin sister, whose mother is also a twin, in a fairly average way. The girls characteristics are defined. Paying particular attention to what makes them different from each other even when they look identical.
The family is pretty typical as well. The one thing that caught my attention in the blurb was that they travel with a carnival (run by their Grandfather) every year. And let's face it carnivals can be amazing settings (The Night Circus!) but I should have maybe known better after the mess that was Caraval last year. In any case Linko's carnival setting disappointingly ends up irrelevant which is perhaps the most disappointing thing of all. This story could have taken place anywhere with an ocean to link i the moon tides. It would not have made any fundamental difference to the outcome or feel of the story.
Flower Moons
Yes a 'Flower Moon' is a real thing. And the magnetic tides and concepts that Linko briefly touches on here are (mostly) true. Except for the whole magical part (lol). I actually think this could have been a better story if it had happened over a slightly longer period of time to really investigate the phases of the moon and their effect on the girls. But instead the story is shoved into a few days time (for the most part) so that no actual development of characters, setting or plot is required.
Overall
Like I said in the intro this could become some twin girls "the one" book if read at just the right time with just the right elements in place. But it is also a book that I think would be reread as an adults and inevitably disappoint. So I would wish for a better book for the average 9-11 aged child to read.
It's not that it's bad. It's just that it's not that special.
There was/is so much potential to the story if only Linko had incorporated more of the carnival and moon phases into it. It's really too bad.
That said if this book finds the right kid then it was worth publishing. It's not that I wouldn't recommend it, more that after I write this review it will be gone from my mind as another typical story for kids that could have been something more.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Now do you remember your very first story like this? The one that maybe got you hooked on reading, spoke to your soul or was just perfect to you. Was there anything super special about it?
Sadly the answer is probably not. It just happened to be the first time you read a book like that and now it lives in a place in your heart forever.
This is what Flower Moon could be to some middle grade kids. The first story that really touches them. Where the lead gal feels and thinks like they do. Where the selfish, annoying yet endearing moments are a reflection of what that kid feels many days.
But guess what? Rarely are these stories super special in any literary way.
Flower Moon is like that.
Carnival could be cool
While Gina Linko sets up this cute story about twin sister, whose mother is also a twin, in a fairly average way. The girls characteristics are defined. Paying particular attention to what makes them different from each other even when they look identical.
The family is pretty typical as well. The one thing that caught my attention in the blurb was that they travel with a carnival (run by their Grandfather) every year. And let's face it carnivals can be amazing settings (The Night Circus!) but I should have maybe known better after the mess that was Caraval last year. In any case Linko's carnival setting disappointingly ends up irrelevant which is perhaps the most disappointing thing of all. This story could have taken place anywhere with an ocean to link i the moon tides. It would not have made any fundamental difference to the outcome or feel of the story.
Flower Moons
Yes a 'Flower Moon' is a real thing. And the magnetic tides and concepts that Linko briefly touches on here are (mostly) true. Except for the whole magical part (lol). I actually think this could have been a better story if it had happened over a slightly longer period of time to really investigate the phases of the moon and their effect on the girls. But instead the story is shoved into a few days time (for the most part) so that no actual development of characters, setting or plot is required.
Overall
Like I said in the intro this could become some twin girls "the one" book if read at just the right time with just the right elements in place. But it is also a book that I think would be reread as an adults and inevitably disappoint. So I would wish for a better book for the average 9-11 aged child to read.
It's not that it's bad. It's just that it's not that special.
There was/is so much potential to the story if only Linko had incorporated more of the carnival and moon phases into it. It's really too bad.
That said if this book finds the right kid then it was worth publishing. It's not that I wouldn't recommend it, more that after I write this review it will be gone from my mind as another typical story for kids that could have been something more.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
March 29, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Flower Moon is one of those books that once you start reading, it is hard to set down. Fans of magical realism will really enjoy this story that combines elements of magic and coming of age. The carnival setting gives the narrative a perfect backdrop, and the science that is used to describe the strangeness happening between the sisters is one that contains wonderful jumping off points for the classroom.
Gina Linko has created a classic bildungsroman in Flower Moon. The story is told from the perspective of Tally Jo who is struggling with not only trying to discover what this strange force is that is physically keeping her apart from her twin, but also figuring out who she is and where she is headed in life. Tally Jo is the perfect main character, as she is head strong, determined, and not afraid to take chances.
If there is one theme that draws me into a book right away, it is the carnival theme. There is something so mysterious and alluring about the carnival life. What kid hasn’t dreamed of a summer filled with rides, treats, and never-ending excitement? This setting adds a touch of intrigue to the already magical story and lures the reader right in.
There are quite a few teachable moments included in the book that make it perfect for classroom connections. The use of magnets and the wonderful descriptions that are given as to how they work provide fantastic ways to integrate this book into a science lesson. Also, the Flower Moon is something that I had not heard of before, and I found this was a very informative and interesting aspect to the book.
Flower Moon is a magical realism novel that is sure to be enjoyed by fans of the genre. It contains a beautiful coming of age story that has a perfect setting and many educational elements. I look forward to seeing the Flower Moon this year now that I have learned all about it!
Flower Moon is one of those books that once you start reading, it is hard to set down. Fans of magical realism will really enjoy this story that combines elements of magic and coming of age. The carnival setting gives the narrative a perfect backdrop, and the science that is used to describe the strangeness happening between the sisters is one that contains wonderful jumping off points for the classroom.
Gina Linko has created a classic bildungsroman in Flower Moon. The story is told from the perspective of Tally Jo who is struggling with not only trying to discover what this strange force is that is physically keeping her apart from her twin, but also figuring out who she is and where she is headed in life. Tally Jo is the perfect main character, as she is head strong, determined, and not afraid to take chances.
If there is one theme that draws me into a book right away, it is the carnival theme. There is something so mysterious and alluring about the carnival life. What kid hasn’t dreamed of a summer filled with rides, treats, and never-ending excitement? This setting adds a touch of intrigue to the already magical story and lures the reader right in.
There are quite a few teachable moments included in the book that make it perfect for classroom connections. The use of magnets and the wonderful descriptions that are given as to how they work provide fantastic ways to integrate this book into a science lesson. Also, the Flower Moon is something that I had not heard of before, and I found this was a very informative and interesting aspect to the book.
Flower Moon is a magical realism novel that is sure to be enjoyed by fans of the genre. It contains a beautiful coming of age story that has a perfect setting and many educational elements. I look forward to seeing the Flower Moon this year now that I have learned all about it!
May 17, 2017
I wrote this book, and I do think it's great. But right now, I have to give it 5 stars just because of that cover. Isn't it just amazing? It is bittersweet and mysterious and hinting at all the magic that is to come for Tally Jo and Tempest Trimble.
Thank you Sky Pony designers for this awesome portrayal of what this book is about. And thank you, invisible Goodreads Librarian, who put the cover on here for me! You are the best!
Thank you Sky Pony designers for this awesome portrayal of what this book is about. And thank you, invisible Goodreads Librarian, who put the cover on here for me! You are the best!
January 23, 2018
Check out this, other reviews, and more fun bookish things on my young adult book blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
The first thing that I noticed and fell in love with about Flower Moon was the gorgeous cover on the book. From that beautiful text the title is written in to the purple cover with the moon, Ferris wheel, and the silhouette of the two girls, I honestly think that this is the prettiest book cover I have ever seen. This is the kind of cover that really made me want to read the book even before I knew what it was about. After reading the synopsis, I found myself wanting to read it even more.
Needless to say, Flower Moon's story was a great one, full of magic, twin sisters with a strong relationship, family, and an unforgettable summer. I love books that have a strong emphasis on family, especially when they are middle grade novels, so I was absolutely thrilled to come across this book. While this book would be the perfect novel to read in the summer, during lazy days at the beach, by the pool, or even on those magical summer nights on the back porch, this book makes a fantastic read with a cup of hot chocolate in the winter, too.
Tempest and Tally have always been close. They're twins, after all - and they've grown up doing everything together. So when things started getting a bit strange between them, and Tempest starts acting weird toward Tally, spending most of her time fiddling with gadgets and making inventions, Tally misses her sister - she wants to spend hours doing what they used to do, playing and spending time together. But now? Now Tally notices something weird going on with Tempest - a force that seems destined to keep them apart.
As they get ready to spend another summer together with their Pa Charlie's traveling carnival, they notice that this strange force is growing stronger, almost physically keeping them from being too close.
Determined to figure out what's going on, Tally starts doing some digging into her family history, and when she eventually recruits Tempest into the search for answers, the two of them find some secrets that are sure to change their lives. But can they figure something out in time to make sure things stay okay between them?
The whole sisterly bond that goes on in this book is magical enough on its own, but when you toss in some magical realism and family secrets and curses, you get an incredible novel that will appeal to readers of any age, not just middle grade readers!
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book quite the way that I enjoyed Flower Moon. It reminded me of summers when I was that age, and it made me a bit nostalgic, although you know, I didn't have a twin and I didn't get to join in on a traveling carnival, so Flower Moon is ultimately more exciting than my summers ever were.
Tally's character is sarcastic and tends to be defensive in some situations - stubborn and acting tough, although she is dealing with her own feelings deep down, and often feels quite vulnerable, especially when it seems as though her sister doesn't want to spend time with her anymore. I think Tally's character is easy to relate to because of her demeanor and the emotions she feels - she wants things to go back to the way they were, but they can't, and she realizes that it's time for her to move forward with life, growing up, although it's not always as fun as she had hoped.
This book shines light on the amazing thing that is family, and even more so - sisters. It's symbolic for growing up and growing apart, but also dealing with the pain of not wanting to accept any kinds of change. It's heartbreaking, but it's also heartwarming at the same time, and so beautifully written that you are bound to get lost in the pages for hours as you join in on Tally and Tempest's fascinating summer.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The first thing that I noticed and fell in love with about Flower Moon was the gorgeous cover on the book. From that beautiful text the title is written in to the purple cover with the moon, Ferris wheel, and the silhouette of the two girls, I honestly think that this is the prettiest book cover I have ever seen. This is the kind of cover that really made me want to read the book even before I knew what it was about. After reading the synopsis, I found myself wanting to read it even more.
Needless to say, Flower Moon's story was a great one, full of magic, twin sisters with a strong relationship, family, and an unforgettable summer. I love books that have a strong emphasis on family, especially when they are middle grade novels, so I was absolutely thrilled to come across this book. While this book would be the perfect novel to read in the summer, during lazy days at the beach, by the pool, or even on those magical summer nights on the back porch, this book makes a fantastic read with a cup of hot chocolate in the winter, too.
"We used to be inseparable: me coming up with the schemes, Tempest following my lead, my always-faithful partner.
I missed that."
Tempest and Tally have always been close. They're twins, after all - and they've grown up doing everything together. So when things started getting a bit strange between them, and Tempest starts acting weird toward Tally, spending most of her time fiddling with gadgets and making inventions, Tally misses her sister - she wants to spend hours doing what they used to do, playing and spending time together. But now? Now Tally notices something weird going on with Tempest - a force that seems destined to keep them apart.
As they get ready to spend another summer together with their Pa Charlie's traveling carnival, they notice that this strange force is growing stronger, almost physically keeping them from being too close.
"When I was little, I believed in magic. All kinda of it. Wishes on shooting stars. Yanking on the wishbone. Reading peoples minds.
Truly, someday I expected to figure out how to converse with every animal on the planet, if I could just listen correctly.
Did I still believe in magic?"
Determined to figure out what's going on, Tally starts doing some digging into her family history, and when she eventually recruits Tempest into the search for answers, the two of them find some secrets that are sure to change their lives. But can they figure something out in time to make sure things stay okay between them?
The whole sisterly bond that goes on in this book is magical enough on its own, but when you toss in some magical realism and family secrets and curses, you get an incredible novel that will appeal to readers of any age, not just middle grade readers!
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book quite the way that I enjoyed Flower Moon. It reminded me of summers when I was that age, and it made me a bit nostalgic, although you know, I didn't have a twin and I didn't get to join in on a traveling carnival, so Flower Moon is ultimately more exciting than my summers ever were.
Tally's character is sarcastic and tends to be defensive in some situations - stubborn and acting tough, although she is dealing with her own feelings deep down, and often feels quite vulnerable, especially when it seems as though her sister doesn't want to spend time with her anymore. I think Tally's character is easy to relate to because of her demeanor and the emotions she feels - she wants things to go back to the way they were, but they can't, and she realizes that it's time for her to move forward with life, growing up, although it's not always as fun as she had hoped.
"Because that was another thing about growing up: you realized there wasn't anything you could do about some things."
This book shines light on the amazing thing that is family, and even more so - sisters. It's symbolic for growing up and growing apart, but also dealing with the pain of not wanting to accept any kinds of change. It's heartbreaking, but it's also heartwarming at the same time, and so beautifully written that you are bound to get lost in the pages for hours as you join in on Tally and Tempest's fascinating summer.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
November 4, 2017
Description
Tally Jo and Tempest Trimble are mirror twins, so alike they were almost born the same person. Inseparable, but more than that. Connected.
That is, until this summer. The twins are traveling with Pa Charlie’s carnival just like always, but there’s a new distance between them. Tempest is so caught up in her own ideas, she doesn’t seem to have space left in her life for Tally. And, more than that, Tally’s started to notice there’s something between them. Something real, growing with the phases of the moon, pushing them apart. Sparking, sputtering, wild. Dangerous.
With the full moon approaching, Tally knows it’s up to her to find out what’s going on—and to beat it. If she can’t, she might just lose her sister. Forever.
For fans of Savvy and A Snicker of Magic, this is a spellbinding story of friendship and family—a poignant ode to both what’s worth holding on to and what we have to let go.
Marketing Plan
DEBUT MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL
Middle grade hot topics: Flower Moon packs in a wide array of subjects that endlessly fascinate middle schoolers: twins, carnivals, and the south.
Magic realism: Magic realism like A Snicker of Magic, Doll Bones and now Flower Moon is all the rage in middle=grade right now—both in the commercial and award markets.
STEM tie-in: The magic in Flower Moon has scientific roots, and the experiments the characters perform can all be replicated, giving teachers the option of tying this into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curricula.
State award list potential: Flower Moon’s southern setting and beautiful, literary writing make it a great choice for state awards that strongly drive sales, like the Sunshine State Award and the Texas Blue Bonnet.
Early buzz: From invitations to submit to BEA’s Middle Grade Buzz Panel to quick foreign rights interest, readers have taken an immediate interest in reading and sharing this book. We’re in a good position to make it a hit in publicity and foreign markets.
AUTHOR SITE
Available Editions
EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781510722743
PRICE $15.99 (USD)
MY BOOK REVIEW:
I wish to thank Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC that was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't put this story down. The author's voice held me from beginning to end. I experienced a full arsenal of emotions while reading this story and even found myself crying and laughing at the same time.
The bond between these two sisters is shown to be deep and profound. Gina Linko is a credit to her profession! She demonstrates an ease of writing in this middle-grade story, Flower Moon, taking the reader through the various stages of story development with a mastery of words not often seen. I loved every minute of it. All the characters were lovely and well-written. I fell in love with Tally Jo and the constant inner struggles she faced. She was just... so human! With the way the author told Tally and Tempest's story, their sisterly bond and the fear of losing each other, you couldn't help but be drawn into their plight.
The pace of the story kept you wondering as the characters moved forward toward "the day." Plot was masterfully written, clearly defined and filled with smaller plot twists and turns to keep you guessing. Ease of reading was smooth, transitioning from one critical element of the story to the next. I enjoyed the originality of the premise.
I absolutely loved the way Linko used just a tad of magic mixed with science to leave the reader wondering about what it was that has kept generations of twins in this story apart. I can't say enough things about this book. It's a real treasure, one everyone should read. Great work! When I finished reading this story, I sat back and said, "Wow!" And then, I wanted more.
Tally Jo and Tempest Trimble are mirror twins, so alike they were almost born the same person. Inseparable, but more than that. Connected.
That is, until this summer. The twins are traveling with Pa Charlie’s carnival just like always, but there’s a new distance between them. Tempest is so caught up in her own ideas, she doesn’t seem to have space left in her life for Tally. And, more than that, Tally’s started to notice there’s something between them. Something real, growing with the phases of the moon, pushing them apart. Sparking, sputtering, wild. Dangerous.
With the full moon approaching, Tally knows it’s up to her to find out what’s going on—and to beat it. If she can’t, she might just lose her sister. Forever.
For fans of Savvy and A Snicker of Magic, this is a spellbinding story of friendship and family—a poignant ode to both what’s worth holding on to and what we have to let go.
Marketing Plan
DEBUT MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL
Middle grade hot topics: Flower Moon packs in a wide array of subjects that endlessly fascinate middle schoolers: twins, carnivals, and the south.
Magic realism: Magic realism like A Snicker of Magic, Doll Bones and now Flower Moon is all the rage in middle=grade right now—both in the commercial and award markets.
STEM tie-in: The magic in Flower Moon has scientific roots, and the experiments the characters perform can all be replicated, giving teachers the option of tying this into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curricula.
State award list potential: Flower Moon’s southern setting and beautiful, literary writing make it a great choice for state awards that strongly drive sales, like the Sunshine State Award and the Texas Blue Bonnet.
Early buzz: From invitations to submit to BEA’s Middle Grade Buzz Panel to quick foreign rights interest, readers have taken an immediate interest in reading and sharing this book. We’re in a good position to make it a hit in publicity and foreign markets.
AUTHOR SITE
Available Editions
EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781510722743
PRICE $15.99 (USD)
MY BOOK REVIEW:
I wish to thank Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC that was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't put this story down. The author's voice held me from beginning to end. I experienced a full arsenal of emotions while reading this story and even found myself crying and laughing at the same time.
The bond between these two sisters is shown to be deep and profound. Gina Linko is a credit to her profession! She demonstrates an ease of writing in this middle-grade story, Flower Moon, taking the reader through the various stages of story development with a mastery of words not often seen. I loved every minute of it. All the characters were lovely and well-written. I fell in love with Tally Jo and the constant inner struggles she faced. She was just... so human! With the way the author told Tally and Tempest's story, their sisterly bond and the fear of losing each other, you couldn't help but be drawn into their plight.
The pace of the story kept you wondering as the characters moved forward toward "the day." Plot was masterfully written, clearly defined and filled with smaller plot twists and turns to keep you guessing. Ease of reading was smooth, transitioning from one critical element of the story to the next. I enjoyed the originality of the premise.
I absolutely loved the way Linko used just a tad of magic mixed with science to leave the reader wondering about what it was that has kept generations of twins in this story apart. I can't say enough things about this book. It's a real treasure, one everyone should read. Great work! When I finished reading this story, I sat back and said, "Wow!" And then, I wanted more.
August 9, 2017
This went in some very interesting directions, all the more engaging for being unexpected. I loved Tally and Tempest and found all the supporting characters sketched with nuance and uniqueness.
But I kept getting distracted by the way the protagonists insisted on interrupting each other and then stomping off right when they needed to listen. I don't doubt 13-year-olds are often like this, but this came across as driven more by a need for dramatic tension than an outgrowth of characterization.
And while I sincerely appreciate Tempest's desire to escape her twin's need to protect her, I felt a little aggravated that she wasn't called out for doing the same thing to Tally at times. I wanted an acknowledgment that they both perpetuate problematic behaviors, just as they admit they're both changing and allowing distance in their relationship.
But I kept getting distracted by the way the protagonists insisted on interrupting each other and then stomping off right when they needed to listen. I don't doubt 13-year-olds are often like this, but this came across as driven more by a need for dramatic tension than an outgrowth of characterization.
And while I sincerely appreciate Tempest's desire to escape her twin's need to protect her, I felt a little aggravated that she wasn't called out for doing the same thing to Tally at times. I wanted an acknowledgment that they both perpetuate problematic behaviors, just as they admit they're both changing and allowing distance in their relationship.
December 9, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Allen & Son in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know when this whole circus trend started with books, but I am loving it. It's such a brilliant setting for books, and makes for such magical books. I'm sure that it'll get old sooner or later, but right now it's amazing.
This is such a fun book, and a really sweet story about siblings and family, which is another thing that we always need more of when it comes to middle grade fiction. It's a fun story about Tally and Tempest and the curse that follows the twins in their family. It was a fun twist on what we usually see for twin stories, and I loved the way that Tempest's interest in science played into it later on.
The Good Points of Flower Moon:
I loved the relationship between Tally and Tempest, and how they come together and fall apart throughout the book, just the way that siblings do in real life. It was a really honest depiction of sibling relationships.
The way that science plays into this story is awesome, and I loved that it was involved in a story starring two girls. More girls in STEM fields! It also makes for a fantastic ending and how things turn out for the twins. So well done.
The storytelling in this book is brilliant. Magical realism requires a balance with the storytelling, and Linko does it beautifully. You could almost see this happening in your day to day life, and like magic isn't even that hard of a thing to conjure. The pacing also matching the story perfectly, just adding to that brilliant storytelling.
This doesn't play into the rating, but the cover is gorgeous and deserves a point of its own.
The Downsides of Flower Moon:
There were some weird similes and metaphors in this book, along with some bizarre phrases. The ones that Tally actually said were fairly consistent, but phrases like 'holy green beans' and 'as easy as biscuits and gravy' all over the book were just distracting and made it hard to focus on reading it.
I almost wanted more story for this book. I wanted to see more of the magic and more of the twins and more world building. The book was good, but it could have had some more detail and building to really add to the atmosphere and story.
All in all, this was a great story about family, friendship, and magic, and I'm sure it's going to be a huge hit with the middle grade crowd. If you love stories about twins and family, magical realism, and merging science and magic together, you'll likely really enjoy Flower Moon!
I don't know when this whole circus trend started with books, but I am loving it. It's such a brilliant setting for books, and makes for such magical books. I'm sure that it'll get old sooner or later, but right now it's amazing.
This is such a fun book, and a really sweet story about siblings and family, which is another thing that we always need more of when it comes to middle grade fiction. It's a fun story about Tally and Tempest and the curse that follows the twins in their family. It was a fun twist on what we usually see for twin stories, and I loved the way that Tempest's interest in science played into it later on.
The Good Points of Flower Moon:
I loved the relationship between Tally and Tempest, and how they come together and fall apart throughout the book, just the way that siblings do in real life. It was a really honest depiction of sibling relationships.
The way that science plays into this story is awesome, and I loved that it was involved in a story starring two girls. More girls in STEM fields! It also makes for a fantastic ending and how things turn out for the twins. So well done.
The storytelling in this book is brilliant. Magical realism requires a balance with the storytelling, and Linko does it beautifully. You could almost see this happening in your day to day life, and like magic isn't even that hard of a thing to conjure. The pacing also matching the story perfectly, just adding to that brilliant storytelling.
This doesn't play into the rating, but the cover is gorgeous and deserves a point of its own.
The Downsides of Flower Moon:
There were some weird similes and metaphors in this book, along with some bizarre phrases. The ones that Tally actually said were fairly consistent, but phrases like 'holy green beans' and 'as easy as biscuits and gravy' all over the book were just distracting and made it hard to focus on reading it.
I almost wanted more story for this book. I wanted to see more of the magic and more of the twins and more world building. The book was good, but it could have had some more detail and building to really add to the atmosphere and story.
All in all, this was a great story about family, friendship, and magic, and I'm sure it's going to be a huge hit with the middle grade crowd. If you love stories about twins and family, magical realism, and merging science and magic together, you'll likely really enjoy Flower Moon!
March 17, 2018
Tally Jo and Tempest are twins. They used to be really close and connected, but something has happened. They were inseparable and Tally Jo longs for those days to come back. However, Tempest goes her own way. She loves science and inventing things is her passion. Tally Jo likes animals and is more outspoken and popular, while Tempest is introverted. Tally Jo has the feeling there isn't any space anymore for her in Tempest's life. That isn't the only problem they have though, something else is going on, a force that makes it hard for them to be together. They're almost thirteen years old, way too young to be separated from one another, but Tally Jo feels an inescapable schism is near.
Tally Jo and Tempest are always spending their summer with Pa Charlie's carnival. That means Tally Jo will be able to hang out again with her best friend Digger. Tally Jo needs him more than ever this summer, because of her problems with Tempest. Once the Flower Moon will rise it might be too late to fix whatever is going on between them. Sparks literally fly, what is happening and what can Tally Jo and Tempest do to stop this awful magnetic friction between them, before it will become too much and cause a terrible explosion?
Flower Moon is a beautiful story about two sisters who suddenly can't be with each other anymore. Tally Jo and Tempest are twins. They are different, but they also were really close. Tally Jo misses the feeling they were one, she once had it, but it's lost now. She mourns this severed connection and doesn't know why the relationship with her sister is so difficult at the moment, it's filled with a dynamic power that they can't seem to control. Tally Jo and Tempest don't have much time, if they want to stay part of each other's worlds they have to find a solution and finding out if they'd be able to pull it off gripped me immediately. Flower Moon grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let me go until the last page.
Gina Linko has written an amazing magical story. I love reading stories about sisters and Flower Moon is a really great one. I enjoyed the powerful combination of science, magic and emotions. Gina Linko skillfully builds the suspense and knows how to work with tension, which makes her story incredibly thrilling. Because of the relationship between the twins it's moving at the same time. I loved that touching and sparkling energetic combination. Flower Moon has so many gorgeous elements, it's a real treasure. I highly recommend this stunning spellbinding story.
Tally Jo and Tempest are always spending their summer with Pa Charlie's carnival. That means Tally Jo will be able to hang out again with her best friend Digger. Tally Jo needs him more than ever this summer, because of her problems with Tempest. Once the Flower Moon will rise it might be too late to fix whatever is going on between them. Sparks literally fly, what is happening and what can Tally Jo and Tempest do to stop this awful magnetic friction between them, before it will become too much and cause a terrible explosion?
Flower Moon is a beautiful story about two sisters who suddenly can't be with each other anymore. Tally Jo and Tempest are twins. They are different, but they also were really close. Tally Jo misses the feeling they were one, she once had it, but it's lost now. She mourns this severed connection and doesn't know why the relationship with her sister is so difficult at the moment, it's filled with a dynamic power that they can't seem to control. Tally Jo and Tempest don't have much time, if they want to stay part of each other's worlds they have to find a solution and finding out if they'd be able to pull it off gripped me immediately. Flower Moon grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let me go until the last page.
Gina Linko has written an amazing magical story. I love reading stories about sisters and Flower Moon is a really great one. I enjoyed the powerful combination of science, magic and emotions. Gina Linko skillfully builds the suspense and knows how to work with tension, which makes her story incredibly thrilling. Because of the relationship between the twins it's moving at the same time. I loved that touching and sparkling energetic combination. Flower Moon has so many gorgeous elements, it's a real treasure. I highly recommend this stunning spellbinding story.
October 16, 2017
This one gave me serious A SNICKER OF MAGIC vibes. Gentle magical realism combined with a complex sisterly relationship, plus curses & a carnival setting made for a fabulous read. I adored our two main characters, and the similarities and differences between them, and enjoyed that they were able to be rash & argumentative and make mistakes (like all nearly 13 year olds do!). The writing was beautiful and colourful, and reading this was like drinking hot chocolate on a cold night.
September 27, 2017
My weakness for circus book lead me to pick this one up. I found it on Edelweiss+ for digital download. Flower Moon is first and foremost, a book about sisterhood. Tally and Tempest are mirror twins. Physical mirror images of each other. They're connected. They're best friends. But their family is cursed. Tempest and Tally's mom and her sister Grania are mirror twins, as well as their mother and her sister. The trouble is that the twins always split up. Tally and Tempest grew up thinking that their Aunt Grania moved away because of a fight she had with her sister, but they come to learn that they didn't separate because they wanted to. They were forced apart, and now Tally and Tempest can feel the same thing happening to them. Everything hinges on the Flower Moon, their thirteenth birthday. While they're traveling with their family's carnival for the summer, they're struggling with growing up, becoming individuals and not just twins, they're also struggling to stay together, because if what they think is happening is really true, it could be their last summer together.
This book was just so good. The atmosphere was nostalgic. It'll transport you to summers as a child, reliving old memories, and discovering life. Tally and Tempest are both so unique, and both so stubborn. They have this amazing family and a whole host of friends that travel the carnival with them every summer. They have tradition and stories to pass down. This story reminds you what it's like to have a bond with another person, and with your family. It emphasizes just how important family is.
There was a bit of a love story involved, but it was definitely back burner, simply there to remind us that they characters were teenage girls, growing up. Who doesn't want a summer romance? In the end, nothing really came of it, but it was there, a steady beat throughout the story.
This book doesn't come out until January 2nd, but I'll definitely be picking up a physical copy when it does.
This book was just so good. The atmosphere was nostalgic. It'll transport you to summers as a child, reliving old memories, and discovering life. Tally and Tempest are both so unique, and both so stubborn. They have this amazing family and a whole host of friends that travel the carnival with them every summer. They have tradition and stories to pass down. This story reminds you what it's like to have a bond with another person, and with your family. It emphasizes just how important family is.
There was a bit of a love story involved, but it was definitely back burner, simply there to remind us that they characters were teenage girls, growing up. Who doesn't want a summer romance? In the end, nothing really came of it, but it was there, a steady beat throughout the story.
This book doesn't come out until January 2nd, but I'll definitely be picking up a physical copy when it does.
April 9, 2018
I'm a big fan of Gina Linko's writing and can't wait for Flower Moon's release so everyone can gobble it up like I did! You can read my blurb here: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DGufs3-XY...
January 6, 2018
This was such a lovely story that felt like YA, despite being listed as MG; I loved that the background setting was a carnival (y'all should know that I love a good circus/carnival setting by now) & I adored the twins in the story, but I do wish we'd had chapters from both of their perspectives. I liked how the plot of this story turned out to be a lot more magical than I first expected it to be & I'd love a sequel!
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2pO
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2pO
January 10, 2018
This review is also availble on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
In the last few years, there has been a surge of quirky quasi-magical books featuring tweens who, more often than not, grow into themselves over the course of the story (often go on a trip) and learn something about themselves/their family that they'd never known before. These books also, for reasons I have yet to comprehend, often have a southern twang to them.
This budding sub-genre of books has been very popular, and I've read many of the books and liked them, but I'm the first to admit that I've never really bought entirely into it: I find many of the books (with the notable exceptions of Sheila Turnage's incredible Mo & Dale Mysteries, Ingrid Law's Savvy series and Kathleen Van Cleeve's Drizzle) are pretty vanilla, really, and largely forgotten as soon as the last page is turned.
When I requested Flower Moon, I figured it fell squarely into the niche of books I've just described–but I'd seen good reviews of it, so I hoped it would be one of the great ones. After reading it, I have to report that Flower Moon is a good book–and it ticks all the boxes for the magical realism genre–but it somehow doesn't really seem to match the other books in the subgenre. Maybe it's because the characters are much more down-to-earth and realistic than the protagonists of most books: true, most characters are reduced to one or two personality traits, but Linko narrates with a frank and honest eye for detail and the setting of a traveling carnival is plausible enough that it's easy for the readers to imagine that we are in place of the main characters.
I enjoyed the book, and I rooted for the girls to figure out a solution to their growing separation, but I struggled at first to relate to Tally, because she was such a jerk to her twin. I suppose this is part of the realisticness of the book, since real-life siblings are often cruel to each other, but it was hard to read; at the same time, though, I found it difficult to understand Tempest's insecure worries that Tally wanted to be free of her forever. Surely most functional sibling relationships are strong enough that this would never come into question?
Anyway, as for the magic system itself, I thought the premise was interesting. Linko could have gone into more detail in showing us its effects on past generations, and perhaps its origins. It also seemed like the ending was a little too easy, though I can't go into it much because of spoilers. And everything was made like five times harder by the decision of every single adult to keep the past this big dark secret from the girls, which seems odd since they should have known better (and they should have recognized what was going on way before they did!).
All in all, Flower Moon was a good book and a nice afternoon read, but it wasn't the powerhouse read I was hoping it would be. I do recommend it for those of you who are interested in it, though. Let me know what you think of it in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In the last few years, there has been a surge of quirky quasi-magical books featuring tweens who, more often than not, grow into themselves over the course of the story (often go on a trip) and learn something about themselves/their family that they'd never known before. These books also, for reasons I have yet to comprehend, often have a southern twang to them.
This budding sub-genre of books has been very popular, and I've read many of the books and liked them, but I'm the first to admit that I've never really bought entirely into it: I find many of the books (with the notable exceptions of Sheila Turnage's incredible Mo & Dale Mysteries, Ingrid Law's Savvy series and Kathleen Van Cleeve's Drizzle) are pretty vanilla, really, and largely forgotten as soon as the last page is turned.
When I requested Flower Moon, I figured it fell squarely into the niche of books I've just described–but I'd seen good reviews of it, so I hoped it would be one of the great ones. After reading it, I have to report that Flower Moon is a good book–and it ticks all the boxes for the magical realism genre–but it somehow doesn't really seem to match the other books in the subgenre. Maybe it's because the characters are much more down-to-earth and realistic than the protagonists of most books: true, most characters are reduced to one or two personality traits, but Linko narrates with a frank and honest eye for detail and the setting of a traveling carnival is plausible enough that it's easy for the readers to imagine that we are in place of the main characters.
I enjoyed the book, and I rooted for the girls to figure out a solution to their growing separation, but I struggled at first to relate to Tally, because she was such a jerk to her twin. I suppose this is part of the realisticness of the book, since real-life siblings are often cruel to each other, but it was hard to read; at the same time, though, I found it difficult to understand Tempest's insecure worries that Tally wanted to be free of her forever. Surely most functional sibling relationships are strong enough that this would never come into question?
Anyway, as for the magic system itself, I thought the premise was interesting. Linko could have gone into more detail in showing us its effects on past generations, and perhaps its origins. It also seemed like the ending was a little too easy, though I can't go into it much because of spoilers. And everything was made like five times harder by the decision of every single adult to keep the past this big dark secret from the girls, which seems odd since they should have known better (and they should have recognized what was going on way before they did!).
All in all, Flower Moon was a good book and a nice afternoon read, but it wasn't the powerhouse read I was hoping it would be. I do recommend it for those of you who are interested in it, though. Let me know what you think of it in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2017
Tempest and I were mirror twins; our cells had decided at the last possible moment to divide into two people in the womb. So that meant we shared everything , but flipped. The part in my hair was on the right; hers was on the left. I was right-handed; she was a lefty. That kind of thing.
Opposites.
Opposites, but more than that: Connected. Intertwined.
The same.
But things had changed this year somehow; a weird friction had crept in between us.
And I didn’t like it.
I have to admit that I was initially drawn in by the stunning cover, then by the description of the carnival setting – I am a sucker for stories set in the circus or carnival! It is quite a short book, describing twin sisters who suddenly find that something is pushing them apart and being together can lead to accidents. There is a mystery surrounding their mother and grandmother, both of whom were also identical twins, yet no longer see each other.
The story is told from Tally’s point of view and she is fully fleshed out – she is, at times, immature, frustrating and kind, developing her understanding of her sister by whom she feels overshadowed, never pausing to consider that her twin may feel the same about her!
Magical realism is a genre which can be hit or miss for me as I am often disappointed by how little magic there actually is in the story. Unfortunately, this was the weaker point of this story for me as I feel like the magical aspect was not fully-explored nor added much to a solid coming-of-age story.
Recommended for younger readers who like just a smidgen of magic!
There in my bed, that first night back at Pa Charlie’s, I found myself thinking more and more about the day before kindergarten when Mama told us she was putting us in separate classes. “So you can have your own life too,” she’d told us then, her smile faltering just a little. “But we’re the same,” was all I could come up with.
Tempest had been silent. “Come here,” Mama had said, and she’d pulled out a bottle of nail polish. “Give me your index fingers. Both of y’all.” We obliged, and I remembered being so surprised when Mama brushed the paint onto the pads of our pointer fingers, instead of on the nails. Then she’d pressed our fingerprints onto an index card, side by side. “Look closely.” I’d studied them, narrowing my eyes.
“They’re different!” I had said, so surprised after six years of sharing everything with my sister.
Our secret sign language of our toddler years, the same bed half the time, the freckle under our eye— hers on the left, mine on the right.
What I liked: Carnival setting, wider cast of characters, friendship between Tally and Digger, teacher supporting Tempest. I liked Tally’s character development as she felt flawed and realistic.
Even better if: It did feel like there could have been more magic. I know that magical realism can struggle to get the balance right, but I really wanted to find out more about what had happened with their grandmother and mother, as well as the reasons why their family was afflicted with this ‘curse’.
How you could use it in your classroom: It would make an interesting read for children to spark discussions about sibling relationships and twins who are identical in looks but not personalities. Could also be good for those who want a bit of magic, but you are trying to push on to more complex books than The Rainbow Fairy series. Some of the language is beautiful so short passages could be pulled out to discuss, though it may not go down well as a class readaloud.
(Thank you to Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing/ Sky Pony Press for my e-ARC)
Opposites.
Opposites, but more than that: Connected. Intertwined.
The same.
But things had changed this year somehow; a weird friction had crept in between us.
And I didn’t like it.
I have to admit that I was initially drawn in by the stunning cover, then by the description of the carnival setting – I am a sucker for stories set in the circus or carnival! It is quite a short book, describing twin sisters who suddenly find that something is pushing them apart and being together can lead to accidents. There is a mystery surrounding their mother and grandmother, both of whom were also identical twins, yet no longer see each other.
The story is told from Tally’s point of view and she is fully fleshed out – she is, at times, immature, frustrating and kind, developing her understanding of her sister by whom she feels overshadowed, never pausing to consider that her twin may feel the same about her!
Magical realism is a genre which can be hit or miss for me as I am often disappointed by how little magic there actually is in the story. Unfortunately, this was the weaker point of this story for me as I feel like the magical aspect was not fully-explored nor added much to a solid coming-of-age story.
Recommended for younger readers who like just a smidgen of magic!
There in my bed, that first night back at Pa Charlie’s, I found myself thinking more and more about the day before kindergarten when Mama told us she was putting us in separate classes. “So you can have your own life too,” she’d told us then, her smile faltering just a little. “But we’re the same,” was all I could come up with.
Tempest had been silent. “Come here,” Mama had said, and she’d pulled out a bottle of nail polish. “Give me your index fingers. Both of y’all.” We obliged, and I remembered being so surprised when Mama brushed the paint onto the pads of our pointer fingers, instead of on the nails. Then she’d pressed our fingerprints onto an index card, side by side. “Look closely.” I’d studied them, narrowing my eyes.
“They’re different!” I had said, so surprised after six years of sharing everything with my sister.
Our secret sign language of our toddler years, the same bed half the time, the freckle under our eye— hers on the left, mine on the right.
What I liked: Carnival setting, wider cast of characters, friendship between Tally and Digger, teacher supporting Tempest. I liked Tally’s character development as she felt flawed and realistic.
Even better if: It did feel like there could have been more magic. I know that magical realism can struggle to get the balance right, but I really wanted to find out more about what had happened with their grandmother and mother, as well as the reasons why their family was afflicted with this ‘curse’.
How you could use it in your classroom: It would make an interesting read for children to spark discussions about sibling relationships and twins who are identical in looks but not personalities. Could also be good for those who want a bit of magic, but you are trying to push on to more complex books than The Rainbow Fairy series. Some of the language is beautiful so short passages could be pulled out to discuss, though it may not go down well as a class readaloud.
(Thank you to Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing/ Sky Pony Press for my e-ARC)
April 23, 2018
Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from @KidLitExchange #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to @KidLitExchange #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or KidLitExchange. The copy used in this review is a finished copy.
This book started slow from the beginning. We learn about the twin sisters who Tally Jo and Tempest. Both are called mirror twins or identical twins in this story. There is some sort of pull between the two siblings but halfway through this novel and I am not sure what that pull is exactly. You learn more about the relationship between the two sisters in the beginning of the novel and learn how Tally Jo is mourning the loss of a connection she once had with her twin sister. Tempest is finally brave enough to have her own voice and try out new experiments. While Tally Jo continues to get into trouble trying to defend her sister and shield her from what she deems as harmful situations. Tally Jo has good intentions of protecting her twin sisters, although Tempest doesn't always see it that way. Tempest is more interested in her experiments rather than her sisters antics. As both grow a part, Tally Jo starts to notice a force that is keeping the two from getting closer and reestablishing the connection they once had. The root of this mystery lies within the relationship between her mother and her mother twin sister Aunt Giana. Tally Jo must uncover many secrets with the help of Dibbler and find out the real reason her Aunt isnt in the picture. She must do this while still trying to figure out the how to save the relationship with her sister.
This book started slow from the beginning. We learn about the twin sisters who Tally Jo and Tempest. Both are called mirror twins or identical twins in this story. There is some sort of pull between the two siblings but halfway through this novel and I am not sure what that pull is exactly. You learn more about the relationship between the two sisters in the beginning of the novel and learn how Tally Jo is mourning the loss of a connection she once had with her twin sister. Tempest is finally brave enough to have her own voice and try out new experiments. While Tally Jo continues to get into trouble trying to defend her sister and shield her from what she deems as harmful situations. Tally Jo has good intentions of protecting her twin sisters, although Tempest doesn't always see it that way. Tempest is more interested in her experiments rather than her sisters antics. As both grow a part, Tally Jo starts to notice a force that is keeping the two from getting closer and reestablishing the connection they once had. The root of this mystery lies within the relationship between her mother and her mother twin sister Aunt Giana. Tally Jo must uncover many secrets with the help of Dibbler and find out the real reason her Aunt isnt in the picture. She must do this while still trying to figure out the how to save the relationship with her sister.
February 24, 2018
Tally Jo and Tempest Trimble are mirror twins, so alike they were almost born the same person. Inseparable, but more than that. Connected.
That is, until this summer. The twins are traveling with Pa Charlie’s carnival just like always, but there’s a new distance between them. Tempest is so caught up in her own ideas, she doesn’t seem to have space left in her life for Tally. And, more than that, Tally’s started to notice there’s something between them. Something real, growing with the phases of the moon, pushing them apart. Sparking, sputtering, wild. Dangerous.
With the full moon approaching, Tally knows it’s up to her to find out what’s going on—and to beat it. If she can’t, she might just lose her sister. Forever.
For fans of Savvy and A Snicker of Magic, this is a spellbinding story of friendship and family—a poignant ode to both what’s worth holding on to and what we have to let go.
Flower Moon is one of those books that once you start reading, it is hard to set down. Fans of magical realism will really enjoy this story that combines elements of magic and coming of age. Emotional, coming of age, family themes all combined in this adorable story.
Not only children but adults as well will enjoy the carnival themes, which implies, magic, mystery and the unknown as something hard not to get enchanted.
Gina Linko has created many teachable moments, especially for the Science class, when talking about magnets.
Sweet, adventurous, dealing with the fact of growing up, and how these twins deal with matters that sometimes cannot be expected but it happens.
Adorable, beautiful writing. The publisher has sent me this ARC for an honest review. Thank you.
Published January 2nd, 2018.
That is, until this summer. The twins are traveling with Pa Charlie’s carnival just like always, but there’s a new distance between them. Tempest is so caught up in her own ideas, she doesn’t seem to have space left in her life for Tally. And, more than that, Tally’s started to notice there’s something between them. Something real, growing with the phases of the moon, pushing them apart. Sparking, sputtering, wild. Dangerous.
With the full moon approaching, Tally knows it’s up to her to find out what’s going on—and to beat it. If she can’t, she might just lose her sister. Forever.
For fans of Savvy and A Snicker of Magic, this is a spellbinding story of friendship and family—a poignant ode to both what’s worth holding on to and what we have to let go.
Flower Moon is one of those books that once you start reading, it is hard to set down. Fans of magical realism will really enjoy this story that combines elements of magic and coming of age. Emotional, coming of age, family themes all combined in this adorable story.
Not only children but adults as well will enjoy the carnival themes, which implies, magic, mystery and the unknown as something hard not to get enchanted.
Gina Linko has created many teachable moments, especially for the Science class, when talking about magnets.
Sweet, adventurous, dealing with the fact of growing up, and how these twins deal with matters that sometimes cannot be expected but it happens.
Adorable, beautiful writing. The publisher has sent me this ARC for an honest review. Thank you.
Published January 2nd, 2018.
March 2, 2018
Although this book contained magic, it touched on some real coming of age issues that all older children face- holding on and letting go, change, growing apart and growing closer, trust in oneself and others, finding self, and accepting growth and change in the ones we love. This book is recommended by the publishers for ages 8- 12, but I believe the themes in the book make it appropriate for young teens as well. As an adult, I enjoyed it.
Although the book was slow moving, the pace was steady and it was hard for me to put down, not because it was suspenseful, but because I was enjoying it. I liked the quirky characters and wanted to know more about them. I appreciated the author's writing style. Her entertaining dialogue conveyed not only the personalities of the characters, but their many emotions. She had some beautiful descriptions thrown in, but really kept the book moving with the dialogue. The carnival setting added to the magic of the story, but science was there too. For example, how magnets work and moon phases were constant topics, which made for an engaging way to learn some science concepts.
This was a touching story about family and friendships that would be great for summer reading, especially for fifth and sixth graders.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Although the book was slow moving, the pace was steady and it was hard for me to put down, not because it was suspenseful, but because I was enjoying it. I liked the quirky characters and wanted to know more about them. I appreciated the author's writing style. Her entertaining dialogue conveyed not only the personalities of the characters, but their many emotions. She had some beautiful descriptions thrown in, but really kept the book moving with the dialogue. The carnival setting added to the magic of the story, but science was there too. For example, how magnets work and moon phases were constant topics, which made for an engaging way to learn some science concepts.
This was a touching story about family and friendships that would be great for summer reading, especially for fifth and sixth graders.
I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to the #KidLitExchange network for the review copy of Flower Moon. All opinions are my own.
In Flower Moon, author Gina Linko, introduces us to twins Tally Jo and Tempest. Not only are they twins, but they're mirror twins. Fully identically, but mirror opposites. One girl has a birthmark on her right side. The other's is on her left. Etc. They've been inseparable their whole lives but the summer they are about to turn 13, things change. There's something between them. Some sort of force. But what can it be? Can the girls figure it out before they lose each other?
This book was interesting. At first it began with just your basic 12-year-old stuff and I was about to pass over it. But then when the sisters begin to notice the strangeness between them, I was hooked! The girls work together, apart, and with other people to try to figure out what on earth is going on!
It also taught a good lesson about growing up, accepting yourself and others for who they are, and building relationships. Definitely a good read for middle grades.
#bibliophilebesties #reviewer #books #bookstagram
Thank you to the #KidLitExchange network for the review copy of Flower Moon. All opinions are my own.
In Flower Moon, author Gina Linko, introduces us to twins Tally Jo and Tempest. Not only are they twins, but they're mirror twins. Fully identically, but mirror opposites. One girl has a birthmark on her right side. The other's is on her left. Etc. They've been inseparable their whole lives but the summer they are about to turn 13, things change. There's something between them. Some sort of force. But what can it be? Can the girls figure it out before they lose each other?
This book was interesting. At first it began with just your basic 12-year-old stuff and I was about to pass over it. But then when the sisters begin to notice the strangeness between them, I was hooked! The girls work together, apart, and with other people to try to figure out what on earth is going on!
It also taught a good lesson about growing up, accepting yourself and others for who they are, and building relationships. Definitely a good read for middle grades.
#bibliophilebesties #reviewer #books #bookstagram
November 17, 2017
Thank you to Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a galley of this book!
This was one of the most touching, sweet stories I have read in a long time. The main character, Tally, and her sister, Tempest, are sweet and interesting girls with a lot of depth, and their changing relationship as they grow up is a pleasure to read about. The book deals with some very relatable themes for its intended middle grade audience, and the writing style works well with the story. There is just enough magic to give the book a distinct fantasy feel without overwhelming the more realistic aspects of the story, and the magical elements are woven in beautifully, in my opinion.
The one aspect I would say could be fleshed out further is some of the family history and some more of the backstory to the particular type of magic in the story, but overall I was happy with the book and I think students I work with will enjoy it as well. Definitely recommend!
This was one of the most touching, sweet stories I have read in a long time. The main character, Tally, and her sister, Tempest, are sweet and interesting girls with a lot of depth, and their changing relationship as they grow up is a pleasure to read about. The book deals with some very relatable themes for its intended middle grade audience, and the writing style works well with the story. There is just enough magic to give the book a distinct fantasy feel without overwhelming the more realistic aspects of the story, and the magical elements are woven in beautifully, in my opinion.
The one aspect I would say could be fleshed out further is some of the family history and some more of the backstory to the particular type of magic in the story, but overall I was happy with the book and I think students I work with will enjoy it as well. Definitely recommend!
January 25, 2018
My name is Tally, and it's really hard to be near my twin sister. No, no, no... It’s the Greenly Curse, so twins in our family are repelled from each other because of the Flower Moon. It's why my mom and aunt haven't seen each other in years, and it's getting worse between Tempest and me. It could become explosive, and I nearly killed my sister while trying to save us! Tempest thinks it gives us other abilities, but I don't know how her wires and technology can help. Even though we're able to communicate mentally and I saved one of the wolf cubs using my power, being near Tempest is dangerous. I can't imagine being forced to never see her again. The next Flower Moon is tomorrow, and I can feel the energy between us getting stronger. I'm now realizing I must trust my sister before disaster strikes and destroys everything we love.
This book presents a creative take on the close relationship between twins. Tally and Tempest have been tight, like two halves of a whole, but they're each unique and different. It seems to be taking Tally longer to accept the situation, since she's always been the protector of the pair. It's clear Tally loves her sister, so I didn't completely understand why she had so much trouble communicating with her during this ordeal. Tally was very stubborn and felt like she was the only one who could solve the problem. Her inability to trust her sister almost led to Tempest's death. A creative twist to the potentially deadly curse was the power it gave the girls. The girls had brief mental communications early in the plot, and Tempest opened a carnival booth using her ability to "see" important numbers. Tally first realized her own power when she saved the wolf cub. The whole plot was about trying to save the twins' relationship, and the approaching Flower Moon created a suspenseful deadline. Events and past stories revealed how disastrous the curse might become. However, the curse didn't stand a chance against twins who refused to be separated. Once again, love conquered all.
This book presents a creative take on the close relationship between twins. Tally and Tempest have been tight, like two halves of a whole, but they're each unique and different. It seems to be taking Tally longer to accept the situation, since she's always been the protector of the pair. It's clear Tally loves her sister, so I didn't completely understand why she had so much trouble communicating with her during this ordeal. Tally was very stubborn and felt like she was the only one who could solve the problem. Her inability to trust her sister almost led to Tempest's death. A creative twist to the potentially deadly curse was the power it gave the girls. The girls had brief mental communications early in the plot, and Tempest opened a carnival booth using her ability to "see" important numbers. Tally first realized her own power when she saved the wolf cub. The whole plot was about trying to save the twins' relationship, and the approaching Flower Moon created a suspenseful deadline. Events and past stories revealed how disastrous the curse might become. However, the curse didn't stand a chance against twins who refused to be separated. Once again, love conquered all.
January 24, 2018
This book was a sweet and magical read I did this Christmas, really made my holidays more festive. It's very well-written, with beautiful descriptions of the carnival, the mysterious flower moon and the relationships between two girls, with their friend Digger and family. I enjoyed how Tally, from whose POV the story is written, reflected on the changing relationship with her twin sister Tempest as the girls were growing up and discovering their individual personalities and interests. There's just a small touch of magic in the story, but it's enough - it doesn't distract the reader from the main topics explored and makes the story just so beautiful and special. Definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy middle-grade and magical realism literature.
*Big thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!*
*Big thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!*
November 25, 2017
Flower Moon, by Gina Linko, is a magical middle-grade read. A coming-of-age story that blends magical realism with family drama & mystery. Twins Tally and Tempest, who have always seemed so alike and close - are feeling different and disconnected. They spend the summer with their Pa Charlie and his traveling circus, and as each day passes they grow more and more distant. There is magic at work - and that magic comes to its climax on their thirteenth birthday, the night of the Flower Moon. A story that will keep readers intrigued with its mystery and dazzle those who love both carnivals and magic, this was a fun middle-grade read.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2017
Flower Moon, by Gina Linko, is a magical middle-grade read. A coming-of-age story that blends magical realism with family drama & mystery. Twins Tally and Tempest, who have always seemed so alike and close - are feeling different and disconnected. They spend the summer with their Pa Charlie and his traveling circus, and as each day passes they grow more and more distant. There is magic at work - and that magic comes to its climax on their thirteenth birthday, the night of the Flower Moon. A story that will keep readers intrigued with its mystery and dazzle those who love both carnivals and magic, this was a fun middle-grade read.
April 24, 2019
Tally Jo and Tempest Trimble become two real-life characters in magic and family curses. I was impressed by the way Gina Linko made this story alive even with calm steps. Relationships and character growth are very strong when they have to be separated. This story is impressive in many ways, especially those related to magic and curses.
Tally's ideas for fighting curses are indeed very strong. But all of that was sometimes not followed by Tempest. But in the end the reader knows that these twins live differently. Until finally I was impatient whether this twin story would be separate or not. This is an amazing magical story that deserves to be a best story. Thank you Gina Linko and Skyhorse Publishing.
Tally's ideas for fighting curses are indeed very strong. But all of that was sometimes not followed by Tempest. But in the end the reader knows that these twins live differently. Until finally I was impatient whether this twin story would be separate or not. This is an amazing magical story that deserves to be a best story. Thank you Gina Linko and Skyhorse Publishing.
May 3, 2018
Tally and Tempest are two middle grade heroines worth getting to know. Their story inspires courage against the odds, bravery, hope, and love. The characters were easy to fall in step with, though I did feel the author could have developed the story a tiny bit further and gone on to explain a few things a little better. Perhaps that’s just coming from my adult mindset, however; most likely a younger reader would be quite content with things exactly as they were. All in all, Flower Moon was a cute story unlike any I’ve read before. The vibrant cover art was an added bonus. Yes, I’m very happy to have had the chance to check this book out.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.
June 1, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book pulled me in right from the beginning. The relationship between the sisters is captivating and I love the science elements within the story. The big problem they have to solve is the catalyst for so much growth to occur especially in Tally who is the narrator. I found myself laughing at the way Tally phrases things. One of my favorites went something like this "what in the saltine cracker." As the end approached I was nervous about what the outcome would be and I didn't want to leave the characters. I definitely want to add this book to our library to read to my children. Wonderful story!!! I definitely recommend it.
This book pulled me in right from the beginning. The relationship between the sisters is captivating and I love the science elements within the story. The big problem they have to solve is the catalyst for so much growth to occur especially in Tally who is the narrator. I found myself laughing at the way Tally phrases things. One of my favorites went something like this "what in the saltine cracker." As the end approached I was nervous about what the outcome would be and I didn't want to leave the characters. I definitely want to add this book to our library to read to my children. Wonderful story!!! I definitely recommend it.
March 13, 2018
This is really a 4.5 rating. I'm not usually a fan of "magic" books, but this book was wonderful! I even got teary-eyed....so unlike me for a "Magic" book. The story drew me in immediately. I wished the there was less whining and tantrums by one of the main characters, but I knew it would end eventually. Im not sure if there is a plan for another book about these sisters, but I would read it. I will definitely be recommending this book!
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