Never Grow Up

Baxter Family Children #3

by Karen Kingsbury, Tyler Russell, Olivia Chen Mueller (Illustrations)

To the rest of the world: We, the Baxter Children . . . promise here and now to never grow up!

The Baxter family has settled in after the move to Bloomington, and now they are counting the days till a much-anticipated local meteor shower. They love their house, their rooms, their new teachers, and their classmates.

Then Ms. Nan assigns Kari's class an essay entitled "What will you do when you grow up?" Kari is panicked. She has no idea what she'll do. Does she need to know now, while she's still in sixth grade? Her exploration turns up a few funny moments, but nothing for her paper. Ashley's field day and, later, her pumpkin patch fiasco help lighten the mood, and the school talent show is a diversion, but still Kari has no answers. What will she do? At the same time, Ashley is cast as Wendy in the fifth-grade performance of Peter Pan, which gives her an idea. Maybe she and her siblings can sign a pledge to never grow up at all!

The third book in the beloved New York Times bestselling Baxter Family Children Story series tells a reassuring story about the joys and challenges of growing up and the reminder that—like a meteor—time never lasts long enough. Better to enjoy it while the trail of its light is still streaking across the night sky.

Genres: Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Family, Chapter Books

286 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2021

About the author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...

Reviews

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Grow Up by Karen Kingsbury and Tyler Russell
Baxter Family Children #3
286-page Hardback

Genre: Christian Fiction, Children's > Middle Grade; Juvenile > Young Adult

Featuring: Mother-Son Duo, Author's Letter Remixed, Bloomington, Indiana; Large Family, Multiple POVs, Siblings, Graphics, Wholesome Characters, School Events, God's Plan, Peter Pan, Drama, Hallmark Moments, Prayers, 🎨Art, Sports

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "Under The Sea" from the Little Mermaid Soundtrack, "Dancing Queen" by ABBA, "ABC" by The Jackson 5, "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

My thoughts: 📖 Page 268 of 286 Ch. 21 Meteors and Memories • Kari - I'm just stopped to say this book would be better if we spent some time with Brooke as Kari and Ashley are the only POVs.

I only took minor breaks, so this didn't get bookmarked. This had 5-star potential, but Ashley seems to be the primary MC and the comedic relief of the story. Her chapters aren't bad, but I don't like the direction her character is going in. Now, she has a hearing problem as well as word confusion, very Amelia Bedelia, and is way overdone. These jokes are repetitive. I liked the plot, but some of the warmth was missing. Two more books to go.

Recommend to others?: Yes. It's still a great family story that puts God at the center.

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nostalgic and enjoyable read! I love the family atmosphere and feel of it all! I love the message of the importance of enjoying and cherishing every single day God gives us! They are gifts and we aren’t promised the next day. To enjoy life and days like you did when you were a kid! Here’s to never growing up! 😆

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the children’s series about the Baxter family from author Karen Kingsbury. It’s not necessary to read the first two before this one, as this one works as a standalone. I’ve read all this author’s books (most of them multiple times) and really enjoy these books about the Baxters when they were children. They’re a quick read, and if you’ve read the adult series about the family, you’ll really enjoy meeting them as children, growing up in Indianapolis, as a loving, close family. If you’re looking for a book to read to your elementary aged kids, this would be a good one. 4/5 stars.

[Jill Udey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading this series to our kids. Another great book!

[Victoria Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing this for our church library: good clean book. Strong family values and working through different situations from a Christian perspective

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are beautiful books, but often have a slow start. I love Ashley, her easy spirit and ability to connect with people. Great lessons and stories for us all

[Tara Rounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury and Tyler Russell's book Never Grow Up is a story of the daily life and antics of the Baxter children. Never Grow Up focuses mainly on Kari and Ashley Baxter. Even though the plot deals with 2 of the children the book is easy to read and follow. (In the setup of the book subtitles are included at the start of the chapter telling whose story the chapter is about). Each story is interwoven into one cohesive book.
The book is recommended for Middle Grades- ages 8-12 but could be read by someone younger depending on their reading level and ability. The book is funny and has enough drama to hold a child's interest unless they are into extremely action packed fast paced books. This story is more on the lines of Ramona, Judy Moody, Clementine and other similar stories. It has life lessons and Godly morals. The Baxter family is a close knit family who encourage and support each other in spite of their differences and disagreements. The children are taught to pray and show love and compassion for others.
I didn't read the first two books in the Baxter Family Children Series but found it easy to follow along and learn the characters even starting with Book 3 Never Grow Up. The font and set up of the book is just right for any reader- beginner to more advanced. I enjoyed the illustrations connecting and enhancing the story.
I recommend Never Grow Up and the Baxter Family Children stories to families looking for an enjoyable story that children can read alone or together as a family, even ones with younger children. I will keep this series in mind to buy as gifts or recommend to readers. I loved this book and would have liked to have read it as a child. Never Grow Up took me back to my childhood days of daily struggles in school and life.
I received an advanced copy of this book in a giveaway in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Aurelia Mast-glick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just another fun middle-grade book about the Baxter family. This is the third in the series so far and I think there might be more coming. I really enjoy this quick, fun reads. Ashley is quite funny and dramatic and gets her words mixed up. Kari is energetic and creative as well, though a bit more subdued than Ashley. The books usually revolve mostly around these two sisters though the rest of the siblings are included.

I look forward to when my daughter is old enough to read these on her own. I would say around 8 or so would be a good age to start reading these books, but that's just a guess. I think she would enjoy them now if I would read them to her, but she couldn't read them alone yet.

My only gripe with these books is everyone is too perfect. The parents never get mad, the children are usually well-behaved, mischievous yes, but good attitudes prevail, etc. But still the overall read is very fun.

I received this book from Simon and Schuster via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Baxter family. I have read all the books in the series. These children's books are the best also. We see all the Baxter children when they are young and experiencing things that kids still experience today. Being the new kid in school, making friends, deciding what they want to be when they grown up and being somewhat of a menace. But we love how the parents help their children navigate through these childhood difficulties through Biblical principles. We see our favorite characters of Ashley, Luke, Kari, Brooke and Erin were as children and if you have read the series how they became the adults we love so much.
This would be a great book for parents to read to their children at bedtime and discuss how they would handle these everyday problems. I hope there are many more of these books because we need them now more than ever.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway and was asked to do an honest review.
I search a lot for books for my middleschooler to read. He goes through books so fast so I was excited that I won something he could read. I asked him to read the book and give me a review. In his words:
"Never Grow Up by Karen Kingsbury and Tyler Russel is an interesting book about staying young and sharing your life with your siblings. I personally have not read the first two books, but got the basics of the story pretty quickly. The book does contain christian themes, and I would recommend the book to late elementary and early middle school audiences. The book has many heartfelt moments and is a relatively easy read. Overall, a great book for younger, religious audiences."

Thank you for the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dnealfirelandsschools.org · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all those parents & grandparents who love Karen Kingsbury you are going to love her new series. Karen Kingsbury teamed up with her son, Tyler Russell to write a trilogy that can be read together or stand alone. The future award winning team hit it out of the park as they take the Baxter children through a year of everyday living with some triumphant & some tragedy all while preserving the innocence of childhood. Kari Baxter is given a writing assignment from her 6th grade teacher to write about what she wants to become when she grows up. She discovers anew the infamous Peter Pan through a play & decides she doesn't want to grow up! Can you blame her? A fun, family filled novel to enjoy with the next generation of Kingsbury fans.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...winning is everything."
"No it's not." He laughed and shook his head. "Winning isn't everything."
"What?" Ashley blinked a few times. "Are you kidding me here Elliot?" She put her hands on her hips. "Winning is definitely everything."
"No, it's not." Elliot stopped soaring and smiled at her. "Lots of people don't win. I couldn't even play." He patted his own shoulder. "And I'm perfectly happy. Winning is fun. But it's not as fun as being happy or having a new friend or getting a good grade in reading." He fluffed out his cape. "It's not as fun as being yourself. I believe those things are the most important, Ashley Baxter."

SO many life lessons in these books! This one was as delightful as the others!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story! This is the only one of this series that I've read. The characters bring out genuine worries of kids and youth. The everyday family happenings urge kids toward embracing who they are, helping their siblings and parents, and leaning on their faith in God. As a mom, the sentiments are ones that sometimes made me cry - both for the girl that I was and the struggles my own girls will face one day. I know it's not for every kid, but I would truthfully recommend it to my 9 & 10 year old students.

This was a book I was fortunate enough to win in a Goodreads giveaway. I started and stopped a few times because of things like a pandemic, and a new baby, and more randomness. Thank you for this opportunity!

[Jim Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers the viewpoints of five children whose ages range from 8-14. One of the girls is troubled with the question of what she would do when she is older. Another one takes the role of Wendy in Peter Pan. The oldest doesn't find she wants to grow up too quickly as life has thrown her some more additional problems. The family moved recently to Bloomington, Indiana. The book mentions some old music such as the Jackson 5 and Billie Holliday. The book is aimed at middle readers (ages 8-12), and the level of vocabulary seems to fit said age range. I would definitely read more books by Ms. Kingsbury.

[Florence Fales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. The Baxter family have just moved into their new house.
While in school Kari's teacher gives the class an assIgnment. "What do you want to do when you grow up?" Kari is beside herself trying to figure it out. Her sister Ashley has the lead in the school play of Peter Pan. Kari asks her siblings to sign an agreement never to grow up.
The family is looking forward to the meteor shower at the end of the month.
In this third book of the series, everyone goes through the good and bad drama of growing up!!
A very good story for Middle school age children!!

[Addie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the books in this series rock! My little sister loved these books, they all were great read alouds and honestly I didn't hate them myself.

Loved the morals and the themes all the books are gems. I can't explain the feelings it gave me when reading it to my sister. Growing up I never had books like this, openly Christian with great morals and themes, that are just good books. I'm so glad the next generation of peoples get to enjoy these amazing books.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Baxter Family Children book I have read. This is a family oriented book where the family helps each other out with daily life items that come up. There is a lot of positive reinforcement and help with understanding that things in life do come up and can be handled. I would recommend
this as a learning some of life's lessons book.
I got this for free in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book centres around the Baxter children.

Ashley, Brook, Kari and Luke. They are busy with school work and assignments and other
activities they are participating in.

The story takes us on a journey of how the children work through these activities.

Excellent book for children, but also good lessons for the adults too.

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate these books for young readers. I never have to wonder if it’s appropriate if Karen and her son wrote it. I will say that Ashley was a tad bit annoying in this one. I just can’t see a 5th grader acting as she did at times. However, it was the premise of the book, she didn’t want to grow up. I loved Kari’s character and her journey with the school assignment.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really am liking this series. I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to read it with me! So cool to see the kids young and then read their adult stories. I’m kind of envious! Lol. I loved this book featuring Kari and Ashley’s perspectives. I adored all of the Landon Blake appearances. Swoon! So special.

[Dawn Foust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. This takes another look at the Baxter family, when they were younger. It shows them in varying activities and if you have read the Baxter family series, you can see each child in their future professions. I was thrilled to be able to read this book quickly (for me), and I hope Karen Kingsbury and her son Tyler write another Baxter children book together!

[Beverly Knudsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun continuation of the story of the Baxter kids growing up. I enjoyed the inclusion of some of the people we have met in the Baxter series when they were growing up as well.

Even though I am an adult I appreciated the bits of humor and school drama that were included. I definitely recommend this series as well as all of Karen Kingsbury‘s books.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the e-ARC of this novel.

I do really enjoy this series, and the third iteration doesn't disappoint. The Baxter family is a sweet group, that relies heavily on prayer and family to be their best selves.

[Debbie Shawver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story!

I loved this one. It brought me back to my childhood.

My favorite part.. The Baxter children signing a contract to never grow up. I should have done that too. Lol!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute fast read about the Baxter children at a young age and never wanting
To grow up and continue to believe in Neverland and Peter Pan. It deals
Mostly with Ashley and Kari. It has some life lessons and is a good book for
8 to 12 year olds. I recommend this author and book.

[Kalyn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding out what the Baxter kids were like young puts more into the characters they became as adults. I get to share this time with my youngest granddaughter and it helps us to connect on something we enjoy doing!

[Chickenlips422 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many of the adult books about the Baxter family. I read this YA book and did not feel that it was up as engaging as her other books. Maybe I am being to critical reading the back-story/prequel.

[Sara Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! My daughters and I have read this together (they are 5 and 8), and tonight they agreed that Karen’s Baxter Family Series is their favorite for bedtime stories!! They both said they can’t wait for the next book!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️ This book.

[Patricia Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Baxter children's story. Kari can't decide what she wants to be when she grows up. Ashley feels she and are siblings growing up too fast?