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The Magic of Melwick Orchard
After more moves than they can count, Isa's family finally puts down roots. People in town are afraid of the abandoned orchard behind their home, but Isa and her sister Junie are happy to have acres of land to explore.
But when Junie gets sick, Isa's mom falls into a depression, and medical bills force Isa's dad to work more. No one notices that Isa's clothes are falling apart and her stomach is empty.
Out of frustration, Isa buries her out-grown sneakers in the orchard. The next day a sapling sprouts buds that bloom to reveal new shoes. Can Isa use this magical tree to save her family?
But when Junie gets sick, Isa's mom falls into a depression, and medical bills force Isa's dad to work more. No one notices that Isa's clothes are falling apart and her stomach is empty.
Out of frustration, Isa buries her out-grown sneakers in the orchard. The next day a sapling sprouts buds that bloom to reveal new shoes. Can Isa use this magical tree to save her family?
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasyMagic
376 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Caprara
9 books51 followersRebecca Caprara graduated from Cornell University and practiced architecture before shifting her focus from bricks to books. She writes stories for readers of all ages and loves experimenting with narrative forms and new genres. Her work ranges from poetry and picture books to middle grade and young adult novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 8, 2018
My favorite middle-grade book of 2018!
April 3, 2018
Read an early draft of this book with my kids and we really enjoyed it! So original and heartfelt. The author balances real life struggles (illness, family dynamics & more) with elements of magic in a story full of whimsy and hope. Readers will adore spunky Isa and her beloved tree. To use one of the character’s signature words---this book was PERFECTERRIFIC. Just don't be surprised if your kids start planting funny things in the backyard after reading this!!!
May 6, 2018
This book was amazing. The voice, the realness, the magic, the heartbreak, the fear. I loved this story from beginning to end (and that ending!). *hearteyes*
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June 30, 2018Loved this book! THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD has it all: humor, playfulness, sadness, fun, completely delightful friend and sister relationships...and magic, of course! Such a great read.
January 3, 2019
The Magic of Melwick Orchard is a beautiful story about family, hope, and being there for the people in your life. After moving for her dad's work too many times, Isabel has decided that the only friend she needs is her 6 year old sister, Junie, but Junie is in the hospital again battling cancer. Isabel's dad is working around the clock to pay medical bills, and her mother is either at the hospital with her sister or sleeping. Invisible Isabel is left to fend for herself. She misses the smell of pancakes and bacon frying. She misses the laughter of her family filling her now quiet home. She misses throwing softballs with her father in the orchard and swinging with Junie. In an act of rebellion, she buries her too-tight tennis shoes under a tree in the orchard to force her parents to buy her new ones. She fails to think through that she probably won't see either of them that night. In a panic she comes back the next morning to discover the tree has grown her a brand new pair of shoes. Is there a scientific explanation, or is there really magic? If the tree is magic, can she figure out how to use it to save her sister and her family?
The magic of this book lies not just the tree, but also in community of support that Isa finds which brings her hope. From the pushy next door neighbor Isa is trying not to be friends with to the young cancer treatment patient's father that helps Isa out of a jam, she learns that when life is tough, we need people to carry us through. Kira's persistence in befriending Isa challenged me. How often do I give up on friendships when they aren't easy or the other person is going through a tough time? Everyone needs a friend like Kira to refuse to give up on them.
From the very first chapter, I connected with Isa. As a character she feels real, flawed, and human.
My heart broke for her impossible situation, and I worried right along with her. I also really enjoyed the word play in this book. Junie is a master of inventing new words by blending words together, like "worstible". Kira loves studying vocabulary, and at one point uses "tintinnabulation" in a genius moment of literary perfection. Finally, the mystery of the "magic" tree is never fully explained, which I appreciate. The tree takes on a personality and character of its own but it never speaks and its actions are never fully explained. It is up to the reader to ponder why some things grow for Isa but others don't. Like Isa, I am left contemplating the mysteries of life, celebrating the victories, and mourning the losses. Thank you for the opportunity to read this fabulous book!
#LitReviewCrew
The magic of this book lies not just the tree, but also in community of support that Isa finds which brings her hope. From the pushy next door neighbor Isa is trying not to be friends with to the young cancer treatment patient's father that helps Isa out of a jam, she learns that when life is tough, we need people to carry us through. Kira's persistence in befriending Isa challenged me. How often do I give up on friendships when they aren't easy or the other person is going through a tough time? Everyone needs a friend like Kira to refuse to give up on them.
From the very first chapter, I connected with Isa. As a character she feels real, flawed, and human.
My heart broke for her impossible situation, and I worried right along with her. I also really enjoyed the word play in this book. Junie is a master of inventing new words by blending words together, like "worstible". Kira loves studying vocabulary, and at one point uses "tintinnabulation" in a genius moment of literary perfection. Finally, the mystery of the "magic" tree is never fully explained, which I appreciate. The tree takes on a personality and character of its own but it never speaks and its actions are never fully explained. It is up to the reader to ponder why some things grow for Isa but others don't. Like Isa, I am left contemplating the mysteries of life, celebrating the victories, and mourning the losses. Thank you for the opportunity to read this fabulous book!
#LitReviewCrew
June 15, 2018
What a great ARC. I can’t believe this is the author’s first MG novel. She has found her spot and I’m so excited that she joined this world— this was beautiful. Clear, with a nice balance of being dynamic and small-town slowness that eased you into feeling like you were really present in this intimate moment of Isa’s life. The messaging was fantastically done without being heavy handed, or on the contrary, too aloof. This is one of those stories where there are conflicts that feel so real and everyone involved... is right. These moments where you can see from everyone’s point of view is one of my favorite type of well done scenes in a good story, as I find that’s usually most true to life. I thought that the author created a real, rich character and I’m amazed at how she wrote such a heavy story (mental health struggles and childhood illness is pretty heart wrenching ) that was so delightfully intertwined with wonder and whimsy. The youngest human in the mix didn’t always read like her age, but I think that was part of the point, and she was so fun that it worked out well enough. Excellent and lovely, truly a book for the heart.
Merged review:
What a great ARC and I can’t believe this isn’t the authors first MG novel. She has found her spot and I’m so excited that she joined this world, This was beautiful. Clear, a nice balance of dynamic and small town slowness that eased you into feeling like you were really there’s in this intimate moment of Isa’s life. The messaging was fantastically done without being heavy handed or on the contrary, too aloof. This is one of those stories where there are conflicts that feel so real and everyone involved... is right. This evening moments where you can see from everyone’s point of view is one of my favorite type of well done scenes in a good story, as I find that’s usually most true to life. I thought that the author created a real, rich character and I’m amazed at how she wrote such a heavy story (mental health struggles and childhood illness is pretty heart wrenching ) that was so delightfully intertwined with wonder and whimsy. The youngest human in the mix didn’t always read like her age, but I think that was part of the point and she was so fun that it worked out well enough. Excellent and lovely, truly a book for the heart. I loved it.
Merged review:
What a great ARC and I can’t believe this isn’t the authors first MG novel. She has found her spot and I’m so excited that she joined this world, This was beautiful. Clear, a nice balance of dynamic and small town slowness that eased you into feeling like you were really there’s in this intimate moment of Isa’s life. The messaging was fantastically done without being heavy handed or on the contrary, too aloof. This is one of those stories where there are conflicts that feel so real and everyone involved... is right. This evening moments where you can see from everyone’s point of view is one of my favorite type of well done scenes in a good story, as I find that’s usually most true to life. I thought that the author created a real, rich character and I’m amazed at how she wrote such a heavy story (mental health struggles and childhood illness is pretty heart wrenching ) that was so delightfully intertwined with wonder and whimsy. The youngest human in the mix didn’t always read like her age, but I think that was part of the point and she was so fun that it worked out well enough. Excellent and lovely, truly a book for the heart. I loved it.
July 2, 2018
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author, but these opinions are my own and freely given.
The Magic of Melwick Orchard by Rebecca Caprara is posolutely perfecterrific, in Junie-speak! The characters are warm and real, and Caprara tells the story from 12-year-old Isabel’s point of view without talking down to readers. The vocabulary is rich and broad, but not unrealistic, and Junie’s word creations are a silver thread through the whole book. There are so many beautiful quotes, and I can already see students creating posters of these important lines.
Magical realism is a favorite genre of mine, and this story weaves the magic masterfully throughout. Magic doesn’t fix everything, and it must be used appropriately, but it definitely adds to the fun and mystery of life.
Caprara tackles the topic of childhood cancer, and the effects on families. As a two-time cancer survivor myself (and having spent my fair share of time in the hospital/recovering from surgeries), I can easily say that this is one of the best middle grade books I have read that touched on this topic. Junie’s cancer is approached with honesty, sensitivity, humor, and hope. Her family’s different responses are equally honest, yet none of it is too dark for readers as young as 3rd grade. It is emotional, of course, as it should be, but it never feels forced or manipulative.
I loved all of the characters - even minor characters were written with such respect and love that they felt like real people. I love it when authors connect threads of details throughout the story, and I could imagine many moments when my students will see those connections and light up.
The Magic of Melwick Orchard earns 5 stars from me without hesitation. I recommend it for teachers, parents and middle grade readers or those who just love a beautiful story!
The Magic of Melwick Orchard by Rebecca Caprara is posolutely perfecterrific, in Junie-speak! The characters are warm and real, and Caprara tells the story from 12-year-old Isabel’s point of view without talking down to readers. The vocabulary is rich and broad, but not unrealistic, and Junie’s word creations are a silver thread through the whole book. There are so many beautiful quotes, and I can already see students creating posters of these important lines.
Magical realism is a favorite genre of mine, and this story weaves the magic masterfully throughout. Magic doesn’t fix everything, and it must be used appropriately, but it definitely adds to the fun and mystery of life.
Caprara tackles the topic of childhood cancer, and the effects on families. As a two-time cancer survivor myself (and having spent my fair share of time in the hospital/recovering from surgeries), I can easily say that this is one of the best middle grade books I have read that touched on this topic. Junie’s cancer is approached with honesty, sensitivity, humor, and hope. Her family’s different responses are equally honest, yet none of it is too dark for readers as young as 3rd grade. It is emotional, of course, as it should be, but it never feels forced or manipulative.
I loved all of the characters - even minor characters were written with such respect and love that they felt like real people. I love it when authors connect threads of details throughout the story, and I could imagine many moments when my students will see those connections and light up.
The Magic of Melwick Orchard earns 5 stars from me without hesitation. I recommend it for teachers, parents and middle grade readers or those who just love a beautiful story!
May 25, 2020
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What a magical story! I was instantly drawn to the title and cover illustration and was captivated the moment I started reading. This book will be a favorite for those that love reading about magic, family, and friendship. Caprara has a distinct voice in her writing, or at least in this book. I really loved the words that the Junie, Isa, and Kira used and I am definitely adding them to my vocabulary. You can tell this book was well thought out and a lot of love was put into each character, setting, and the plot as a whole. The ending was wrapped up quickly, but I think it was done well. It felt a little fast, but it didn’t need to be drawn out either. I would read more by Caprera and look forward to more books.
What a magical story! I was instantly drawn to the title and cover illustration and was captivated the moment I started reading. This book will be a favorite for those that love reading about magic, family, and friendship. Caprara has a distinct voice in her writing, or at least in this book. I really loved the words that the Junie, Isa, and Kira used and I am definitely adding them to my vocabulary. You can tell this book was well thought out and a lot of love was put into each character, setting, and the plot as a whole. The ending was wrapped up quickly, but I think it was done well. It felt a little fast, but it didn’t need to be drawn out either. I would read more by Caprera and look forward to more books.
May 14, 2018
I adored this charming book! It deals with childhood illness honestly, deftly, and compassionately, without being an "issue book". The writing was beautiful and lyrical, as magical as the tree with its fantastical blossoms. The protagonist, the spunky Isla, is a wonderful character, and what a voice! My heart ached for her and her family, and yet as sad as the story was at times, it was filled with magic, surprises, and plenty of hope. I highly recommend it - it was a pure delight to read from the first page to the last!
June 13, 2018
I just finished THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD by Rebecca Caprara, and it was such a fun, enjoyable read! Isa is the kind of protagonist I just wanted to scoop up and hug, and Caprara handled the issue of childhood cancer beautifully, without it becoming either "inspiration porn" or a tragedy to foster Isa's growth. And, of course, I loved the magic! If you're a fan of #mglit, keep an eye out for this one this fall!
August 10, 2018
I LOVED this book!!! The Magic of Melwick Orchard is beautifully written and filled with magic! It was fun and enjoyable. Such a great read ✨ I highly recommend it. One of the best books I've read (2018) 🌟
August 14, 2018
One I will most definitely add to my classroom library. The magic and heart in this book make it a must-buy!
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June 7, 2022This was such a lovely, whimsical, delightful, book!
May 6, 2021
(;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`) 𝚠𝚘𝚠 𝚒 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚝.
𝙸𝚜𝚊 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚊 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛. 𝙸𝚝𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚏𝚏, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚒 𝚊𝚖 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚑 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚜����𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚛𝚕 𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 , 𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛. 𝙸 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚕𝚝𝚢 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚊𝚕𝚐𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚌𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚛 , 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎.
𝙸𝚜𝚊 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚊 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛. 𝙸𝚝𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚏𝚏, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚒 𝚊𝚖 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚑 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚜����𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚛𝚕 𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 , 𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛. 𝙸 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚕𝚝𝚢 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚊𝚕𝚐𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚌𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚛 , 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎.
September 3, 2018
A brilliantly put together, empathy-building book with the perfect balance of lyrical beauty, down-to-earth reality, humor, heart, magic, and hope.
May 9, 2018
This book was SO GOOD! It's a playful and creative concept (mysterious orchard, magical tree with fantastical blooms, small town lore, etc), but it also reallly tugs on your heartstrings. I felt for Isa, her family, and her friend Kira so much. It deals with childhood illness, depression and other very real topics with a sensitive but honest touch. Very age appropriate for middle grade readers. I'm re-reading an ARC with my niece now and noticing so many other layers to the story. There is definitely a message about environmentalism, and hope, and of course sisterhood. It's not a flashy, action-packed plot, but the story and characters and setting hook you in, leave you wanting more. Brilliant language and imagery. I could totally see this book as a movie.
June 27, 2018
*This review is from an e-ARC from NetGalley.
Sweet, heart-tugging story. It's not often that you read about the effect of cancer on a family from the healthy sister's perspective (only other I can think of is Picoult's My Sister's Keeper), and this one does a beautiful job relaying the complexity of being the invisible child. Plus magic, coming of age, friendship. Just a charming story with characters who are surprisingly well fleshed out.
Sweet, heart-tugging story. It's not often that you read about the effect of cancer on a family from the healthy sister's perspective (only other I can think of is Picoult's My Sister's Keeper), and this one does a beautiful job relaying the complexity of being the invisible child. Plus magic, coming of age, friendship. Just a charming story with characters who are surprisingly well fleshed out.
September 13, 2018
Wow, what an amazing book! Isa's tale is lovely, at times heartbreaking, with a perfect blend of the hardships of real life and the magic of hope and possibility (and the magic of, um, *magic*!!!). I love all the mistakes Isa makes, the friendship she struggles to accept, and the family she loves with all her heart. I already can't wait to get out to an orchard and breathe in that crisp, appley air after reading this!
August 23, 2018
Such a beautiful, hopeful, magical, yet all too real story of what life throws at us and how our attitudes affect change. I’ll be recommending this for many young and adult readers!
May 28, 2019
A wonderful, heartfelt tale of family, wishing, friendship and finding yourself. Rebecca Caprara writes beautifully, and I look forward to more from her.
October 26, 2023
I found this summary on https://elenareads.com/2018/08/14/rev... but I believe that it fits perfectly with how I would describe it:
The Magic of Melwick Orchard is about a girl named Isabel who finds a magical tree in her backyard. The tree helps her learn life lessons, like not to be greedy, and to take care of all living things. This book is also about Isabel’s relationship with her sister Junie. Isabel and Junie love each other so much and, in the book, Isabel once skipped school and instead went to the hospital to see her sister, who has been diagnosed with cancer. It makes me wish I had a sister.
I loved this book because it was very descriptive. The author described the scenery so well, that I could believe I was there if I had my eyes closed. I also liked the book because of all of the morals and meaningful messages. The author did a good job making up morals to the story and making them in a creative kind of way. When I found out the secret of the tree, I started reading this book slower because I wanted to savor it, and for it never to end.
I recommend this book to readers who like fantasy and adventure. This book is basically all that. It is also good for readers who like a book that will take them off into a new world, a magical one. I am taken into a different world lots of times reading books.
You should definitely read it! Even if you aren't into fantasy books, I can almost guarantee you will enjoy it!
The Magic of Melwick Orchard is about a girl named Isabel who finds a magical tree in her backyard. The tree helps her learn life lessons, like not to be greedy, and to take care of all living things. This book is also about Isabel’s relationship with her sister Junie. Isabel and Junie love each other so much and, in the book, Isabel once skipped school and instead went to the hospital to see her sister, who has been diagnosed with cancer. It makes me wish I had a sister.
I loved this book because it was very descriptive. The author described the scenery so well, that I could believe I was there if I had my eyes closed. I also liked the book because of all of the morals and meaningful messages. The author did a good job making up morals to the story and making them in a creative kind of way. When I found out the secret of the tree, I started reading this book slower because I wanted to savor it, and for it never to end.
I recommend this book to readers who like fantasy and adventure. This book is basically all that. It is also good for readers who like a book that will take them off into a new world, a magical one. I am taken into a different world lots of times reading books.
You should definitely read it! Even if you aren't into fantasy books, I can almost guarantee you will enjoy it!
May 21, 2024
I generally enjoy magic realism but this magic tree was just a little too weird. I did appreciate the way the rest of the story unfolded, and the way relationships and difficulties experienced by Isa, Junie their parents and also Kira and her parents were presented.
August 23, 2018
*I received an ARC from the #KidLitExchange is exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Magic of Melwick Orchard is an unusual book featuring magical realism and a family in need. Isa's family has moved many times for her father's work. They finally attempt to lay down roots when her younger sister, Junie, is diagnosed with cancer. As her parents spend more time worrying about June, Isa feels herself growing invisible. This invisibility is illustrated at the beginning of the book when no one picks Isa up from school so so she has to walk 2 miles home in shoes that don't fit anymore, but that no one has bothered to replace. As she feels herself disappearing she discovers a magical tree in their orchard, a chance seedling.
The tree is part wishing tree and part giving tree, but with a much more considerate child. Isa's home includes the Melwick Orchard which, years ago, produced amazing apples but has long been barren. A squirrel leads Isa to a new growth and than encourages her to plant her destroyed sneakers. The next day, Isa realizes that she needs those shoes to get to school and when she goes to dig them up finds that the tree has sprouted new shoes for her. From that point forward, Isa finds solace in the orchard and has conversations with the tree.
What differentiates this book from any other magical realism books that I have read is that it isn't necessarily a happy, upbeat story. Rather, The Magic of Melwick Orchard deals with the realities of having a sick child in the family. Isa not only misses her sister, her only friend, she also feels invisible to her family. Her mother spends all day at the hospital and when she is at home, she won't get out of bed. Her father is working extra to pay the mounting bills and is sleeping at the hospital. They are definitely a family in crisis.
Rebecca Caprara has created a really moving book with The Magic of Melwick Orchard. Everyone grows a bit in the story, learning from each other. I especially love when Junie tells Isa that she needs to give the tree some TLC. Like the Giving Tree, Isa was expecting things from the tree but not giving anything back. Love works both ways, an important lesson that she needed to learn. Additionally, Isa has to learn to let others into her life. She has gotten so used to having Junie around as her best friend and confidant that she doesn't always let others in. Luckily for her, their new neighbor, Kira, is patient and persuasive and doesn't give up on her.
This is a very well crafted MG book for grades 4-7. Readers are able to see things from a variety of perspectives and a lot of wonderful lessons are learned by all.
The Magic of Melwick Orchard is an unusual book featuring magical realism and a family in need. Isa's family has moved many times for her father's work. They finally attempt to lay down roots when her younger sister, Junie, is diagnosed with cancer. As her parents spend more time worrying about June, Isa feels herself growing invisible. This invisibility is illustrated at the beginning of the book when no one picks Isa up from school so so she has to walk 2 miles home in shoes that don't fit anymore, but that no one has bothered to replace. As she feels herself disappearing she discovers a magical tree in their orchard, a chance seedling.
The tree is part wishing tree and part giving tree, but with a much more considerate child. Isa's home includes the Melwick Orchard which, years ago, produced amazing apples but has long been barren. A squirrel leads Isa to a new growth and than encourages her to plant her destroyed sneakers. The next day, Isa realizes that she needs those shoes to get to school and when she goes to dig them up finds that the tree has sprouted new shoes for her. From that point forward, Isa finds solace in the orchard and has conversations with the tree.
What differentiates this book from any other magical realism books that I have read is that it isn't necessarily a happy, upbeat story. Rather, The Magic of Melwick Orchard deals with the realities of having a sick child in the family. Isa not only misses her sister, her only friend, she also feels invisible to her family. Her mother spends all day at the hospital and when she is at home, she won't get out of bed. Her father is working extra to pay the mounting bills and is sleeping at the hospital. They are definitely a family in crisis.
Rebecca Caprara has created a really moving book with The Magic of Melwick Orchard. Everyone grows a bit in the story, learning from each other. I especially love when Junie tells Isa that she needs to give the tree some TLC. Like the Giving Tree, Isa was expecting things from the tree but not giving anything back. Love works both ways, an important lesson that she needed to learn. Additionally, Isa has to learn to let others into her life. She has gotten so used to having Junie around as her best friend and confidant that she doesn't always let others in. Luckily for her, their new neighbor, Kira, is patient and persuasive and doesn't give up on her.
This is a very well crafted MG book for grades 4-7. Readers are able to see things from a variety of perspectives and a lot of wonderful lessons are learned by all.
September 22, 2018
Thank you to Rebecca Caprara, Carolrhoda Books, and Netgalley for the advance Kindle copy of this 9/1 release. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for the sweet middle grades story about family, friendship, and finding courage to face the hard stuff. Isa’a six-year-old sister is in the hospital digging cancer. While Isa knows that she needs to just make things easy on her parents, she feels invisible at home. Her family has also moved around a lot, so Isa isn’t trying to make friends at school; why bother if they’re just going to pick up and move? She spends some time in the Melwick Orchard on her family’s property, and discovers one day a sapling that blossoms interpretations of items planted into the ground. Isa gets an idea to plant something that will make a profit to help with Junie’s medical bills, but gets something far different. This is perfect for upper elementary and younger middle school readers.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for the sweet middle grades story about family, friendship, and finding courage to face the hard stuff. Isa’a six-year-old sister is in the hospital digging cancer. While Isa knows that she needs to just make things easy on her parents, she feels invisible at home. Her family has also moved around a lot, so Isa isn’t trying to make friends at school; why bother if they’re just going to pick up and move? She spends some time in the Melwick Orchard on her family’s property, and discovers one day a sapling that blossoms interpretations of items planted into the ground. Isa gets an idea to plant something that will make a profit to help with Junie’s medical bills, but gets something far different. This is perfect for upper elementary and younger middle school readers.
August 18, 2018
A forever home, after many moves, and it's on an apple orchard! Well, the trees haven't born fruit in a long time, but still, any permanent home for Isabel is good enough. Soon after the move, Isabel's younger sister is diagnosed with cancer. Her father is always working, and her mother doesn't get out of bed unless she's headed to the hospital.
With Isabel left to her own devices, she stumbles upon a magic tree - one that she hopes can solve some of the dire problems her family is facing.
The Magic of Melwick Orchard is the story of a girl struggling between being strong and brave for her family, while she finds herself feeling increasingly vulnerable. This book perfectly captures the adolescent conundrum of wishing for independence while also needing support. Recommended for grades 4-7.
With Isabel left to her own devices, she stumbles upon a magic tree - one that she hopes can solve some of the dire problems her family is facing.
The Magic of Melwick Orchard is the story of a girl struggling between being strong and brave for her family, while she finds herself feeling increasingly vulnerable. This book perfectly captures the adolescent conundrum of wishing for independence while also needing support. Recommended for grades 4-7.
July 10, 2019
I am so happy that I finally was able to read this book! My students had been raving about it all year which kept it floating through the classroom. I had to steal it away for the summer break!
The story follows the main character, Isa. Her family moves frequently due to her father's job, and she has decided that the heartache of leaving friends is no longer worth it. From now on her only friend will be her sister, Junie, because she will never leave her. Then Junie becomes terribly sick and the family's life is turned upside down. Isa struggles with feeling invisible and having no control. Then one day she discovers something magical in the long abandoned orchard behind their home. Will it help her save her family?
The story follows the main character, Isa. Her family moves frequently due to her father's job, and she has decided that the heartache of leaving friends is no longer worth it. From now on her only friend will be her sister, Junie, because she will never leave her. Then Junie becomes terribly sick and the family's life is turned upside down. Isa struggles with feeling invisible and having no control. Then one day she discovers something magical in the long abandoned orchard behind their home. Will it help her save her family?
August 30, 2018
Since her family moves so often, Isabel decided she didn't need any friends but her sweet, silly sister Junie. Then Junie got cancer and her world fell apart. With her parents too exhausted to look after her and no friends to hang out with, Isabel gravitates toward the barren apple orchard in her backyard. There she finds a curious seedling that somehow responds to her emotions and needs, taking in what she gives it and magically producing exactly what she requires. Isabel fights to save her family with impressive inner strength and believably raw emotions. A touching fantasy novel about the power of family and friendship.
August 9, 2018
I was given an Arc if this book for an honest review. The book is magical realism at its finest. Isa is dealing with a sister that is ill and parents that are distracted. She feels invisible to her family and the world. One day she sees a squirrel that leads her to a chance seedling in her dead apple orchard. Suddenly a new magical tree is growing and it may just change Isa’s life. This story is full of hope. As an elementary school librarian I plan to purchase this book I have several students who will love this book
November 16, 2018
Twelve year old Isa is feeling invisible and neglected as her parents focus all of their energy on her 6 year old sister Junie, who is in the hospital receiving treatment for cancer. When she finds that a magical tree grows in the orchard behind her house, she keeps it a secret until an unexpected friend arrives. The story is touching and tells the story of a sibling of a child with cancer. I think this book does a good job of portraying that as well as including some fun magical realism.
July 29, 2019
This middle school aged fiction book is surprisingly interwoven and brilliantly written. The main characters Isa, Junie, and Kira are very realistic, and the dialog of the book has that same awkward chunky feel that middle school is known for. The plot won't throw very many twists at you but I think it's better for it. The plot is very heartfelt, if perhaps sad, and though I don't normally read these kinds of books if Rebecca Caprara wrote another book i would gladly read that as well.
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