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A Soft Place to Land
Follow a young girl reshaping her meaning of home.
Joy Taylor has always believed home is the house she lived in her entire life. But then her dad lost his job, and suddenly, home becomes a tiny apartment with thin walls, shared bedrooms, and a place for tense arguments between Mom and Dad. Hardest of all, Joy doesn't have her music to escape through anymore. Without enough funds, her dreams of becoming a great pianist—and one day, a film score composer—have been put on hold.
A friendly new neighbor her age lets Joy in on the complex's best-kept secret: the Hideout, a cozy refuge that only the kids know about. And it's in this little hideaway that Joy starts exchanging secret messages with another kid in the building who also seems to be struggling, until—abruptly, they stop writing back. What if they're in trouble?
Joy is determined to find out who this mystery writer is, fast, but between trying to raise funds for her music lessons, keeping on a brave face for her little sister, and worrying about her parents' marriage, Joy isn't sure how to keep her own head above water.
Joy Taylor has always believed home is the house she lived in her entire life. But then her dad lost his job, and suddenly, home becomes a tiny apartment with thin walls, shared bedrooms, and a place for tense arguments between Mom and Dad. Hardest of all, Joy doesn't have her music to escape through anymore. Without enough funds, her dreams of becoming a great pianist—and one day, a film score composer—have been put on hold.
A friendly new neighbor her age lets Joy in on the complex's best-kept secret: the Hideout, a cozy refuge that only the kids know about. And it's in this little hideaway that Joy starts exchanging secret messages with another kid in the building who also seems to be struggling, until—abruptly, they stop writing back. What if they're in trouble?
Joy is determined to find out who this mystery writer is, fast, but between trying to raise funds for her music lessons, keeping on a brave face for her little sister, and worrying about her parents' marriage, Joy isn't sure how to keep her own head above water.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2021
43 people are currently reading
4858 people want to read
About the author
Janae Marks
11 books549 followersJanae Marks is an author of middle grade novels. Her debut From the Desk of Zoe Washington is an indie bestseller and was named a Best Book of the Year by Parents Magazine, Book Riot, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Chicago Public Library and the Boston Globe. Her second novel is A Soft Place to Land. She has an MFA in Writing for Children from The New School, and lives in Connecticut with her husband, daughter and miniature schnauzer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
December 30, 2021
Janae Marks is quickly becoming one of my favorite middle grade authors. She knows how to handle tough subjects for tweens without making things too heavy. I can't wait for more from her!
March 4, 2023
4 stars
A Soft Place to Land is a heartfelt story about Joy who is going through some big changes in her life, including where she’s living. This is my second book by Janae Marks and I think she does such a great job tackling issues prevalent to middle graders.
A Soft Place to Land is a heartfelt story about Joy who is going through some big changes in her life, including where she’s living. This is my second book by Janae Marks and I think she does such a great job tackling issues prevalent to middle graders.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Imani Parks
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Middle Grade
Length: 6h 7m
September 14, 2021
A Soft Place to Land is a sweet, heartfelt story about finding friendship and community and handling financial difficulties as a family. Kids who enjoy books about friendship groups, starting a business, and navigating relationships with younger siblings will enjoy this one.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2024
تآلفت سريعا مع عالم "جوي" الفتاة التي تتبدل حياتها مع فقد
والدها لوظيفته، مما يُجبرها هى وعائلتها فيما بعد لترك منزلهم الكبير والإنتقال لشقة صغيرة.
تحاول "جوي" التأقلم مع تلك التغييرات، والتي تمتد لتشمل إجراء والديها الكثير من التضييقات المادية، ومنها إلغاء دروس البيانو التي كانت تعشقها. أيضا تؤثر كل تلك المشاكل المادية على علاقة والديها لتشتعل الخلافات بينهما طوال الوقت، فتفقد "جوي" حتى الشعور بالأمان الذي طالما اطمأنت به تجاه أسرتها.
يأتي عالم سكان البناية التي انتقلت إليها ك"مرفأ آمن" تركن إليه "جوي" وسط تقلبات حياتها. فتتعرف على مجموعة من الأطفال الذين يقاربونها في العمر، وتكوّن مع واحدة منهم "نورا" صداقة عميقة، والتي تمثل نموذجاً للفتاة التي تحاول أن تتعامل بإيجابية كبيرة تجاه كل ازمة تمر بحياتها، وتنقل تلك الطاقة الإيجابية إلى "جوي" ومعها الدعم التي كانت في أشد الحاجة إليه.
قصة لطيفة ورقيقة ذات إيقاع رشيق يجذب كل قارئ لها. تناول ناضج للمشاكل العائلية ناسب سن القارئ الموجه له تلك العمل، وهو سن ما قبل المراهقة. تمثيل لطيف للتسرع الذي يواجه به الأطفال في تلك المرحلة مشاكلهم، وكيف يتعلم كل منهم من تلك المشاكل إيجاد حلول لها، ومن ثم التعامل بشكل أكثر نضجاً مع الحياة من حولهم.
March 4, 2023
Impressive! Janae Marks delivers yet another remarkable book.
This middle-grade masterpiece tackles a challenging subject with ease, making it accessible to readers of all ages.
The story follows Joy and her family as they navigate through the hardship of losing their home and moving to an apartment due to her father's job loss.
Overall, this is a beautifully written book that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
This middle-grade masterpiece tackles a challenging subject with ease, making it accessible to readers of all ages.
The story follows Joy and her family as they navigate through the hardship of losing their home and moving to an apartment due to her father's job loss.
Overall, this is a beautifully written book that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Imani Parks
Length: 6H 07M
February 8, 2022
There's just something about a great middle grade book that's like the literary equivalent of a warm hug.
December 28, 2021
"At least I still have music. Nobody can take that away from me. Maybe it'll help me get through this." p. 4
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November 14, 2024I enjoy reading middle grade by this author. A Soft Place to Land is the third book I’ve read (check out the Zoe Washington duo).
She does a good job at balancing real life, difficult topics that kids experience with more light hearted themes. I liked this book and will surely recommend it to the middle grade kiddos in my life.
She does a good job at balancing real life, difficult topics that kids experience with more light hearted themes. I liked this book and will surely recommend it to the middle grade kiddos in my life.
June 13, 2021
Richie’s Picks: A SOFT PLACE TO LAND by Janae Marks, HarperCollins/Katherine Tegan, September 2021, 288p., ISBN: 978-0-06-287587-7
“There is a place
Where I can go
When I feel low
When I feel blue”
-- Lennon/McCartney “There’s a Place” (1963)
“‘Well,’ I start. ‘My family and I moved here because we had to sell our house. My dad lost his job a few months ago, and they couldn’t afford the mortgage anymore. It was going to’--I pause to remember the word my parents used--’foreclose and the bank was going to take it away from us. But before that happened, my parents put it up for sale and found a new family to buy it.’ I swallow, and there’s a big lump in my throat. I lived in that house for my entire life until today. It felt like a member of my family, that now we’ve lost. Saying goodbye to it this morning was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
I blink a bunch of times so I won’t cry.”
Twelve-year-old Joy Taylor has gone from her own bedroom in that single-family home to the bunk bed she now shares with her little sister Malia in a small apartment across town. She also has to give up piano lessons, putting a dent in her dream of growing up to become a film score composer.
The new apartment gets smaller and smaller as her parents' financial and interpersonal difficulties lead to screaming matches and, eventually, to her father moving out.
Fortunately, Joy is befriended by a new schoolmate, Nora. In addition to bringing Joy into an existing circle of peers--all of them living in that apartment building--Nora introduces Joy to the Hideout. A small, unmarked door on the floor of a cleaning supply closet leads to a long-forgotten room that serves as a secret clubhouse for kids in the building. Miserable about the tension between her parents, Joy readily slips into the habit of deceiving Mom and Dad about her whereabouts, and joins her new friends underground.
In the Hideout, Joy begins an exchange of communications--written on a wall--with an unknown person who is struggling like she is. Trying to figure out the identity of the other writer becomes a mystery for Joy to solve.
Meanwhile, yearning to return to piano lessons, and wanting money to do so, Joy exhibits determination and resourcefulness by establishing an after-school dog-walking business with Nora.
Of course, there are serious pitfalls relating to lying to parents. Then, it seems, everything goes wrong. Fortunately, the resulting bad times for Joy will eventually lead to a positive resolution.
A SOFT PLACE TO LAND is a quick and engaging read. The 8-12 crowd will eat this one up.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
“There is a place
Where I can go
When I feel low
When I feel blue”
-- Lennon/McCartney “There’s a Place” (1963)
“‘Well,’ I start. ‘My family and I moved here because we had to sell our house. My dad lost his job a few months ago, and they couldn’t afford the mortgage anymore. It was going to’--I pause to remember the word my parents used--’foreclose and the bank was going to take it away from us. But before that happened, my parents put it up for sale and found a new family to buy it.’ I swallow, and there’s a big lump in my throat. I lived in that house for my entire life until today. It felt like a member of my family, that now we’ve lost. Saying goodbye to it this morning was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
I blink a bunch of times so I won’t cry.”
Twelve-year-old Joy Taylor has gone from her own bedroom in that single-family home to the bunk bed she now shares with her little sister Malia in a small apartment across town. She also has to give up piano lessons, putting a dent in her dream of growing up to become a film score composer.
The new apartment gets smaller and smaller as her parents' financial and interpersonal difficulties lead to screaming matches and, eventually, to her father moving out.
Fortunately, Joy is befriended by a new schoolmate, Nora. In addition to bringing Joy into an existing circle of peers--all of them living in that apartment building--Nora introduces Joy to the Hideout. A small, unmarked door on the floor of a cleaning supply closet leads to a long-forgotten room that serves as a secret clubhouse for kids in the building. Miserable about the tension between her parents, Joy readily slips into the habit of deceiving Mom and Dad about her whereabouts, and joins her new friends underground.
In the Hideout, Joy begins an exchange of communications--written on a wall--with an unknown person who is struggling like she is. Trying to figure out the identity of the other writer becomes a mystery for Joy to solve.
Meanwhile, yearning to return to piano lessons, and wanting money to do so, Joy exhibits determination and resourcefulness by establishing an after-school dog-walking business with Nora.
Of course, there are serious pitfalls relating to lying to parents. Then, it seems, everything goes wrong. Fortunately, the resulting bad times for Joy will eventually lead to a positive resolution.
A SOFT PLACE TO LAND is a quick and engaging read. The 8-12 crowd will eat this one up.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
October 11, 2021
A Soft Place to Land is a heartwarming, coming of age story that follows 12 year old Joy Taylor who one day dreams of becoming a film score composer like the amazing John Williams, but first, she needs to learn how to play the piano.
Joy’s dreams come to a crashing halt when her dad is laid off leaving their family to move into an apartment and cut unnecessary spending, which includes her piano lessons.
This was such a a sweet coming of age story that explored starting a new school, making new friends, sibling rivalry, and how financial strain can burden families.
I really loved the storyline surrounding The Hideout, which was a place that the kids in the apartment building could gather away from their families and just be. I think kids being able to have their own safe space to escape stressful situations is so important.
Thank you to Harper Kids and The Shelf Stuff for providing a review copy. this did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Joy’s dreams come to a crashing halt when her dad is laid off leaving their family to move into an apartment and cut unnecessary spending, which includes her piano lessons.
This was such a a sweet coming of age story that explored starting a new school, making new friends, sibling rivalry, and how financial strain can burden families.
I really loved the storyline surrounding The Hideout, which was a place that the kids in the apartment building could gather away from their families and just be. I think kids being able to have their own safe space to escape stressful situations is so important.
Thank you to Harper Kids and The Shelf Stuff for providing a review copy. this did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2022
•5.0 stars•
I NEED A SECOND BOOK!
I NEED A SECOND BOOK!
December 3, 2021
Deep, mellow, enjoyable 🌞
Joy is having a hard time adjusting to her family’s new apartment that doesn’t seem to be helping her parents relationship. The only things that make her new life better is the Hideout, a cozy secret room for kids only; her new friends, and her music. Soon she has a bit of a Hideout mystery on her hands that might be closer to her than she thinks…
Joy is awesome. She is a perfect main character. Also, Nora is great. And I loved the plot. Some places were a bit slow but overall, a good pace.
I enjoyed this!! Only four stars because it didn’t blow me away but it was a great read ☺️
Joy is having a hard time adjusting to her family’s new apartment that doesn’t seem to be helping her parents relationship. The only things that make her new life better is the Hideout, a cozy secret room for kids only; her new friends, and her music. Soon she has a bit of a Hideout mystery on her hands that might be closer to her than she thinks…
Joy is awesome. She is a perfect main character. Also, Nora is great. And I loved the plot. Some places were a bit slow but overall, a good pace.
I enjoyed this!! Only four stars because it didn’t blow me away but it was a great read ☺️
October 3, 2021
That’s two for two from this author! When I read From the Desk of Zoe Washington I felt 5-star middle grade goodness, & now I’ve got those feels again for A Soft Place to Land. Love the focus on mistakes and forgiveness amidst the puppy, friendship, & family themes!
November 19, 2021
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing A SOFT PLACE TO LAND! If you’re interested in reading the letter I wrote for readers of this book, you can find it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTzY03grZ.... 💛
You can also find an educator guide on my website!
You can also find an educator guide on my website!
August 23, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Katherine Tegen books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. Here it is:
4 stars
Joy, the m.c. of this charming middle grade novel, is experiencing a great deal of change when readers meet her. She has just arrived at her new apartment with her family: mom, dad, and younger sister Malia. As a result of dad's relatively recent layoff, they have moved to this much smaller dwelling from their single family home across town. Joy laments not only the move and the loss of the house but a simpler time in general...when her parents fought less, she had her own room, she went to a different school, and she still got to work toward her dreams in piano lessons. The whole family seems understandably stressed, but Joy takes on so much for such a young character.
Though Joy experiences a lot of loss and hardship at the start of the novel, she navigates through more of that from a better position: one with friends. It is heartwarming and useful to watch Joy make new friends, develop responsibility, make mistakes and learn how to recover from this irritating part of life, and problem solve. There is a lot of didactic content here, but it never feels that way; while readers of all ages can learn from Joy and her experiences and choices, the novel never reads as instructional or punitive. Joy and her friends are well devised characters, reflecting their ages and experiences authentically, and they all seem to be encountering and grappling with a variety of life circumstances.
I will absolutely be recommending this novel to my students and to friends and family, especially those with age appropriate readers nearby. The characters are engaging, and the depictions of challenging financial circumstances, personal sacrifices, and family strife are all on point. There is a subplot that I'll keep quiet to avoid spoilers, but it reflects one of my worst fears, so I found myself getting distracted by that. I expect that I'll be tipping off my students - and other adults who plan to share this with kids - about what that is and how it ends. It's totally age appropriate: just a lot for me. Personal caveat aside, this is a winner and should be in the to-read queue for middle grade audiences.
4 stars
Joy, the m.c. of this charming middle grade novel, is experiencing a great deal of change when readers meet her. She has just arrived at her new apartment with her family: mom, dad, and younger sister Malia. As a result of dad's relatively recent layoff, they have moved to this much smaller dwelling from their single family home across town. Joy laments not only the move and the loss of the house but a simpler time in general...when her parents fought less, she had her own room, she went to a different school, and she still got to work toward her dreams in piano lessons. The whole family seems understandably stressed, but Joy takes on so much for such a young character.
Though Joy experiences a lot of loss and hardship at the start of the novel, she navigates through more of that from a better position: one with friends. It is heartwarming and useful to watch Joy make new friends, develop responsibility, make mistakes and learn how to recover from this irritating part of life, and problem solve. There is a lot of didactic content here, but it never feels that way; while readers of all ages can learn from Joy and her experiences and choices, the novel never reads as instructional or punitive. Joy and her friends are well devised characters, reflecting their ages and experiences authentically, and they all seem to be encountering and grappling with a variety of life circumstances.
I will absolutely be recommending this novel to my students and to friends and family, especially those with age appropriate readers nearby. The characters are engaging, and the depictions of challenging financial circumstances, personal sacrifices, and family strife are all on point. There is a subplot that I'll keep quiet to avoid spoilers, but it reflects one of my worst fears, so I found myself getting distracted by that. I expect that I'll be tipping off my students - and other adults who plan to share this with kids - about what that is and how it ends. It's totally age appropriate: just a lot for me. Personal caveat aside, this is a winner and should be in the to-read queue for middle grade audiences.
December 27, 2022
I won this middle-grade book in a @Goodreads giveaway ❤️❤️
Joy lives a really nice middle class life with her family until suddenly her dad loses his job. As a result they’re behind in mortgage payments to the point that they sell their house just to avoid foreclosure. Now they have to move to a small apartment and she has to share a room with her little sister. On top of that her parents seem to be fighting more and more, to the point that her dad starts staying at his brothers house. Not to mention she has to stop her piano lessons because her parents can’t really afford them with money being so tight.
Change can be hard, especially as a kid. Everything can sometimes feel like the end of the world when learning to deal with new situations and emotions. Joy proved to be unstoppable however. She never let a situation get her down for long she was always trying to problem solve her way out of it. I loved when she realized towards the end like it’s ok to just be a kid. It’s ok to be sad.
Although Joy did make a huge mistake I thought it was so messed up how everyone iced her out. Considering they knew what she was going through it was so mean how they treated her. Even my girl Nora at one point. Nora had valid points about why she was upset but she took it so far. It felt like at one point Joy didn’t have not one friend to turn to.
Overall this was a great book about a young girl dealing with a lot at home. Learning that it’s ok to feel the emotions she has. Also that sometimes things may be bad but they will get better.
Joy lives a really nice middle class life with her family until suddenly her dad loses his job. As a result they’re behind in mortgage payments to the point that they sell their house just to avoid foreclosure. Now they have to move to a small apartment and she has to share a room with her little sister. On top of that her parents seem to be fighting more and more, to the point that her dad starts staying at his brothers house. Not to mention she has to stop her piano lessons because her parents can’t really afford them with money being so tight.
Change can be hard, especially as a kid. Everything can sometimes feel like the end of the world when learning to deal with new situations and emotions. Joy proved to be unstoppable however. She never let a situation get her down for long she was always trying to problem solve her way out of it. I loved when she realized towards the end like it’s ok to just be a kid. It’s ok to be sad.
Although Joy did make a huge mistake I thought it was so messed up how everyone iced her out. Considering they knew what she was going through it was so mean how they treated her. Even my girl Nora at one point. Nora had valid points about why she was upset but she took it so far. It felt like at one point Joy didn’t have not one friend to turn to.
Overall this was a great book about a young girl dealing with a lot at home. Learning that it’s ok to feel the emotions she has. Also that sometimes things may be bad but they will get better.
August 26, 2024
This book was very emotional. It was all about change and how it can affect people. I can really relate to this story, because my life has changed in many ways too that I wasn’t happy with at the time.
In this book Joy faces many hardships like moving, her dad being laid off, losing the Hideout, disagreements with her friends, messing up her dog walking business and losing Ziggy the French Bulldog, staying strong for her younger sister Malia, and her dreams of becoming a pianist crumbling apart before her. I can only imagine how difficult that must be. But many good things happen to her too. She makes new really kind friends. And she finds a way to bring back the Hideout, a wonderful escape for all of the kids in her new apartment building to hang out in. She also makes up with her friends after she loses the Hideout when her mom discovers her. Another great thing that happens to her is when she finds Ziggy after losing him at the dog park.
It’s a lot of weight for one kid to carry. No one should ever have to deal with that.
This is a very well written middle grade story that I bet adults could even relate to. It clearly deserves five stars.
In this book Joy faces many hardships like moving, her dad being laid off, losing the Hideout, disagreements with her friends, messing up her dog walking business and losing Ziggy the French Bulldog, staying strong for her younger sister Malia, and her dreams of becoming a pianist crumbling apart before her. I can only imagine how difficult that must be. But many good things happen to her too. She makes new really kind friends. And she finds a way to bring back the Hideout, a wonderful escape for all of the kids in her new apartment building to hang out in. She also makes up with her friends after she loses the Hideout when her mom discovers her. Another great thing that happens to her is when she finds Ziggy after losing him at the dog park.
It’s a lot of weight for one kid to carry. No one should ever have to deal with that.
This is a very well written middle grade story that I bet adults could even relate to. It clearly deserves five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Katherine Teigen Books for the advance Kindle copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this 9.14.21 release. When Joy’s family is forced to downsize to an apartment, it is a tough transition. She has to go to a new school, make new friends, and figure out her new place at home. When a neighbor introduces her to The Hideout, a secret room in the apartment basement for middle and high school kids in the building. Just when things are looking up, Joy accidentally reveals the Hideout to an adult, shutting it down. She was getting close to finding out who was writing her secret messages in there, and finds herself friendless again. How can she fix it? Great for readers in grades 4-7.
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this 9.14.21 release. When Joy’s family is forced to downsize to an apartment, it is a tough transition. She has to go to a new school, make new friends, and figure out her new place at home. When a neighbor introduces her to The Hideout, a secret room in the apartment basement for middle and high school kids in the building. Just when things are looking up, Joy accidentally reveals the Hideout to an adult, shutting it down. She was getting close to finding out who was writing her secret messages in there, and finds herself friendless again. How can she fix it? Great for readers in grades 4-7.
August 4, 2024
(❤️!!!)
Gracjuszki moje kochane, You're my first ever homebase with a soft place to land
(Yeahhh it means you have to read this one🤷♀️ sorry not sorry, this book is pure perfection)
Ps. I love this author so so much, becoming one of my favorites and my comfort place too, especially in this genre. So happy her new book is out in just two months!!!
Gracjuszki moje kochane, You're my first ever homebase with a soft place to land
(Yeahhh it means you have to read this one🤷♀️ sorry not sorry, this book is pure perfection)
Ps. I love this author so so much, becoming one of my favorites and my comfort place too, especially in this genre. So happy her new book is out in just two months!!!
February 18, 2022
4.25 stars!
I loved this one! Review to come here, and on my blog https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/
I loved this one! Review to come here, and on my blog https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/
February 3, 2022
CWs:
explorations of marital tension/stress and job insecurity; some discussions of parental death and grief; non-graphic discussions about menstruation; some distress involving a lost pet
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January 17, 2023A Soft Place to Land is a sweet middle-grade novel about a girl navigating some tough times. Joy's father loses his job, so her family has to sell their home and move into an apartment building. She misses her house, she doesn't like that her parents are always fighting now, and the fact that she has to quit piano lessons puts her dream of becoming a movie score composer in jeopardy. But new friends, a secret room in the apartment complex, and an after-school job as a dog walker offer Joy hope—until things start to fall apart.
This one had good lessons about friendship, responsibility, and dealing with challenges. It was also highly readable. If you're new to author Janae Marks, my favorite book from her is From the Desk of Zoe Washington, so I'd recommend starting with that one (but they aren't a series). If you like contemporary middle grade, you should definitely give Marks a try!
This one had good lessons about friendship, responsibility, and dealing with challenges. It was also highly readable. If you're new to author Janae Marks, my favorite book from her is From the Desk of Zoe Washington, so I'd recommend starting with that one (but they aren't a series). If you like contemporary middle grade, you should definitely give Marks a try!
July 26, 2023
I kind of want a Hideout like these kids have but I can't leave my apartment so I guess my apartment is my Hideout but it sucks.
This was another really lovely middle grade novel from this author. I'd really liked her previous book, From the Desk of Zoe Washington, and this was equally enjoyable. It's fun and sweet but also has some more serious messaging that I thought was handled pretty well. Our main character Joy is struggling with her family having to move from their nice house to a small apartment after her father got laid off, and she's also had to switch schools and give up her piano lessons. On top of all that, she feels like she can't be sad or upset about anything because she wants to protect her little sister, especially when their parents tell them that they're having some issues and their dad is going to move out temporarily. It's a lot on a 12-year-old's plate and I appreciated that at times, it gets to be too much for her and she has very relatable and understandable emotional outbursts. 12 is a complex age because sometimes you want to be (and feel like) a little kid still, but at others you want people to see you as "almost a teenager" and treat you as such.
I also loved the little friend group Joy finds in her new building and the ingenuity she shows around trying to earn some money so she can start her piano lessons again. Sometimes MG books have kids believing absurd things about their capabilities, like they're gonna make enough money to buy a house by selling lemonade or something. Joy's plans and desires were totally rational and realistic, and I appreciated that. And the situation regarding the Hideout also felt very familiar, although I do think it's improbable that the building super would be unaware of this random second basement or whatever it was.
I also did think Joy's parents were a bit daft at times, and that they should have been more open with their kids about certain things. The younger sister is only 6, but Joy is 12, and there were times where it felt like their parents saw them as basically the same. I also didn't like some of Joy's friend Nora's behavior and wish that it had been addresses a bit more substantially in the book. But overall this was a very pleasant read and I would recommend it to fans of MG contemporary.
This was another really lovely middle grade novel from this author. I'd really liked her previous book, From the Desk of Zoe Washington, and this was equally enjoyable. It's fun and sweet but also has some more serious messaging that I thought was handled pretty well. Our main character Joy is struggling with her family having to move from their nice house to a small apartment after her father got laid off, and she's also had to switch schools and give up her piano lessons. On top of all that, she feels like she can't be sad or upset about anything because she wants to protect her little sister, especially when their parents tell them that they're having some issues and their dad is going to move out temporarily. It's a lot on a 12-year-old's plate and I appreciated that at times, it gets to be too much for her and she has very relatable and understandable emotional outbursts. 12 is a complex age because sometimes you want to be (and feel like) a little kid still, but at others you want people to see you as "almost a teenager" and treat you as such.
I also loved the little friend group Joy finds in her new building and the ingenuity she shows around trying to earn some money so she can start her piano lessons again. Sometimes MG books have kids believing absurd things about their capabilities, like they're gonna make enough money to buy a house by selling lemonade or something. Joy's plans and desires were totally rational and realistic, and I appreciated that. And the situation regarding the Hideout also felt very familiar, although I do think it's improbable that the building super would be unaware of this random second basement or whatever it was.
I also did think Joy's parents were a bit daft at times, and that they should have been more open with their kids about certain things. The younger sister is only 6, but Joy is 12, and there were times where it felt like their parents saw them as basically the same. I also didn't like some of Joy's friend Nora's behavior and wish that it had been addresses a bit more substantially in the book. But overall this was a very pleasant read and I would recommend it to fans of MG contemporary.
September 24, 2021
I've been eagerly anticipating reading "A Soft Place To Land" because I so enjoyed "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" last year. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC to read and review.
I highly recommend "A Soft Place to Land." It's so well written that I could have finished it in one sitting (if I had stayed up past my bedtime) and all of the characters felt real and relatable. Each of the kids we meet has their own backstory, which provides several points of connection for readers. This book does what Janae Marks does best, which is to take a kid-friendly dive into hard issues that impact families everyday.
Joy says, "Yeah, sometimes I feel like someone took a slingshot and shot me high into the air, and now I'm waving my arms and trying to find a soft place to land. You know?" ...That's a great way to describe what dealing with a big life change feels like for all of us.
In A Soft Place To Land, Joy is grappling with the fact that her family has just sold their home and moved into an apartment due to her dad's job loss. This book hits home personally for me in a few ways. First of all, we had to sell a house and move in with my grandparents when I was a teenager, and that was a challenging change at a pivotal time for me. I could relate to some of Joy's feelings and experiences. I also work with a ministry now that provides resources for people in job transition, so there's another connection to my own life. The number of job losses and turnovers in the U.S. averaged 21.7 million annually, so think about how many kids are impacted by stories like Joy's each year!! And families have to move and make changes for lots of other reasons too. Kids need the message of this book.
Ultimately, Joy learns that it's not a place that's the most important, but the people. She makes some new friends, learns some lessons, and gains some perspective on her family's situation. And I think readers of all ages will relate to her desire to find a "soft place to land."
I highly recommend "A Soft Place to Land." It's so well written that I could have finished it in one sitting (if I had stayed up past my bedtime) and all of the characters felt real and relatable. Each of the kids we meet has their own backstory, which provides several points of connection for readers. This book does what Janae Marks does best, which is to take a kid-friendly dive into hard issues that impact families everyday.
Joy says, "Yeah, sometimes I feel like someone took a slingshot and shot me high into the air, and now I'm waving my arms and trying to find a soft place to land. You know?" ...That's a great way to describe what dealing with a big life change feels like for all of us.
In A Soft Place To Land, Joy is grappling with the fact that her family has just sold their home and moved into an apartment due to her dad's job loss. This book hits home personally for me in a few ways. First of all, we had to sell a house and move in with my grandparents when I was a teenager, and that was a challenging change at a pivotal time for me. I could relate to some of Joy's feelings and experiences. I also work with a ministry now that provides resources for people in job transition, so there's another connection to my own life. The number of job losses and turnovers in the U.S. averaged 21.7 million annually, so think about how many kids are impacted by stories like Joy's each year!! And families have to move and make changes for lots of other reasons too. Kids need the message of this book.
Ultimately, Joy learns that it's not a place that's the most important, but the people. She makes some new friends, learns some lessons, and gains some perspective on her family's situation. And I think readers of all ages will relate to her desire to find a "soft place to land."
September 4, 2021
I love that A SOFT PLACE TO LAND stars a young, Black girl but is not about the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, or racism. It's about an ordinary kid with everyday problems. I'd love more books like this, the kind that feature Black characters and families and talk about the types of problems any one can face—friend drama, family issues, unexpected change, figuring out how to reach goals, etc. Books about racism are good for bringing attention to the issue, but I like this kind even better. People are people and we're all dealing with something.
A SOFT PLACE TO LAND is a quick read, with enough going on to keep the story moving along. The characters are all warm and likable. Joy is a sympathetic heroine. Even though her story goal (trying to earn enough money for a piano or at least the piano lessons her family can no longer afford) isn't super compelling, I still wanted her to achieve it. Overall, I was a teensy bit disappointed in this story because it's just not very unique or memorable. I loved Marks' debut novel because it was more original. On the whole, I liked this one more than loved it. I do like Marks, though, and will definitely keep an eye out for her next book.
If I could, I've give this book 3 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.
A SOFT PLACE TO LAND is a quick read, with enough going on to keep the story moving along. The characters are all warm and likable. Joy is a sympathetic heroine. Even though her story goal (trying to earn enough money for a piano or at least the piano lessons her family can no longer afford) isn't super compelling, I still wanted her to achieve it. Overall, I was a teensy bit disappointed in this story because it's just not very unique or memorable. I loved Marks' debut novel because it was more original. On the whole, I liked this one more than loved it. I do like Marks, though, and will definitely keep an eye out for her next book.
If I could, I've give this book 3 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.
June 16, 2021
Moving to a new place is always so terrifying and hard to find joy in the new, especially when it’s right down the road, smaller, and now forcing you to share with your sister. Joy’s life has been turned upside down in such a quick amount of time. Her dad lost his job and they had to sell their home and quick before it forecloses. The home she had been in her whole life. So now a part of her feels empty; but she makes a point to fill that space with music. Her dream - making music for movies.
She meets Nora at their new apartment complex and you start to see a glimmer of hope for Joy. As Joy and Nora get closer, she also keeps hearing her parents fight more and more, mainly over money, Joy gets a wild idea to make money. AKA walk Ziggy for their neighbor. Disaster strikes. Friendships fall apart. Joy is back to square one and striking out in every direction. But, as Joy starts to fit pieces of her broken puzzle of a life back together, other pieces aren’t fitting like they used to. She learns how to pick up the pieces and put them together to make an acceptable, new picture. A home base.
She meets Nora at their new apartment complex and you start to see a glimmer of hope for Joy. As Joy and Nora get closer, she also keeps hearing her parents fight more and more, mainly over money, Joy gets a wild idea to make money. AKA walk Ziggy for their neighbor. Disaster strikes. Friendships fall apart. Joy is back to square one and striking out in every direction. But, as Joy starts to fit pieces of her broken puzzle of a life back together, other pieces aren’t fitting like they used to. She learns how to pick up the pieces and put them together to make an acceptable, new picture. A home base.
July 10, 2021
Twelve year old Joy, her sister, and her parents have to sell their home and move into a small apartment in another neighborhood. Joy's dad has lost his job and the family has to make sacrifices. Film scores and becoming a composer are what consoles her and makes her happy, but she has to stop her piano lessons. On the plus side, she makes a good friend in Nora and three others in her building and they let her in on a secret place. When she makes several mistakes, she uses her heart and mind to make things better and find a soft place to land for herself, her family, and friends. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
Excuse me, why haven't I heard any of you talking about this book yet? Janae Marks, the brilliant author of From the Desk of Zoe Washington, brings another wonderful middle grade novel about life, change, coming of age, etc. This book was so great! The audio was really well done.
Small setup with no spoilers: Joy's family moved to an apartment building when her family can no longer afford their home after her father lost his job. She loses her piano lessons, and now has to share a room with her little sister. She meets Nora, who becomes a fast friend, and along with a group of kids in the building, Joy creates a new, soft place to land in this unfamiliar world.
Small setup with no spoilers: Joy's family moved to an apartment building when her family can no longer afford their home after her father lost his job. She loses her piano lessons, and now has to share a room with her little sister. She meets Nora, who becomes a fast friend, and along with a group of kids in the building, Joy creates a new, soft place to land in this unfamiliar world.
March 19, 2022
This book was REALLY hard to put down! Definitely felt like a middle grade book in the sense of the types of problems the main characters are dealing with as well as how they handle conflict with each other. However, on the front cover, there is a quote that says "Readers will find hope in Joy's fierce dedication to her friends." I would say this is spot on but not just for her friends but for her family. Joy's family has been relocated due to money and she is trying to keep everything bright and positive for her younger sister. Joy shouldn't have the burden herself but she is only thinking about how her sister is doing. She puts everyone first before herself and readers can learn a lot from her character. This book does a wonderful job of dealing with some more serious topics for middle graders - finances, parents fighting, losing privileges or luxuries, new friendships, and feeling like there isn't a place to run when things get too hard. Marks does a wonderful job portraying Joy as such a strong, loving, dedicated friend, sister, and daughter. Everyone needs a soft place to land throughout their hardest days!
January 12, 2023
Joy's dad lost his job, which means a lot of difficult changes for her family: they've sold their home and now live in an apartment, where Joy has to make new friends. She has to quit piano lessons. Her mom is working long hours, and her parents are fighting a lot. She's lucky, then, when her new neighbor Nora introduces her to a secret room in the apartment building that only the kids know about, affectionately called The Hideout. No matter what's going on, The Hideout is a soft place to land.
This cute middle grade novel reads a little "young" -- the characters are all so wholesome and friendly, even when they're angry. That's not really a bad thing, though, and even as an adult, I found myself compelled by the story -- especially as the conflict escalated about halfway through the book. I was definitely rooting for Joy and her family and friends.
A delightful book for tweens, introducing some heavier topics (grief, parents separating) while still keeping a light tone. A little bit of moralizing, which some readers might not like, but I thought it was fine for the audience.
This cute middle grade novel reads a little "young" -- the characters are all so wholesome and friendly, even when they're angry. That's not really a bad thing, though, and even as an adult, I found myself compelled by the story -- especially as the conflict escalated about halfway through the book. I was definitely rooting for Joy and her family and friends.
A delightful book for tweens, introducing some heavier topics (grief, parents separating) while still keeping a light tone. A little bit of moralizing, which some readers might not like, but I thought it was fine for the audience.
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