Owen is doing the same creative writing project for homeschooling that Eleanor is doing in public school! They have to write an interesting story about their lives. The problem is: their lives aren't that interesting. So Eleanor decides to fix the problem by doing exciting things--with not-so--great results. When they join a community martial arts class, Owen sees a different way to make an interesting story happen...by making something up that sounds true even though it isn't. When they both end up in trouble--again--they learn that making up fake stories to fool people isn't a good way to live.
The Owen and Eleanor series follows two kids from two different families as they navigate the ups and downs of childhood. The duo learns important lessons about faith, values, and friendship.
H.M. Bouwman is the author of middle grade fantasy and historical fantasy, including Gossamer Summer, as well as the Owen and Eleanor chapter book series. She lives in St. Paul, MN with her family, where she teaches literature and creative writing at the University of St. Thomas. She is probably reading a book right now.
Simple family story with two kids of different temperaments but good friends. Owen has had less experience with friendship and is more insecure; Eleanor tends to ignore emotional issue to go straight for more action. I liked how church is just a part of their lives and how the two families in the duplex trade babysitting back and forth.
I felt bad for the martial art teacher so I was glad when an apology to him was part of the ending.
Thank you Edelweiss and Sparkhouse Family 1517 Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Owen and Eleanor are very popular with our library patrons and they are sure to love this story. Everyone can use a spark of their creative imagination to write stories beyond imagination and Owen and Eleanor in the story tell their version of what's in their imagination even when your life is not that exciting.
We will definitely consider this title for our JFiction collection along with the rest of the Eleanor and Owen books and that is why we give this book 5 stars.