A Storm of Strawberries

by Jo Cotterill

Darby loves summer on her family's strawberry farm - but is the weather about to turn?

Darby's favourite things are listening to music - preferably The Beatles - picking strawberries on the farm and spending time with her big sister. She is looking forward to doing all three over the long weekend, but when Kaydee has a friend to stay and the sunshine disappears, everything gets turned on its head. When the storm clears, will Darby find everything is back to normal, and what is 'normal' anyway?

A warm, thoughtful and reassuring novel from acclaimed author Jo Cotterill.

Genres: Middle Grade, LGBT, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Disability, Fiction, Young Adult

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2017

About the author

Jo Cotterill has had several careers - actor, musician, teacher, newspaper seller - but is now a full-time writer in Oxfordshire. She loves writing for all ages and has published over twenty books. A Library of Lemons is a book from the heart about making connections and what it really means to be human. Jo loves going into schools and talking about books and reading, and can be found making cards and writing music when she's not spending time with her husband and two young daughters.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the writing. I like how the main character has been represented in the story.

However, I do feel the story is not about our main character. It's a little more about acceptance I can understand. But the parent's reaction to same gender relationship is just a bit out of proportion I feel. And the other characters reflect what can be called too ignorant and intolerant towards it which I feel it's high time we know and understand. Even if it's fiction and so many are still acting like that in real, I do not want to support such writing.

However, the story focuses on the main character, Darby, who has Down's Syndrome and the plot do focus on this. I would have liked the story and the characters better if the blurb didn't sound this different from the actual story. The tornado part there is the least part of the story I feel.

The adult characters and the siblings could have been represented much better I feel.

A good one time read.

[Lizzie Huxley-Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely charming book.

Set on a strawberry farm over the course of one weekend, this novel follows twelve year old Darby as things start to (literally and metaphorically) fall apart in her life. A tornado is coming, and so is her sister Kaydee's difficult friend Lissa. All Darby wants to do is the annual chocolate egg hunt.

Darby has Down's Syndrome and its clear that Cottrill has done her research into life as someone with Down's Syndrome, producing a point of view narrative that feels real - and very close to good autistic character voices, which makes me wonder if Darby is supposed to be dual diagnosis. Sorry autism distraction!

In a short novel and one small weekend, Cottrill manages to incorporate jealousy, secrets and truths, hidden romance, financial fears and a lot of shouting. I'm really impressed by this lovely little novel that affirms that disabled people have our own wants, desires, personalities without patronising the reader or getting it wildly wrong.

Not only that but this is a middle grade novel with a lesbian couple that also deals with coming out to parents and siblings - normally a narrative reserved for older readers books. All in all, I'm really impressed and will be seeking out more of Cottrill's books.

This is a great novel to buy a child (I feel from age 9 upwards) especially if they want to understand people with Down's Syndrome, learning disabilities and autism better, as well as being just a lovely, captivating story. Darby is a warm loving person who I loved reading about, and honestly I'd read a whole series about her.

What to read next:
How to Look for a Lost Dog by Ann M. Martin
The Girl in Between by Sarah Carroll
The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Thank you kindly to the team at Bonnier Zaffre and Piccadilly Press for sharing this book with me.

[Emma Ludlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother of a daughter with Downs Syndrome I laughed out loud at how spot on Jo has captured the little traits that a person with DS displays, as well as making me cry with how others see and treat them. The sisters in the book remind me so much of my girls, my eldest looking after and being chief champion for my youngest with DS - except for when they fall out! It is just like the sisters in this story. I loved the characters, the story and how sometimes the ones that are not deemed the smartest in society truly are. Fantastic book about acceptance and loving people for who they are and not how society says they should be.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mieltä avartava kirjoitus Down tytön mielenmaisemasta. En osaa sanoa miten osuvasti on kirjoitettu, mutta itse tykkäsin tosi paljon.

[Susan Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Darby is twelve years old and has Down’s Syndrome. A Storm of Strawberries is told from Darby’s point of view. For the first two thirds of the book, this proves to be a clever technique and the author, Jo Cotterill is able to convey Darby’s observations, even when Darby herself doesn’t understand the significance of what she is seeing. Unfortunately, this technique fails dismally in the last part of the book when there is crucial information that Darby, and therefore the reader, is unaware of. Since Darby is the main character and the story ends happily for her, the author may feel justified in leaving numerous unanswered questions. However, it’s a dissatisfying way to conclude the book.

The storyline is Darby’s sixteen year old sister Kaydee, has arranged for her friend Lissa, to spend the weekend on the family’s strawberry farm. There is a significant storm event headed their way and Darby’s parents are kept busy with preparations. This means Darby, Kaydee, Lissa, and Olly, Darby’s brother, are left to their own devices for much of the weekend. Over the course of the weekend, Darby, inadvertently discovers that Kaydee and Lissa believe themselves to be gay and in a relationship.

While this is a well written book, where the author makes it possible to relate to someone with Down’s syndrome, the story is actually aimed at twelve year olds, but it contains adult themes. Thus the age of the intended reader is uncertain. This, along with the ambiguous conclusion, makes it a disappointing read.

Thanks to Christian School Supplier for providing a free book for review

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok so this book isn't really what I expected it to be but I mean that in the best way possible. definitely a hidden gem and like super cute. I loved itttttt

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read & reviewed for The Bookbag:
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/i...

Darby lives on a strawberry farm with her mum, big sister, step dad and step brother. She loves music, dancing, chocolate egg hunts and her big sister Kaydee. She is warm and funny, and she has Down's syndrome. The story looks at the events of one weekend in Darby's life when the farm is threatened by a tornado, and her family is threatened by the revelation of a closely-guarded secret.

I read, and adored, Jo Cotterill's story A Library of Lemons so I was very much looking forward to this book. Once again, she delves into some complex issues, but writes them in an extremely accessible way. The main character, and narrator to the story, has Down's syndrome, and she has been very thoughtfully and carefully imagined. Darby is wonderfully direct, open and honest. I liked her immediately, and I liked how having Down's syndrome is just presented as a fact, rather than a big deal that needs a lot of explanation. Her interactions with her family are both funny and moving, and they reflect the usual sibling affections and rivalries, jealousies and love. She is especially close to her big sister, Kaydee, and much of the story revolves around Kaydee's best friend Lissa being in their house for a sleepover. Darby feels that Lissa doesn't like her, and she is immensely jealous of all the time they're spending together.

The strawberry farm is at great risk during the tornado, and so Darby's parents are rushing around trying to protect their livelihood which manages to both create an undercurrent of tension throughout the story, but also gives Darby more freedom since she is left to her own devices much of the time whilst they're fixing things around the farm. This tension carries over into the family aspects of the story, and issues around secrecy, homosexuality and family conflict are handled deftly. I really liked that a storyline about coming out that might more usually be found in a young adult novel is, here, beautifully and very simply written. It is easy to understand what's happening, and seeing everything from Darby's point of view adds a level of perception that I particularly enjoyed.

I struggled a little with the tornado. I know we do get them here in the UK, but I feel that tornadoes in my head are associated with America, and so each time it was mentioned I was jolted slightly as I began to question whether the story was set in the UK or America, pondering the names Darby and Kaydee (which also sound very American) but everyone sounded very British! It's silly, I know, but I just felt it kept interrupting the story, this ponderance of where on earth everything was happening. I think because of this I didn't feel quite the same deep emotional attachment as I had with A Library of Lemons, but this is still a very engaging, and moving, story.

The resolution in the story was satisfying, and I enjoyed how very real the characters were, including the imperfect mother who says the wrong things without quite meaning to, and that it is Darby who manages to pull everyone back together and fix the storm at the heart of her own family. I also loved that it is about being different, in many different ways, and about acceptance and understanding in everyday life, as well as across wider issues. This is a fast and easy read, aimed probably at children around 8-12, that delves deeper than many books for this age group, and it is written in a sensitively and with a great deal of heart.

[Nick Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is charming. At first, I wasn’t sure where it was going. 12-year-old Darby, a girl with Down’s Syndrome, is upset when her older sister’s best friend arrives for the weekend. She feels excluded. To make her even more upset, her parents are more concerned about the damage an approaching storm might do to their strawberry farm than they are about the annual chocolate hunt that Darby loves.

But what I thought was going to be a pleasant Jacqueline Wilson tale about divided sisterly loyalties (and that’s not intended as a putdown) turns into something quite different with a plot turn I don’t want to give away. Then the storm outside threatening the farm is matched by a storm inside threatening the family and I really wasn’t sure how everything would play out. I read the second half of the book in one long session, turning the pages as fast as I could.

There’s a mean-spirited Amazon review calling the book ‘A very middle-class story’. Well, if it’s middle class to draw all your characters with a delicate touch, to consider all your characters’ motives fairly, and to build to a conclusion that positively embraces change and difference… then sign me up right this second.

I think this is a lovely book.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Library of Lemons was my favourite read of last year so I was very eager to read Storm of Strawberries. Main character Darby has Downs Syndrome and she lives on a strawberry farm with her mum, stepdad, sister and step brother. Darby and Kaydee, her sister, have always been very close so when Kaydee develops a close friendship with Lissa Darby is very jealous and struggles to cope. The story develops whilst a hurricane is building that threatens the family's livelihood, not all is as it seems with Kaydee and Lissa's relationship and there's a lot of tension under the surface that upsets poor Darby. In the end it is left to her to remind her family that you love people for who they are, not their physical makeup.

This is a gorgeous, warm family story that left me wanting to hug my kids - although at 27 and 29 they might object, especially if it was in public! Jo Cotterill has a delightful writing style that never over sentimentalises but still manages to get you right in the heart in many places in the story. I will be recommending this to all my friends - and do look out for Lissa's mum's brief appearance, she is named after yours truly!

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book reminded me of growing up and going in the summer to pick strawberries. I found this a nice easy read but one that also tackles a few sensitive issues. I like the fact that it centres around Darby who is twelve years old, she is a lovely young lady who has down's syndrome. I found I could relate to what she was saying as my cousin has down syndrome and I use to look after him when he was little and I know the struggles he use to have to put up with. I saw at first hand how people treat people with downs syndrome and people can be very nasty, at the end of the day they are just normal people and shouldn't be judged differently. Everyone is equal. A short read but one I enjoyed very much. I liked hearing Darby remembering stories of her growing up.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet, touching children's novel told from the point of view of Darby, a 12 year old who has Down's Syndrome, as she deals with the events over a stormy weekend.

The main plot point here is that Darby finds out that her older sister is in a relationship with her female best friend. Some interesting prejudices are touched upon and resolved, and there are other issues at play here which are sensitively dealt with. It was an interesting viewpoint, and a very effective way of introducing issues around sexuality into a book for younger children.

Well written with an interesting cast of characters that children will feel an affinity with, this is a lovely read.

[Ben Trevail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another super book from Jo Cotterill, this time exploring family relationships, living with Downs , and coming to terms with sexuality. The story is narrated by Darby who lives on a strawberry farm and has Down's syndrome. I found her voice convincing and Jo Cotterill has a real skill of finding characters' inner voices. For me, it didn't have the emotional punch of Library of Lemons but I'm sure for some it will resonate more.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Darby's family strawberry farm is prepared for the tornado, they aren't prepared for the storm of emotions that surface when a truth is brought to light.

[Alaina Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it so much. I finished it in 24 hours literally. This showed me how to be happy even in the darkest of storms.

[Shniar Othman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish they stop putting this homosexuality nonsense in every children books. the rating is -1.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

warning to grandparents or people of that age that read this book, you (we), will feel OLD.

Darby, the narrator, is 5th or 6th grade girl w/Down Syndrome, she has a Mom, Dad, 14 year-old brother and 16 year-old sister (Kaydee), the book takes place over a weekend w/violent storms. Big Sister's best friend, Lissa, is also a starring character. Darby l o o o ves music.
Lissa cuts across me. "What are we going to listen to?"
"I've got lots of music on my phone,"Kaydee says. "Darby, you can choose first."
"Can we have the strawberry song?" I say.
She smiles. "Sure."
"Which strawberry song?" Lissa asks.
"It's by the Beatles," says Kaydee.
"The who?"
"The Beatles," I repeat. They're the boy band Dad likes. When he first told me their name, I thought they were called the Beetles , and for ages I wondered if they all had six legs and antennae. Then he wrote it down for me and I saw that it was spelled wrong. I guess the people in the band didn't know how to spell and it got stuck like that, and by the time anyone realized, it was too late to change it.
"Boy band back in the sixties," Kaydee says to Lissa.
"Oh, THEM. That's ancient music."

great writing and realistic. but it makes me realize how old i am. Boy band. good grief!

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Storm of Strawberries: two stars.

-Interesting to see a narrator with Down Syndrome, as it's super underrepresented in literature. I appreciated that Darby's Down Syndrome is not portrayed as a problem/tragedy, and that she's a fairly well-rounded character. But I didn't love the way the "I remember..." sections were separated out--it felt vaguely patronizing? I don't know; I'd be really interested to hear how readers with Down Syndrome feel about the narrative style.

-There's a disappointing amount of homophobia from multiple characters that doesn't get satisfactorily addressed. In general, the book's attitude toward queerness (queer identity as a shocking discovery that threatens to rend a family!!) feels pretty outdated. (For context, this book is from 2017, which is five years after Telgemeier's Drama, three years after the first Family Fletcher book, and the same year as Dee's Star-Crossed--all examples of MG books that avoided using their characters' queer identity as a conflict.)

-I was distracted by how nonchalantly the characters all behave in the face of a tornado--wandering in and out of the house, hanging out on the third floor, etc. Does "tornado" refer to something different in the UK than in the US?

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book prominently displayed in our local Barnes and Noble in the section marked 6 and up. I thought the cover art was charming and I was even more interested in reading it after discovering it was from the perspective of a child with Down's Syndrome. My son is 6 and is a voracious reader. It's hard to find books that challenge and engage him, without having inappropriate themes.
Unfortunately, this book did not fall into the "safe" category. In one scene, the narrator, Darby (a 12 year old girl), walks into her sister's bedroom and finds her sister on the bed kissing a girl friend. The sister responds to Darby walking in on them by yelling at her and saying "what the hell do you think you're doing?"
The language isn't age appropriate in my opinion, and neither are the issues of sexuality that are explored. So parents beware: if you're looking for a sweet, simple, safe, clean read for your kids, look further. This isn't it.
This just served as a good reminder for me to continue to carefully vet books before allowing my son to read them. The age old adage is far too often true...you can't judge a book by it's cover.

[Capn · Rating 3 out of 5]

[MIGHT contain spoilers, idk. Tread carefully]

Set in England (inspired by a fruit farm on the south coast, but not expressly set there), this is a middle grade book that has almost nothing to do with tornadoes (the one that happens is mentioned in passing, and, as a meterological nerd, the storm didn't sound quite right for it anyway). A sweet little book told from the perspective of a 12 year old girl with Down's Syndrome whose prosaic views on the world save her blended family from unnecessary heartbreak over an LGBTQ+ 16 year old sibling coming out and it not going down well.

Take home message: kids with Down's Syndrome are awesome, and you can be proud to have one for a sibling. :) And that parents who are LGBTQ+ accepting still sometimes react inappropriately and incongruously when their own kids identify as such. Hypocrisy? Probably.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darby has downs syndrome and loves her life with her sister Kaydee around and living on a strawberry farm. So when Kaydee has her best friend Lissa stay over Darby makes a shocking discovery none of their family was expecting, as their brother Ollie acts out too.



Her mum and stepdad might run a strawberry farm but thanks to a storm, the business looks in a worse state than ever with their life in tatters in many ways it seems...



This book was fabulous for showing how smart people living with downs syndrome are I like that this is a children's book showing LGBT references and as a lover of strawberries myself I liked the setting quite a lot too! A simply fantastic book showing the good and bad times of family life.

[16BlandfordI · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a lovely book to read! I really enjoyed reading about Darby, and what she got up to. There were surprises throughout the book, which I really liked. I also liked how the relationship between Darby, and her sister, and how they used to be really close, but when Kaydee's friend stayed over, Darby thought her sister didn't like her anymore. The relationship between Kaydee (her sister) and Lissa (kaydee's friend) was a unexpected twist to the book. At the beginning, Darby doesn't like Lissa, but as the book goes on, she beggins to like her more.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ages 10+
Anna was very engaged by the story especially the urgency of the approaching storm. I loved the voice of the heroine with Down Syndrome and the way that she explained how she had to disengage from certain situations. There is opportunity for discussing the homosexual pair, how the relationship was not aiding them and how the parents could've handled it better. The book author does not resolve things in a way that is satisfying to a Catholic.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has a lead character with Down syndrome named Darby that was so meticulously researched and beautifully written.
It takes place on a strawberry farm in a tornado and also has a beautiful story about Darbys sister coming out to her family.
This had some truly wonderful moments and some hard ones as well.
Highly recommend.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

En narrator med Downs syndrom, lite HBTQ och en tornado som närmar sig jordgubbsfarmen.
Det är så ovanligt med första-persons berättelser av detta slag som faktiskt funkar men den här mellanålderspärlan lyckas faktiskt.

[MrsD271015 D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting - a beautifully written book about love, acceptance and family.

This made me feel happy inside - with such a strong bond between sisters and the realisation that you should be who you are and stand up for it.

Would recommend for age 11+

[Jess Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book it had so much going on two storms in one. It was a plot line about love of family, love in a relationship, courage, bravery, living on a farm, LGBQ coming out, finding yourself and all though the eyes of a girl with Down syndrome. It was amazing and exciting.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, hopeful and inclusive book- full RTC!

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with sensitivity and insight into living with special needs

[Kathleen]

Queer content: MC's sister is lesbian

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Point of view from girl with Down syndrome.