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Seeds of Magic Book #1
Jupiter Storm
A curious chrysalis changes Jackie's life forever.
Ten-year-old Jackie excels at being in charge. Her skills keep everything from gardens to five unruly brothers in line. So, when a curious chrysalis appears in Jackie's front yard, she naturally decides to take charge of it. The creature that emerges is not like anything Jackie has ever seen, and she soon realizes that she must protect it at all costs, even from her own family.
Dumas' classic story-telling style is perfect for fans of Catherynne Valente, Gail Carson Levine. Kate DiCamillo, and the like, and the smart, female main character who loves science and takes charge of her life, makes it a must-read. Ages 8-12.
Ten-year-old Jackie excels at being in charge. Her skills keep everything from gardens to five unruly brothers in line. So, when a curious chrysalis appears in Jackie's front yard, she naturally decides to take charge of it. The creature that emerges is not like anything Jackie has ever seen, and she soon realizes that she must protect it at all costs, even from her own family.
Dumas' classic story-telling style is perfect for fans of Catherynne Valente, Gail Carson Levine. Kate DiCamillo, and the like, and the smart, female main character who loves science and takes charge of her life, makes it a must-read. Ages 8-12.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2017
20 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Marti Dumas
27 books196 followersWriter:
Marti Dumas is a native New Orleanian with a passion for storytelling. When she is not teaching or parenting, she is reading or writing. She prefers to do some combination of the above within view of ancient oak trees or the banks of the river. Or both.
Narrator:
For over a decade Marti has narrated and produced audio books for use in educational settings, using her melodic voice to captivate audiences of children and adolescents. More recently, her honeyed tones have been featured in radio plays and television spots, and her first commercially available audio books were released in December of 2012.
Marti is a bel canto trained mezzo soprano and a versatile vocal performer, with a wide dramatic range and more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts. She speaks English and French, and works in a variety of accents and dialects.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 15, 2018
This book begins with my very favorite opening paragraph I've read in a long time:
"Jacquelyn Marie Johnson was exactly the kind of girl she should be. Tiny, talkative, and sharp as a tack. She liked paper dolls and long division and imagining things she had never seen. But most of all Jackie liked being in charge. And that was a good thing because she was also really good at it."
<3 <3 <3
Ohhhhh do I love Jackie! And I adored this book. I bought it last night and then DEVOURED it - the only time I voluntarily set it down was when I hit a point that felt so heart-wrenching, I couldn't bear it! (But then I picked it back up again 15 minutes later, because I had to know how it would end.)
If you think of your favorite classic girl-finally-gets-her-own-horse story and then transpose it to contemporary New Orleans with a secret dragon instead...you still might not get the full level of charm and heart and wish-fulfillment that this book provides! Because Jackie's whole family adds even more of the magic. She's one of six kids, and the whole family is amazing (NOT perfect, but REAL and loving and squabbling and difficult and wonderful). I loved her relationships with each of her very different parents, and with her youngest brother, especially. And ohhhh her connection with her dragon, Jupiter Storm, is SO emotionally intense and perfect! I was SO invested in them finding a way to stay together.
The pitch-perfect voice swept me through this book, and when I closed it, I let out an actual "Ahhhhh!" good-book sigh. It was Just Right! I can't wait to read it to my kids - and I can't wait to read Book 2 in the series, too!
"Jacquelyn Marie Johnson was exactly the kind of girl she should be. Tiny, talkative, and sharp as a tack. She liked paper dolls and long division and imagining things she had never seen. But most of all Jackie liked being in charge. And that was a good thing because she was also really good at it."
<3 <3 <3
Ohhhhh do I love Jackie! And I adored this book. I bought it last night and then DEVOURED it - the only time I voluntarily set it down was when I hit a point that felt so heart-wrenching, I couldn't bear it! (But then I picked it back up again 15 minutes later, because I had to know how it would end.)
If you think of your favorite classic girl-finally-gets-her-own-horse story and then transpose it to contemporary New Orleans with a secret dragon instead...you still might not get the full level of charm and heart and wish-fulfillment that this book provides! Because Jackie's whole family adds even more of the magic. She's one of six kids, and the whole family is amazing (NOT perfect, but REAL and loving and squabbling and difficult and wonderful). I loved her relationships with each of her very different parents, and with her youngest brother, especially. And ohhhh her connection with her dragon, Jupiter Storm, is SO emotionally intense and perfect! I was SO invested in them finding a way to stay together.
The pitch-perfect voice swept me through this book, and when I closed it, I let out an actual "Ahhhhh!" good-book sigh. It was Just Right! I can't wait to read it to my kids - and I can't wait to read Book 2 in the series, too!
December 13, 2017
I just finished reading this aloud to my 10 yr old daughter and we loved it! Main character 10 yr old Jackie is a natural leader, and an excellent student, especially when it comes to science. She's in charge of calling her brothers in for dinner, and taking care of the flowers in the front yard. One evening she discovers a unique chrysalis/egg hanging from a leaf of a snapdragon. She decides to bring it inside to watch it closely and see what happens. This is the beginning of a rollicking adventure which brings Jackie some important lessons. I loved this book because of the awesome science facts, the girl power, and the strong family dynamic. Scarlett loved the characters and the surprise in the chrysalegg. We are both super excited for the continuation of this story that is coming out next March!
November 17, 2017
Jupiter Storm by Marti Dumas is a stand-alone children's fantasy written in third-person from main character Jackie's point-of-view. This is a fantasy story that takes place in the 'real' world. It is about a young girl who finds and hatches a dragon egg and what happens afterward.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is wonderfully descriptive and full of emotion. This is not just a fantasy story about a girl and her dragon, it is also a story about family; about growing up in a large family and the struggles and love that come along with it. It is easy to read and flows well from chapter to chapter.
This book has well-developed characters and an interesting and adorable plot. Jackie is the only daughter in a family of eight, she isn't the oldest, but she isn't the youngest either. She is an intelligent, responsible, and incredibly imaginative young girl. She loves her family, but she often finds her brothers annoying. She likes to be in charge and she's good at it too. She cares for the front garden and is in charge of rounding up her brothers for dinner. Of her brothers, Sam is in the story the most. He is an adorable five-year-old who loves animals. I found him absolutely precious and would love a sequel where Jackie helps him hatch a dragon of his own.
This is a sweet and fun children's fantasy fit to be read by children and the young-at-heart. If you have a fantasy lover in-the-making grab this book and sit down together for a lovely read. If there is ever a sequel I will happily read it.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It is wonderfully descriptive and full of emotion. This is not just a fantasy story about a girl and her dragon, it is also a story about family; about growing up in a large family and the struggles and love that come along with it. It is easy to read and flows well from chapter to chapter.
This book has well-developed characters and an interesting and adorable plot. Jackie is the only daughter in a family of eight, she isn't the oldest, but she isn't the youngest either. She is an intelligent, responsible, and incredibly imaginative young girl. She loves her family, but she often finds her brothers annoying. She likes to be in charge and she's good at it too. She cares for the front garden and is in charge of rounding up her brothers for dinner. Of her brothers, Sam is in the story the most. He is an adorable five-year-old who loves animals. I found him absolutely precious and would love a sequel where Jackie helps him hatch a dragon of his own.
This is a sweet and fun children's fantasy fit to be read by children and the young-at-heart. If you have a fantasy lover in-the-making grab this book and sit down together for a lovely read. If there is ever a sequel I will happily read it.
November 13, 2017
I know that this is a children's book, but it has too many details, like every little thing this girl can think about. The introduction to the core story is too long and the main thing is very lightly treated. Also, kids nowadays cant put themselves in similar situations and cant empathize with the characters. Being a story it supposed to have a teaching. The entire story's accent is on LIE and relationship between parents and their children, but without giving you the tools to put yourself in the shoes of the character. Is not a bad story, but it needs a good editing.
January 22, 2018
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated below are 100% my own.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I just want to say that I LOVED Jupiter Storm!! This is a middle-grade fantasy book about a 10-year old named Jacquelyn Marie aka Jackie. She is the second oldest of 5 kids and the only girl. Her greatest strengths are her maturity and the fact that she is good at being in charge of things. From her 4 brothers to taking garden her family's garden, Jackie runs a tight ship.
At least she does until she finds what she initially thought was a chrysalis in one of her snapdragon plants. Jackie soon realizes that what she thought was butterfly egg is something she couldn't have imagined even her wildest dreams. When the egg hatches, Jackie finds herself doing whatever it takes to protect from being discovered by her family Jupiter Storm even if it means keeping secrets.
I really adored that this was a fantasy book with a Black girl as the main character. Even more, I loved that Jackie doesn't come from the stereotypical Black family. They don't live in the hood, nobody is doing drugs and she doesn't speak ebonics. I'm a firm believer that our children need to read books with characters of color that transcend the current stereotypes that are already prominent in our society.
Also, there are no gender roles in this book. In chapter, we see her mom fixing a broken sink pipe while her dad does the grocery shopping. I thought was a great example to show kids that there's no such thing as a man's or woman's job. I loved that Jackie's mom did car line, but she was also good with tools which often times a skill that many think only a man can possess.
I'm a reader who loves details, so I loved how detailed this story was. I could actually picture what Jupiter Storm looked like and see this story unfold in my head. I loved how this story built up to the action over time. There is a part towards the end of this story where things got a pick emotional. I'm not sure if my hormones are still out wack from having kids, but I did find myself tearing up.
Dumas did such a great job of creating characters and a story that is so easy to get emotionally attached to. I think above everything, I loved that this story was strong enough to get me emotionally invested as an adult reader. My heart literally ached for Jackie and Jupiter.
If I have to pick one thing to dislike about this book, it would be the fact that it's not written in first-person. And honestly, that's only because I do prefer first person point of view the most. I feel like as a reader, I can go deeper into the characters' thoughts and connect with them better. However, for this story, I'm not entirely sure if first-person would have been right for it. So, I'm happy with it as is.
I am definitely excited that this isn't the last we will see of Jackie, Jupiter and their family. I can't wait for book 2 to drop this March. I highly recommend this book, especially for young girls of color.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I just want to say that I LOVED Jupiter Storm!! This is a middle-grade fantasy book about a 10-year old named Jacquelyn Marie aka Jackie. She is the second oldest of 5 kids and the only girl. Her greatest strengths are her maturity and the fact that she is good at being in charge of things. From her 4 brothers to taking garden her family's garden, Jackie runs a tight ship.
At least she does until she finds what she initially thought was a chrysalis in one of her snapdragon plants. Jackie soon realizes that what she thought was butterfly egg is something she couldn't have imagined even her wildest dreams. When the egg hatches, Jackie finds herself doing whatever it takes to protect from being discovered by her family Jupiter Storm even if it means keeping secrets.
I really adored that this was a fantasy book with a Black girl as the main character. Even more, I loved that Jackie doesn't come from the stereotypical Black family. They don't live in the hood, nobody is doing drugs and she doesn't speak ebonics. I'm a firm believer that our children need to read books with characters of color that transcend the current stereotypes that are already prominent in our society.
Also, there are no gender roles in this book. In chapter, we see her mom fixing a broken sink pipe while her dad does the grocery shopping. I thought was a great example to show kids that there's no such thing as a man's or woman's job. I loved that Jackie's mom did car line, but she was also good with tools which often times a skill that many think only a man can possess.
I'm a reader who loves details, so I loved how detailed this story was. I could actually picture what Jupiter Storm looked like and see this story unfold in my head. I loved how this story built up to the action over time. There is a part towards the end of this story where things got a pick emotional. I'm not sure if my hormones are still out wack from having kids, but I did find myself tearing up.
Dumas did such a great job of creating characters and a story that is so easy to get emotionally attached to. I think above everything, I loved that this story was strong enough to get me emotionally invested as an adult reader. My heart literally ached for Jackie and Jupiter.
If I have to pick one thing to dislike about this book, it would be the fact that it's not written in first-person. And honestly, that's only because I do prefer first person point of view the most. I feel like as a reader, I can go deeper into the characters' thoughts and connect with them better. However, for this story, I'm not entirely sure if first-person would have been right for it. So, I'm happy with it as is.
I am definitely excited that this isn't the last we will see of Jackie, Jupiter and their family. I can't wait for book 2 to drop this March. I highly recommend this book, especially for young girls of color.
February 13, 2022
best characterisation I’ve read in a long time.
That made me awfully happy. I’m so tired on interchangeable heroines. Jackie is a very distinct person. You can see she’s a little bit like her mom and a little bit like her dad. She’s smart, but unevenly so, and she’s a bit obsessive and very curious. I can hear her voice and her culture. This is really just the start of a story but I really want to know what Jackie (and her brother Sam) do next.
I've now read the sequel, The Dragon Keep. It's very different and frankly, scary even to this adult. Most impressed and will be reading more by Dumas.
That made me awfully happy. I’m so tired on interchangeable heroines. Jackie is a very distinct person. You can see she’s a little bit like her mom and a little bit like her dad. She’s smart, but unevenly so, and she’s a bit obsessive and very curious. I can hear her voice and her culture. This is really just the start of a story but I really want to know what Jackie (and her brother Sam) do next.
I've now read the sequel, The Dragon Keep. It's very different and frankly, scary even to this adult. Most impressed and will be reading more by Dumas.
November 28, 2017
Jupiter Storm has everything you could ask for in a book: humor, adventure, genuine, relatable family dynamics, magic, and redemption. I cannot wait for my girls to read this book.
November 13, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a very fun book to read. I really enjoyed the story and found Jackie's character easy to relate to. There is a lot of build up in the beginning, but it is so well-told that it is still interesting to read. Once Jackie figures out what is inside the chrysalegg, things really pick up and the real adventure begins. I love how Dumas incorporated so many serious and mature themes into such a fun story (importance of honest, family, and freedom). This is a great book for a variety of age groups because of this. I really liked this book.
November 14, 2017
I have sons, 9 & 11 and we have been a fan of Dumas and the books of Jaden Toussaint. When I heard about Jupiter Storm, I was excited because I love to see smart, brave, insightful female leads in books, and Miss Jackie didn’t disappoint. The boys loved her adventures and the way she approached her great responsibilities. Great read, and we (myself included) will read it again! Great for all ages.
January 23, 2018
In Jupiter Storm by Marti Dumas published by Plum Street Press, we are introduced to a ten-year-old budding scientist named Jacquelyn Marie Johnson. Jackie enjoys taking care of the plants in the front yard and the wildness of the unattended backyard.
When the story opens, Jackie is calling her five rambunctious brothers in from outside by delivering a stern look that reminds them to wash their hands. After receiving some snapdragons from her Great Aunt Mamie seal, she took great care to make sure they thrived in their new environment. Jackie discovers a "chrysalegg" (not a chrysalis or egg) on one of the snapdragons and the story begins.
As the "chrysalegg" grows, she becomes more obsessed with it and ends up bringing it into the house where she can observe it. Her mother thinks it might be a malformed monarch butterfly inside the chrysalegg with the strange orange spot. Jackie keeps a very close eye on it until it magically transforms into something very special indeed.
There are so many surprises in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed going through every stage of Jackie's journey. With the help of her young brother Sam, she is able to bring something amazing into her backyard weed garden where it can feast on aphids.
Marti Dumas utilized many science terms in the creation of this manuscript which sent me scurrying to my Science for Children books for clarification. I applaud the way she inserted these terms gently like a pinch of herbs to add spice to the story.
Also, while watching for the surprise, keep an eye on the bottom of the pages for tiny illustrations much like the ones Jackie illustrates on her own.
In addition, Jackie and her classmates have an obsession with the creation of paper dolls. Marti Dumas has added a page just for this on her website www.MartiDumasBooks.com.
I recommend this book for older students who are ready for the scientific words and a great adventure.
When the story opens, Jackie is calling her five rambunctious brothers in from outside by delivering a stern look that reminds them to wash their hands. After receiving some snapdragons from her Great Aunt Mamie seal, she took great care to make sure they thrived in their new environment. Jackie discovers a "chrysalegg" (not a chrysalis or egg) on one of the snapdragons and the story begins.
As the "chrysalegg" grows, she becomes more obsessed with it and ends up bringing it into the house where she can observe it. Her mother thinks it might be a malformed monarch butterfly inside the chrysalegg with the strange orange spot. Jackie keeps a very close eye on it until it magically transforms into something very special indeed.
There are so many surprises in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed going through every stage of Jackie's journey. With the help of her young brother Sam, she is able to bring something amazing into her backyard weed garden where it can feast on aphids.
Marti Dumas utilized many science terms in the creation of this manuscript which sent me scurrying to my Science for Children books for clarification. I applaud the way she inserted these terms gently like a pinch of herbs to add spice to the story.
Also, while watching for the surprise, keep an eye on the bottom of the pages for tiny illustrations much like the ones Jackie illustrates on her own.
In addition, Jackie and her classmates have an obsession with the creation of paper dolls. Marti Dumas has added a page just for this on her website www.MartiDumasBooks.com.
I recommend this book for older students who are ready for the scientific words and a great adventure.
January 11, 2018
Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced copy of this book from the author to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Jupiter Storm is the story of a very intelligent, science-loving, inquisitive 10-year-old girl named Jackie who likes to be in charge, mostly of her 5 unruly brothers. In this story an uninvited guest enters her life and the hijinks that take place thereafter test our protagonist at every turn and puts all her best skills to the test. This book is ideal for readers aged 9-12 years old and in grades 4-7, though it could easily be read to younger children and it was a nice read for me as an adult too, so while there is an ideal range there is something for everyone in the story of Jackie and her guest.
I was happy to receive this book because I love stories that have a female lead, especially one motivated by science, imagination, and the outdoors. I read the book then passed it to my 9-year-old son who initially balked because the main character was a girl and he assumed based on the cover he knew what the book was about. However, once he got in a couple of chapters he was into it. He finished the book in two days, which is saying something because we were on vacation at the tie doing a ton of activities each day. The story is compelling, the imagery rich, and once my son discovered who the uninvited guest was there was no stopping him from reading it. Can’t wait for the sequel!!
Jupiter Storm is the story of a very intelligent, science-loving, inquisitive 10-year-old girl named Jackie who likes to be in charge, mostly of her 5 unruly brothers. In this story an uninvited guest enters her life and the hijinks that take place thereafter test our protagonist at every turn and puts all her best skills to the test. This book is ideal for readers aged 9-12 years old and in grades 4-7, though it could easily be read to younger children and it was a nice read for me as an adult too, so while there is an ideal range there is something for everyone in the story of Jackie and her guest.
I was happy to receive this book because I love stories that have a female lead, especially one motivated by science, imagination, and the outdoors. I read the book then passed it to my 9-year-old son who initially balked because the main character was a girl and he assumed based on the cover he knew what the book was about. However, once he got in a couple of chapters he was into it. He finished the book in two days, which is saying something because we were on vacation at the tie doing a ton of activities each day. The story is compelling, the imagery rich, and once my son discovered who the uninvited guest was there was no stopping him from reading it. Can’t wait for the sequel!!
January 27, 2018
I loved this book - Jupiter Storm follows Jackie, a 10-year-old girl who discovers what she dubs a "chrysalegg" on some flowers and hatches something much more magical than the butterfly she thought it might be. The voice in the narration drew me in immediately - from the knowing mentions of how grown-ups can be to the big science words throughout that never speak down to the reader. The mix of magic, science and the everyday drama in the life of a 10 year old big sister comes together beautifully. Can't wait for the follow up "The Dragon Keep."
This book was sent to me by the publisher for Multicultural Children's Book Day #readyourworld
Multicultural Children's Book Day 2017 (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump into a Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids' books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board. View our 2018 MCBD Medallion Sponsors here.
This book was sent to me by the publisher for Multicultural Children's Book Day #readyourworld
Multicultural Children's Book Day 2017 (1/27/18) is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump into a Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids' books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board. View our 2018 MCBD Medallion Sponsors here.
April 12, 2018
Marti Dumas is such an engaging storyteller. We fell in love with Jackie and her maternal care for Jupiter.
This story builds as it goes. Because Jackie constantly hides things from her family, there is not a lot of dialogue. The story keeps moving as the setting changes–we peek into Jackie’s world at school, her neighborhood, and her wild, untamed Louisiana backyard.
Once we neared the climax of the story, we were completely hooked. We needed to know what happened, so we stayed up late reading and the girls set their alarm clocks 20 minutes early the next day so we could finish the final few chapters on a school morning.
The end did not disappoint. The story wrapped up neatly, while leaving room for a cliffhanger that will be followed up in a sequel to be released this year. Bean has already started saving up her money to buy the next installment.
JUPITER STORM is age-appropriate for elementary school readers, it offers some STEM learning, and it features a fiercely independent and capable young girl. This is a fabulous book for 8–10-year-olds, who are often forgotten in the land of middle grade books.
This story builds as it goes. Because Jackie constantly hides things from her family, there is not a lot of dialogue. The story keeps moving as the setting changes–we peek into Jackie’s world at school, her neighborhood, and her wild, untamed Louisiana backyard.
Once we neared the climax of the story, we were completely hooked. We needed to know what happened, so we stayed up late reading and the girls set their alarm clocks 20 minutes early the next day so we could finish the final few chapters on a school morning.
The end did not disappoint. The story wrapped up neatly, while leaving room for a cliffhanger that will be followed up in a sequel to be released this year. Bean has already started saving up her money to buy the next installment.
JUPITER STORM is age-appropriate for elementary school readers, it offers some STEM learning, and it features a fiercely independent and capable young girl. This is a fabulous book for 8–10-year-olds, who are often forgotten in the land of middle grade books.
May 15, 2019
Jupiter Storm is a pleasant little kids’ book which made for a fast and enjoyable read. It follows one Jacquelyn (“Jackie”) Marie Johnson, an inquisitive and mature ten-year-old girl who discovers a “chrysallegg” on some snapdragons out in her family’s back garden. Jackie takes the “chrysallegg” into her room and watches it grow, becoming more and more obsessed and protective of it as the creature inside prepares to hatch. And when that creature does hatch, Jackie immediately finds her life changed forever more…
Wonderfully written, and with excellent depictions of familial relationships, Jupiter Storm is easy to recommend for younger readers. I for one loved reading of Jackie’s growing bond with the titular Jupiter, and Jackie’s efforts to hide the truth from her family never failed to keep me turning the pages. Well worth a look, I say.
Wonderfully written, and with excellent depictions of familial relationships, Jupiter Storm is easy to recommend for younger readers. I for one loved reading of Jackie’s growing bond with the titular Jupiter, and Jackie’s efforts to hide the truth from her family never failed to keep me turning the pages. Well worth a look, I say.
November 14, 2017
Not kindle unlimited
A curious chrysalis changes Jackie's life forever. Ten-year-old Jackie excels at being in charge. Her skills keep everything from gardens to five unruly brothers in line. So, when a curious chrysalis appears in Jackie's front yard, she naturally decides to take charge of it. The creature that emerges is not like anything Jackie has ever seen, and she soon realizes that she must protect it at all costs, even from her own family.
Ages 8-12. suggested age range but am in my 50's and enjoyed it. {This was one of my few recent arc books, also got to hear it on audio, was quite nice.}
A curious chrysalis changes Jackie's life forever. Ten-year-old Jackie excels at being in charge. Her skills keep everything from gardens to five unruly brothers in line. So, when a curious chrysalis appears in Jackie's front yard, she naturally decides to take charge of it. The creature that emerges is not like anything Jackie has ever seen, and she soon realizes that she must protect it at all costs, even from her own family.
Ages 8-12. suggested age range but am in my 50's and enjoyed it. {This was one of my few recent arc books, also got to hear it on audio, was quite nice.}
March 12, 2018
This is my "recovery reading" after some rather intense novels and the unending saga of the spice trade. 10-year old Jackie is such an appealing character: "She liked paper dolls and long division and imagining things she had never seen. But most of all Jackie liked being in charge." At the beginning of the adventure that is going to get her into all sorts of trouble, she thinks, "What was the point of being brilliant if no one but you knew about it." Dumas has created an entertaining story with a touch of fantasy, while also having Jackie face hard decisions about truthfulness and friendship.
June 17, 2019
My daughter has never cried while reading a book. But Jupiter Storm did the impossible. She was moved to tears. That inspired me to read this book to see what was so moving.
I loved it. The book is simple yet endearing. It has innocence and determination as well .
I would definitely recommend it for ages 9 and above ( does have a line with fleeting mention of puberty ) . But otherwise it can be read for all ages.
I loved it. The book is simple yet endearing. It has innocence and determination as well .
I would definitely recommend it for ages 9 and above ( does have a line with fleeting mention of puberty ) . But otherwise it can be read for all ages.
January 24, 2020
Readers will root for Jackie even as her life starts to spin out of control in order to keep Jupiter hidden. Some especially lovely family dynamics with her parents and youngest brother, and the New Orleans setting shines through ("making" groceries and all!). At least one minor typo in this edition, but the print is otherwise rather large with plenty of white space on the page. It stands well by itself but I'd read the sequel!
November 14, 2017
I LOVE THIS BOOK. IT IS SO VIVID AND DESCRIBITIVE. I LOVE THE ADVENTUROUS STORY. IT IS WONDERFUL TO READ TO CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY CAN SEE THE STORY IN THERE MINE AS IT DEVELOPS. IT ALSO MAKES A INTERESTING CHAPTER BOOK FOR CHILDREN THAT HAS REACH THAT LEVEL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ALL AGES. THIS GRANDMA LOVES IT AND WILL BE READING IT TO MY GRANDSON.
September 23, 2018
Great read for my 10 year old daughter who resembles Jackie!
My daughter and I truly enjoyed reading Jupiter Storm! She found it easy to relate to Jackie! I found that I was much like Jackie’s mother. I loved that Jackie is smart, strong and determined!
I intend to invite some others girls to read it with us as the 1st book of a girls book club.
My daughter and I truly enjoyed reading Jupiter Storm! She found it easy to relate to Jackie! I found that I was much like Jackie’s mother. I loved that Jackie is smart, strong and determined!
I intend to invite some others girls to read it with us as the 1st book of a girls book club.
November 14, 2017
I got a advance copy but the opinion is my own. The book is about a girl who find a chrysalis on a plant and wants to watch it and see what comes from it. See what happens as it hatches and she hides it. The book is well written and a fun read I could not put it down.
December 3, 2017
This book was a really good book. Children of all ages will love the complexity of the book that makes readers think and understand the plot. I also enjoyed hearing Jackie's feelings throughout the book. I cant wait for the second book and look forward to reading it.
Want to read
November 24, 2020I don't know but this is a great book so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2024
Lucas said five (he almost always says five), and I said three, so you’ve got our average.
November 21, 2017
Delightful, down-to-earth story with a whimsical element of fantasy!
One of my favorite things about this book is the warm family dynamics! I also greatly admire the author's ability to, in a very natural way, reinforce the value of truthfulness, independence, responsibility, loyalty, learning, and the importance of considering the feelings of others and how our actions may affect them.
The plot was so good, with an unexpected turn of events. The illustrations were lovely. The characters were wonderful, especially the delightful Jackie and loyal Sam. But most importantly, the book was a ton of fun to read!
Kids would enjoy reading this story on their own, but it would also be an excellent choice to read aloud for the whole family to enjoy. Mark my words, his book is destined to become a classic!
One of my favorite things about this book is the warm family dynamics! I also greatly admire the author's ability to, in a very natural way, reinforce the value of truthfulness, independence, responsibility, loyalty, learning, and the importance of considering the feelings of others and how our actions may affect them.
The plot was so good, with an unexpected turn of events. The illustrations were lovely. The characters were wonderful, especially the delightful Jackie and loyal Sam. But most importantly, the book was a ton of fun to read!
Kids would enjoy reading this story on their own, but it would also be an excellent choice to read aloud for the whole family to enjoy. Mark my words, his book is destined to become a classic!
March 29, 2018
•audiobook •
•ebook•
•paperback, courtesy of author, after review was posted•
The book is lovely and easy for a youngster to devour!
Jackie has a fun and involved family. When she finds the dragon egg, she has embarked in the stage of independence and wanting privacy, which added to her thought process of her deceit and excitement to find out what will hatch from the egg.
The attachment to Jupiter was imaginative and creative. I LOVED it!
The story goes full loop with secrets and how it can effect and impact study habits and behavior (her mom goes through assumptions Jackie might like a boy or something because she keeps hiding in her room.) and Jackie's obsession causes more problems at school.
The "climax" left a lot to be desired and seemed baffling. It raised more questions than answers, but if read as a grain of salt, perhaps it would suffice. It really felt out of place and out of character, thus the lower rating, because I didn't feel the story was neatly tied up.
I received an ARC book and audible and freely offer my opinions on this review.
•ebook•
•paperback, courtesy of author, after review was posted•
The book is lovely and easy for a youngster to devour!
Jackie has a fun and involved family. When she finds the dragon egg, she has embarked in the stage of independence and wanting privacy, which added to her thought process of her deceit and excitement to find out what will hatch from the egg.
The attachment to Jupiter was imaginative and creative. I LOVED it!
The story goes full loop with secrets and how it can effect and impact study habits and behavior (her mom goes through assumptions Jackie might like a boy or something because she keeps hiding in her room.) and Jackie's obsession causes more problems at school.
The "climax" left a lot to be desired and seemed baffling. It raised more questions than answers, but if read as a grain of salt, perhaps it would suffice. It really felt out of place and out of character, thus the lower rating, because I didn't feel the story was neatly tied up.
I received an ARC book and audible and freely offer my opinions on this review.
November 12, 2020
Charming tale of a girl and her dragon. Ten-year-old Jackie is a strong-willed, funny character who finds a mysterious egg and decides to hide it from her parents and five brothers as long as she can. But when it hatches, she finds something she didn't know was missing, and her impulse to protect her dragon begins to negatively affect her life and relationships. This book gently navigates learning to love something without losing one's self. Fun, full of wonders and delights for middle grade readers. More dragon-y adventures await in future sequels, and I can't wait!
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