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The Battle of Junk Mountain
For fans of Rebecca Stead and Jennifer L. Holm, this is an atmospheric summer beach read for middle school readers.
Twelve-year-old Shayne Whittaker has always spent summers on the Maine coast, visiting her grandmother Bea and playing with her BFF Poppy. Both Shayne and Bea are collectors, in their own ways: Shayne revels in golden memories of searching for sea glass and weaving friendship bracelets with Poppy, while Bea scours flea markets for valuable finds, much of which she adds to a growing pile in her house that Shayne jokingly calls Junk Mountain.
This summer, though, everything has changed. Poppy would rather talk about boys than bracelets, and Bea's collecting mania has morphed into hoarding. Only Linc, the weird Civil War-obsessed kid next door, pays attention to her. Turns out Linc's collected a secret of his own, one that could enrage the meanest lobsterman on the planet, his grandpa. What begins as the worst summer of Shayne's life becomes the most meaningful, as she wages an all-out battle to save her friendships, rescue her grandmother, and protect the memories she loves the most.
Twelve-year-old Shayne Whittaker has always spent summers on the Maine coast, visiting her grandmother Bea and playing with her BFF Poppy. Both Shayne and Bea are collectors, in their own ways: Shayne revels in golden memories of searching for sea glass and weaving friendship bracelets with Poppy, while Bea scours flea markets for valuable finds, much of which she adds to a growing pile in her house that Shayne jokingly calls Junk Mountain.
This summer, though, everything has changed. Poppy would rather talk about boys than bracelets, and Bea's collecting mania has morphed into hoarding. Only Linc, the weird Civil War-obsessed kid next door, pays attention to her. Turns out Linc's collected a secret of his own, one that could enrage the meanest lobsterman on the planet, his grandpa. What begins as the worst summer of Shayne's life becomes the most meaningful, as she wages an all-out battle to save her friendships, rescue her grandmother, and protect the memories she loves the most.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2018
8 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Abbey Greenberg
1 book16 followersLauren Abbey Greenberg is an award-winning scriptwriter/producer and a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature. She lives in Maryland with her family. Follow her on Instagram @lagreenbrg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 17, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 for BATTLE OF JUNK MOUNTAIN! Happy book birthday to this gem by @lagreenbrg; thanks to @runningpressbooks and @kidlitexchange for the ARC of this copy (#partner). All opinions are my own!
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Shayne is in for a summer of changes when she goes to stay with her grandmother in Maine for the first time without her mother. Her best friend Poppy is suddenly boy crazy, a new neighbor has moved in next door and her grandmother Bea’s shopping problem has suddenly become much worse.
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Shayne is a likable character. Students will connect and empathize with Shayne’s situation of changing friendship, realizing her mother doesn’t have all the answers and feeling worried about her grandmother. Shayne is an admirable character; she is loyal, hard-working and kind. Ultimately she’s really brave, too. Chapter headings are cleverly done as if on funky beach signs; I can picture teachers helping kids analyze those and then encouraging kids to come up with their own beach sign mottos for their classroom or family. Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school libraries!
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#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat
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Shayne is in for a summer of changes when she goes to stay with her grandmother in Maine for the first time without her mother. Her best friend Poppy is suddenly boy crazy, a new neighbor has moved in next door and her grandmother Bea’s shopping problem has suddenly become much worse.
_*_*_*_*_*
Shayne is a likable character. Students will connect and empathize with Shayne’s situation of changing friendship, realizing her mother doesn’t have all the answers and feeling worried about her grandmother. Shayne is an admirable character; she is loyal, hard-working and kind. Ultimately she’s really brave, too. Chapter headings are cleverly done as if on funky beach signs; I can picture teachers helping kids analyze those and then encouraging kids to come up with their own beach sign mottos for their classroom or family. Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school libraries!
_*_*_*_*_*
#bookstagram #book #reading #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaholic #booknerd #bookgram #librarian #librariansfollowlibrarians #librariansofinstagram #booklove #booktography #bookstagramfeature #bookish #bookaddict #booknerdigans #booknerd #ilovereading #instabook #futurereadylibs #ISTElibs #TLChat
April 7, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for this review copy!
A heartwarming and unique middle school story with a fabulous Maine setting, THE BATTLE OF JUNK MOUNTAIN features a 12-year-old girl named Shayne having a VERY different summer vacation with her grandmother than she expected. Her summer BFF is otherwise occupied, the new next door neighbor is a cranky old man, and her grandmother has developed a concerning hoarding problem. Greenberg has done an excellent job making the reader feel as if they are on the coast of Maine, just about to head out on a lobster boat for the day. In addition, she has just the right touch with Shayne's middle school emotions and her concern for her grandmother. The hoarding issue is dealt with in a sensitive manner, perfect for this age level.
Highly recommended for middle school libraries. Appropriate for younger readers down through grade 4.
A heartwarming and unique middle school story with a fabulous Maine setting, THE BATTLE OF JUNK MOUNTAIN features a 12-year-old girl named Shayne having a VERY different summer vacation with her grandmother than she expected. Her summer BFF is otherwise occupied, the new next door neighbor is a cranky old man, and her grandmother has developed a concerning hoarding problem. Greenberg has done an excellent job making the reader feel as if they are on the coast of Maine, just about to head out on a lobster boat for the day. In addition, she has just the right touch with Shayne's middle school emotions and her concern for her grandmother. The hoarding issue is dealt with in a sensitive manner, perfect for this age level.
Highly recommended for middle school libraries. Appropriate for younger readers down through grade 4.
July 13, 2023
I love the term, "sweet middle grade," because it describes a book like this perfectly. The story is told with humor and heart. I could smell the salt in the air, as I read.
March 17, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Debut author Lauren Abbey Greenberg has written a book that will be perfect for summertime reading, while still dealing with a serious topic like hoarding. This is the first book I've read that touches on this subject in middle grade fiction, and I'm happy to see some attention focused on it for younger readers.
Shayne spends each summer in Maine with her grandmother, Bea, but this summer isn't turning out so well. Her best friend, Poppy, is busy working at her family's store. Her grandmother, Bea, has gone back to work as a waitress at a local restaurant, and Shayne's first shift working there is a bit of a fiasco. And Bea's collecting habit has gotten a bit out of control, and any attempts to help her deal with the clutter end in disaster. Shayne is struggling with all the change, but in the middle of what she thinks might be the worst summer ever, she befriends Linc, the grandson of her next door neighbor, Cranky. Shayne's summer is definitely not the way she planned it, but it just might end up being what she needs to help her adapt to everything that's different in her life.
What I enjoyed best about this book was watching Shayne grow during that difficult time in adolescence when the world changes, even if you're not ready for it. Poppy has different interests, and their friendship is pushed in a new direction. Shayne is faced with Bea's hoarding problem, and the financial burden that she's facing as a result. She gets her first summer job, and has responsibilities this summer that she's never faced in the carefree years of the past. It's a summer of big change, and the author has captured this so well.
I will definitely be purchasing this for my library, and promoting it as one of the middle grade books to read this summer.
Debut author Lauren Abbey Greenberg has written a book that will be perfect for summertime reading, while still dealing with a serious topic like hoarding. This is the first book I've read that touches on this subject in middle grade fiction, and I'm happy to see some attention focused on it for younger readers.
Shayne spends each summer in Maine with her grandmother, Bea, but this summer isn't turning out so well. Her best friend, Poppy, is busy working at her family's store. Her grandmother, Bea, has gone back to work as a waitress at a local restaurant, and Shayne's first shift working there is a bit of a fiasco. And Bea's collecting habit has gotten a bit out of control, and any attempts to help her deal with the clutter end in disaster. Shayne is struggling with all the change, but in the middle of what she thinks might be the worst summer ever, she befriends Linc, the grandson of her next door neighbor, Cranky. Shayne's summer is definitely not the way she planned it, but it just might end up being what she needs to help her adapt to everything that's different in her life.
What I enjoyed best about this book was watching Shayne grow during that difficult time in adolescence when the world changes, even if you're not ready for it. Poppy has different interests, and their friendship is pushed in a new direction. Shayne is faced with Bea's hoarding problem, and the financial burden that she's facing as a result. She gets her first summer job, and has responsibilities this summer that she's never faced in the carefree years of the past. It's a summer of big change, and the author has captured this so well.
I will definitely be purchasing this for my library, and promoting it as one of the middle grade books to read this summer.
November 9, 2017
The Battle of Junk Mountain was brimming with fun, as a young adult/youth novel should be. Lauren Abbey Greenberg is a capable new voice in fiction, and she packs in details, plot, and humor. These are all such necessary elements to write a young audience well. I would note that I enjoyed the book as an adult reader, as well.
I would gladly have this book on my classroom or personal shelf, and would happily share it with students and friends. It is also a pleasure to support a fellow graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature. I respect authors who go the extra mile to work on their craft, and it is clear that Greenberg has done so.
I would gladly have this book on my classroom or personal shelf, and would happily share it with students and friends. It is also a pleasure to support a fellow graduate of The Institute of Children's Literature. I respect authors who go the extra mile to work on their craft, and it is clear that Greenberg has done so.
February 12, 2018
A sincere thank you to fellow Marylander Lauren Abbey Greenberg for sharing an ARC of her debut middle grade novel The Battle of Junk Mountain with my #bookexcursion group. Look for its release in April 2018. All opinions are my own.
With all the cold, icy, and rainy Maryland weather this week, The Battle of Junk Mountain was the perfect read. I was transported to the Maine coast with 12-year-old Shayne on her summer vacation. Shayne lives in Maryland and always spends summers on Thomas Cove with her grandmother Bea and her best friend Poppy. Nostalgic for summers past, this vacation is different. Poppy’s free time is limited because she has to work at her father’s grocery store. Bea is not ready to let go of her treasured collectibles as Shayne is organizing and pricing them for sale at a flea market. Then to her surprise, Shayne develops an unlikely friendship with Civil War obsessed Linc, the grandson of Bea’s neighbor Cranky.
The Battle of Junk Mountain is a definitely a page turner. The novel starts with anticipation of a fun-filled summer but as you read each chapter (and by the way, pay close attention to each title), Lauren begins to tackle not only familiar topics like changing and new friendships but also the serious topic of hoarding. Readers will quickly fall in love with Shayne for she shows both maturity and vulnerability. While she can tackle new situations like banding lobster claws and driving a boat, it is evident that Shayne like Bea is holding on to the past and apprehensive about change. Growing up and letting go is hard, but Shayne learns that change can actually surprise you in a good way.
With all the cold, icy, and rainy Maryland weather this week, The Battle of Junk Mountain was the perfect read. I was transported to the Maine coast with 12-year-old Shayne on her summer vacation. Shayne lives in Maryland and always spends summers on Thomas Cove with her grandmother Bea and her best friend Poppy. Nostalgic for summers past, this vacation is different. Poppy’s free time is limited because she has to work at her father’s grocery store. Bea is not ready to let go of her treasured collectibles as Shayne is organizing and pricing them for sale at a flea market. Then to her surprise, Shayne develops an unlikely friendship with Civil War obsessed Linc, the grandson of Bea’s neighbor Cranky.
The Battle of Junk Mountain is a definitely a page turner. The novel starts with anticipation of a fun-filled summer but as you read each chapter (and by the way, pay close attention to each title), Lauren begins to tackle not only familiar topics like changing and new friendships but also the serious topic of hoarding. Readers will quickly fall in love with Shayne for she shows both maturity and vulnerability. While she can tackle new situations like banding lobster claws and driving a boat, it is evident that Shayne like Bea is holding on to the past and apprehensive about change. Growing up and letting go is hard, but Shayne learns that change can actually surprise you in a good way.
December 19, 2017
The Battle Of Junk Mountain is a warm, fresh tale that will have readers smelling the salty air of the New England coast as they explore the heavy burden—and joy—of toting around the past. Anyone lucky enough to have a summer friend will instantly relate to Shayne as she navigates honoring old traditions and fostering new paths.
April 16, 2018
The Battle of Junk Mountain was such an enjoyable book! The characters were so well developed that I found myself thinking about them during the day. It is a wonderful story with a lot of depth and humor! LOVED!!
August 18, 2018
This book is a delightful read!! It’s a story about old and new friendships, the pain of letting go, and the power of change in someone’s life. I loved it!!
May 29, 2021
Linc can walk himself and his boring Civil War obsession right out the door; I like my middle grade fiction with NO BOYS ALLOWED so if they come, they gotta meet minimum standard requirements of maturity and emotional intelligence. Which he did not. At any point.
I loved absolutely everything else about this book, from the setting to Grandma Bea to the little, never-enough glimpses of Poppy and what their friendship must have been like before Poppy's parents started violating child labor laws. The title & garage-sale-obsessed hoarding grandmother were the main reasons I picked it up, because I also love a good garage sale bargain and have definitely bought more than I had room to properly store at times, and I was not disappointed in the details of either her finds or her overstuffed house. Also not disappointed by the way the author introduces it to young readers in the context of a true mental illness, without getting too dark or drastic about it.
The setting was another draw; I've never been to Maine, but it always sounds so nice in books. This one was no exception and definitely made me want to book a trip up north this summer. The little family-run grocery stores, the pebbly beaches and hidden coves, the local restaurants and gift shops...I love them all. It also made me really want to try a lobster roll, or even this entire, obscenely-calorie-laden-but-delicious-sounding lunch: "lobster chunks spilling out the top of toasted buns, crispy onion rings fried to perfection, and thick vanilla shakes."
My heart hurt a lot - in the best way - during Shayne & Poppy's fights/arguments, both when the latter says "you may be here on vacation, but if you haven't noticed, I'm not. [...] My life sucks rocks," and later when she yells that she's sick of being her camp counselor ("You're here for a few weeks every summer, and I'm supposed to rearrange my life to make sure you have a good time?"). I heard something similar from my friend who had moved to the country -- a.k.a. a veritable paradise to my eyes (chock full of pets, complete with a horse) when I spent weekends there but not always the most fun for her to live in full time -- near the end of our friendship around the same age, so despite the traumatic flashbacks it gave me I have to admire that the author was able to do that. This friendship is gently mended in the end, but it definitely leaves open the idea that it could go either way in the coming years, so it's kind of a bittersweet note.
Long story short, highly recommended as far as middle grade reads go. Why do so many of the good ones slip under the radar while so many mediocre options get all the hype and Goodreads Choice nominations?
I loved absolutely everything else about this book, from the setting to Grandma Bea to the little, never-enough glimpses of Poppy and what their friendship must have been like before Poppy's parents started violating child labor laws. The title & garage-sale-obsessed hoarding grandmother were the main reasons I picked it up, because I also love a good garage sale bargain and have definitely bought more than I had room to properly store at times, and I was not disappointed in the details of either her finds or her overstuffed house. Also not disappointed by the way the author introduces it to young readers in the context of a true mental illness, without getting too dark or drastic about it.
The setting was another draw; I've never been to Maine, but it always sounds so nice in books. This one was no exception and definitely made me want to book a trip up north this summer. The little family-run grocery stores, the pebbly beaches and hidden coves, the local restaurants and gift shops...I love them all. It also made me really want to try a lobster roll, or even this entire, obscenely-calorie-laden-but-delicious-sounding lunch: "lobster chunks spilling out the top of toasted buns, crispy onion rings fried to perfection, and thick vanilla shakes."
My heart hurt a lot - in the best way - during Shayne & Poppy's fights/arguments, both when the latter says "you may be here on vacation, but if you haven't noticed, I'm not. [...] My life sucks rocks," and later when she yells that she's sick of being her camp counselor ("You're here for a few weeks every summer, and I'm supposed to rearrange my life to make sure you have a good time?"). I heard something similar from my friend who had moved to the country -- a.k.a. a veritable paradise to my eyes (chock full of pets, complete with a horse) when I spent weekends there but not always the most fun for her to live in full time -- near the end of our friendship around the same age, so despite the traumatic flashbacks it gave me I have to admire that the author was able to do that. This friendship is gently mended in the end, but it definitely leaves open the idea that it could go either way in the coming years, so it's kind of a bittersweet note.
Long story short, highly recommended as far as middle grade reads go. Why do so many of the good ones slip under the radar while so many mediocre options get all the hype and Goodreads Choice nominations?
May 2, 2018
AMAZING. This book is packed with so many good things that will make a middle school reader (and adults) turning the pages. The setting is great, the plot moves along at a great pace, the story is original and has characters that readers with both relate to and connect with. There is something very moving about a well done coming of age story that leaves a mark on the reader. It moves the reader and allows them to live many lives through the pages of the book. A must read for all this summer!
April 8, 2018
“It wasn’t scary, though. It felt more like a sigh of relief, like when the grip of fog lifts and you can see clearly again.”
Shayne’s summer with her Gma is full of ups & downs. Changing & new friendships to trying to help her hoarding Gma. #MGlit
Shayne’s summer with her Gma is full of ups & downs. Changing & new friendships to trying to help her hoarding Gma. #MGlit
December 9, 2018
I finally finished this exceedingly tedious book. I don't know why I persevered, because it bored me from the beginning and took weeks to finish. It was just too detailed in its everyday life narrative. Big emotional stuff got the same space as tiny details of life.
July 15, 2021
This was just a really cute middle grade with a heart warming end.
April 17, 2018
Lauren Abbey Greenberg does a great job of dealing with the hoarding illness in this new novel, "The Battle of Junk Mountain." Shayne goes to visit her grandmother on the Maine coast for the summer to have fun and help Bea get ready to sell a bunch of her stuff. When she arrives in Thomas Cove, Shayne realizes that her grandmother's problem is WAY bigger than she imagined and she has a whole host of other struggles to deal with. The values of family, friendship, support and change are all dealt with throughout the plot. When I got to the end of the book, I could already see myself spending more time with Shayne, Bea, Cranky, Poppy and Linc. Hoping to see more Thomas Cove adventures in the future.
March 21, 2018
The Battle of Junk Mountain
by Lauren Abbey Greenberg
Perseus Books, Running Press
Running Press Kids
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 17 Apr 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Battle of Junk Mountain through Running Press Kids and Netgalley;
Shayne Whittaker has spent Summers on the Maine coast, visiting her Grandmother Bea and playing with her BFF Poppy. Both Grandmother and Granddaughter are collectors in their own way. Shayne loves the memories of seeking for sea glass and weaving friendship bracelets with Poppy, while Bea searches flea markets for valuable finds, which she often adds to a growing pile in her house that Shayne jokingly named Junk Mountain.
This Summer things have changed Poppy would rather talk about boys instead of bracelets. And Bea's collecting has turned into hoarding. The only one who pays attention to her is Linc, the strange Civil War obsessed kid next door.
What begins as the worst summer of Shayne's life may quickly become the most memorable!
I give The Battle of Junk Mountain five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
February 16, 2018
I just finished an advance copy of the super readable The Battle of Junk Mountain. I loved this book for several reasons. First, I think the combination of the more approachable idea of summer in Maine with the less familiar idea of living with a hoarder pulled me into the story. I was curious to learn more about hoarding and why and how Bea ended up living with so much stuff, and Lauren did an excellent job peeling back the layers of Bea's story throughout the book. Second, Lauren's excellent pacing skills make The Battle of Junk Mountain hard to put down. And third, the interesting and well-developed characters and realistic details give the book a ton of charm and personality. I have not read a YA book since I was YA, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Lauren's book. I think tweens and their parents can happily share this story.
January 16, 2018
This book does a fantastic job of evoking summers in Maine: I could almost smell the sea air and taste the lobster rolls! More importantly, the story handles changing family relationships and friendships beautifully and focuses on the serious topic of hoarding with a gentle and age-appropriate touch.
December 14, 2018
The backdrop of this story brought back tons of fun preteen memories for me, spending summers at a lake in Maine with one of my best friends. The setting was cute and the friendship evolutions were relatable but there was just something that was missing for me. The characters and plot just never quite got to where it needed to go for me, but still super enjoyable
Read
May 2, 2018A wonderful summer-in-Maine book that deals with growing up, changing friendships and family relationships, and a hoarding grandmother.
Read
July 8, 2018It was very cute and has many lessons of friendship. I am going to go because reviews are not my specialty.
February 1, 2018
Are you looking for a great book for your middle-grade reader to read during summer vacation? Look no further. THE BATTLE OF JUNK MOUNTAIN is the absolutely perfect read for summer (and for any other time of year).
HINT --- You might want to buy two copies because you will enjoy this book just as much as your child!!!
Twelve year old Shayne (yes, it sounds like a boy's name, but it's not) is spending the summer in her favorite place on the planet ... on the coast of Maine at her grandmother's house, which sits directly on the water.
She had been looking forward to spending time with her "Summer-Sister" Poppy, making friendship bracelets, collecting sea glass and hanging out at the beach.
But, from the moment Shayne arrives, things start going wrong. Poppy has a job at her family's grocery store and can spend barely any time with her. And, when they finally do get a chance to hang out, all Poppy wants to talk about is boys. YUCK!
Shayne's grandmother, Bea, is a compulsive garage sale shopper and her house is full of knick knacks and signs and just about anything you can imagine. Shayne has been sent by her mother to help Grandma Bea get organized to sell it all at the local flea market.
To make matters even more complicated, Bea has a new next door neighbor; one who never smiles and always seems to be angry at something or someone - Shayne secretly nicknames him "Cranky."
To add to this bizarre, but somehow perfect, mix of people, Cranky's grandson, Linc, arrives. Linc is around the same age as Shayne and is a bit ... Odd. He is obsessed with the Civil War and in reenactments. He even wears a Civil War outfit and cap EVERY SINGLE DAY.
He may dress a little strangely (ok, well, it's actually A LOT strange, especially for at the beach) but he has a great heart and Linc and Shayne become something similar to friends.
The story has multiple twists and turns and has more than one mystery, all of which Shayne somehow ends up in the middle of each one.
A tale of growing up and of beginning to learn there is more to a person than meets the eye and that judging someone by what they look like, or the clothes they wear is NOT right, and usually ends up being inaccurate.
Shayne also learns about friendship and what makes a true friend. Hoarding is also discussed, as is aging, financial hardships, and the lives and livelihoods of fishermen. It is incredible how much knowledge this book contains. The middle grade reader will not realize it, but as they read, they are learning many valuable lessons. Actually, these lessons are also great for older readers to take in as well. They may already know many of the facts, but it is never a bad thing to remind adult readers of the morals this story imparts.
Highly readable, incredibly fun, with compelling characters, THE BATTLE OF JUNK MOUNTAIN is a middle grade Must Read. For that reason I have to rate this superb book as 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Thank you to NETGALLEY for providing me with a free copy of this book.
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Instagram @Amiesbookreviews
HINT --- You might want to buy two copies because you will enjoy this book just as much as your child!!!
Twelve year old Shayne (yes, it sounds like a boy's name, but it's not) is spending the summer in her favorite place on the planet ... on the coast of Maine at her grandmother's house, which sits directly on the water.
She had been looking forward to spending time with her "Summer-Sister" Poppy, making friendship bracelets, collecting sea glass and hanging out at the beach.
But, from the moment Shayne arrives, things start going wrong. Poppy has a job at her family's grocery store and can spend barely any time with her. And, when they finally do get a chance to hang out, all Poppy wants to talk about is boys. YUCK!
Shayne's grandmother, Bea, is a compulsive garage sale shopper and her house is full of knick knacks and signs and just about anything you can imagine. Shayne has been sent by her mother to help Grandma Bea get organized to sell it all at the local flea market.
To make matters even more complicated, Bea has a new next door neighbor; one who never smiles and always seems to be angry at something or someone - Shayne secretly nicknames him "Cranky."
To add to this bizarre, but somehow perfect, mix of people, Cranky's grandson, Linc, arrives. Linc is around the same age as Shayne and is a bit ... Odd. He is obsessed with the Civil War and in reenactments. He even wears a Civil War outfit and cap EVERY SINGLE DAY.
He may dress a little strangely (ok, well, it's actually A LOT strange, especially for at the beach) but he has a great heart and Linc and Shayne become something similar to friends.
The story has multiple twists and turns and has more than one mystery, all of which Shayne somehow ends up in the middle of each one.
A tale of growing up and of beginning to learn there is more to a person than meets the eye and that judging someone by what they look like, or the clothes they wear is NOT right, and usually ends up being inaccurate.
Shayne also learns about friendship and what makes a true friend. Hoarding is also discussed, as is aging, financial hardships, and the lives and livelihoods of fishermen. It is incredible how much knowledge this book contains. The middle grade reader will not realize it, but as they read, they are learning many valuable lessons. Actually, these lessons are also great for older readers to take in as well. They may already know many of the facts, but it is never a bad thing to remind adult readers of the morals this story imparts.
Highly readable, incredibly fun, with compelling characters, THE BATTLE OF JUNK MOUNTAIN is a middle grade Must Read. For that reason I have to rate this superb book as 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Thank you to NETGALLEY for providing me with a free copy of this book.
To read more of my reviews visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Instagram @Amiesbookreviews
February 16, 2018
friendships, families, and battles
Most Americans know something about some of the battles of the Civil War or War Between the States. Hoarding material possessions has become quite a concern for quite a few people—dramatically showcase with a Hoarders TV show that profiles individuals caught up in compulsive excessive collecting that has overtaken their existence and become their lifestyle. Not all that far afield of concerns about collecting and hoarding, sites with counsel about de-cluttering and organizing have proliferated over the inter webs over the past couple of years.
Wonderfully crafted as a first-person narrative, middle school "summer beach read," The Battle of Junk Mountain conveys serious concern regarding central character 12-year old Shayne's Grandma Bea's addiction to acquiring and saving mostly useless junk, yet brings a redemptive resolution by book's end. Lauren Abbey Greenberg's prose evokes the down Maine fishing town in summer perfection, completely understands how relationships begin, evolve, sometimes end, on occasion happen again. In addition to Shayne and her grandma Bea, featured characters include Civil War buff Linc, Link's grandpa Cranky, and Shayne's near-lifelong summer BFF Poppy.
William Faulkner insists the past never is past, but keeps overtaking us minute by minute; our historical experiences and memories never stop influencing our daily lives. Grandma Bea well may always have enjoyed picking up and saving cute items and castaway stuff that could become useful someday, but apparently the accidental death at sea of her lobsterman spouse propelled her into doing whatever she could to hang onto whatever remotely reminded her of him. In a reverse manner, son of a Civil War buff (who not surprisingly named his son Lincoln), Linc enjoyed engaging in the pastime of wearing Blue and Grey and reenacting battles, placing himself in past times. Despite the friendship between Poppy and Shayne fracturing and essentially ending, by summer's end it rebounds but admittedly never will be the same. Nevertheless, Shayne acknowledges value in appreciating and treasuring (hoarding?) the best memories of the long decade the girls have known each other. As Grandma Bea fights her Battle of Junk Mountain, Bea, her daughter, and granddaughter all learn it's more than okay to keep some physical treasures and artifacts as "keepsakes" – hanging onto the good, letting go of what wasn't.
As someone who has spent a lot of time alongside the Atlantic coast, I particularly love the book's colorfully coastal, nautical setting! Characters, events, and geography could combine effectively into a movie for viewers of almost all ages; I'd round my five stars up to six if I could.
Most Americans know something about some of the battles of the Civil War or War Between the States. Hoarding material possessions has become quite a concern for quite a few people—dramatically showcase with a Hoarders TV show that profiles individuals caught up in compulsive excessive collecting that has overtaken their existence and become their lifestyle. Not all that far afield of concerns about collecting and hoarding, sites with counsel about de-cluttering and organizing have proliferated over the inter webs over the past couple of years.
Wonderfully crafted as a first-person narrative, middle school "summer beach read," The Battle of Junk Mountain conveys serious concern regarding central character 12-year old Shayne's Grandma Bea's addiction to acquiring and saving mostly useless junk, yet brings a redemptive resolution by book's end. Lauren Abbey Greenberg's prose evokes the down Maine fishing town in summer perfection, completely understands how relationships begin, evolve, sometimes end, on occasion happen again. In addition to Shayne and her grandma Bea, featured characters include Civil War buff Linc, Link's grandpa Cranky, and Shayne's near-lifelong summer BFF Poppy.
William Faulkner insists the past never is past, but keeps overtaking us minute by minute; our historical experiences and memories never stop influencing our daily lives. Grandma Bea well may always have enjoyed picking up and saving cute items and castaway stuff that could become useful someday, but apparently the accidental death at sea of her lobsterman spouse propelled her into doing whatever she could to hang onto whatever remotely reminded her of him. In a reverse manner, son of a Civil War buff (who not surprisingly named his son Lincoln), Linc enjoyed engaging in the pastime of wearing Blue and Grey and reenacting battles, placing himself in past times. Despite the friendship between Poppy and Shayne fracturing and essentially ending, by summer's end it rebounds but admittedly never will be the same. Nevertheless, Shayne acknowledges value in appreciating and treasuring (hoarding?) the best memories of the long decade the girls have known each other. As Grandma Bea fights her Battle of Junk Mountain, Bea, her daughter, and granddaughter all learn it's more than okay to keep some physical treasures and artifacts as "keepsakes" – hanging onto the good, letting go of what wasn't.
As someone who has spent a lot of time alongside the Atlantic coast, I particularly love the book's colorfully coastal, nautical setting! Characters, events, and geography could combine effectively into a movie for viewers of almost all ages; I'd round my five stars up to six if I could.
July 26, 2018
Shayne has loved spending her summers on the coast of Maine with her grandmother. It’s the only time of year she can see her summer best friend, Poppy. But this summer something has changed. Poppy only wants to talk about boys and Grandma has so many piles of junk in her house that there is barely room for Shayne. Her mom has sent her to her grandma’s with the hope that Shayne will be able to help her get rid of a lot of the stuff. Shayne loves organizing and thinks it will a cinch to sort and throw away all the stuff at Grandma Bea’s.
Next door to Grandma’s lives an old man who Shayne and Poppy call Cranky. His grandson, Linc, is also staying for the summer. But, Shayne isn’t sure what to think of him because all he wears is Civil War reenactment clothing. This summer is not at all what Shayne had expected and everything has changed. It may just be her worst summer on the Maine coast.
A lot of kids will be able to identify with Shayne. She is spunky yet loyal. She doesn’t like change and wants to relive her favorite summer memories as she has every summer before. But, life gets in the way and as people grow, they change including Poppy and her Grandma. Her Grandma has always liked her “collections”, but now it has gone too far and she has turned into a hoarder due to the emotional response to her husband’s death. Shayne doesn’t understand why her grandma can’t part with a stack of magazines or a set of candlesticks and yet keeps buying more stuff at other yard sales.
When a crisis happens and Shayne has to step up and be brave, everyone grows up and sees each other with a new perspective. Readers will appreciate the frustrations Shayne has with her grandma, with her friend, Poppy, and with Linc. Kids will identify with Shayne’s resistance to change. Watching Shayne grow up over the summer, learning new skills like catching lobsters, steering a boat, as well as emotional skills of honesty, trust, and respect will be an inspiration to kids.
This story has drama, witty characters, silly moments, and love of friends and family. There are several plot twists to keep the readers turning the pages. The chapters are short and encourage the reader to read just one more chapter. Shayne is 12 in the book, but readers in the 8-12 range will enjoy this story.
Next door to Grandma’s lives an old man who Shayne and Poppy call Cranky. His grandson, Linc, is also staying for the summer. But, Shayne isn’t sure what to think of him because all he wears is Civil War reenactment clothing. This summer is not at all what Shayne had expected and everything has changed. It may just be her worst summer on the Maine coast.
A lot of kids will be able to identify with Shayne. She is spunky yet loyal. She doesn’t like change and wants to relive her favorite summer memories as she has every summer before. But, life gets in the way and as people grow, they change including Poppy and her Grandma. Her Grandma has always liked her “collections”, but now it has gone too far and she has turned into a hoarder due to the emotional response to her husband’s death. Shayne doesn’t understand why her grandma can’t part with a stack of magazines or a set of candlesticks and yet keeps buying more stuff at other yard sales.
When a crisis happens and Shayne has to step up and be brave, everyone grows up and sees each other with a new perspective. Readers will appreciate the frustrations Shayne has with her grandma, with her friend, Poppy, and with Linc. Kids will identify with Shayne’s resistance to change. Watching Shayne grow up over the summer, learning new skills like catching lobsters, steering a boat, as well as emotional skills of honesty, trust, and respect will be an inspiration to kids.
This story has drama, witty characters, silly moments, and love of friends and family. There are several plot twists to keep the readers turning the pages. The chapters are short and encourage the reader to read just one more chapter. Shayne is 12 in the book, but readers in the 8-12 range will enjoy this story.
February 13, 2018
Thank you to Lauren Greenberg for providing an ARC to collabookation for review.
Shayne Whittaker has the fortune of spending every summer at her grandma's house on the Maine coast. But this summer, Shayne isn't going to just relax. Her mother has sent her to help her grandma, Bea, get ready for a local flea market. See, over the years Bea has amassed lots of treasures, and they're starting to take over her life.
Luckily, Shayne has a summer sister, Poppy. Or does she? Poppy is being forced to work full time at her family's store. That leaves Cranky, the new neighbor next door, and his grandson ~ a twelve-year-old Civil War buff and wannabe reenactor.
So maybe staying with Bea this summer isn't going to be the carefree ocean vacation Shayne was expecting...But as we all know, when the going gets tough, we learn the most about ourselves and who we really want to be.
This book will have you feeling summer (attention northeasteners!!). I was definitely living vicariously in the scenery, Thomas Cove is my next vacation destination. And Shayne's open-mindedness allows her to become great friends with Linc (Civil War buff).
Greenberg does a beautiful job letting this new friendship progress naturally. I loved how Linc understood his own oddness, but embraces it and doesn't change for the world. Every adolescent should see that acceptance of one's self as a strength.
Then, Bea's collecting (aka hoarding). It's a slow realization, that these 'treasures' are taking over Bea's life, and I am grateful for that. Doesn't every major realization about family come on gradually? Greenberg does not trivialize Bea's attachment to objects. Each object holds a memory that she does not want to let go of.
Ultimately, The Battle of Junk Mountain is a novel of deciding to accept all the best and worst parts of the people you love. Only when you accept and try to understand can you actually help.
My only criticism about Junk Mountain is that there isn't a sequel, I was left wanting more!
Shayne Whittaker has the fortune of spending every summer at her grandma's house on the Maine coast. But this summer, Shayne isn't going to just relax. Her mother has sent her to help her grandma, Bea, get ready for a local flea market. See, over the years Bea has amassed lots of treasures, and they're starting to take over her life.
Luckily, Shayne has a summer sister, Poppy. Or does she? Poppy is being forced to work full time at her family's store. That leaves Cranky, the new neighbor next door, and his grandson ~ a twelve-year-old Civil War buff and wannabe reenactor.
So maybe staying with Bea this summer isn't going to be the carefree ocean vacation Shayne was expecting...But as we all know, when the going gets tough, we learn the most about ourselves and who we really want to be.
This book will have you feeling summer (attention northeasteners!!). I was definitely living vicariously in the scenery, Thomas Cove is my next vacation destination. And Shayne's open-mindedness allows her to become great friends with Linc (Civil War buff).
Greenberg does a beautiful job letting this new friendship progress naturally. I loved how Linc understood his own oddness, but embraces it and doesn't change for the world. Every adolescent should see that acceptance of one's self as a strength.
Then, Bea's collecting (aka hoarding). It's a slow realization, that these 'treasures' are taking over Bea's life, and I am grateful for that. Doesn't every major realization about family come on gradually? Greenberg does not trivialize Bea's attachment to objects. Each object holds a memory that she does not want to let go of.
Ultimately, The Battle of Junk Mountain is a novel of deciding to accept all the best and worst parts of the people you love. Only when you accept and try to understand can you actually help.
My only criticism about Junk Mountain is that there isn't a sequel, I was left wanting more!
March 17, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Debut author Lauren Abbey Greenberg has written a book that will be perfect for summertime reading, while still dealing with a serious topic like hoarding. This is the first book I've read that touches on this subject in middle grade fiction, and I'm happy to see some attention focused on it for younger readers.
Shayne spends each summer in Maine with her grandmother, Bea, but this summer isn't turning out so well. Her best friend, Poppy, is busy working at her family's store. Her grandmother, Bea, has gone back to work as a waitress at a local restaurant, and Shayne's first shift working there is a bit of a fiasco. And Bea's collecting habit has gotten a bit out of control, and any attempts to help her deal with the clutter end in disaster. Shayne is struggling with all the change, but in the middle of what she thinks might be the worst summer ever, she befriends Linc, the grandson of her next door neighbor, Cranky. Shayne's summer is definitely not the way she planned it, but it just might end up being what she needs to help her adapt to everything that's different in her life.
What I enjoyed best about this book was watching Shayne grow during that difficult time in adolescence when the world changes, even if you're not ready for it. Poppy has different interests, and their friendship is pushed in a new direction. Shayne is faced with Bea's hoarding problem, and the financial burden that she's facing as a result. She gets her first summer job, and has responsibilities this summer that she's never faced in the carefree years of the past. It's a summer of big change, and the author has captured this so well.
I will definitely be purchasing this for my library, and promoting it as one of the middle grade books to read this summer.
Debut author Lauren Abbey Greenberg has written a book that will be perfect for summertime reading, while still dealing with a serious topic like hoarding. This is the first book I've read that touches on this subject in middle grade fiction, and I'm happy to see some attention focused on it for younger readers.
Shayne spends each summer in Maine with her grandmother, Bea, but this summer isn't turning out so well. Her best friend, Poppy, is busy working at her family's store. Her grandmother, Bea, has gone back to work as a waitress at a local restaurant, and Shayne's first shift working there is a bit of a fiasco. And Bea's collecting habit has gotten a bit out of control, and any attempts to help her deal with the clutter end in disaster. Shayne is struggling with all the change, but in the middle of what she thinks might be the worst summer ever, she befriends Linc, the grandson of her next door neighbor, Cranky. Shayne's summer is definitely not the way she planned it, but it just might end up being what she needs to help her adapt to everything that's different in her life.
What I enjoyed best about this book was watching Shayne grow during that difficult time in adolescence when the world changes, even if you're not ready for it. Poppy has different interests, and their friendship is pushed in a new direction. Shayne is faced with Bea's hoarding problem, and the financial burden that she's facing as a result. She gets her first summer job, and has responsibilities this summer that she's never faced in the carefree years of the past. It's a summer of big change, and the author has captured this so well.
I will definitely be purchasing this for my library, and promoting it as one of the middle grade books to read this summer.
May 21, 2018
You can read more of my reviews on my blog -> Cover2CoverMom Blog
When I was contacted by the publisher with the offer to read & review The Battle of Junk Mountain, I decided to overlook the fact that I am not technically open for review requests and accepted the offer… What can I say? I was in the mood for a middle grade read, and there was something about the cover that spoke to me.
I am happy to report that I was rewarded with a wonderful little gem of a book. The Battle of Junk Mountain is a heartwarming book about new & changing friendships, family drama, and a summer full of changes...
With a setting off the coast of Maine during the summer months, The Battle of Junk Mountain is a wonderful summer read for middle graders. Not only do I think the plotline will appeal to MG readers, but it also tackles some wonderful themes throughout. Themes in this book include evolving friendship, mental illness (hoarding), loss & grief, childhood & growing up, etc. While these are definitely are some “heavier themes”, the author manages to still keep the book balanced with lighter-hearted moments. This is one of those books that is not only entertaining, but teaches important life lessons along the way as well.
Friendship is a big part of The Battle of Junk Mountain. I adored Shayne & Linc’s budding friendship. I just can’t help it, I’m a sucker for lovable eccentric characters, which is just what Linc is. Their friendship isn’t instant by any means, but Shayne & Linc slowly grow on each other. Another aspect of friendship I appreciated about this book was that it deals with a changing friendship between the main character Shayne, and Poppy. The topic of changing friendships is not often addressed in middle grade literature, but it should be. The sad fact is that childhood friends, or even friends in your adult life, drift apart for one reason or another. This drifting could be caused by many reasons: differences in interests, personalities, relocation, etc. This is definitely a sensitive topic, one in which happens to be just one of those things most of us all experience at some point in our lives. I think the author did a great job here, and liked how things were left with Shayne & Poppy.
I’m impressed with how well Greenberg was able to tackle the topic of hoarding in a middle grade book. It felt very realistic & appropriate for this age level without feeling too “watered down.” Hoarding is something that I am personally familiar with, since my Aunt suffered from hoarding. Greenberg really nailed the feelings that family members of hoarders often feel: confusion, frustration, sadness, anger, etc.
I applaud the author for NOT wrapping up everything too nicely at the end of the book. This is done far too often in the middle grade genre. Greenberg leaves some things a little messy, which is how things happen in real life.
*Big thanks to Running Press Kids for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I was contacted by the publisher with the offer to read & review The Battle of Junk Mountain, I decided to overlook the fact that I am not technically open for review requests and accepted the offer… What can I say? I was in the mood for a middle grade read, and there was something about the cover that spoke to me.
I am happy to report that I was rewarded with a wonderful little gem of a book. The Battle of Junk Mountain is a heartwarming book about new & changing friendships, family drama, and a summer full of changes...
With a setting off the coast of Maine during the summer months, The Battle of Junk Mountain is a wonderful summer read for middle graders. Not only do I think the plotline will appeal to MG readers, but it also tackles some wonderful themes throughout. Themes in this book include evolving friendship, mental illness (hoarding), loss & grief, childhood & growing up, etc. While these are definitely are some “heavier themes”, the author manages to still keep the book balanced with lighter-hearted moments. This is one of those books that is not only entertaining, but teaches important life lessons along the way as well.
Friendship is a big part of The Battle of Junk Mountain. I adored Shayne & Linc’s budding friendship. I just can’t help it, I’m a sucker for lovable eccentric characters, which is just what Linc is. Their friendship isn’t instant by any means, but Shayne & Linc slowly grow on each other. Another aspect of friendship I appreciated about this book was that it deals with a changing friendship between the main character Shayne, and Poppy. The topic of changing friendships is not often addressed in middle grade literature, but it should be. The sad fact is that childhood friends, or even friends in your adult life, drift apart for one reason or another. This drifting could be caused by many reasons: differences in interests, personalities, relocation, etc. This is definitely a sensitive topic, one in which happens to be just one of those things most of us all experience at some point in our lives. I think the author did a great job here, and liked how things were left with Shayne & Poppy.
I’m impressed with how well Greenberg was able to tackle the topic of hoarding in a middle grade book. It felt very realistic & appropriate for this age level without feeling too “watered down.” Hoarding is something that I am personally familiar with, since my Aunt suffered from hoarding. Greenberg really nailed the feelings that family members of hoarders often feel: confusion, frustration, sadness, anger, etc.
I applaud the author for NOT wrapping up everything too nicely at the end of the book. This is done far too often in the middle grade genre. Greenberg leaves some things a little messy, which is how things happen in real life.
*Big thanks to Running Press Kids for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2018
12 year old Shayne has always spent summers in Maine with her grandma, Bea, goofing off with her friend who lives there, Poppy. But this summer things have changed. Poppy is all about boys and saying and doing things that Shayne doesn’t like. Bea’s penchant for collecting treasures from garage sales has turned into full on hoarding. And there are some strange new neighbors next door.
I loved that this book made me uncomfortable very early on. From Shayne’s confrontations with Poppy to the mounting evidence that something just isn’t right with Bea, as a reader you’re forced to be uncomfortable and I think that’s fantastic because that’s where we, as readers, are able to grow. I never gave much thought to hoarding but there was a line that really gave me pause. The gist of it was that maybe Bea was hoarding because the things tied her to memories of happier times, before her husband died. And if a Middle Grade Book can open my decidedly non-Middle-Grade mind, just imagine what it could do for actual middle school kids.
A great read all around. Big thanks to Running Press for sending this one my way!
I loved that this book made me uncomfortable very early on. From Shayne’s confrontations with Poppy to the mounting evidence that something just isn’t right with Bea, as a reader you’re forced to be uncomfortable and I think that’s fantastic because that’s where we, as readers, are able to grow. I never gave much thought to hoarding but there was a line that really gave me pause. The gist of it was that maybe Bea was hoarding because the things tied her to memories of happier times, before her husband died. And if a Middle Grade Book can open my decidedly non-Middle-Grade mind, just imagine what it could do for actual middle school kids.
A great read all around. Big thanks to Running Press for sending this one my way!
January 12, 2019
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for telling me about this book. All opinions are my own.
Shayne is so excited to be returning to Maine, to visit her grandmother and to spend a month with her summer buddy, Poppy. But she soon finds that life has changed in Thomas Cove. Poppy has a job and is boy crazy and Bea, her beloved grandmother, has more junk stacked up in her house than ever before.
This is a story about the difficulties of both growing up and growing older and grieving for the past. The description of Bea’s refusal to let anything go, as well as her addiction to adding to her collections is accurately, but gently portrayed. For readers who are experiencing a similar experience will find comfort in this story, as will those who are simply struggling with the trials of growing up.
Finally, I must tell you the sense of place in this story is amazing. I found myself craving lobster and wishing I could spend time at the beach and visit lighthouses!
I recommend this book be added to both school and public library collections. I’m sure it will prove to be a popular one!
November 26, 2018
Fans of Wendy Mass will love The Battle of Junk Mountain by Lauren Greenberg. What most struck me was how aptly and poignantly Greenberg portrays the mortification of puberty, feeling the pain of a friend pulling away while making bad choices including, of course, making a fool of herself over a crush.
The author also captures the subtleties of peer pressure when Shane‘s friend Poppy shames her for being friendly and accepting toward those Poppy considers uncool. I loved that Shayne was open to getting to know others and their stories. Too often in mg fiction that only happens when it is forced on a main character. Shayne makes realistic (not overblown) mistakes, and there is a balance between heavy heart issues and and humor throughout.
The description was also spot on. For example, describing the smell of the carnival as a mixed of fried deliciousness and barn. I’m left with one pressing question: Where can I get a lobster roll in Colorado in November?
Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of The Battle of Junk Mountain for my classroom library; it will be well-loved!
The author also captures the subtleties of peer pressure when Shane‘s friend Poppy shames her for being friendly and accepting toward those Poppy considers uncool. I loved that Shayne was open to getting to know others and their stories. Too often in mg fiction that only happens when it is forced on a main character. Shayne makes realistic (not overblown) mistakes, and there is a balance between heavy heart issues and and humor throughout.
The description was also spot on. For example, describing the smell of the carnival as a mixed of fried deliciousness and barn. I’m left with one pressing question: Where can I get a lobster roll in Colorado in November?
Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of The Battle of Junk Mountain for my classroom library; it will be well-loved!
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