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Until Niagara Falls
Is friendship supposed to feel like walking over the falls?
Brenda is afraid of heights, being in the dark, and dog poop. Then she meets daring, rule-breaking Maureen and realizes their friendship is a bit like walking a tightrope — exciting but dangerous. Maureen encourages Brenda to use fire escapes, sleep outside in a tent, and walk through strange backyards.
Their friendship strains when Maureen makes fun of Harvey, Brenda's special needs neighbour. It strains even further when Maureen borrows Gran's bracelet and lies about returning it. Suddenly, Brenda realizes she has to be as brave as The Great Blondin, the man who walked across the falls, to get it back.
Brenda is afraid of heights, being in the dark, and dog poop. Then she meets daring, rule-breaking Maureen and realizes their friendship is a bit like walking a tightrope — exciting but dangerous. Maureen encourages Brenda to use fire escapes, sleep outside in a tent, and walk through strange backyards.
Their friendship strains when Maureen makes fun of Harvey, Brenda's special needs neighbour. It strains even further when Maureen borrows Gran's bracelet and lies about returning it. Suddenly, Brenda realizes she has to be as brave as The Great Blondin, the man who walked across the falls, to get it back.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 5, 2020
I love it when children's books bridge the gap between generations and are just as enjoyable to read as an adult, and this lovely story does just that.
Set in Niagara Falls in the summer of 1960, Brenda befriends a new neighbour, Maureen. Maureen is one of those friends who plenty of us have experience of, one who challenges our comfort zone but also leads us astray. Their very unbalanced friendship reminded me strongly of someone who befriended me when I was just becoming a teenager.
The real beauty of the story is the friendship between Brenda and her next-door neighbour Harvey – a man with learning disabilities who is shunned by much of their neighbourhood, but fully welcomed into Brenda's life.
The story is a charming little vignette into a few weeks of summer, through a child's eyes. I would have loved this book as a child, and loved it too as an adult who was craving a simple, quick read.
Set in Niagara Falls in the summer of 1960, Brenda befriends a new neighbour, Maureen. Maureen is one of those friends who plenty of us have experience of, one who challenges our comfort zone but also leads us astray. Their very unbalanced friendship reminded me strongly of someone who befriended me when I was just becoming a teenager.
The real beauty of the story is the friendship between Brenda and her next-door neighbour Harvey – a man with learning disabilities who is shunned by much of their neighbourhood, but fully welcomed into Brenda's life.
The story is a charming little vignette into a few weeks of summer, through a child's eyes. I would have loved this book as a child, and loved it too as an adult who was craving a simple, quick read.
January 29, 2025
With her 2020 middle grade novel Until Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, Ontario that is) Jennifer Maruno has created a for the most part thoughtfully sensitive, interesting and nicely readable work of historical fiction, a realistic feeling first person narration story (by main protagonist and fifth grader Brenda), with sufficient emotional but not exaggerated conflict and Until Niagara Falls also presenting a delightfully, a gloriously authentic sense of historical time and place, with Maruno convincingly showing 1960s Ontario and a childhood spent buying penny candy, attending the Canadian National Exhibition (the CNE) in Toronto and submitting ideas to slogan-writing contests.
So in Until Niagara Falls, Jennifer Maruno's featured text introduces readers to Brenda, a naive tween living a bit unhappily with her grandmother (since her mother is deceased and her father can only visit on weekends because he is working out of town) who still plays with dolls when she’s not riding her bike or swimming at the local pool, but that this all kind of changes when she meets and also becomes friends with Maureen, a street-smart new girl who gives Brenda a glimpse of rebellion but also causes all kinds of chaos and havoc. For while Maureen very quickly insinuates herself into Brenda’s life, as they spend their summer decoding teenage romantic desire and collecting old beer bottles for cash, the excitement and fun of this fades pretty fast when Maureen first pokes nasty fun at Brenda's special needs neighbour Harvey and is then caught out stealing jewellery from Brenda’s grandmother. And with Jennifer Maruno skilfully weaving a story in Until Niagara Falls of Brenda slowly but surely realising how her friendship with Maureen is majorly toxic and horribly like walking a thin and dangerous tightrope (more than a bit like Brenda's hero, like the Great Blondin, who crossed over Niagara Falls doing precisely that) and finally not really wanting a friend like Maureen anymore at all (since Maureen is basically a bully, is someone who thinks nothing of being nastily denigrating, of breaking the law and is also at best only a so-called fair weather friend for Brenda anyhow and will never be willing to change, will thus always be at best more than a trifle problematic).
Finally, albeit very much historical fiction, Until Niagara Falls in my opinion equally and truly shines with Jennifer Maruno's timeless portrayal of the emotional churning, issues with friendship etc. that are often part and parcel of being a tween (both then, in the 1960s, and also now). And yes, Brenda is an authentic and complex protagonist with a relatable textual voice (and is also nicely developed as a character) and whose world expands when she starts to push beyond being a people-pleaser, standing up for her values and beliefs as she finds the courage to brave Maureen’s bullying tactics and get her grandmother’s stolen bracelet back, with the falling-out between the two girls acutely painful but also necessary and making me personally feel good and also vindicated, as I and just like Brenda also had to deal with false "friends" like Maureen when I was Brenda's age (although I do kind of wish that Jennifer Maruno could make Maureen a bit more developed, with more of a backstory and not just depict her as a stereotypical mean girl like villain throughout Until Niagara Falls and that Maureen being rather flatly stereotypical as a character is the main reason why my rating for Until Niagara Falls is not five but four stars, but still highly recommended).
So in Until Niagara Falls, Jennifer Maruno's featured text introduces readers to Brenda, a naive tween living a bit unhappily with her grandmother (since her mother is deceased and her father can only visit on weekends because he is working out of town) who still plays with dolls when she’s not riding her bike or swimming at the local pool, but that this all kind of changes when she meets and also becomes friends with Maureen, a street-smart new girl who gives Brenda a glimpse of rebellion but also causes all kinds of chaos and havoc. For while Maureen very quickly insinuates herself into Brenda’s life, as they spend their summer decoding teenage romantic desire and collecting old beer bottles for cash, the excitement and fun of this fades pretty fast when Maureen first pokes nasty fun at Brenda's special needs neighbour Harvey and is then caught out stealing jewellery from Brenda’s grandmother. And with Jennifer Maruno skilfully weaving a story in Until Niagara Falls of Brenda slowly but surely realising how her friendship with Maureen is majorly toxic and horribly like walking a thin and dangerous tightrope (more than a bit like Brenda's hero, like the Great Blondin, who crossed over Niagara Falls doing precisely that) and finally not really wanting a friend like Maureen anymore at all (since Maureen is basically a bully, is someone who thinks nothing of being nastily denigrating, of breaking the law and is also at best only a so-called fair weather friend for Brenda anyhow and will never be willing to change, will thus always be at best more than a trifle problematic).
Finally, albeit very much historical fiction, Until Niagara Falls in my opinion equally and truly shines with Jennifer Maruno's timeless portrayal of the emotional churning, issues with friendship etc. that are often part and parcel of being a tween (both then, in the 1960s, and also now). And yes, Brenda is an authentic and complex protagonist with a relatable textual voice (and is also nicely developed as a character) and whose world expands when she starts to push beyond being a people-pleaser, standing up for her values and beliefs as she finds the courage to brave Maureen’s bullying tactics and get her grandmother’s stolen bracelet back, with the falling-out between the two girls acutely painful but also necessary and making me personally feel good and also vindicated, as I and just like Brenda also had to deal with false "friends" like Maureen when I was Brenda's age (although I do kind of wish that Jennifer Maruno could make Maureen a bit more developed, with more of a backstory and not just depict her as a stereotypical mean girl like villain throughout Until Niagara Falls and that Maureen being rather flatly stereotypical as a character is the main reason why my rating for Until Niagara Falls is not five but four stars, but still highly recommended).
October 5, 2019
Until Niagara Falls by Jennifer Maruno is a charming, nostalgic story about friendship, growing up, and the lifelong lessons that are acquired along the way. This is a book that evoked memories from my childhood, and also brought pleasant recollections of the types of novels that I would devour during my own middle school years.
In 1960, Brenda is living with her father and grandmother in Niagara Falls, Ontario when new girl Maureen arrives in town. The two girls form a friendship of sorts that is not without its ups and downs, yet despite their many differences the girls bring to one another's lives what each has been missing. For Brenda, Maureen represents daring adventures and chances taken, while Maureen gains stability and a sense of loyalty from the time she spends with Brenda's close family. Ultimately, this is a story of friendship, forgiveness, and coming of age at a time when childhood seemed altogether more innocent. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for this ARC.
In 1960, Brenda is living with her father and grandmother in Niagara Falls, Ontario when new girl Maureen arrives in town. The two girls form a friendship of sorts that is not without its ups and downs, yet despite their many differences the girls bring to one another's lives what each has been missing. For Brenda, Maureen represents daring adventures and chances taken, while Maureen gains stability and a sense of loyalty from the time she spends with Brenda's close family. Ultimately, this is a story of friendship, forgiveness, and coming of age at a time when childhood seemed altogether more innocent. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for this ARC.
December 15, 2023
1) I loved all the Niagara Falls information in this book. I didn't actually live there, but we lived close enough that I knew about most of her references. Like Dufferin Islands as a swimming location! (Sadly, you can't swim there anymore. Really, it was one of the coolest places you could swim!)
2) Maureen was a complex character to like. And yet, she really needs a friend like Brenda! At times I felt bad for her, and other times I wanted Brenda to just get out of there.
3) I liked how the neighbour fit into the story. Especially, with the dog and the CNE. I thought it worked well.
4) The scene with the bicycle at the library! Ooh boy. That Maureen is a tricky one. I love how it slowly dawns on Brenda about how Maureen really got the bike. And even better yet was how it all fit into the plot by the end of the story!
5) I liked that Maureen's mom, while obviously overwhelmed, isn't a horrible parent. I was glad that Brenda figures out that she can go to the mom to appeal to her with regards to Maureen and the stolen bracelet.
6) Granny is also a complex character that I grew to love. I was prepared to NOT like her, but she grew on me. I hope she does make it to Scotland!
7) Loved the Krick's Pickles story line! (Doubly cool that it's partly true!)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Love this book! I found all the Niagara Falls bits to be like a nostalgic walk back in time. But, even if you've never been to the Falls, this would be an enjoyable read. The friendship between Brenda and Maureen complicated. Well worth the read!
2) Maureen was a complex character to like. And yet, she really needs a friend like Brenda! At times I felt bad for her, and other times I wanted Brenda to just get out of there.
3) I liked how the neighbour fit into the story. Especially, with the dog and the CNE. I thought it worked well.
4) The scene with the bicycle at the library! Ooh boy. That Maureen is a tricky one. I love how it slowly dawns on Brenda about how Maureen really got the bike. And even better yet was how it all fit into the plot by the end of the story!
5) I liked that Maureen's mom, while obviously overwhelmed, isn't a horrible parent. I was glad that Brenda figures out that she can go to the mom to appeal to her with regards to Maureen and the stolen bracelet.
6) Granny is also a complex character that I grew to love. I was prepared to NOT like her, but she grew on me. I hope she does make it to Scotland!
7) Loved the Krick's Pickles story line! (Doubly cool that it's partly true!)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Love this book! I found all the Niagara Falls bits to be like a nostalgic walk back in time. But, even if you've never been to the Falls, this would be an enjoyable read. The friendship between Brenda and Maureen complicated. Well worth the read!
October 12, 2019
Brenda is wrapping up her school year when she meets an unexpected friend who ends up giving her chicken pox. She and Maureen quickly become friends and they spend the summer hanging out, swimming, and volunteering at the library. But Maureen isn't always the best friend, as Brenda soon finds out. Maureen sometimes takes things that aren't hers or pressures Brenda into doing things that Brenda doesn't want to do but is unsure of how to get out of. But Brenda soon realizes that she will have to start standing up for herself or face the consequences.
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I think this is a really great story for this age group. It forces young readers to think about peer pressure and have conversations about this through the context of the book. It also encourages readers to think about other people's situations and recognize that everyone comes from different backgrounds and walks of life, teaching empathy in an easier to understand way. The writing was simple but engaging and I never felt like the plot was slowing down or moving to quickly. Overall a really great read!
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I think this is a really great story for this age group. It forces young readers to think about peer pressure and have conversations about this through the context of the book. It also encourages readers to think about other people's situations and recognize that everyone comes from different backgrounds and walks of life, teaching empathy in an easier to understand way. The writing was simple but engaging and I never felt like the plot was slowing down or moving to quickly. Overall a really great read!
February 8, 2021
A sharp, witty and insightful story about friendship, boundaries and self-discover. Set in the iconic city of Niagara Falls, Maruno’s characters are engaging and realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
March 5, 2025
DNF at 50% nothing was happening (it was so boring)
March 21, 2020
You meet that one friend that dares you to step out of your comfort zone. Your parents wouldn't like her if they knew what she encouraged you to do. Then one day you have to step out of the friendship and stand up for yourself and what is right.
Until Niagara Falls is a story about two girls who need each other for different reasons. Brenda is an only child with a high imagination and Maureen, from a large neglectful family, is the daring tightrope walker of life Brenda longs to be. But as Maureen's daring turning into more and more theft and deceit, Brenda grows strong enough to insist on honesty and respect.
What I particularly liked is how Jennifer Maruno subtly conveys the advantages Brenda enjoys over Maureen: the condiments that are undiluted, the grandmother that makes her go to church, the food that is prepared for her, the CNE trip that is the highlight of her summer. We immediately sympathize for the "bad" child bully Maureen because she's so obviously a product of her impoverished background.
I like to think 8 to 12 year olds will enjoy this book and be able to absorb the gentle messages particularly because they come from another simpler if not more innocent time.
Until Niagara Falls is a story about two girls who need each other for different reasons. Brenda is an only child with a high imagination and Maureen, from a large neglectful family, is the daring tightrope walker of life Brenda longs to be. But as Maureen's daring turning into more and more theft and deceit, Brenda grows strong enough to insist on honesty and respect.
What I particularly liked is how Jennifer Maruno subtly conveys the advantages Brenda enjoys over Maureen: the condiments that are undiluted, the grandmother that makes her go to church, the food that is prepared for her, the CNE trip that is the highlight of her summer. We immediately sympathize for the "bad" child bully Maureen because she's so obviously a product of her impoverished background.
I like to think 8 to 12 year olds will enjoy this book and be able to absorb the gentle messages particularly because they come from another simpler if not more innocent time.
December 21, 2019
Until Niagara Falls
by Jennifer Maruno
Dundurn Press
Dundurn
Children's Fiction , Middle Grade
Pub Date 25 Feb 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Until Niagara Falls through Dundurn Press and Netgalley:
Brenda is afraid of things that some may find strange like heights, being in the dark and dog poop. When she meets the rule breaking Maureen she realizes that friendship is kind of like walking on a tight rope, exciting but dangerous. Maureen encourages Brenda to step out of her comfort zone, by using fire escapes, sleeping outside in tents and walking through strange back yards.
When Maureen makes fun of Harvey, Brenda’s neighbor who has special needs, the friendship strains. And it strains farther when Maureen borrows Brenda’s Grandmother’s bracelet and lies about returning it, the friendship strains even farther, making Brenda realize she needs to be as brave as The Great Blondin, the man who walked across the falls to get it back.
Until Niagara Falls is a story of Friendship, of acceptance of learning to step outside of comfort zones and of being brave.
I give Until Niagara Falls five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Jennifer Maruno
Dundurn Press
Dundurn
Children's Fiction , Middle Grade
Pub Date 25 Feb 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Until Niagara Falls through Dundurn Press and Netgalley:
Brenda is afraid of things that some may find strange like heights, being in the dark and dog poop. When she meets the rule breaking Maureen she realizes that friendship is kind of like walking on a tight rope, exciting but dangerous. Maureen encourages Brenda to step out of her comfort zone, by using fire escapes, sleeping outside in tents and walking through strange back yards.
When Maureen makes fun of Harvey, Brenda’s neighbor who has special needs, the friendship strains. And it strains farther when Maureen borrows Brenda’s Grandmother’s bracelet and lies about returning it, the friendship strains even farther, making Brenda realize she needs to be as brave as The Great Blondin, the man who walked across the falls to get it back.
Until Niagara Falls is a story of Friendship, of acceptance of learning to step outside of comfort zones and of being brave.
I give Until Niagara Falls five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 13, 2020
In her book "Until Niagara Falls," Jennifer Maruno takes the reader into a child's world of innocence. The main character, Brenda, struggles to understand her friend Maureen, who has been left by her family to fend for herself. Maureen can be bold, daring and at times a bully. Brenda is initially intrigued by Maureen and her antics but later feels used and manipulated. Learning how to handle a bully is not easy for Brenda, but learning to forgive teaches both Brenda and Maureen the true meaning of friendship. I highly recommend this book to any young person interested in true life experiences and lessons in growing up.
October 18, 2019
Are you nostalgic for summers as a kid? Riding your bikes everywhere. Spending your days swimming and hanging out with friends. Then this is the book for you. Such a quaint read about a young girl who befriends a new girl in town that is a little more rough around the edges than she’s used to.
I also loved the setting of Niagara Falls. As a child my family went to Niagara Falls every summer for our summer vacation. Reading about it again made my heart smile 😊
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I also loved the setting of Niagara Falls. As a child my family went to Niagara Falls every summer for our summer vacation. Reading about it again made my heart smile 😊
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
October 28, 2019
I enjoyed Until Niagara Falls a great deal. It’s historical fiction but would be very relatable to kids today. I could easily see myself recommending this to students struggling with friendships. As an adult, I felt that some of the interactions between Brenda and Maureen were a little heavy handed but I think middle grades readers would respond very well and find themselves represented by the girls.
Special thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Special thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2019
Until Niagara Falls is a summertime story about Brenda, a rather timid, rule-following, imaginative girl who has grown up in Niagara Falls. When Maureen bursts into her life, she is astounded at her new friend’s boldness and disregard of rules. She finds herself following Maureen even when she feels uncomfortable, and despite Maureen’s mean remarks to Brenda.
Through the story, Brenda gains empathy as she sees the difficulty of Maureen’s home life. She also learns to stand up for herself and say no to Maureen. I really enjoyed the connections to the Great Blondin that Brenda makes.
Through the story, Brenda gains empathy as she sees the difficulty of Maureen’s home life. She also learns to stand up for herself and say no to Maureen. I really enjoyed the connections to the Great Blondin that Brenda makes.
July 26, 2021
I LOVED this book. Everything about this was so authentic. I grew up in St. Catharines in the 60's and I felt as if I was reliving my childhood summer. From riding bikes to the community pool, (we spent hours at Port Dalhousie pool), to hot dogs for a bday celebration, (I also had the July birthday so no friends could come), to the CNE, sleeping in the pup tent in the backyard, to having a friend like Maureen. I though Brenda was a well developed character and I loved her relationship with Maureen. What a great read!
October 22, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Until Niagara Falls honestly disturbed me at first. Brenda’s new friend Maureen was such a bully and so mean to her. It really made me mad! But in the end, things really came together and I enjoyed it overall.
October 27, 2019
I enjoyed this tale of an unlikely friendship where a somewhat sheltered girl learned about the hardships that others face and how to stand up for herself and others. It's a great story that really teaches about sticking up to your friends when you need to.
March 24, 2020
My fourteen year old daughter and I both loved this feel-good, funny story about friendship and boundaries in days gone by. So neat to see a story like this set in one of Canada's most beloved towns.
April 10, 2020
Great book! What a perfect escape to the 60’s! Loved the relationship between a naive girl and her new street smart friend.
April 25, 2020
This is a great read. I would definitely recommend reading this book for middle school kids. I like how it shows the friendship between two girls. This is definitely relatable too.
May 6, 2020
As an adult reading this, it brings me back to school friendships, and "simple" summer days. It's a fun read for preteen and up. A perfect story for mother and daughter to read together.
December 3, 2019
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.
So, here's the thing. My assistant at work and I talk about books ALL. THE. TIME. Which, is a good thing, considering we work in a library. BUT, this also means that we have discovered a shorthand when talking about and reviewing books with one another. And I have a very distinct tell. If I give a one shouldered shrug when I start talking about a book, my assistant KNOWS that that means it was just "OK", a meh read that I will probably end up ordering, but won't be too excited about. A niche book that will help round out a collection, but not a must-read.
This book wouldn't have even gotten a shoulder shrug.
I can't even say that this book was "meh" because I was so disappointed throughout. I kept thinking to myself, "really? that's all this book is going to cover?" If you read the blurb provided on Goodreads or the back of the book, do not expect anything more than that. It really is just about Brenda hanging out with a new girl one summer and the new girl being basically awful. And Brenda just takes it. It is historical fiction, but only because it is set during a summer that must have been from the author's past and only because she wanted to write about a pickle naming contest (no, I'm not making this up). According to the end notes and included information, there was a real pickle naming contest and she kept very true to it.
This is not a middle grade book. If anything, it might appeal to readers grades 2-4. Maybe. But the historical aspect isn't developed enough to mean anything, so it ends up just being boring. The friendship lacks any "aha" moments and the growth within Brenda is marginal. Extra characters end up being so underdeveloped as to be just an annoying distraction.
Final verdict: pass on adding this to your collection. There are many other books that tell better stories and in better ways than this one.
So, here's the thing. My assistant at work and I talk about books ALL. THE. TIME. Which, is a good thing, considering we work in a library. BUT, this also means that we have discovered a shorthand when talking about and reviewing books with one another. And I have a very distinct tell. If I give a one shouldered shrug when I start talking about a book, my assistant KNOWS that that means it was just "OK", a meh read that I will probably end up ordering, but won't be too excited about. A niche book that will help round out a collection, but not a must-read.
This book wouldn't have even gotten a shoulder shrug.
I can't even say that this book was "meh" because I was so disappointed throughout. I kept thinking to myself, "really? that's all this book is going to cover?" If you read the blurb provided on Goodreads or the back of the book, do not expect anything more than that. It really is just about Brenda hanging out with a new girl one summer and the new girl being basically awful. And Brenda just takes it. It is historical fiction, but only because it is set during a summer that must have been from the author's past and only because she wanted to write about a pickle naming contest (no, I'm not making this up). According to the end notes and included information, there was a real pickle naming contest and she kept very true to it.
This is not a middle grade book. If anything, it might appeal to readers grades 2-4. Maybe. But the historical aspect isn't developed enough to mean anything, so it ends up just being boring. The friendship lacks any "aha" moments and the growth within Brenda is marginal. Extra characters end up being so underdeveloped as to be just an annoying distraction.
Final verdict: pass on adding this to your collection. There are many other books that tell better stories and in better ways than this one.
Read
October 16, 2019I will say y'all have just a fabulous job in the telling of this story.
This is a story of coming of age and I loved it because I felt that you were telling my childhood story.
I have had those sometimes friends and friend users who only wanted something from you and then left because they were either wanting certain things or running from them.
I could and stil can hear my mom's voice saying "Lori," you choose the most unusual friends because eventually they show their true colors. And I don't choose them they seem to come to me for some oddball reason. Maybe it's because I wear my heart on my sleeve? Who knows?
Koodos to Brenda for having a heart of gold! It doesn't matter if you have parents or not or a mom to me, it's the ones who love you enough to dry your tears when you cry or give you a hug when you need most or whatever the case is they are there for you.
Too many scenes in this book back some very upsetting memories and some lovely ones as well. Especially the library scene using the old fashioned way of checking books in and out
I loved that this was told from Brenda's point of view and not in present tense. Too many young adult books are like that and I don't care for it. I can't connect like I did with Brenda on this one.
I laughed and cried along with Brenda throughout the book and I cheered for her when she finally stood up for herself.
Sometimes it takes just the right person and if we take their crap long enough we explode. It's happened to me lots of times. I'm a human being for goodness sakes!!!
If there's one thing I can't stand it's a one sided relationship no matter who it is. Friendship is supposed to go both ways not it's my way or the highway. I don't like that but it happens more and more.
Especially in today's world. Only worse.
I've been to Niagara Falls as a kid but I remember it as a beautiful and fascinating place. I'd love to go back and take my boys.
I really truly enjoyed this book and I very much recommend it. It's a great coming of age story that is sure to delight readers everywhere!
My thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
This is a story of coming of age and I loved it because I felt that you were telling my childhood story.
I have had those sometimes friends and friend users who only wanted something from you and then left because they were either wanting certain things or running from them.
I could and stil can hear my mom's voice saying "Lori," you choose the most unusual friends because eventually they show their true colors. And I don't choose them they seem to come to me for some oddball reason. Maybe it's because I wear my heart on my sleeve? Who knows?
Koodos to Brenda for having a heart of gold! It doesn't matter if you have parents or not or a mom to me, it's the ones who love you enough to dry your tears when you cry or give you a hug when you need most or whatever the case is they are there for you.
Too many scenes in this book back some very upsetting memories and some lovely ones as well. Especially the library scene using the old fashioned way of checking books in and out
I loved that this was told from Brenda's point of view and not in present tense. Too many young adult books are like that and I don't care for it. I can't connect like I did with Brenda on this one.
I laughed and cried along with Brenda throughout the book and I cheered for her when she finally stood up for herself.
Sometimes it takes just the right person and if we take their crap long enough we explode. It's happened to me lots of times. I'm a human being for goodness sakes!!!
If there's one thing I can't stand it's a one sided relationship no matter who it is. Friendship is supposed to go both ways not it's my way or the highway. I don't like that but it happens more and more.
Especially in today's world. Only worse.
I've been to Niagara Falls as a kid but I remember it as a beautiful and fascinating place. I'd love to go back and take my boys.
I really truly enjoyed this book and I very much recommend it. It's a great coming of age story that is sure to delight readers everywhere!
My thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
September 20, 2020
I think I read this because it is a local author and I saw it promoted somewhere? It is a young adult (or children's) book set in historical Niagara Falls, based on the summer in 1960 when the author won a pickle slogan contest (she includes the actual letter from 1960 in the back of the book). It is not clear if the story about the new girl in the neighbourhood is also based on the author's life story, but it is a story about an only child befriending a new girl with 8 siblings in the family, and their very different homes / circumstances, and although the main character puts up with a lot of bad behaviour from the new girl, she eventually decides that they are not really friends, but then the ending (I won't give any spoilers) is not very conclusive or satisfactory. I did enjoy the depiction of a childhood in Niagara Falls in the sixties.
February 20, 2020
Coming in at under 200 pages, this was basically a short story about Brenda and her unusual friendship with Maureen. The story is sparse, leaving much to assume by the reader. I would say that the story is more of a look at Brenda and Maureen's characters, but even that is a stretch as the looks are cursory. I feel that as much as was included, more was left out. Maybe this was the intent but the feeling it left was of neglect. I would have loved the inclusion of a couple heartfelt conversations between Brenda and Maureen to make this a much stronger book about friendship.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
July 8, 2021
This novel is well written if a bit slow. The relationship between the main character, her boundaries-lacking friend who tends to push her into trouble (but also into challenges she might not otherwise take on), and a special-needs neighbor is well developed and keep the action moving. Other, more minor characters seem rather randomly drawn. The story is "sweet," perhaps too much so, and the ending is a bit lame. But middle-graders looking for an armchair adventure about a fifth-grade girl who learns to push her limits will likely enjoy it.
October 8, 2019
Earc from netgalley.
This was one of those books that i'm not sure what exactly my opinion was on it. I liked how it talked about being friends with people who are different than you, but also it frustrated me a little bit because it seemed like the characters didn't really learn from their actions. I liked the setting, though it was really interesting.
This was one of those books that i'm not sure what exactly my opinion was on it. I liked how it talked about being friends with people who are different than you, but also it frustrated me a little bit because it seemed like the characters didn't really learn from their actions. I liked the setting, though it was really interesting.
November 6, 2019
Until Niagara Falls is a story of an unlikely friendship. A girl with a sheltered life learns about the hardships that others face and how to stand up for herself and others. It was an interesting story over all. The Niagara Falls setting will be nostalgic for many readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2020
Good nostalgic bits but not enough action for my taste.
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