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Just Sayin'
Just Sayin' tells the story of an almost-blended family that almost falls apart before it even begins. 11 year-old Cassie Callahan is staying with her grandmother while her mom, Jennifer, recovers from a difficult breakup from her fiance, Trent. Cassie, along with Trent's kids, Nick and Julie, are trying to figure out why their parents' relationship ended so abruptly and searching for a way to bring them back together. Meanwhile, the kids get caught up in a game show that encourages the "art" of insults, and learn along the way that our words have much more power than they think.
In a way that only Dandi can accomplish, this story weaves together, in a contemporary way, an old-time game show, letter writing, outstanding vocabulary, and reminders from God's word that taming our tongue is both difficult and important!
In a way that only Dandi can accomplish, this story weaves together, in a contemporary way, an old-time game show, letter writing, outstanding vocabulary, and reminders from God's word that taming our tongue is both difficult and important!
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Dandi Daley Mackall
352 books295 followersA professional writer for over 20 years, Dandi Daley Mackall has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 500 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million.
A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats. Awards include the Edgar Award for Best YA Mystery, the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature; Distinguished Alumni Award from Mizzou; ALA Best Book; Christian Children's Book of the Year, Amelia Bloom, Mom's Choice Awards. Her YA novel, My Boyfriends' Dogs, is now a Hallmark movie.
A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats. Awards include the Edgar Award for Best YA Mystery, the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature; Distinguished Alumni Award from Mizzou; ALA Best Book; Christian Children's Book of the Year, Amelia Bloom, Mom's Choice Awards. Her YA novel, My Boyfriends' Dogs, is now a Hallmark movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 25, 2020
This is a really fun book! I loved the way it was written in letters, and how it showed that words can be very powerful.
July 9, 2020
This is a really sweet and unique story! Instead of the usual 3rd person narrative, this book is written in the form of letters so you feel like you are really a part of the story. While the basic storyline is just about a couple of friends who miss each other and decide to compete in a tv contest together, there are so many bigger themes brought in. The main characters talk about marriage, divorce, single parenting and blended families. One girl discovers the power that words hold, and begins to think more carefully about using her words in a positive way. The Christian content doesn't feel forced or cheesy - a kid writes a letter to a pastor because she's confused, upset and angry prompting the pastor to respond with realistic support, advice and biblical teaching. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to kids/young teens looking for something a little different or a little more thought provoking.
March 31, 2020
I absolutely adored this book! It's written as a series of letters between a few people, and there were a few laugh-out-loud moments. The letters start out between 2 kids who are desperately trying to get their parents back together, and soon other people get involved in the letter-writing.
March 10, 2018
I first fell in love Dani Daley Mackall's storytelling last summer when I read her World War II Historical Romance, With Love, Wherever You Are and then discovered that she is a multi-published, award winning author of Young Adult and children's fiction. My library has become my best friend (well it was already my best friend but now it's my bestest best friend) because they have a collection of this author's novels. Woot! And this gem was among that bounty.
It's touching and funny and subtly hard-hitting as Mackall tackles the power in words. Love the letter writing format! The publisher had some fun with creating unique fonts for each letter writer and the understated background sketches add to the pen pal ambiance.
Cassie is a fire cracker with a passion for vocabulary. She's audacious, dramatic, sarcastic and tenderhearted. And a schemer. She's not shy about sharing her feelings in letters but it's when her pastor suggests she write to God...well, that's when things begin to get interesting.
Brilliant and heartwarming -- this novel may target preteens but I think there's plenty here for us 'slightly' older readers to enjoy!
It's touching and funny and subtly hard-hitting as Mackall tackles the power in words. Love the letter writing format! The publisher had some fun with creating unique fonts for each letter writer and the understated background sketches add to the pen pal ambiance.
Cassie is a fire cracker with a passion for vocabulary. She's audacious, dramatic, sarcastic and tenderhearted. And a schemer. She's not shy about sharing her feelings in letters but it's when her pastor suggests she write to God...well, that's when things begin to get interesting.
Brilliant and heartwarming -- this novel may target preteens but I think there's plenty here for us 'slightly' older readers to enjoy!
June 17, 2021
Aww, this was a very cute book.
I enjoyed how it's all written through letters and notes and phone calls and texts, so there's not really any talking or anything, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. It was super cute the way that these two kids were trying to win a cruise so that their parents would get back together because they were about to get married as two divorced people but then they broke up and essentially broke all the kids' hearts, so the kids used their big brains to hatch a plan to become a family again.
It was fun to see both of the kids' growth, especially the main character Cassie, who wrote letters to Jesus and got closer to Him in her faith, thanks to everything that was going on. The ending was cute too. I really liked the growth of one other character, too, kind of an adult idol for Cassie and Nick.
Overall, this book is super cute for just a little quick read and I recommend for all ages. You don't have to like any specific genre for this book. It's just a good between-books read. Enjoy!
I enjoyed how it's all written through letters and notes and phone calls and texts, so there's not really any talking or anything, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. It was super cute the way that these two kids were trying to win a cruise so that their parents would get back together because they were about to get married as two divorced people but then they broke up and essentially broke all the kids' hearts, so the kids used their big brains to hatch a plan to become a family again.
It was fun to see both of the kids' growth, especially the main character Cassie, who wrote letters to Jesus and got closer to Him in her faith, thanks to everything that was going on. The ending was cute too. I really liked the growth of one other character, too, kind of an adult idol for Cassie and Nick.
Overall, this book is super cute for just a little quick read and I recommend for all ages. You don't have to like any specific genre for this book. It's just a good between-books read. Enjoy!
March 12, 2020
Yes, I read this in a couple hours. Yes, it was awesome. Hilarious. Brilliant. Encouraging. Amazing. Epic. Very creative. Read it!!
August 26, 2017
I’m amazed by the versatility of this author. I had just finished reading her gripping WWII fiction drama. Then I started reading this completely different, fun, witty, tender-hearted YA fiction family story that had me grinning from ear to ear the whole time I read. By the end of the second page, I was laughing out-loud. My heart and imagination were kidnapped from then on by this creative, talented author and the sweet children she wrote about.
Here’s a peek at the letter eleven years old Cassie Callahan wrote to her mother who’s in CA. “Dear Mom, Gram is making me write you, even though it’s past her bed time (which is about three hours after she fell asleep in the recliner in front of the TV). …I’m living with a very old person. You know how Gram has always lied about her age? Well, she’s started bragging about it now. I think that’s how you know somebody’s turning old…She’s so old that when she went in to renew her driver’s license, they said not only had her driver’s license expired but so had her birth date.”
This author did an amazing job of creating this entertaining novel with only the use of letters written back and forth from one family member to another. The kids don’t have phones and no access to a computer or internet service. They’ve gone back in time and they don’t like it.
Cassie and Nick enter a contest by Jonathan Kirby, the host of their favorite show The Hour of Insult, they get to work on filling out the entry form and are ecstatic about the grand prize they could win. Cassie goes to youth group for something to do. The Pastor tries to answer her questions and encourages her to write letters to God. She tries that but crosses it out. Underneath she starts to write to Jesus. I loved her transparent heart and the way she writes these letters.
She begins, “Dear Jesus, I’ve been sitting on my bed and trying to write your Father (and mine), and it just hasn’t been working for me. Then I got the idea to write you. You’ve been down here on earth.”
Both Cassie and Nick were looking forward to being a family until their parents’ engagement ended abruptly. Things were all set. They even picked out clothes for the wedding. What happened? They were determined to find out.
In the meantime, they were having a blast thinking up ways to win the contest they’ve entered. They also start corresponding to Kirby The King of Insults. Both of their parents didn’t like the show and didn’t want them to watch it. Something changes in Cassie as she starts reading the bible and looking up things about loving your neighbor as yourself and how the tongue had the power to lift someone up or tear them down. She starts to look at the power of words in a whole new light.
This is a delightful story I read in one sitting. I was glued to the situation and wondered if this couple would get back together. This author has a clever way in which the kids in the story discuss a topic that’s important – life changing even without it being preachy. I liked that. I also adored the Gram character who cared for Cassie. She was a hoot!
Are you looking for a fun read for your book club? This is it. I highly recommend this novel. I loved this book and this author!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
Here’s a peek at the letter eleven years old Cassie Callahan wrote to her mother who’s in CA. “Dear Mom, Gram is making me write you, even though it’s past her bed time (which is about three hours after she fell asleep in the recliner in front of the TV). …I’m living with a very old person. You know how Gram has always lied about her age? Well, she’s started bragging about it now. I think that’s how you know somebody’s turning old…She’s so old that when she went in to renew her driver’s license, they said not only had her driver’s license expired but so had her birth date.”
This author did an amazing job of creating this entertaining novel with only the use of letters written back and forth from one family member to another. The kids don’t have phones and no access to a computer or internet service. They’ve gone back in time and they don’t like it.
Cassie and Nick enter a contest by Jonathan Kirby, the host of their favorite show The Hour of Insult, they get to work on filling out the entry form and are ecstatic about the grand prize they could win. Cassie goes to youth group for something to do. The Pastor tries to answer her questions and encourages her to write letters to God. She tries that but crosses it out. Underneath she starts to write to Jesus. I loved her transparent heart and the way she writes these letters.
She begins, “Dear Jesus, I’ve been sitting on my bed and trying to write your Father (and mine), and it just hasn’t been working for me. Then I got the idea to write you. You’ve been down here on earth.”
Both Cassie and Nick were looking forward to being a family until their parents’ engagement ended abruptly. Things were all set. They even picked out clothes for the wedding. What happened? They were determined to find out.
In the meantime, they were having a blast thinking up ways to win the contest they’ve entered. They also start corresponding to Kirby The King of Insults. Both of their parents didn’t like the show and didn’t want them to watch it. Something changes in Cassie as she starts reading the bible and looking up things about loving your neighbor as yourself and how the tongue had the power to lift someone up or tear them down. She starts to look at the power of words in a whole new light.
This is a delightful story I read in one sitting. I was glued to the situation and wondered if this couple would get back together. This author has a clever way in which the kids in the story discuss a topic that’s important – life changing even without it being preachy. I liked that. I also adored the Gram character who cared for Cassie. She was a hoot!
Are you looking for a fun read for your book club? This is it. I highly recommend this novel. I loved this book and this author!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
SVP Promotions
July 18, 2018
I picked up this book because the cover was bright and attention grabbing and the plot looked cute - two almost step siblings trying to get their parents back together through letter writing. A Parent Trap situation of sorts.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The two main characters, Nick and Cassie, were funny, warm hearted and well rounded characters. We got to see letters from other characters in this book so that was nice. My problem with total loving this book though, was I felt it was too preachy. I had no idea it was a Christian book but figured it out pretty quickly once Cassie started writing to Jesus after the suggestion of her pastor. That I didn't mind as much but when she started inserting biblical quotes in her letters to others, it was a bit off putting. I don't know any almost 11 year olds like that. Now that could be on me, but instead of hearing a child's voice as I was reading this I heard an adult's. Like I felt this book was written with a message in mind (be kind to others! stop saying mean things!). Which again, are good things just not what I thought this book was going to be about.
But judging from the reviews on here, clearly I am in the minority so its just me. It's a cute book, just different than I thought it would be.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The two main characters, Nick and Cassie, were funny, warm hearted and well rounded characters. We got to see letters from other characters in this book so that was nice. My problem with total loving this book though, was I felt it was too preachy. I had no idea it was a Christian book but figured it out pretty quickly once Cassie started writing to Jesus after the suggestion of her pastor. That I didn't mind as much but when she started inserting biblical quotes in her letters to others, it was a bit off putting. I don't know any almost 11 year olds like that. Now that could be on me, but instead of hearing a child's voice as I was reading this I heard an adult's. Like I felt this book was written with a message in mind (be kind to others! stop saying mean things!). Which again, are good things just not what I thought this book was going to be about.
But judging from the reviews on here, clearly I am in the minority so its just me. It's a cute book, just different than I thought it would be.
August 28, 2017
“Nick and Cassie almost had their perfect family: their parents were getting married, and that meant a best-friend brother and a sweet little sister for Cassie, and Nick would have Cassie as his partner in crime. When their parents mysteriously call off their wedding and Cassie is left in her Gram’s care, Cassie and Nick become “almost-step” pen pals. Through letters, they scheme about how to get on their favorite game show, The Last Insult Standing, and just maybe figure out how to get their parents back together. Just Sayin’ is a heartwarming, funny story told through letters, demonstrating the power that words have to tear people apart or bring them together.”
The novel Just Sayin’ by Dandi Daley Mackall is categorized in the genre of juvenile fiction, and seeks to emphasize themes of friendship, kind speech, and reconciliation. Through her characters—both children and adults—she seeks to humorously work through the power of words and the need for both kind and clear communication, and even show how the Bible can bring about change in the Christian life.
A few things that made this book enjoyable for me as a reader:
The first thing is the concept/structure. This story is told almost entirely through letters written between the characters, beginning with the child protagonist, Cassie Callahan. Mackall brings in the realistic expectation via the supporting characters’ comments that in today’s technological society that Cassie should have a phone or a computer through which she can communicate, but her love of words and writing comes through pretty seamlessly. The letter-writing format is consistent throughout the book, save some necessary records of phone conversations, as well as text exchanges.
The second thing is (warning, spoilers) the humor. There’s a point where Nick and Cassie attempt to get their parents back together by writing to them as each other (So, Nick writes to Cassie’s mom as Nick’s dad, and Cassie writes to Nick’s dad as Cassie’s mom). The writing here is hilarious, and the absurdity of how these two kids view romance is both realistic and enjoyably naive. It really did make me laugh out loud.
The third thing was Cassie’s character development as well as her uniqueness as a character. There’s a clear and realistic spiritual change that happens in Cassie the more she contemplates her words, what they mean, and how they affect others. And yet, the change isn’t so drastic within the time frame that it makes her growth unrealistic. She’s still the snarky, sassy, little girl that she was at the beginning of the story, still Cassie, but by the end of the book she’s on her way to changing not just her words, but also her whole life, even as an eleven-year-old. Her enjoyment of words was just one of the many other idiosyncrasies that set her apart from the other characters, and helped her earn her spot as the protagonist of the story.
*Bonus element that made this read enjoyable: Mackall did a great job of bringing Scripture into this story and making sure, at least in Cassie’s life, it was clear that the Bible is what brought about her character change. The way Cassie approached the Bible and “writing letters to Jesus” was in line with her character and how she typically did things, and gave me a sweet look into how an eleven-year-old might see God.
A few things that made this book difficult for me as a reader:
The first thing is the inconsistency of the voice. There were a few times when Nick or Cassie sounded considerably more mature than the eleven-year-olds they are. There were also a few times when Nick or Cassie used outlandishly poor grammar that didn’t fit with their general maturity; the mistakes seemed too intentionally placed and took me out of the story as a reader.
The second thing is the grammatical errors. There’s a possibility Mackall intentionally placed certain marks in the wrong places (periods inconsistently inside and/or outside the parentheses, when the rule is typically that they belong outside, etc.) to make the story more true to real-life letter-writing. But with how fluidly Nick and Cassie wrote, the errors were more distracting than anything else, and did not accomplish the intention, should it have been the intention, of making the letter-writing more realistic.
The third thing is the perfect ending. Granted, it is a book that seems to be geared more towards children, and it might be that endings in that particular genre are meant to be this way, but the ending seemed too easy. Every loose end is tied up. Everyone gets what they wanted. Things work out exactly as planned. Now, I love happy endings. I really do. But it doesn’t feel like the ending was earned, and no real heartache was experienced in order to achieve it, except from the poor miscommunication of Nick’s dad and Cassie’s mom, and yet even that didn’t seem like a solid enough catalyst for the drama that proceeded, and was then easily figured out and tied up in the end.
I would, however, despite the previous remarks, recommend this book to anyone looking for a light-hearted read filled with humor, in need of a lesson about the power of our words, or looking for a reminder that God changes people.
About the Author:
“Dandi Daley Mackall is the award-winning author of over 450 books for children and adults. She visits countless schools, conducts writing assemblies and workshops across the United States, and presents keynote addresses at conferences and young author events. She is also a frequent guest on radio talk shows and has made dozens of appearances on TV. She has won several awards for her writing, including the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children’s Literature, the Edgar Award, and a two-time Mom’s Choice Award winner. Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Joe, their three children, and their horses, dogs, and cats.”
If you’re interested in knowing more about Dandi, I present thee reader with thine access to her blog…eth.
https://dandimackall.wordpress.com/
*A complimentary copy of this book was given to me by Tyndale Press.
The novel Just Sayin’ by Dandi Daley Mackall is categorized in the genre of juvenile fiction, and seeks to emphasize themes of friendship, kind speech, and reconciliation. Through her characters—both children and adults—she seeks to humorously work through the power of words and the need for both kind and clear communication, and even show how the Bible can bring about change in the Christian life.
A few things that made this book enjoyable for me as a reader:
The first thing is the concept/structure. This story is told almost entirely through letters written between the characters, beginning with the child protagonist, Cassie Callahan. Mackall brings in the realistic expectation via the supporting characters’ comments that in today’s technological society that Cassie should have a phone or a computer through which she can communicate, but her love of words and writing comes through pretty seamlessly. The letter-writing format is consistent throughout the book, save some necessary records of phone conversations, as well as text exchanges.
The second thing is (warning, spoilers) the humor. There’s a point where Nick and Cassie attempt to get their parents back together by writing to them as each other (So, Nick writes to Cassie’s mom as Nick’s dad, and Cassie writes to Nick’s dad as Cassie’s mom). The writing here is hilarious, and the absurdity of how these two kids view romance is both realistic and enjoyably naive. It really did make me laugh out loud.
The third thing was Cassie’s character development as well as her uniqueness as a character. There’s a clear and realistic spiritual change that happens in Cassie the more she contemplates her words, what they mean, and how they affect others. And yet, the change isn’t so drastic within the time frame that it makes her growth unrealistic. She’s still the snarky, sassy, little girl that she was at the beginning of the story, still Cassie, but by the end of the book she’s on her way to changing not just her words, but also her whole life, even as an eleven-year-old. Her enjoyment of words was just one of the many other idiosyncrasies that set her apart from the other characters, and helped her earn her spot as the protagonist of the story.
*Bonus element that made this read enjoyable: Mackall did a great job of bringing Scripture into this story and making sure, at least in Cassie’s life, it was clear that the Bible is what brought about her character change. The way Cassie approached the Bible and “writing letters to Jesus” was in line with her character and how she typically did things, and gave me a sweet look into how an eleven-year-old might see God.
A few things that made this book difficult for me as a reader:
The first thing is the inconsistency of the voice. There were a few times when Nick or Cassie sounded considerably more mature than the eleven-year-olds they are. There were also a few times when Nick or Cassie used outlandishly poor grammar that didn’t fit with their general maturity; the mistakes seemed too intentionally placed and took me out of the story as a reader.
The second thing is the grammatical errors. There’s a possibility Mackall intentionally placed certain marks in the wrong places (periods inconsistently inside and/or outside the parentheses, when the rule is typically that they belong outside, etc.) to make the story more true to real-life letter-writing. But with how fluidly Nick and Cassie wrote, the errors were more distracting than anything else, and did not accomplish the intention, should it have been the intention, of making the letter-writing more realistic.
The third thing is the perfect ending. Granted, it is a book that seems to be geared more towards children, and it might be that endings in that particular genre are meant to be this way, but the ending seemed too easy. Every loose end is tied up. Everyone gets what they wanted. Things work out exactly as planned. Now, I love happy endings. I really do. But it doesn’t feel like the ending was earned, and no real heartache was experienced in order to achieve it, except from the poor miscommunication of Nick’s dad and Cassie’s mom, and yet even that didn’t seem like a solid enough catalyst for the drama that proceeded, and was then easily figured out and tied up in the end.
I would, however, despite the previous remarks, recommend this book to anyone looking for a light-hearted read filled with humor, in need of a lesson about the power of our words, or looking for a reminder that God changes people.
About the Author:
“Dandi Daley Mackall is the award-winning author of over 450 books for children and adults. She visits countless schools, conducts writing assemblies and workshops across the United States, and presents keynote addresses at conferences and young author events. She is also a frequent guest on radio talk shows and has made dozens of appearances on TV. She has won several awards for her writing, including the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children’s Literature, the Edgar Award, and a two-time Mom’s Choice Award winner. Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Joe, their three children, and their horses, dogs, and cats.”
If you’re interested in knowing more about Dandi, I present thee reader with thine access to her blog…eth.
https://dandimackall.wordpress.com/
*A complimentary copy of this book was given to me by Tyndale Press.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2017
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
Man, Dandi Daley Mackall is versatile. I originally grew to love her Starlight Animal Shelter horse series a long time ago, and then I rediscovered her when I started receiving books for review from her publishing company Tyndale and they sent me Larger-Than-Life Lara (a book told in "school assignment" format by a girl whose overweight classmate was bullied) and With Love, Wherever You Are (a retelling of her grandparents' romance while both were serving in Europe during WWII). Now we get something quite different yet again with Just Sayin,' which is told entirely through letters and texts exchanged between the characters.
It's a very interesting narration gimmick, and one that works really well here. I had a little trouble suspending disbelief for the duration of the book (because let's be honest, no one–let alone children–regularly writes such detailed, vulnerable letters to friends, family members, and new acquaintances). I managed, though, and I'm glad I did because Just Sayin' really is a very good read.
The story of the split between Nick's dad and Cassie's mom so soon before their marriage is an interesting one, if a little simplified at times. With just 180 pages to work with, Mackall didn't really have space to flesh the nuances of the situation out as well as she could have otherwise. I was rooting for them to join together as a family once more, of course, but I cared a lot more about Cassie, Nick, and Nick's little sister Julie than I did about the parents. I was particularly mad at Cassie's mom–because I don't care what sort of emotional drama you're going through, up and abandoning your daughter at your mom's house indefinitely is not okay.
But forget the parents, it's really all about the kids. Cassie's and Nick's letters are so warm and funny, and I love the way they try out all sorts of nasty insults on each other. They're big fans of insults, and they're almost professional-level good at dishing them out. Cassie begins to have a sort of "crisis of faith" during the book, in which she starts reading the Bible at her pastor's urging and realizes that some insults are unkind and un-Christlike. This is an interesting side story, though I also struggle with the idea that a kid her age would be mature enough to come up with these sorts of complex biblical analyses (let alone be convicted enough to consider implementing them!).
Really, my main issue with Just Sayin' is that the characters act pretty unrealistically both for their age and for the format of their correspondence. But it's such a fun and heartwarming book–and the kids' letters are just so laugh-out-loud hilarious!–that I can't help but love it anyway.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Man, Dandi Daley Mackall is versatile. I originally grew to love her Starlight Animal Shelter horse series a long time ago, and then I rediscovered her when I started receiving books for review from her publishing company Tyndale and they sent me Larger-Than-Life Lara (a book told in "school assignment" format by a girl whose overweight classmate was bullied) and With Love, Wherever You Are (a retelling of her grandparents' romance while both were serving in Europe during WWII). Now we get something quite different yet again with Just Sayin,' which is told entirely through letters and texts exchanged between the characters.
It's a very interesting narration gimmick, and one that works really well here. I had a little trouble suspending disbelief for the duration of the book (because let's be honest, no one–let alone children–regularly writes such detailed, vulnerable letters to friends, family members, and new acquaintances). I managed, though, and I'm glad I did because Just Sayin' really is a very good read.
The story of the split between Nick's dad and Cassie's mom so soon before their marriage is an interesting one, if a little simplified at times. With just 180 pages to work with, Mackall didn't really have space to flesh the nuances of the situation out as well as she could have otherwise. I was rooting for them to join together as a family once more, of course, but I cared a lot more about Cassie, Nick, and Nick's little sister Julie than I did about the parents. I was particularly mad at Cassie's mom–because I don't care what sort of emotional drama you're going through, up and abandoning your daughter at your mom's house indefinitely is not okay.
But forget the parents, it's really all about the kids. Cassie's and Nick's letters are so warm and funny, and I love the way they try out all sorts of nasty insults on each other. They're big fans of insults, and they're almost professional-level good at dishing them out. Cassie begins to have a sort of "crisis of faith" during the book, in which she starts reading the Bible at her pastor's urging and realizes that some insults are unkind and un-Christlike. This is an interesting side story, though I also struggle with the idea that a kid her age would be mature enough to come up with these sorts of complex biblical analyses (let alone be convicted enough to consider implementing them!).
Really, my main issue with Just Sayin' is that the characters act pretty unrealistically both for their age and for the format of their correspondence. But it's such a fun and heartwarming book–and the kids' letters are just so laugh-out-loud hilarious!–that I can't help but love it anyway.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2017
There was something about the idea of this book that reached out to me when I exploring options on the Tyndale site. It looked interesting and different. I'd peg this more to a middle grade reader than a young adult reader. Though as a grown up I really enjoyed it! It is a fun story about Cassie and Nick and their experiences as their parents don't marry and they finagle their way through the idea of insults and game shows and Cassie's aversion to the phone. Cassie also spends a little more time at church, a built in approved way to avoid her Moms phone calls, and picks up a few tidbits of helpful knowledge. And curbs her insult career a tad.
I didn't get the opportunity to read this with the Minions of Mischief but I really really think that both Moo and Munch would enjoy it for vastly different reasons. It's a little mature, as far as the actual words, for Moo but she would enjoy the relationships cheesiness of the characters. Munch, on the other hand, would devour it in an afternoon and I think would bury into the insults and the interplay and would greater grasp the 'power of words' thread more so than his younger sister. Although some of the 'handwriting' in the book was difficult to read (Gram and Ma had such thin tight writing) but I have to wonder if the kids would struggle with that as well since it's cursive. I know there's been this whole hoopla about cursive and school and whatnot. My Minions are learning it so that won't be an issue. But it's something to think about on a larger scale. And also something to consider as far as limiting accessibility to this book to older middle grade readers who have been exposed to cursive.
The entire story was fanciful and partly so over the top that while it was not realistically believable it was embracing and endearing. The idea of a famous person writing a couple of kids back? Or Gram becoming besties with said celebrity? Or two kids winning spots on a national game show? Or? Or? ... There were lots of that will never happen moments. And a beautiful massive red bow tied all around the ending. It didn't bother me one bit. I know, I am shocked too! The author managed to build solid characters with a multilayered story line with letters. Plain, old, post office delivered, letters. And she managed to encompass faith for a young person that made sense without feeling preachy or fake or awkward. The letter to God felt so real. I highly recommend this book to any middle grade reader, young adult reader, adult reader, senior reader, just a reader. It's quirky and entertaining and insightful and just there ya go...
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
I didn't get the opportunity to read this with the Minions of Mischief but I really really think that both Moo and Munch would enjoy it for vastly different reasons. It's a little mature, as far as the actual words, for Moo but she would enjoy the relationships cheesiness of the characters. Munch, on the other hand, would devour it in an afternoon and I think would bury into the insults and the interplay and would greater grasp the 'power of words' thread more so than his younger sister. Although some of the 'handwriting' in the book was difficult to read (Gram and Ma had such thin tight writing) but I have to wonder if the kids would struggle with that as well since it's cursive. I know there's been this whole hoopla about cursive and school and whatnot. My Minions are learning it so that won't be an issue. But it's something to think about on a larger scale. And also something to consider as far as limiting accessibility to this book to older middle grade readers who have been exposed to cursive.
The entire story was fanciful and partly so over the top that while it was not realistically believable it was embracing and endearing. The idea of a famous person writing a couple of kids back? Or Gram becoming besties with said celebrity? Or two kids winning spots on a national game show? Or? Or? ... There were lots of that will never happen moments. And a beautiful massive red bow tied all around the ending. It didn't bother me one bit. I know, I am shocked too! The author managed to build solid characters with a multilayered story line with letters. Plain, old, post office delivered, letters. And she managed to encompass faith for a young person that made sense without feeling preachy or fake or awkward. The letter to God felt so real. I highly recommend this book to any middle grade reader, young adult reader, adult reader, senior reader, just a reader. It's quirky and entertaining and insightful and just there ya go...
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
April 25, 2019
At 54, I know I'm not in the recommended age range for this book. I got it for my kids, who are, but got drawn into the tale before my children even knew it had arrived in the mail, and l couldn't put it down. My 81-year-old mother also read and loved it, chuckling through page after page of the engaging story.
I've always been a big letter writer, so the format of the book appealed to me. The story is told completely through correspondence between the characters. Some of the writing was sent via text messaging or on scribbled notes left taped to the refrigerator for parents to read, but most of it took the form of good, old-fashioned snail mail.
The book beautifully illustrates the fact that our words -- however we share them -- have great power. They can build up or tear down. Encourage or dishearten. And we have the power to choose how we'll use them.
This is the first title I've ever read by this author, but it won't be the last. I don't know if I'll make it through all 450+ books Dandi Daley Mackall has written, but I enjoyed JUST SAYIN' so thoroughly that I've already ordered a couple more, including one of the novels she's written for adults..
I've always been a big letter writer, so the format of the book appealed to me. The story is told completely through correspondence between the characters. Some of the writing was sent via text messaging or on scribbled notes left taped to the refrigerator for parents to read, but most of it took the form of good, old-fashioned snail mail.
The book beautifully illustrates the fact that our words -- however we share them -- have great power. They can build up or tear down. Encourage or dishearten. And we have the power to choose how we'll use them.
This is the first title I've ever read by this author, but it won't be the last. I don't know if I'll make it through all 450+ books Dandi Daley Mackall has written, but I enjoyed JUST SAYIN' so thoroughly that I've already ordered a couple more, including one of the novels she's written for adults..
August 12, 2017
I really enjoyed Larger-Than-Life Lara by Mackall, so seeing another children’s/MG book pop up by her on the Tyndale website was exciting to me. And, while I didn’t enjoy Just Sayin’ quite as much as I did Lara, it was still an engaging read.
I like the whole concept of the “novel of letters”—the entire book consists of letters, texts, e-mails, and what-have-you between the characters, complete with different handwritings and paper backgrounds. It’s a nice touch, though perhaps a little distracting. Mackall does a great job of giving each character a distinct voice and communicating character development through a medium that’s rather restricting in what can be described or expanded.
The plot is a bit simple and resolves simply, too, and I don’t know whether that’s a good or a bad thing. The important part of the book, to me, was Cassie’s development, not Travis and Jen’s relationship, so perhaps the simplicity of that particular aspect of the book doesn’t matter. And, speaking of Cassie’s development, I think the lessons she learned were communicated clearly and effectively, though perhaps her actions at the end during the insult contest were not quite realistic (though the actions themselves don’t contradict her character, so perhaps the realism of it is fine, after all).
Perhaps my biggest problem with Just Sayin’ is that, after the wonderful subtlety of Larger-Than-Life Lara, the straightforwardness of it falls a little flat. I mean, I think it’s great that Cassie was so profoundly affected by what she read about words and by her letter writing to Jesus, but that also could have been communicated effectively without also alienating a large portion of readers who perhaps most need to hear the message. It wasn’t preachy—perhaps cheesy, but not preachy—but I do prefer subtlety in a lot of cases. However, with or without that, Just Sayin’ still has a good message about the power of words, as well as some good things to say about friendship and family.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
I like the whole concept of the “novel of letters”—the entire book consists of letters, texts, e-mails, and what-have-you between the characters, complete with different handwritings and paper backgrounds. It’s a nice touch, though perhaps a little distracting. Mackall does a great job of giving each character a distinct voice and communicating character development through a medium that’s rather restricting in what can be described or expanded.
The plot is a bit simple and resolves simply, too, and I don’t know whether that’s a good or a bad thing. The important part of the book, to me, was Cassie’s development, not Travis and Jen’s relationship, so perhaps the simplicity of that particular aspect of the book doesn’t matter. And, speaking of Cassie’s development, I think the lessons she learned were communicated clearly and effectively, though perhaps her actions at the end during the insult contest were not quite realistic (though the actions themselves don’t contradict her character, so perhaps the realism of it is fine, after all).
Perhaps my biggest problem with Just Sayin’ is that, after the wonderful subtlety of Larger-Than-Life Lara, the straightforwardness of it falls a little flat. I mean, I think it’s great that Cassie was so profoundly affected by what she read about words and by her letter writing to Jesus, but that also could have been communicated effectively without also alienating a large portion of readers who perhaps most need to hear the message. It wasn’t preachy—perhaps cheesy, but not preachy—but I do prefer subtlety in a lot of cases. However, with or without that, Just Sayin’ still has a good message about the power of words, as well as some good things to say about friendship and family.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
July 31, 2017
"Just Sayin" by Dandi Daley Mackall is a book about two young best friends whose parents almost got married but now they are having to communicate via letters in our modern world. This book is written in a very unique way as each part is a letter from one character in the book to another. It was a very interesting way to read a book but it was also the story being told via the letters that made this a great book. Most of the letters are from the two friends Nick and Cassie but at times there is others involved too and I have to admit I think my favorite was the first letter we read from Cassie's grandmother she is so funny. This was such a funny and fun book to read and I highly recommend it.
I was given this book from Tyndale Publishers for free and was not required to give a positive review.
I was given this book from Tyndale Publishers for free and was not required to give a positive review.
October 31, 2017
Mackall never ceases to amaze me! She truly has an amazing talent and can write a wide variety of books. This book was fun and witty, but definitely got the point across too. This read will have you laughing the entire time. I love the fun writing style of letters being written back and forth. That really struck me as a unique way to present this read. This read touches on the impact that a breakup has on a family and the impact that our words have on those around us. It's a quick and fun read with a powerful message. I highly recommend it to others!
Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes. All opinions remain my own and were not influenced.
Disclosure: I received this book for review purposes. All opinions remain my own and were not influenced.
January 18, 2018
I found this book at a Library, and thought, "lets try it out!" I wouldn't exactly say I TRIED it out... I LOVED IT! It was a very sweet book with a lot of funny quotes I will never forget! This book was definitely one to love and cherish. Just Sayin' is full of Funny Letters, Sad Letters, Sweet Letters, and even letters to Jesus. I'm glad that this book was made so everyone could read it and go through all the wacky adventures of Cassie and Nick!
February 28, 2021
Here is my first finished hardcover book of the year. I always enjoy a epistolary format in my novels and find it much easier to digest when I’m needing a bit of a pallet cleanser. Just Sayin is a middle grade novel written in letters. This story is full of comedy, a mixed family and faith. As we watch the main character Cassie write letters to family members, a tv star and even Jesus we see that even in hardship there is hope.
September 1, 2017
Cassie's mother, Jen, was about to marry Nick's father, Travis, when they broke up. Cassie and Nick scheme to get their parents back together by competing on a game show. I thought this book was good, and liked the message about watching your words. My 11 year old daughter read it first and really liked it.
September 2, 2017
Dandi Daley Mackall is quickly becoming one of my favorite young adult authors. I love this book about a quirky 11 year old, Cassie, who is on a letter writing campaign to ease her loneliness and figure out why her mom and her future stepfather broke up. Along the way, she discovers herself and learns that words can affect others and change lives.
August 5, 2025
Refreshing take on storytelling! The childlike behaviors are captured and heartwarming at every page. The dynamic between two families are written (or told through letters) in depth. The power of words!!!
August 4, 2017
I thought that this was a fun read - even as an adult.
June 13, 2018
Cute story, loved the idea. Didn't care for the quotes from the Bible, but still a fun read.
July 30, 2022
Cute and powerful.
January 8, 2023
adorable book
July 7, 2024
A cute little story
May 26, 2024
I found this book while searching for epistolary novels and this did not disappoint. As a Christian kid who loved humor and went through an insult phase, I would have loved this book at a certain age. But then again, I loved this book now! It's funny, it's heartfelt, it has a beautiful message about words being wholesome while still packing a punch with the insults. This was a super fun read!
August 30, 2017
I love epistolary novels. This one features two 11year olds, a marriage and the King of Insults.
Words and trust are just two of the themes wrapped around love and belief.
A perfect book for teens and teens.
Look for a longer review in the Ohioana Quarterly and at the bookloft.
Words and trust are just two of the themes wrapped around love and belief.
A perfect book for teens and teens.
Look for a longer review in the Ohioana Quarterly and at the bookloft.
June 9, 2020
Just Sayin’ by Dandi Daley Mackall is a middle grades novel that’s simple and sweet and touches on some important topics for a lot of kids today-- blended families and insults. Many might assume that in a blended family, the new siblings would be the ones who create conflict by insulting each other left and right, they actually have a wonderful relationship that may be built on insults but is cemented by the love they have for one another.
The story is centered around Cassie and her almost-step-brother Nick who write letters back and forth constantly. They were excited to become a family because their parents were supposed to marry, but when the marriage fell through, Cassie moved in with her grandmother while her mom went to California to “find herself,” and Nick and his sister, Julie, moved out-of-state with their dad. Cassie and Nick keep up with each other through letters, and they also end up corresponding with an insult celebrity, the King of Insults. They try to solve the mystery of why their parents broke up as well as hatch plans to get them back together, the last, most elaborate effort involving a televised “insult” competition conveniently located close to Cassie.
I thought the strengths of this novel were absolutely the positive messages about blended family and the importance of kindness to others. Julie, Nick’s sister, has some health issues, and Mackall used her character to allow Cassie and Nick to realize the difference between joking insults that are okay among friends and painful insults that hit too close to home, and that distinction is so important for the age group that would be reading this.
Although the characters were sweet, I like they were a bit unrealistic in some of their actions. The King of Insults, a celebrity with his own TV show, answers fan mail from not only Cassie but also her almost-step-brother and her grandmother. The fact that his producer scheduled an insult competition in Cassie’s town on her birthday and that the King wrote letters regularly with all of these characters was a little too unbelievable for me. Additionally, in part of Cassie’s quest to avoid her weekly phone calls with her mother, she started attending church and learning more about Jesus, and she very quickly changed her sharp tongue and started speaking in proverbs rather than insults during the competition.
I appreciated that the different writers were easy to distinguish from each other, but the epistolary format did not work for the entire novel. In the middle of the climax of the story (during the insult competition), Nick, Cassie, and the grandmother all took turns writing to Julie when realistically, they would be watching the action on the stage.
I do think that this would be a great book for a lot of middle-grades readers who want a fast read because the letters make for quick pages. Overall, it was a good read that kept my attention, but as an adult reader, it left me wishing for more complexity.
The story is centered around Cassie and her almost-step-brother Nick who write letters back and forth constantly. They were excited to become a family because their parents were supposed to marry, but when the marriage fell through, Cassie moved in with her grandmother while her mom went to California to “find herself,” and Nick and his sister, Julie, moved out-of-state with their dad. Cassie and Nick keep up with each other through letters, and they also end up corresponding with an insult celebrity, the King of Insults. They try to solve the mystery of why their parents broke up as well as hatch plans to get them back together, the last, most elaborate effort involving a televised “insult” competition conveniently located close to Cassie.
I thought the strengths of this novel were absolutely the positive messages about blended family and the importance of kindness to others. Julie, Nick’s sister, has some health issues, and Mackall used her character to allow Cassie and Nick to realize the difference between joking insults that are okay among friends and painful insults that hit too close to home, and that distinction is so important for the age group that would be reading this.
Although the characters were sweet, I like they were a bit unrealistic in some of their actions. The King of Insults, a celebrity with his own TV show, answers fan mail from not only Cassie but also her almost-step-brother and her grandmother. The fact that his producer scheduled an insult competition in Cassie’s town on her birthday and that the King wrote letters regularly with all of these characters was a little too unbelievable for me. Additionally, in part of Cassie’s quest to avoid her weekly phone calls with her mother, she started attending church and learning more about Jesus, and she very quickly changed her sharp tongue and started speaking in proverbs rather than insults during the competition.
I appreciated that the different writers were easy to distinguish from each other, but the epistolary format did not work for the entire novel. In the middle of the climax of the story (during the insult competition), Nick, Cassie, and the grandmother all took turns writing to Julie when realistically, they would be watching the action on the stage.
I do think that this would be a great book for a lot of middle-grades readers who want a fast read because the letters make for quick pages. Overall, it was a good read that kept my attention, but as an adult reader, it left me wishing for more complexity.
October 31, 2017
Just Sayin' is the story of a young girl, Cassie Callahan, who almost gets a new dad, brother, and sister. Almost because, well, something happened. But nobody knows what or why. Cassie's mom, Jennifer, and Nick's dad, Trent, were supposed to get married. However, they seem to change their minds overnight and things completely change. Cassie stays with her grandmother while her mom goes out of town to sort things out, and Nick's family moves to another state. Needless to say, Cassie and Nick are heartbroken that they don't get to be siblings and that they don't get to see each other often, but they continue their friendship through writing letters. Throughout the story, readers learn that both Cassie and Nick love insults, so much so that they even like to watch game shows about making insults. In the end, Cassie and Nick come up with a scheme to see each other and to get their parents back together. They both apply for a position on a game show with their favorite insulter, the King, and they both make it. As a result, both parents end up at the game show and (*spoiler alert) are able to forgive each other and get back together.
This story has so many messages that can speak to such a broad audience. Though it is a children's book, I actually enjoyed it. Cassie and Nick both embark on a journey of learning what the Bible says about insulting others, and readers are able to see a change in their attitudes towards insults. Not only that, but so many children will definitely be able to relate to both Cassie and Nick. Children who have lost a parent or a parent has walked out of their life can relate to these kids. They know the feelings and emotions that Cassie and Nick describe in this book.
Overall, I think this was a sweet story. I loved that the book was written as the letters between Cassie, Nick, Grandma, the King of Insults, and more. Readers will be taken along as Cassie and Nick learn that words can be used to tear down or to build others up. They will also be able to see a story of trusting God and forgiving others. I would definitely recommend this book to children, especially in grades 4-8. I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
This story has so many messages that can speak to such a broad audience. Though it is a children's book, I actually enjoyed it. Cassie and Nick both embark on a journey of learning what the Bible says about insulting others, and readers are able to see a change in their attitudes towards insults. Not only that, but so many children will definitely be able to relate to both Cassie and Nick. Children who have lost a parent or a parent has walked out of their life can relate to these kids. They know the feelings and emotions that Cassie and Nick describe in this book.
Overall, I think this was a sweet story. I loved that the book was written as the letters between Cassie, Nick, Grandma, the King of Insults, and more. Readers will be taken along as Cassie and Nick learn that words can be used to tear down or to build others up. They will also be able to see a story of trusting God and forgiving others. I would definitely recommend this book to children, especially in grades 4-8. I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
January 30, 2021
Good, positive, YA read.
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