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Shine!
"Inspirational, commonsensical, and a whole lot of fun." --James Patterson
Everyone deserves to shine in this sparkling new book from the New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library , Chris Grabenstein, and coauthor J.J. Grabenstein--just right for fans of Word of Mouse and The Fourteenth Goldfish.
"Who do you want to be?" asks Mr. Van Deusen. "And not when you grow up. Right here, right now."
Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.
Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be.
Everyone deserves to shine in this sparkling new book from the New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library , Chris Grabenstein, and coauthor J.J. Grabenstein--just right for fans of Word of Mouse and The Fourteenth Goldfish.
"Who do you want to be?" asks Mr. Van Deusen. "And not when you grow up. Right here, right now."
Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.
Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be.
210 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2019
120 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
June 25, 2024
Wow...just, wow. A book that teaches about compassion for others without being a bit preachy! I would highly recommend this book for every middle-grade classroom.
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.51)-“Is that really who you want to be, Ainsley?”
(Pg.203)-“The brightest stars don’t just shine for themselves.”
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.51)-“Is that really who you want to be, Ainsley?”
(Pg.203)-“The brightest stars don’t just shine for themselves.”
March 27, 2021
Who does Piper Lilly want to be? An assignment given in English class gives us the opportunity to observe her quest to discover the answer. Her life has been turned upside down when her dad gets a new job at a prestigious private school giving Piper free tuition. There are some mean girls and a new group of friends that christen their group with the name Hibbleflitts. A new school contest for the Excelsior Prize has everyone scrambling to shine and stand out. What if the real excelling is being done when nobody is looking? This is a humorous and inspiring tale that has been named to our Mark Twain list for 20201-22. I think it will do well. One of my favorites.
November 18, 2019
This is a wonderful book, set in a private middle school, that definitely has a message (be true to yourself, and character and kindness are more important than blind ambition and achievement) but successfully avoids didacticism. It will appeal especially to elementary school kids who are interested in science.
June 13, 2022
Seventh grader Piper transfers from public to private school mid-year. Challenged at her new school to figure out who she wants to be and to compete for the Excelsior Award for overall excellence, this is a touching story about making new friends, doing the right thing and acting with integrity. Educators will enjoy this as a classroom read-aloud and caregivers will enjoy it as a family read-aloud.
March 28, 2020
Chris Grabenstein has been making this librarian and her students laugh for a number of years with his own books and those he co-authors with James Patterson. His Lemoncello's Library books are creative, action-packed and a huge hit with fans of children's lit. And now he and his wife have written something completely different that further cements my opinion that Chris is a tremendously gifted author. "Shine" is that kind of feel-good book that clearly promotes the needed messages of kindness and confidence in one's self despite what others say. Piper Milly does not have any particularly amazing talents, despite the fact that both her parents are, or were, in the case of her mom, gifted musicians. Piper is much more comfortable working in the background, helping others shine. But when her father gets a job at an upper crust prep school and she begins to attend there as well, thoughts of finding a way to excel begin to bubble up, especially when a new award called Excelsior is announced at Chumley Prep. Readers may be able to predict the book's conclusion way before it arrives, but that will not keep them from enjoying Kwame's humor, Tim's fascination with magic, Ainsley's constant "mean girl" sniping and the whole student body's attempt to prove that they should win an award that really doesn't have any stated requirements for winning. Highly recommended with no content reservations for all students in grades 4-6, but especially for those who enjoyed Palacio's Wonder, Vrabel's Pack of Dorks series, and sad-happy heart warmers by O'Connor, Bauer, Lord and Graff.
May 12, 2024
What a wonderful, hopefully story
December 16, 2019
This book really did my heart some good, this week. I wasn't sure what to expect, based solely on that cover. But was easily a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating from me! It was engaging and everything I hope for from a middle grade novel.
After her father is offered a new music teaching job, twelve-year-old Piper will be enrolled at Chumley Prep school where she'll wear school uniforms and rub shoulders with rich kids. As it turns out, kids of all walks attend Chumley and she quickly finds her niche. This year, the school is hosting a brand new Excelsior competition where one student will be named the overall winner. Piper's new friends decide to work together to help Piper enter every competition and activity she can in an effort to increase the possibility of her winning. But between science fairs, magic shows, astronomy studies, sports events, and working with foster dogs, she slowly discovers her often snooty nemesis, Ainsley, may take the prize after all. Filled with science, tested friendships, and self-discovery, this story has SOOO much "feel good" that I may be choosing it as our read aloud this January. I hope to see Shine! filling elementary, middle school, and public libraries, everywhere!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
After her father is offered a new music teaching job, twelve-year-old Piper will be enrolled at Chumley Prep school where she'll wear school uniforms and rub shoulders with rich kids. As it turns out, kids of all walks attend Chumley and she quickly finds her niche. This year, the school is hosting a brand new Excelsior competition where one student will be named the overall winner. Piper's new friends decide to work together to help Piper enter every competition and activity she can in an effort to increase the possibility of her winning. But between science fairs, magic shows, astronomy studies, sports events, and working with foster dogs, she slowly discovers her often snooty nemesis, Ainsley, may take the prize after all. Filled with science, tested friendships, and self-discovery, this story has SOOO much "feel good" that I may be choosing it as our read aloud this January. I hope to see Shine! filling elementary, middle school, and public libraries, everywhere!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
November 5, 2019
SHINE! is an absolutely beautiful story about deciding who you want to be, kindness, and finding your own path. Piper Milly is the daughter of an aspiring musician who dreams of writing and producing his own musical but teaches middle school choir to make ends meet. After his a capella group wins a big competition, he is offered a newly vacated job at the fancy private school, Chumley Prep. As part of the deal, he gets free tuition for Piper, which he eagerly accepts.
Piper is not sure how she feels about going to this new school, but she is eager to make her father happy. After she arrives, she learns that she not only has a bully in another student, but also a wonderful group of like-minded friends. When a teacher challenges them to think of who they want to be- now, not just when they grow up- Piper begins to think carefully about who she does or doesn't want to be.
Along the way, Piper reiterates the value of doing the right thing, helping others, and of having friends and family. She also learns to empathize with her bully.
This story is really beautiful, and I would highly recommend for even younger middle grade readers. Piper is a fantastic character- and I really love that she was STEM oriented plus an all-around amazing person. The end of the story was beyond perfect, and I'll admit that I cried some happy tears. Pick up this book! You won't regret it.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Piper is not sure how she feels about going to this new school, but she is eager to make her father happy. After she arrives, she learns that she not only has a bully in another student, but also a wonderful group of like-minded friends. When a teacher challenges them to think of who they want to be- now, not just when they grow up- Piper begins to think carefully about who she does or doesn't want to be.
Along the way, Piper reiterates the value of doing the right thing, helping others, and of having friends and family. She also learns to empathize with her bully.
This story is really beautiful, and I would highly recommend for even younger middle grade readers. Piper is a fantastic character- and I really love that she was STEM oriented plus an all-around amazing person. The end of the story was beyond perfect, and I'll admit that I cried some happy tears. Pick up this book! You won't regret it.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a great book this is! Piper is a seventh grader that lives with her dad who works as a music teacher. After his team won a huge competition he is recruited to work at an expensive private school with a perk of free tuition for Piper. Fitting in maybe easier said than done. Perfect setting for middle school age with appropriate events all revolving around being a good person. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What a great book this is! Piper is a seventh grader that lives with her dad who works as a music teacher. After his team won a huge competition he is recruited to work at an expensive private school with a perk of free tuition for Piper. Fitting in maybe easier said than done. Perfect setting for middle school age with appropriate events all revolving around being a good person. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
February 29, 2020
Great read! I’m recommending this for a read aloud for sure! I love Piper’s character, and while I could predict the ending, I think there are some really great talking points that students and teachers could have together!
June 29, 2021
I adored this book and cannot wait to use it in my classroom. Totally appropriate for 3-6th grade for a read aloud, novel study, whatever. So, so, so cute!! I can’t explain the appreciation I have for this sweet, enjoyable read that simply encourages kindness and friendship. LOVED!!
August 3, 2022
“The brightest stars don’t just shine for themselves.”
A cute, coming of age book for the middle grade audience about compassion, finding yourself, and friendship. After Piper’s dad gets a job at a preparatory school, Piper learns that she will be attending the school with all the “rich kids” that she doesn’t connect with. Insecure about not being able to blend in, Piper does her best to stay in the shadows at her new school. . . until, the school announces that there will be an award at the end of the term for the student that best exemplifies excellence. Now determined to win the award, Piper and her small group of “nerdy” friends work together to earn the award, even when the bullies try to put them out. As Piper tries to be the image of excellence, she can’t help but wonder if being the center of attention is everything she thought it would be.
Why I Loved It :
❤️ Piper has made it her goal to discover her place in the universe. Does she want to be a star like her mom? Or is she her own person, with her own path to explore? The story is an adorable way to teach younger readers about finding themselves, and about not letting others bring them down and tell them they can’t do it. Piper strives through hardship as she learns to be herself, and she connects with a group of amazing friends that help her through it. This story can help young readers conquer insecurity by learning that friendship, compassion, and happiness matter most.
❤️ Piper only has her father left now that her mother has passed away, and she learns how to make a family out of him. She learns to enjoy his company, because after all, he is her father, and he will always be there for her.
❤️ Throughout the book, we see Piper connect in small ways to her deceased mother. It’s heartwarming to watch Piper become the woman she wants to be, and the woman her mother would be proud she became.
What I Didn’t Like :
Nothing broke my heart in this book, and I loved it! It was such a cute, dynamic story that kept me wanting more (even though it only took me a day to read).
I read fast, and this book is for the middle grade audience, thus why it only took me a day. For younger readers, it would probably take a few days to a week to finish. There are a few heavy topics in this book, but nothing that children won’t understand.
Heavy Topics / Trigger Warnings : Piper deals with bullies at her school that try to bring her down and say she isn’t good enough, Piper’s mother passed away before the start of the book (this one in particular is also a heavy topic, because most of the book is about Piper trying to be more like her mother and missing her in the process).
Piper herself is an excellent role model for children. She isn’t perfect, but she learns to be compassionate in her own way, and she learns the true value of friendship along her journey to discover her place in the universe.
****************************************************
5/5 stars!! Loved this one! Definitely recommend!
A cute, coming of age book for the middle grade audience about compassion, finding yourself, and friendship. After Piper’s dad gets a job at a preparatory school, Piper learns that she will be attending the school with all the “rich kids” that she doesn’t connect with. Insecure about not being able to blend in, Piper does her best to stay in the shadows at her new school. . . until, the school announces that there will be an award at the end of the term for the student that best exemplifies excellence. Now determined to win the award, Piper and her small group of “nerdy” friends work together to earn the award, even when the bullies try to put them out. As Piper tries to be the image of excellence, she can’t help but wonder if being the center of attention is everything she thought it would be.
Why I Loved It :
❤️ Piper has made it her goal to discover her place in the universe. Does she want to be a star like her mom? Or is she her own person, with her own path to explore? The story is an adorable way to teach younger readers about finding themselves, and about not letting others bring them down and tell them they can’t do it. Piper strives through hardship as she learns to be herself, and she connects with a group of amazing friends that help her through it. This story can help young readers conquer insecurity by learning that friendship, compassion, and happiness matter most.
❤️ Piper only has her father left now that her mother has passed away, and she learns how to make a family out of him. She learns to enjoy his company, because after all, he is her father, and he will always be there for her.
❤️ Throughout the book, we see Piper connect in small ways to her deceased mother. It’s heartwarming to watch Piper become the woman she wants to be, and the woman her mother would be proud she became.
What I Didn’t Like :
Nothing broke my heart in this book, and I loved it! It was such a cute, dynamic story that kept me wanting more (even though it only took me a day to read).
I read fast, and this book is for the middle grade audience, thus why it only took me a day. For younger readers, it would probably take a few days to a week to finish. There are a few heavy topics in this book, but nothing that children won’t understand.
Heavy Topics / Trigger Warnings : Piper deals with bullies at her school that try to bring her down and say she isn’t good enough, Piper’s mother passed away before the start of the book (this one in particular is also a heavy topic, because most of the book is about Piper trying to be more like her mother and missing her in the process).
Piper herself is an excellent role model for children. She isn’t perfect, but she learns to be compassionate in her own way, and she learns the true value of friendship along her journey to discover her place in the universe.
****************************************************
5/5 stars!! Loved this one! Definitely recommend!
July 15, 2019
Thank you to the authors and Random House Kids for providing the #bookexpedition group an ARC of Shine! to read and share.
Because of her dad’s job, Piper has to move (mid-school year) to a new private school. There, she becomes a target for the school’s richest star-student, and Piper wonders how she’ll survive. Luckily she meets a great group of misfits and has an amazing Science teacher that help her feel a little more comfortable.
When a contest centered around excellence is announced at her school, Piper wants to compete so she can have a plaque in the display case (next to her mom’s). Her dad often reminds her that people are more complex than they seem, and knowing who you are lets your light shine on.
With themes of family, friendship, and acceptance, I’ll definitely be adding this one to my classroom library when it publishes on 11/5/2019.
Because of her dad’s job, Piper has to move (mid-school year) to a new private school. There, she becomes a target for the school’s richest star-student, and Piper wonders how she’ll survive. Luckily she meets a great group of misfits and has an amazing Science teacher that help her feel a little more comfortable.
When a contest centered around excellence is announced at her school, Piper wants to compete so she can have a plaque in the display case (next to her mom’s). Her dad often reminds her that people are more complex than they seem, and knowing who you are lets your light shine on.
With themes of family, friendship, and acceptance, I’ll definitely be adding this one to my classroom library when it publishes on 11/5/2019.
May 29, 2019
This book was so sweet and kind. The main character Piper moves to a new private school where she has to learn to fit in. Through interesting characters, the main themes of friendship and being true to oneself shine through. This is a great read for upper elementary or even a quick read for middle school. Themes can be discussed in literature circles or around the dinner table.
August 30, 2021
William Allen White Award Nominee 2021/2022
Super cute lower middle grade read. Old middle grade might catch on quick, but it's still a fun read.
Super cute lower middle grade read. Old middle grade might catch on quick, but it's still a fun read.
January 12, 2020
There are those times when a book geared towards a young population are more powerful than books aimed at "adulting." I love the TV show "what would you do?" as I see the people in greatest need or those hurting the most, are usually the ones who also sacrifice the most to help others succeed, or to not take advantage of them. So many people believe that people on welfare are all out to take advantage of others, when in reality if people truly get to know them, they are often the most giving people, even if it means going without a substantial meal or fairly critical staple item to ensure someone else is comfortable and the needs of others are met and inviting them into their home. Giving back is what makes them love to give so much when they may be seen as disadvantaged or less fortunate than most. It can be advantageous!
This is one reason I love "Shine" so much! This was such a great and heart-warming book I couldn't put down! They are real life issues I faced growing up and that ALL children will face at some point from various perspectives-- whether the popular, high achiever expected to excel at everything, to the "average jo" who doesn't see that average is actually extraordinary and makes you extra special. There is no pressure when just being who you are, doing what you love, and not trying to be the best or compete. It's so hard when you feel like you just don't fit in. You aren't popular enough, not rich enough, not athletic enough, not creative enough, and although you may even exceed "average" by general standards, you never seem to stand out. There are always people a step ahead with more awards, acknowledgements, or other ways to "win" their way into the spotlight. However, the true character of a person, and what always makes them stand out, IMO, is not the number of badges, awards, gold stars, or dollars they have. It's what they do with what they have, and how much passion they have for it, if it comes from the heart over "winning" and how they respond when treated as less. It's people that matter. Sacrificing for friends and loved ones shows true character, and someone who will succeed in life no matter what circumstances come their way.
This was an all around 5 star book, no question. Many of these quotes will make my FB personal profile over the next few weeks as inspiration to my friends and family to realize their full-potential is not in what they accomplish by awards, or what their financial status is, but instead in how they treat others and the value of their relationships. This is a lesson many adults still have yet to learn, and one that would change the world we live in if practiced by all.
Grand slam, slam-dunk, Superbowl winning TD, or whatever you prefer, this book was a top notch collaboration by J.J. and Chris. I hope it will shine among others and help so many view their priorities and what truly matters! I hope to see more collaborative projects by the Grabensteins in the future. I win the award for biggest Grabenstein fan...so take that and make me the winner of the excelsior award! :) (J/k...just contradicted everything the book was about!). :) But, seriously, definitely a great book, not just for kids or tweens, but adults and anyone in any stage of life because, to an extent, no matter what our age, we all deal with the personalities in this book to some extent on a regular basis.
This is one reason I love "Shine" so much! This was such a great and heart-warming book I couldn't put down! They are real life issues I faced growing up and that ALL children will face at some point from various perspectives-- whether the popular, high achiever expected to excel at everything, to the "average jo" who doesn't see that average is actually extraordinary and makes you extra special. There is no pressure when just being who you are, doing what you love, and not trying to be the best or compete. It's so hard when you feel like you just don't fit in. You aren't popular enough, not rich enough, not athletic enough, not creative enough, and although you may even exceed "average" by general standards, you never seem to stand out. There are always people a step ahead with more awards, acknowledgements, or other ways to "win" their way into the spotlight. However, the true character of a person, and what always makes them stand out, IMO, is not the number of badges, awards, gold stars, or dollars they have. It's what they do with what they have, and how much passion they have for it, if it comes from the heart over "winning" and how they respond when treated as less. It's people that matter. Sacrificing for friends and loved ones shows true character, and someone who will succeed in life no matter what circumstances come their way.
This was an all around 5 star book, no question. Many of these quotes will make my FB personal profile over the next few weeks as inspiration to my friends and family to realize their full-potential is not in what they accomplish by awards, or what their financial status is, but instead in how they treat others and the value of their relationships. This is a lesson many adults still have yet to learn, and one that would change the world we live in if practiced by all.
Grand slam, slam-dunk, Superbowl winning TD, or whatever you prefer, this book was a top notch collaboration by J.J. and Chris. I hope it will shine among others and help so many view their priorities and what truly matters! I hope to see more collaborative projects by the Grabensteins in the future. I win the award for biggest Grabenstein fan...so take that and make me the winner of the excelsior award! :) (J/k...just contradicted everything the book was about!). :) But, seriously, definitely a great book, not just for kids or tweens, but adults and anyone in any stage of life because, to an extent, no matter what our age, we all deal with the personalities in this book to some extent on a regular basis.
October 8, 2020
We've enjoyed Chris Grabenstein's Mr. Lemoncello series, and this stand-alone book by Chris and his wife, J.J., was even better. The story and writing reminded me of Lisa Graff and Polly Horvath, two of our favorite authors of children's literature. The characters are realistic and interesting, and the story was simple and down-to-earth without being simplistic or silly. It engages the challenges of navigating a new school and developing friendships, along with discovering one's own place in it all. We ended up reading the whole book in just a few sittings, as it grabbed and held our interest firmly.
June 13, 2022
Great book for middle grade kids. Even though there are some nasty private school girls, there are also some great private school kids, and some great private school teachers. There is one private school teacher that is unlikable. The truth is, though, kids will run into an unlikable teacher, and the main character handles these interactions well. The horrible private school kids are great examples of what you don’t want to be like.
I also liked the astronomy facts that are sparingly woven into the story. I always hope that these kind of gems stick with kids. Sadly, when I asked questions relating to these facts to my very bright 5th grade granddaughter, she had not retained any of that info. On the bright side, she had definite ideas of the kind of person she wanted to be, and that is really more important.
I also liked the astronomy facts that are sparingly woven into the story. I always hope that these kind of gems stick with kids. Sadly, when I asked questions relating to these facts to my very bright 5th grade granddaughter, she had not retained any of that info. On the bright side, she had definite ideas of the kind of person she wanted to be, and that is really more important.
October 18, 2020
It has been a long time since I have last read a realistic fiction book. I found this book in my recommendations because of how many Chris Grabenstein books I have read. The main story of the book is about how a kid named Piper coped with all the problems of moving to a new school. The only reason why I haven't given this book 5 stars is because it didn't have action like previous books by Chris Grabenstein. This book was a lot more slow-paced and didn't hook me as much. Even so, I still think this is a great book to go to, if you have nothing to read. The book wasn't very challenging, but still is fun to just read on a weekend. One thing this book has taught me is the importance of friends. Sometimes, being loyal to friends can change everything.
January 30, 2020
I listened to this in the car with the kids and it was such a great message! I LOVED this book and so did they!
February 16, 2020
LOVED THIS BOOK! What a great story for kids - and adults! (Don't want to spoil it, but everyone should read this book). Recommended by my friend (and our current librarian). This is a definite for "One book, One school."
April 2, 2020
I absolutely love Chris Grabenstein and his books, and this one is no different. Piper is someone who you would expect to find in your average middle school, and is someone all readers will be able to relate to. If you haven't read this book, you are in for a treat! Be sure to check out his series, Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library!
June 8, 2020
A feel-good journey of self-discovery for middle-grade readers. Not too light or saccharine, a bit of humor, an appealing protagonist, and real issues readers are sure to relate to.
November 2, 2019
I’m happy I received an ARC of this middle grade book from the publisher at BEA 2019. This first outing by JJ Grabenstein co-authoring with his wife did not disappoint. 12 year old Piper is now going to a prestigious school because her dad has been hired as the music teacher, but she doesn’t see herself as talented or as rich as the other kids. However, she has a passion for space and astronomy. Piper does make friends at her new school, but finds challenges around every corner. Now the school has a competition and all the kids are trying to be the winner. They are joining clubs, competing in sports, science fairs, talent shows and more. Does Piper have a chance of leaving a legacy at the school like her mom once did?
This story has a lot of heart. It reads easy and the characters are well drawn out and easy to picture in your mind. I could easily recommend this to a tween to read because everyone is looking to fit in and thinking about who they want to be as a person. This book shines!
This story has a lot of heart. It reads easy and the characters are well drawn out and easy to picture in your mind. I could easily recommend this to a tween to read because everyone is looking to fit in and thinking about who they want to be as a person. This book shines!
February 1, 2021
A fish out of water story about a girl who doesn't expect to fit in at her new private school but instead finds true friendships and discovers that being great doesn't always mean winning.
August 8, 2020
A great reminder that you don't have to be a superstar to shine. Being true to yourself and to your friends is what really matters.
January 2, 2021
Book one in the #bitaboutbooks winter reading challenge complete! Adored Piper & the message of compassion, acceptance, & staying true to yourself- all within a story that doesn’t feel preachy. Thanks to Axis360 for access to the audiobook of Shine!
August 24, 2021
This book was about a girl named Piper who loves astronomy. Her cello playing mother died but her father is a acapella teacher. When she and her dad have to move to a new school her mother went to, Piper tries to get a plaque next to her mom’s. The only way she will be able to do this is by winning the Excelsior award. When people try to excell by joining more clubs Piper helps people. Will that get her the award…
October 7, 2019
This book should be required reading for ALL middle school students. I cried at the end. I had a feeling that it was going to play out a certain way, and I’m SO glad I was right. This book is brilliant in every way. Not only does it showcase the power that one child has to make a difference, our MC, Piper, was into science and astronomy. I LOVE middle grades books with female characters that like science. We need more books like this. I found myself highlighting so many quotes that I can’t wait to add to my Reading Graffiti bulletin board when the book is released. I also plan to use this book on my Mock Newbery club, as I truly believe it should be in contention for the award in January.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
June 21, 2020
Shine by J.J and Chris Grabenstein, 207 pages. Random House, 2019. $17
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Piper Milly is a 7th grader and her dad is a choir director at her school. After the midwinter concert, which her dad's choir wins, he is offered a job at a a most prestigious private school., Chumley Prep. His job also comes with free tuition for Piper. Piper is nervous about leaving her friends and her school. She has met some of the students for her new school and they were not very nice. However, Piper quickly finds some new friends, and she loves her new science teacher and her English teacher. She enters the Science Fair, helps Tim out with his magic tricks and is doing good.
I loved this book! Piper is such a believable character and she is not afraid to be herself. She is bullied and belittled by the "queen" of her new school, but she keeps right on doing what she knows is right, doing her best, and just being her. She and her dad have a great relationship. She makes some new friends. I especially liked how these characters thrived doing what they loved, magic, science, math and just sticking together. This book is awesome, and I highly recommend it. It would be great as a read-a-loud to a whole class, or to one child.
Ellen-Anita, Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Piper Milly is a 7th grader and her dad is a choir director at her school. After the midwinter concert, which her dad's choir wins, he is offered a job at a a most prestigious private school., Chumley Prep. His job also comes with free tuition for Piper. Piper is nervous about leaving her friends and her school. She has met some of the students for her new school and they were not very nice. However, Piper quickly finds some new friends, and she loves her new science teacher and her English teacher. She enters the Science Fair, helps Tim out with his magic tricks and is doing good.
I loved this book! Piper is such a believable character and she is not afraid to be herself. She is bullied and belittled by the "queen" of her new school, but she keeps right on doing what she knows is right, doing her best, and just being her. She and her dad have a great relationship. She makes some new friends. I especially liked how these characters thrived doing what they loved, magic, science, math and just sticking together. This book is awesome, and I highly recommend it. It would be great as a read-a-loud to a whole class, or to one child.
Ellen-Anita, Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
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