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The Vegetable Museum
Thirteen-year-old Chloe left her whole life back in Montreal, including her mom and her best friend. Now she's stuck in Victoria with her dad and her estranged grandfather, Uli, who recently had a stroke. When Chloe agrees to help Uli look after his garden, she's determined to find out why he and her dad didn't speak to each other for years.
For decades Uli has collected seeds from people in the community, distinct varieties that have been handed down through generations. The result is a garden full of unusual and endangered produce, from pink broccoli to blue kale to purple potatoes.
But Chloe learns that the garden will soon be destroyed to make way for a new apartment complex. And the seed collection is missing! Chloe must somehow find a way to save her grandfather's legacy.
For decades Uli has collected seeds from people in the community, distinct varieties that have been handed down through generations. The result is a garden full of unusual and endangered produce, from pink broccoli to blue kale to purple potatoes.
But Chloe learns that the garden will soon be destroyed to make way for a new apartment complex. And the seed collection is missing! Chloe must somehow find a way to save her grandfather's legacy.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
1 person is currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Mulder
35 books24 followersMichelle Mulder is a Canadian children's author. She loves writing about kids who seize life's opportunities, and she tries to do the same in her own life. Some of her favourite adventures have included helping to dig a water pipeline in the Dominican Republic, backpacking through Argentina with her husband, and riding a hot air balloon through a Cappadocian valley in Turkey. She lives with her husband in Victoria, BC.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 3, 2021
What a delightful novel. Who ever thought that memories of the Second World War could be told through heritage vegetables? I loved the gardening metaphors throughout and the total Canadian feel to the story that tells of a middle grade girl's transition from Montreal to Victoria. Great inter-generational insights. I hope to read more books by this author.
February 4, 2019
First of all a huge thank you to Orca Book Publishers for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this middle aged novel by Michelle Mulder and I am recommending it to my grandchildren. I don't reveal the plot of a novel in my reviews, that is what the synopsis on the back of the book does. It has much to do with making the best of your situation, making friends and connecting with long lost relatives. Since it is about vegetables and planting (gardening) that should appeal to this age group as something different. There is a mystery to be solved and our 13 year old main character must deal with the loss of a relative.
Nice story, well told. The author has a nice writing style.
I enjoyed this middle aged novel by Michelle Mulder and I am recommending it to my grandchildren. I don't reveal the plot of a novel in my reviews, that is what the synopsis on the back of the book does. It has much to do with making the best of your situation, making friends and connecting with long lost relatives. Since it is about vegetables and planting (gardening) that should appeal to this age group as something different. There is a mystery to be solved and our 13 year old main character must deal with the loss of a relative.
Nice story, well told. The author has a nice writing style.
March 14, 2021
I liked the focus on gardens and growing things as a way of building relationships and finding healing. Chloe, the main character is dealing with lots of things- her parents' separation, her Dad's job loss, meeting her grandfather for the first time, moving from Montreal to Victoria and trying to maintain old friendships but make new ones.
I learned about yarn bombing and heirloom gardening and seed libraries from reading the book and I think there are lots of cool things kids will learn about in addition to those, like homeschooling and Quakers and World War II and what life is like in Victoria.
The book certainly emphasizes the importance of friendship. Chloe's two friends Sofia in Montreal and Nikko in Victoria are her allies in facing life's challenges. They are very different but are both good for Chloe.
The adults in the book all have major flaws but they aren't as dysfunctional as many of the parents in so many current middle-grade books. I thought it took a little long for us to find out why Chloe's grandfather and Dad had such a strained relationship but when we did it was believable.
Her grandfather encourages Chloe to get to the heartbeat of her new Victoria neighbourhood and by the end of the book she does.
I learned about yarn bombing and heirloom gardening and seed libraries from reading the book and I think there are lots of cool things kids will learn about in addition to those, like homeschooling and Quakers and World War II and what life is like in Victoria.
The book certainly emphasizes the importance of friendship. Chloe's two friends Sofia in Montreal and Nikko in Victoria are her allies in facing life's challenges. They are very different but are both good for Chloe.
The adults in the book all have major flaws but they aren't as dysfunctional as many of the parents in so many current middle-grade books. I thought it took a little long for us to find out why Chloe's grandfather and Dad had such a strained relationship but when we did it was believable.
Her grandfather encourages Chloe to get to the heartbeat of her new Victoria neighbourhood and by the end of the book she does.
December 7, 2018
***I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley
THE VEGETABLE MUSEUM by Michelle Mulder is a charming middle-grade novel exploring the importance of knowing where we came from along with the process of grief. The story is told through the perspective of thirteen-year-old Chloë, whose entire life has recently been uprooted by her parent’s strained marriage. She and her father move to Victoria, a small town in Canada, to look after her I’ll grandfather, Uli.
This novel absolutely delivers on the promise that it’s description offers. The story is lovely and the writing is fairly raw. It reminds me a lot of Nina LaCour’s WE ARE OKAY with a middle-grade twist. Halfway through the novel, Uli dies of a stroke and the readers gets to watch as Chloë processes the loss. She struggles with the fact she’s grieving someone she didn’t really know, and how much she’s missed out on by not knowing her grandfather until now. She chooses to get closer to him through her efforts to save his garden—a collection of seeds going back decades in her grandfather’s life. Chloë is a brilliant protagonist and her voice carries the story in a real and impactful way that made me a bit disappointed the novel was so short.
The pacing and length is what earned this novel three stars instead of four or five. There are a lot of plot points to juggle: Uli’s life story, Chloë’s relationship with her dad, her dad’s relationship with Uli, the parent’s struggling marriage, the impact of the move on Chloë, her friendship with her neighbor Nikko, saving the garden, and even the odd enemy relationship Chloë has with the local snob-slash-bully, Slater. For a middle-grade novel, this is a lot to swallow in one-hundred-and-some pages. At one point in the novel, Slater and his goons try to beat up Chloë and Nikko—for NO REASON. This event happens and it traumatizes Chloë briefly, but soon she’s over it and it’s never brought up again. Not to mention, by the end of the novel, Chloë isn’t even the hero. She doesn’t save her grandfather’s seed collection. It turns out, Uli donated his seeds to a seed project. Chloë’s efforts were entirely in vain, which was a huge disappointment considering how much she went through in her fight to preserve them.
This novel had a lot of great elements, but they were sorely neglected by poor pacing. THE VEGETABLE MUSEUM needed a good thirty-ish more pages to truly be a satisfying read for me. I’d absolutely recommend it to a young person interested in gardening or processing loss, but it’s not what I would read if I’m just searching for a good book to cuddle up with.
THE VEGETABLE MUSEUM by Michelle Mulder is a charming middle-grade novel exploring the importance of knowing where we came from along with the process of grief. The story is told through the perspective of thirteen-year-old Chloë, whose entire life has recently been uprooted by her parent’s strained marriage. She and her father move to Victoria, a small town in Canada, to look after her I’ll grandfather, Uli.
This novel absolutely delivers on the promise that it’s description offers. The story is lovely and the writing is fairly raw. It reminds me a lot of Nina LaCour’s WE ARE OKAY with a middle-grade twist. Halfway through the novel, Uli dies of a stroke and the readers gets to watch as Chloë processes the loss. She struggles with the fact she’s grieving someone she didn’t really know, and how much she’s missed out on by not knowing her grandfather until now. She chooses to get closer to him through her efforts to save his garden—a collection of seeds going back decades in her grandfather’s life. Chloë is a brilliant protagonist and her voice carries the story in a real and impactful way that made me a bit disappointed the novel was so short.
The pacing and length is what earned this novel three stars instead of four or five. There are a lot of plot points to juggle: Uli’s life story, Chloë’s relationship with her dad, her dad’s relationship with Uli, the parent’s struggling marriage, the impact of the move on Chloë, her friendship with her neighbor Nikko, saving the garden, and even the odd enemy relationship Chloë has with the local snob-slash-bully, Slater. For a middle-grade novel, this is a lot to swallow in one-hundred-and-some pages. At one point in the novel, Slater and his goons try to beat up Chloë and Nikko—for NO REASON. This event happens and it traumatizes Chloë briefly, but soon she’s over it and it’s never brought up again. Not to mention, by the end of the novel, Chloë isn’t even the hero. She doesn’t save her grandfather’s seed collection. It turns out, Uli donated his seeds to a seed project. Chloë’s efforts were entirely in vain, which was a huge disappointment considering how much she went through in her fight to preserve them.
This novel had a lot of great elements, but they were sorely neglected by poor pacing. THE VEGETABLE MUSEUM needed a good thirty-ish more pages to truly be a satisfying read for me. I’d absolutely recommend it to a young person interested in gardening or processing loss, but it’s not what I would read if I’m just searching for a good book to cuddle up with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
The Vegetable Museum by Michelle Mulder, 181 pages. Orca Book Publishers, 2019. $11. 9781459816794.
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Chloe and her dad move across the country to be nearer to her grandfather, Uli, after he has a stroke. Chloe is eager to get to know Uli, and happily helps him with his mysterious garden of "heirloom" plants--the kind not grown by regular gardeners or large-scale farms. But when Uli passes away quite suddenly, Chloe is left to try and save these precious plants and their seeds all on her own. She will also have to decide where her own future lies--in Montreal with her mom or here in the city that Uli loved.
This was such a great story about the complicated relationships between parents and children. I enjoyed the aspect of the vegetable garden and Chloe's eagerness to get to know her grandfather and solve the mystery. The story felt very realistic, and I liked that it told a story of parental separation without using all the usual YA tropes. The book is totally clean with only some mature content related to death and bullying. I don't know how many young readers will be excited to pick up a book nominally about vegetables, but this really is a nice little story.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Chloe and her dad move across the country to be nearer to her grandfather, Uli, after he has a stroke. Chloe is eager to get to know Uli, and happily helps him with his mysterious garden of "heirloom" plants--the kind not grown by regular gardeners or large-scale farms. But when Uli passes away quite suddenly, Chloe is left to try and save these precious plants and their seeds all on her own. She will also have to decide where her own future lies--in Montreal with her mom or here in the city that Uli loved.
This was such a great story about the complicated relationships between parents and children. I enjoyed the aspect of the vegetable garden and Chloe's eagerness to get to know her grandfather and solve the mystery. The story felt very realistic, and I liked that it told a story of parental separation without using all the usual YA tropes. The book is totally clean with only some mature content related to death and bullying. I don't know how many young readers will be excited to pick up a book nominally about vegetables, but this really is a nice little story.
Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
January 31, 2019
Thirteen-year-old Chloe’s parents are drifting apart, but are unwavering in their love for her. So, in their attempt to ease the stifling conflict between the adults, Chloe and her dad move to Victoria to be near grandpa, Uli, who recently had a stroke. Chloe leaves Montreal and her best friend, Sofia, behind.
Also troubling is the fact that Chloe barely knows her grandfather. Her dad has been estranged from him for her whole life. What is the deal with that? As the days go on though, she connects with this eccentric grandfather through his love of gardening, heirloom seeds, and connections with the community. She begins to understand his quirkiness and naturally wants to know more. She finds Uli comforting, compassionate, and interesting. So, why the divide between father and son?
Chloe assumes her time here in Victoria will be soon over as she expects to move back to Montreal soon. Yet, sometimes our expectations do not materialize as we thought. Uli suffers another stroke and their lives change forever. In dealing with this, Chloe’s father has made the decision to stay. Chloe’s parents give her the choice of city and parent to live with. A tough dilemma to say the least.
The Vegetable Museum is a story of a family who ran out of time to make things right. Chloe is the catalyst for the initiation of healing between father and son, but is it too-little-too-late? Makes us realize that time is short, no matter how much time we have. Hold onto each other, forgive, and make things right. She knows she must honor Uli’s legacy and save the seeds that mean so much to so many.
But, what was in the red box????
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Orca Book Publishers, Kennedy Cullen, and Michelle Mulder for this lovely story about family ties.
Also troubling is the fact that Chloe barely knows her grandfather. Her dad has been estranged from him for her whole life. What is the deal with that? As the days go on though, she connects with this eccentric grandfather through his love of gardening, heirloom seeds, and connections with the community. She begins to understand his quirkiness and naturally wants to know more. She finds Uli comforting, compassionate, and interesting. So, why the divide between father and son?
Chloe assumes her time here in Victoria will be soon over as she expects to move back to Montreal soon. Yet, sometimes our expectations do not materialize as we thought. Uli suffers another stroke and their lives change forever. In dealing with this, Chloe’s father has made the decision to stay. Chloe’s parents give her the choice of city and parent to live with. A tough dilemma to say the least.
The Vegetable Museum is a story of a family who ran out of time to make things right. Chloe is the catalyst for the initiation of healing between father and son, but is it too-little-too-late? Makes us realize that time is short, no matter how much time we have. Hold onto each other, forgive, and make things right. She knows she must honor Uli’s legacy and save the seeds that mean so much to so many.
But, what was in the red box????
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Orca Book Publishers, Kennedy Cullen, and Michelle Mulder for this lovely story about family ties.
April 3, 2021
This middle grade novel captured my attention from the beginning and held my interest to the end. Chloe, the 13-year-old protagonist, was an intriguing character. Thrust into a difficult situation when her parents split, she moves from Montreal to Victoria to live with her father. There she meets Uli, her paternal grandfather, a passionate gardener on a mission to save heritage plants.
Torn between the past and the present, Chloe struggles to understand the difficult relationship between her father and grandfather, all the while trying to honor her grandfather’s legacy. Even though her own life is in turmoil, Chloe doesn’t carry bitterness into each scene. Instead, she rises above it and gives young readers a role model to emulate.
The language is simple – no fancy sentences or difficult words – yet the author, Michelle Mulder, manages to layer the story, add complexity to the plot, and give depth to her characters. Even minor characters were interesting and well rounded. I particularly liked Nikko who was quirky but had interesting views and provided the story with touches of humour. I also liked the positive mindset of Chloe’s parents. Even though they are divorcing, they maintain respect for each other, and try to work through their problems.
I learned new things along the way: heirloom plants, Quakers, yarn bombs, and some of the key differences between living in Victoria vs Montreal. I hadn’t heard of seed libraries before, and now that I have, I am intrigued.
The ending, when it came seemed, seemed a bit sudden. Also, spoiler alert, what was in the red box? Unless, I missed something, I don't think I ever found out. But, all in all, I really enjoyed this book and believe middle grade readers would as well.
Torn between the past and the present, Chloe struggles to understand the difficult relationship between her father and grandfather, all the while trying to honor her grandfather’s legacy. Even though her own life is in turmoil, Chloe doesn’t carry bitterness into each scene. Instead, she rises above it and gives young readers a role model to emulate.
The language is simple – no fancy sentences or difficult words – yet the author, Michelle Mulder, manages to layer the story, add complexity to the plot, and give depth to her characters. Even minor characters were interesting and well rounded. I particularly liked Nikko who was quirky but had interesting views and provided the story with touches of humour. I also liked the positive mindset of Chloe’s parents. Even though they are divorcing, they maintain respect for each other, and try to work through their problems.
I learned new things along the way: heirloom plants, Quakers, yarn bombs, and some of the key differences between living in Victoria vs Montreal. I hadn’t heard of seed libraries before, and now that I have, I am intrigued.
The ending, when it came seemed, seemed a bit sudden. Also, spoiler alert, what was in the red box? Unless, I missed something, I don't think I ever found out. But, all in all, I really enjoyed this book and believe middle grade readers would as well.
February 27, 2019
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was absolutely surprised by how much I loved this book! I didn't expect much from it, but boy, once I sat down and read, I was pulled into this story by so many heartstrings.
Okay, this book is well crafted, and enjoyable enough to deserve a four, or five star rating even without the reasons I love it so much- but what really REALLY made me love this book so much, was how much I could relate to it. The grandpa reminded me of my father SO much. He kept a garden, too. It was the only thing he really did, after work. I could also relate to the sad circumstances in the book. The grandpa was basically my dad, in this story. You bet I cried.
I also laughed. I love Nikko! He's such an adorable little oddball. Everyone needs a best friend like him.
There were parts of the story that were predictable, but they happened at unexpected times in the story. So, I was still surprised.
I have one criticism. The end of the book seems rushed - like an editor told her to cut down the word count, and wrap it up. I would have appreciated to read a plot line, where the children discover the thing I'm talking about (no spoilers from me), on their own. That would have added a lot more to the story.
Still, I loved it!!! I have the ARC, but I want to buy a hardcover of the book - and all of Michelle Mulder's books!
I was absolutely surprised by how much I loved this book! I didn't expect much from it, but boy, once I sat down and read, I was pulled into this story by so many heartstrings.
Okay, this book is well crafted, and enjoyable enough to deserve a four, or five star rating even without the reasons I love it so much- but what really REALLY made me love this book so much, was how much I could relate to it. The grandpa reminded me of my father SO much. He kept a garden, too. It was the only thing he really did, after work. I could also relate to the sad circumstances in the book. The grandpa was basically my dad, in this story. You bet I cried.
I also laughed. I love Nikko! He's such an adorable little oddball. Everyone needs a best friend like him.
There were parts of the story that were predictable, but they happened at unexpected times in the story. So, I was still surprised.
I have one criticism. The end of the book seems rushed - like an editor told her to cut down the word count, and wrap it up. I would have appreciated to read a plot line, where the children discover the thing I'm talking about (no spoilers from me), on their own. That would have added a lot more to the story.
Still, I loved it!!! I have the ARC, but I want to buy a hardcover of the book - and all of Michelle Mulder's books!
December 21, 2018
This book is a sweet middle grade story about a girl named Chloe getting to know more about her grandfather, Uli, through his miraculous garden in his backyard. Her grandfather spent decades collecting seeds from people around the world, with every seed containing a story and a piece of history. Through these tales, Chloe comes to understand her family just a little bit more clearly.
This story focuses on heavier topics, such as divorce and grief. The Vegetable Museum would be a great book for a reader who may be currently experiencing these things themselves. I found the garden enchanting to read about, though I do with there was a little bit more about the garden featured in the story.
This would have been a 5 star review, but I felt as though some of the pacing felt too quick. I would have liked about twenty more pages to really feel satisfied with how it ended.
Thank you NetGalley for the free copy to review!
This story focuses on heavier topics, such as divorce and grief. The Vegetable Museum would be a great book for a reader who may be currently experiencing these things themselves. I found the garden enchanting to read about, though I do with there was a little bit more about the garden featured in the story.
This would have been a 5 star review, but I felt as though some of the pacing felt too quick. I would have liked about twenty more pages to really feel satisfied with how it ended.
Thank you NetGalley for the free copy to review!
January 28, 2019
A solid novel about family and community, which offers plenty of scope for discussion on environmental themes.
Uprooted from her life in Montreal, Chloe is unhappy about being dragged to Victoria by her father and separated from her mother. But she quickly bonds with her grandfather, whose stroke was the reason for the move. When he suffers a second stroke, she becomes obsessed with finding his collection of heirloom seeds. The supporting characters are charming although the narrator herself feels under-developed and the pacing, which is solid for most of the tale, falters at the end with an abbreviated solution to the problem and too rapid a resolution. The parents marital problems are very believable and add dimension to this simple story.
Many thanks to Orca Book Publishers for the advance reading copy.
Uprooted from her life in Montreal, Chloe is unhappy about being dragged to Victoria by her father and separated from her mother. But she quickly bonds with her grandfather, whose stroke was the reason for the move. When he suffers a second stroke, she becomes obsessed with finding his collection of heirloom seeds. The supporting characters are charming although the narrator herself feels under-developed and the pacing, which is solid for most of the tale, falters at the end with an abbreviated solution to the problem and too rapid a resolution. The parents marital problems are very believable and add dimension to this simple story.
Many thanks to Orca Book Publishers for the advance reading copy.
May 8, 2019
Michelle Mulder, my favorite author of fiction for readers ages 10 – 13, has done it again: produced a wholly unique, heartfelt, funny and touching story of a 13-year-old girl navigating complex family dynamics and a growing sense of self. As with a number of Mulder’s other books, the protagonist of The Vegetable Museum, Cloe, finds new friends among some interesting characters, and grows and evolves within the already established relationships. When Cloe relocates from Montreal to Victoria with her father, she connects for the first time with her paternal grandfather, and just as this connection begins to grow, like hopeful seedlings, something drastic happens (no spoilers here). Chloe must decide how to carry on, and what role she will play in her grandfather’s legacy as a collector, keeper, and grower of rare vegetable seeds.
November 27, 2018
I think this would make a great read for kids 10 to 14. I am sure many children will be able to relate to the story, parental separations/divorces, moving in with relatives, or even moving across the state of country, leaving friends behind etc... I like the way the garden sort of brings the generations together. I love heirloom vegetable gardening and I thought it was a nice intro to them. May even inspire a young teen to take up gardening! I liked the characters in this book, too. Strong and resourceful, kind and compassionate. May make a good winter break read. Could make a great stocking stuffer for the right kid.
February 1, 2019
The beginning of the book felt a little rushed, I'd have loved a few more pages to get to know the characters a little better before getting thrown into the storyline, but it ended so well! I love anything to do with gardening and I think this book is a perfect middle grade novel that can get discussions going on parental relationships, the environment and sustainability as well as how to deal with big life changes.
November 22, 2018
ARC Copy...highly suggestible if you're into gardening especially of the unusual-special kind, the city of Victoria (it was really well depicted and felt familiar...having studied at UVIC), and the importance of community.
May 8, 2019
This is the best young adult novel I've read in a while. And the cover art is the best I've ever seen. I've finished the book but can't stop thinking about the characters. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes YA books, gardening or has dealt with the loss of a loved one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2020
This was a fantastic Middle Grade novel about family. It deals with love, loss, and growth. If you love nature and the outdoors, this is for you. A great book for your kids to read and for the family to talk about together. The cover art is a perfect picture of the story inside. Fantastic read!
March 22, 2020
This is a sweet book, but (spoiler) a little sad, so I'm not recommending it for every tween. The characters are fun and not too bratty or too perfect. The history of the vegetables fits into the story and doesn't come across as boring.
April 12, 2021
Like every child growing up, learning family stories and dynamics is an adventure Chloë is forced to go on. Everyone needs friends like Chloë has in Sophia, Nikko, and even the elderly neighbour William. They call her out, guide her, and challenge her from near and far.
June 25, 2019
Sometimes you can measure the success of the book by how much curiosity it instills in the reader. This made me want to learn more about gardening and growing vegetables!
December 23, 2019
An enjoyable story about family, friendship, grief and fighting for what you believe in.
February 14, 2020
Beautiful book about family, healing hurt feelings, and gardening with heirloom seeds.
May 16, 2020
Loved this story about family and how complicated families can be
January 21, 2021
It was good
August 19, 2023
OH MY GOD. This book was amazing. I wish that I found out what was in that dang red toolbox. Also, I'm big mad that Slater exists and that his dad sucks too. Man, What a good dang book.
October 27, 2019
This is the story of Chloe and her family. The turbulence that they are facing the challenges it puts on their relationships. It doesn't cover them in a bed of roses and other pretty flowers. It deals with her parents having problems choosing to separate and Chloe and her father relocating to the opposite side of the country where her paternal grandfather lives. Who is dealing with medical issues of his own on top of a strained relationship with his son.
The story revolves around the chance and opportunity for a family to attempt to repair and rebuild their relationships. With communication not being a strong suit of several characters can the relationships be repaired in time. Her grandfather is eccentric and is someone you want to get to know, you can tell their is more to his backstory and I wish there was a little more of it there.
The overall arc of the story is well written and enjoyable, believable and one that many children and families will be able to relate to. However the final conclusion to the main part of the story and the overall arc could have been a little more flushed out. Leaving one detail dropped late in the story seemingly unresolved.
I would highly recommend this story a middle school student I would say ages 11+. Which is slightly older than the age range the publisher recommends. It deals with many issues that children face growing up and keeps the feelings realistic and could be a potential opening for discussion among students and or in families.
The story revolves around the chance and opportunity for a family to attempt to repair and rebuild their relationships. With communication not being a strong suit of several characters can the relationships be repaired in time. Her grandfather is eccentric and is someone you want to get to know, you can tell their is more to his backstory and I wish there was a little more of it there.
The overall arc of the story is well written and enjoyable, believable and one that many children and families will be able to relate to. However the final conclusion to the main part of the story and the overall arc could have been a little more flushed out. Leaving one detail dropped late in the story seemingly unresolved.
I would highly recommend this story a middle school student I would say ages 11+. Which is slightly older than the age range the publisher recommends. It deals with many issues that children face growing up and keeps the feelings realistic and could be a potential opening for discussion among students and or in families.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2018
This book was a perfect middle grade novel. It had everything that I love about middle grade books. It was about family, friendship, believing in something, learning about your history, growing up. Chloe has moved with her dad and isn't thrilled about it. She is getting the chance to know her grandfather who introduces her to gardening and heirloom seeds. Watching the garden grow was the same as watching Chloe grow throughout the story. I really liked this and can't wait for others to read it as well.
November 22, 2018
Mulder's story of Chloe and how her life changed after her parents separated, is lovely in many regards. Finally having the chance to learn more about her Grandfather, learning about gardening of love, learning how to ride a bike, and discovering that sometimes it is difficult to forgive are just a few of the lovely parts.
For me, the book was slow, sluggish, and lacked a depth to the main character that would have made her like her more. Thank you to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
For me, the book was slow, sluggish, and lacked a depth to the main character that would have made her like her more. Thank you to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
December 18, 2018
Chloe is a thirteen-year-old girl who has to leave behind her home in Montreal when her parents decide to separate. She moves with her dad to Victoria where her grandfather, Uli, lives. Chloe agrees to help Uli take care of his garden.
For decades Uli has collected seeds for different vegetables from people in the community. Some of the seeds have been handed down through generations and come from all different countries. "The result is a garden full of unusual and endangered produce, from pink broccoli to blue kale to purple potatoes."
As the story goes along, Chloe finds herself trying to learn more about her father and grandfather's troubled relationship and trying to find a way to preserve her grandfather's legacy by saving his garden.
I wasn't sure about this book at first. I was worried that it would be mostly about vegetables. Luckily it is! But it's also about a teenage girl, about leaving behind her home, difficulties with parents, multi-generational families, saving the environment, contributing to the community...and so many other things that kids and young adults deal with and want to read about.
I really loved this book because it started out as a simple story but you really find yourself being invested in what happens to Chloe and these precious vegetables that Uli has collected. There is a really fun story along the way. I think it is definitely worth a read!
My only complaint about the book is that it isn't longer so that I could enjoy even more of Chloe's story!
For decades Uli has collected seeds for different vegetables from people in the community. Some of the seeds have been handed down through generations and come from all different countries. "The result is a garden full of unusual and endangered produce, from pink broccoli to blue kale to purple potatoes."
As the story goes along, Chloe finds herself trying to learn more about her father and grandfather's troubled relationship and trying to find a way to preserve her grandfather's legacy by saving his garden.
I wasn't sure about this book at first. I was worried that it would be mostly about vegetables. Luckily it is! But it's also about a teenage girl, about leaving behind her home, difficulties with parents, multi-generational families, saving the environment, contributing to the community...and so many other things that kids and young adults deal with and want to read about.
I really loved this book because it started out as a simple story but you really find yourself being invested in what happens to Chloe and these precious vegetables that Uli has collected. There is a really fun story along the way. I think it is definitely worth a read!
My only complaint about the book is that it isn't longer so that I could enjoy even more of Chloe's story!
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