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Just Between Sam and Me
Just Between Sam and Me
by Cat Michaels and Rosie Russell Shy Olivia just wants to do her best in 6th grade and care for the animals on her family farm. But the new girl at school turns that world upside down. So Olivia pours out her heart in a journal to the only one who truly understands …
her cat, Sam! Will Olivia discover how to speak up for herself?
Can she survive tween social life? Join Olivia and Sam in this purr-fect tale of courage and kindness to find out!
by Cat Michaels and Rosie Russell Shy Olivia just wants to do her best in 6th grade and care for the animals on her family farm. But the new girl at school turns that world upside down. So Olivia pours out her heart in a journal to the only one who truly understands …
her cat, Sam! Will Olivia discover how to speak up for herself?
Can she survive tween social life? Join Olivia and Sam in this purr-fect tale of courage and kindness to find out!
186 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2020
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Cat Michaels
7 books309 followersFrom fourth-grade storyteller to captivating romance author, CATHERINE MICHAELS has always been a word whisperer.
Her passion for learning led her to a master's degree in special education at the University of Kansas, where she nurtured young minds in classrooms. Later, she traded chalkboards for boardrooms, guiding organizational development and communication for a tech firm in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, all while holding onto her dream of becoming a full-time author.
In 2013, that dream took flight. Catherine embraced the pen name CAT MICHAELS and started weaving heartwarming children's stories that celebrated resilience, friendship, and the power of imagination. Her dedication paid off: awards like the Purple Dragonfly and Children's Literary Classics Book Award, plus a silver medal from Readers' Favorite, solidified her place as a talented storyteller. Her chapter book, Sweet T and the Turtle Team, even won the Wind Dancer Films competition and almost landed on the big screen!
Then came 2020, a year that had the world swirling in uncertainty. But amidst the chaos, Catherine found her anchor in a new genre: adult fiction. Inspired by the sun-kissed North Carolina coast and the enduring power of love, she embarked on a new chapter, launching the "Gull Island" romance series.
Slated for release in summer 2024, Sand, Sea, and Second Chances, whisks readers away to a charming coastal town where hearts mend and love blooms. And it's just the first in Catherine's Gull Island adventure. With a connected novella already written and the second novel mapped out, she's weaving tales of small-town romance and love's enduring power, one page-turning chapter at a time.
When not lost in the world of her characters, you can find Catherine planting a whimsical fairy garden for neighborhood kids, capturing moments with her camera, planning of her next beach trip, or walking city greenways. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her family, her heart forever anchored to the power of stories and the magic they bring to life.
Her passion for learning led her to a master's degree in special education at the University of Kansas, where she nurtured young minds in classrooms. Later, she traded chalkboards for boardrooms, guiding organizational development and communication for a tech firm in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, all while holding onto her dream of becoming a full-time author.
In 2013, that dream took flight. Catherine embraced the pen name CAT MICHAELS and started weaving heartwarming children's stories that celebrated resilience, friendship, and the power of imagination. Her dedication paid off: awards like the Purple Dragonfly and Children's Literary Classics Book Award, plus a silver medal from Readers' Favorite, solidified her place as a talented storyteller. Her chapter book, Sweet T and the Turtle Team, even won the Wind Dancer Films competition and almost landed on the big screen!
Then came 2020, a year that had the world swirling in uncertainty. But amidst the chaos, Catherine found her anchor in a new genre: adult fiction. Inspired by the sun-kissed North Carolina coast and the enduring power of love, she embarked on a new chapter, launching the "Gull Island" romance series.
Slated for release in summer 2024, Sand, Sea, and Second Chances, whisks readers away to a charming coastal town where hearts mend and love blooms. And it's just the first in Catherine's Gull Island adventure. With a connected novella already written and the second novel mapped out, she's weaving tales of small-town romance and love's enduring power, one page-turning chapter at a time.
When not lost in the world of her characters, you can find Catherine planting a whimsical fairy garden for neighborhood kids, capturing moments with her camera, planning of her next beach trip, or walking city greenways. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her family, her heart forever anchored to the power of stories and the magic they bring to life.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 2, 2020
My daughters and I enjoyed reading this book together. It brought up many conversations for us as a family about bullying and how to handle different situations of bullying. The story takes the reader through the seasons of the school year with many different situations that happen to kids in grade school. Olivia writes in her journal to her cat, often keeping her feelings bottled up inside about the mean girl in school. The story keeps you reading, wanting to know what happens next. There are extras in the back of the book, including a recipe, instructions on making friendship bracelets, and tips on preventing bullying as well as what to do if bullying occurs.
We received a PDF of this book and are voluntarily leaving a review to help others.
We received a PDF of this book and are voluntarily leaving a review to help others.
November 28, 2020
Just Between Sam and Me, co-authored by Rosie Russell and Cat Michaels, touches that hidden spot in the heart we all carry with us. That hard nugget formed during the pre-teen years when something happened to embarrass us or hurt our feelings. Bullying is nothing new. What is new are the many ways we have to combat it?
Olivia is bullied, harassed, and belittled by the new girl in sixth grade. Eleven is a fragile stage for the psyche. While Olivia confides all her trauma to her cat via a journal, this is not the ideal solution. If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that bottling these feelings up and ignoring the situation is dangerous. Olivia learns she has a unique support system if she’ll only be brave enough to reach out.
The book isn't just about bullying. The authors dive into the complexities of family dynamics, school pecking orders, coming of age, and small-town life.
With all that said, the book portrays a beautiful slice of rural America. From the town festival to supporting local sports, we step into a bit of nostalgic remembrance.
The book is wonderfully suited to middle-grade readers. Just Between Sam & Me delivers an essential lesson to boys and girls while entertaining with a fun story.
I received an advance copy of the book. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Olivia is bullied, harassed, and belittled by the new girl in sixth grade. Eleven is a fragile stage for the psyche. While Olivia confides all her trauma to her cat via a journal, this is not the ideal solution. If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that bottling these feelings up and ignoring the situation is dangerous. Olivia learns she has a unique support system if she’ll only be brave enough to reach out.
The book isn't just about bullying. The authors dive into the complexities of family dynamics, school pecking orders, coming of age, and small-town life.
With all that said, the book portrays a beautiful slice of rural America. From the town festival to supporting local sports, we step into a bit of nostalgic remembrance.
The book is wonderfully suited to middle-grade readers. Just Between Sam & Me delivers an essential lesson to boys and girls while entertaining with a fun story.
I received an advance copy of the book. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
November 28, 2020
Is there anything worse than walking into the school building on the first day of sixth grade, hoping you've done everything you can to look your best? Olivia Martin found out the worst thing might be the new girl in town, Candace Mazare. Olivia's newest nightmare begins with a few snippy comments. How many of us didn't swallow our pride and try to ignore those? It's a small town and a small class, so it doesn't take long for the flashy Candace to garner the attention of many of the girls Olivia had called friends in the younger grades.
When things that aren't supposed to be there appear in her locker and things that are supposed to be there go missing, Olivia makes the same decision, so many girls make: She ignores the friends and teachers who might be able to help her and confides only in her cat, Sam. This delightful story about small-town life in Missouri farm country will remind you of the festivals you participated in as a kid. The story begins to raise awareness from the very beginning to the plight of young girls who are too afraid to share their lack of self-esteem and bullying with anyone, much less their parents.
I strongly suggest Just Between Sam and Me be read by mothers and daughters together. Our children are eager to learn how to combat bullying. The authors provide resources at the end of the book to help your child in the event he/she becomes a target. I urge every school district to make this book part of their school library. Final note: Sharing with your beloved dog or cat helps you get your feelings out, but it won't help solve the problem.
It's a story of friendship, goals, family life, love of animals, and all the beautiful activities found in small-town America. I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Congrats on a great book!
When things that aren't supposed to be there appear in her locker and things that are supposed to be there go missing, Olivia makes the same decision, so many girls make: She ignores the friends and teachers who might be able to help her and confides only in her cat, Sam. This delightful story about small-town life in Missouri farm country will remind you of the festivals you participated in as a kid. The story begins to raise awareness from the very beginning to the plight of young girls who are too afraid to share their lack of self-esteem and bullying with anyone, much less their parents.
I strongly suggest Just Between Sam and Me be read by mothers and daughters together. Our children are eager to learn how to combat bullying. The authors provide resources at the end of the book to help your child in the event he/she becomes a target. I urge every school district to make this book part of their school library. Final note: Sharing with your beloved dog or cat helps you get your feelings out, but it won't help solve the problem.
It's a story of friendship, goals, family life, love of animals, and all the beautiful activities found in small-town America. I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Congrats on a great book!
December 3, 2020
Right from the beginning, the reader discovers the reason for the title. As Olivia opens a brand new journal and starts pouring out her feelings about sixth grade, she writes as if she is talking to her cat, Sam. At the end of the first chapter she writes, "Remember Sam, it's just between you and me."
On the first day of school, Olivia meets the new girl, Candace, who makes it clear that she thinks Olivia's town of Spring Hope should be re-named Spring Hopeless. Although Olivia is put off by Candace's spangly sequined jacket and fancy phone, she has more empathy for her when she discovers Candace's realtor father works all the time, her parents are divorced, and she recently lost her beloved grandmother.
But problems start. Olivia, Candace, and Isabella, Olivia's BFF, string bracelets that Olivia plans to sell to save money to buy a new halter for her horse, Star, at the next Spring Daze competition. Soon after Olivia consigns the bracelets, the ones which Candace made break. The weak ties of friendship between the two girls fall apart too.
The tension between the two girls escalates and Candace starts bullying Olivia. She begins doubting herself and her friendship with Isabella but refuses to confide her fears to anyone--except to Sam.
Springtime brings Spring Daze and an essay contest. When Candace makes fun of Olivia's essay, their teacher steps in. "We have zero tolerance in this school for children who make fun of others or who are cruel in any way." Although Olivia appreciates her teacher's kindness, she refuses to snitch and reveal all the ways Candace has been tormenting her.
She finally divulges Candace's bullying to Isabella. "I figured if I didn't talk about them [the mean notes she had received], it would be like they weren't real and never existed."
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Olivia finally confronts Candace. Although she feels like blowing up, she realizes that she would end up sounding as mean as Candace. Instead, she quietly tells her, "No more lying. No more bullying. I've had it with you, Candace. Everyone is on to you. You won't have any more friends in Spring Hope unless you stop."
It takes a tornado tearing through the town for Olivia to learn a lesson about priorities and for the truth to come out about Candace.
My other favorite part is the last chapter. But, no spoilers here. Buy this book for the 8-12-year-old reader in your life and read it with her. I think you'll agree that Sam is the real Star of the show.
The back matter not only includes directions for making friendship bracelets and a recipe for queso dip (mentioned in the book) but also excellent notes to the reader about ways to handle bullying and websites for more information.
On the first day of school, Olivia meets the new girl, Candace, who makes it clear that she thinks Olivia's town of Spring Hope should be re-named Spring Hopeless. Although Olivia is put off by Candace's spangly sequined jacket and fancy phone, she has more empathy for her when she discovers Candace's realtor father works all the time, her parents are divorced, and she recently lost her beloved grandmother.
But problems start. Olivia, Candace, and Isabella, Olivia's BFF, string bracelets that Olivia plans to sell to save money to buy a new halter for her horse, Star, at the next Spring Daze competition. Soon after Olivia consigns the bracelets, the ones which Candace made break. The weak ties of friendship between the two girls fall apart too.
The tension between the two girls escalates and Candace starts bullying Olivia. She begins doubting herself and her friendship with Isabella but refuses to confide her fears to anyone--except to Sam.
Springtime brings Spring Daze and an essay contest. When Candace makes fun of Olivia's essay, their teacher steps in. "We have zero tolerance in this school for children who make fun of others or who are cruel in any way." Although Olivia appreciates her teacher's kindness, she refuses to snitch and reveal all the ways Candace has been tormenting her.
She finally divulges Candace's bullying to Isabella. "I figured if I didn't talk about them [the mean notes she had received], it would be like they weren't real and never existed."
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Olivia finally confronts Candace. Although she feels like blowing up, she realizes that she would end up sounding as mean as Candace. Instead, she quietly tells her, "No more lying. No more bullying. I've had it with you, Candace. Everyone is on to you. You won't have any more friends in Spring Hope unless you stop."
It takes a tornado tearing through the town for Olivia to learn a lesson about priorities and for the truth to come out about Candace.
My other favorite part is the last chapter. But, no spoilers here. Buy this book for the 8-12-year-old reader in your life and read it with her. I think you'll agree that Sam is the real Star of the show.
The back matter not only includes directions for making friendship bracelets and a recipe for queso dip (mentioned in the book) but also excellent notes to the reader about ways to handle bullying and websites for more information.
November 29, 2020
This middle-grade novel presents the triumphs and tribulations of Olivia Martin, a student beginning sixth grade in rural Spring Hope. She lives on a farm with her parents and older brother, Link. They all work hard to make ends meet.
Olivia’s best friends are a classmate named Isabelle, her cat, Sam, and her Palomino pony, Star. Olivia is saving up to buy a halter for Star because she hopes to enter him in The Spring Daze Festival next May. She will need to work hard to earn the money. Her plan is to create and sell beaded bracelets.
When Candace moves from New York City to Spring Hope, Olivia’s world is turned upside down. Candace is mean, bullying, and a gossip who tries to thwart Olivia at every turn. Olivia confides her problems to Sam by writing them down in her journal. Isabella proves to be a compassionate and wise friend who steadfastly stands behind her.
A series of unexpected events lead to successes and failures for Olivia, as well as the other characters in this touching tale. There are twists and turns that keep the plot interesting. Readers will empathize with Olivia’s trials and admire her tenacity and strength. The characters are so believable and relatable. The story brought me along a roller coaster of emotions. At times, I laughed, at other points in the story, I wanted to cry.
I applaud the authors for creating a deeply engaging plot and characters that will surely resonate with middle-grade readers. Highly recommended!
Olivia’s best friends are a classmate named Isabelle, her cat, Sam, and her Palomino pony, Star. Olivia is saving up to buy a halter for Star because she hopes to enter him in The Spring Daze Festival next May. She will need to work hard to earn the money. Her plan is to create and sell beaded bracelets.
When Candace moves from New York City to Spring Hope, Olivia’s world is turned upside down. Candace is mean, bullying, and a gossip who tries to thwart Olivia at every turn. Olivia confides her problems to Sam by writing them down in her journal. Isabella proves to be a compassionate and wise friend who steadfastly stands behind her.
A series of unexpected events lead to successes and failures for Olivia, as well as the other characters in this touching tale. There are twists and turns that keep the plot interesting. Readers will empathize with Olivia’s trials and admire her tenacity and strength. The characters are so believable and relatable. The story brought me along a roller coaster of emotions. At times, I laughed, at other points in the story, I wanted to cry.
I applaud the authors for creating a deeply engaging plot and characters that will surely resonate with middle-grade readers. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2020
This tween book is full of heart a must have a for your child's library. I applaud the authors Cat Michaes and Rossie Russellfor penning this touching take together. They take the reader on a journey through the struggles of 6th grade and reminding us what friendship really means.
This story follows young Olivia and shows how a small town girl handles a challenging situation. With the love of family, friends, and animals, she comes to see that things can get better.
If your children struggle with bullying, this would be a great book to read together and then discuss.
December 2, 2020
This is a lovely, gentle tale perfect for older children and tweens. I liked the story and the characters but what made it extra special was the rural setting. The festivals, the seasons and the food all seemed to come alive throughout the book. It made me want to live in Spring Hope and spend a lot of time at the Beanery! Highly recommended.
December 1, 2020
A well-written, realistic story about an innocent sixth-grade girl who is bullied by a new girl who she first tried to befriend. The story is enhanced by the main character, Olivia’s, journal entries, which she writes to her cat, Sam. At times funny and heartwarming, and at others, heartbreaking, the book does a great job of portraying the roller coaster ride that is often a middle school girl's life.
I was given an advance copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was given an advance copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 2, 2020
Sweet story about learning to stand up for yourself and stay true to your own inner light. A good read for younger teens learning to navigate the shark-infested (aka mean-girl infested) waters of middle school. And there's a cat, which always makes me happy.
December 1, 2020
Chucked full of heart, this book takes on bullying, friendship, and the troubles of being a sixth grader who's determined to achieve a few of her own dreams.
Olivia loves her family, likes her horse and Sam, her cat, even more, wishes her bf were there for the first day of school, and is simply trying to figure out how to handle sixth grade. When her first day smacks her full force into the new girl, another sixth grader with city fashion and an attituded to go with it, she's determined to see the girl's best attributes and, maybe, become friends. Not only do the girl's rough cornered personality make it tedious, but a broken promise, which hampers Olivia's dream of taking her horse to the big festival at the end of the year, mutates into a never ending attack. Olivia tries her best to cope, but it's not working.
This is a wholesome, heart-filled, and simply lovely read. Set in a small town, the 'new girl' from the city...and in full city mode...hits like a steam train. Tension is guaranteed as well as more than a few sticky situations. But this is more than just a clash between urban and rural cultures. Olivia's timid and gentle nature are thrown into a situation, which she has no clue how to deal with. And I think that's what I like most about this book.
While bullying is a popular theme in middle grade literature, it often puts the main character in the position of being an outcast. With Olivia, this isn't quite true. She has a best friends, and while she does feel uncomfortable in her own skin (which 6th grader doesn't?) and might get teased at every now and then, this is by no means more than any other sixth grader faces. Until the new girl hits. The school doesn't turn against Olivia, not does she loose the love of those at her side. Her calm nature and lack of experience make her unsure how to deal. It comes across very realistic and shows a type of bullying, which tends to be more realistic than the usual cliche.
Plus, this is a good read. There are several other problems Olivia deals with and some wonderful characters. Problems come, and she needs to handle each one. It's something middle graders can easily identify with and cheer for Olivia the whole way through. There's definitely never a boring moment, either. In other words, I can recommend picking this one up.
Olivia loves her family, likes her horse and Sam, her cat, even more, wishes her bf were there for the first day of school, and is simply trying to figure out how to handle sixth grade. When her first day smacks her full force into the new girl, another sixth grader with city fashion and an attituded to go with it, she's determined to see the girl's best attributes and, maybe, become friends. Not only do the girl's rough cornered personality make it tedious, but a broken promise, which hampers Olivia's dream of taking her horse to the big festival at the end of the year, mutates into a never ending attack. Olivia tries her best to cope, but it's not working.
This is a wholesome, heart-filled, and simply lovely read. Set in a small town, the 'new girl' from the city...and in full city mode...hits like a steam train. Tension is guaranteed as well as more than a few sticky situations. But this is more than just a clash between urban and rural cultures. Olivia's timid and gentle nature are thrown into a situation, which she has no clue how to deal with. And I think that's what I like most about this book.
While bullying is a popular theme in middle grade literature, it often puts the main character in the position of being an outcast. With Olivia, this isn't quite true. She has a best friends, and while she does feel uncomfortable in her own skin (which 6th grader doesn't?) and might get teased at every now and then, this is by no means more than any other sixth grader faces. Until the new girl hits. The school doesn't turn against Olivia, not does she loose the love of those at her side. Her calm nature and lack of experience make her unsure how to deal. It comes across very realistic and shows a type of bullying, which tends to be more realistic than the usual cliche.
Plus, this is a good read. There are several other problems Olivia deals with and some wonderful characters. Problems come, and she needs to handle each one. It's something middle graders can easily identify with and cheer for Olivia the whole way through. There's definitely never a boring moment, either. In other words, I can recommend picking this one up.
December 2, 2020
This book tells the story of Olivia Martin , a tween girl living on a farm with her family , in the small town of Spring Hope , Missouri . She's about to start 6th grade , but feels very anxious as Isabella , her best friend , is still on vacation and is not here to begin the school year by her side . As for Candace , the flashy new girl in town , she is just really mean and gives her a hard time . Olivia will have to learn to cope with all of this and more . It's definitely a good thing she can confide in Sam , her beloved cat...
"Just Between Sam and Me" , co-authored by Rosie Russell and Cat Michaels , is a brilliant tale about standing up to bullying and a great reminder that children don't have to (and should not) deal with it on their own . It will make a great addiction to a classroom or a child's library .
I received an advance reader copy of this book and want to offer my honest , unbiased opinion of its content .
"Just Between Sam and Me" , co-authored by Rosie Russell and Cat Michaels , is a brilliant tale about standing up to bullying and a great reminder that children don't have to (and should not) deal with it on their own . It will make a great addiction to a classroom or a child's library .
I received an advance reader copy of this book and want to offer my honest , unbiased opinion of its content .
December 7, 2020
Cat Michaels and Rosie Russell chose a difficult subject for their collaboration. They pulled it off by producing an excellent book for middle grade readers – a book that tackles the difficult subject of bullying. I finished this book in a few short hours and can highly recommend it to parents and teachers and young girls. It addresses bullying within the background of a believable story, in a creative manner, and presents advice and answers to its readers. Presenting our children with guidance on how to deal with bullying is a difficult task. Some children seem almost immune to the bullying tactics of others while other slide into depression and withdraw into themselves. Authors Michaels and Russell have provided their readers with coping mechanisms presented in a realistic story. We need more books like this. We need more teachers and parents to share these books with their children – not only those that are bullied as children often recognize which students are being bullied long before parents and teachers.
December 6, 2020
Just Between Sam and Me is a beautifully written story about sixth-grader Olivia, her quiet life on her farm and at school, and the unexpected challenges she faces when a new mean girl from the city moves into her small town. Olivia realizes how fortunate she is to have an awesome best friend, a loving family, a caring teacher, her cat (Sam), and other friends around her to support her through tough times. This story takes the reader on the roller coaster of Olivia's emotions as she learns how to best deal with the embarrassment and hurt that a bully can cause.
I was truly impressed with how well-written and descriptive the story was. It was a delight to read. I felt as though I was right there, in the lovely, little town of Spring Hope, at their cute downtown coffee shop nibbling on my warm cookie and sipping hot chocolate with Olivia and her BFF, Isabella. Back at Olivia’s farm, I felt like I could almost smell the fresh hay in the barn and I found myself smiling as Olivia gently whispered kind words to her horse while lovingly brushing her golden mane.
Cat Michaels and Rosie Russell have written a wonderful, courageous story with a meaningful message for tweens. What a fabulous book to read and discuss! I received an advance reader copy of this book to review and wanted to offer my honest opinion of its content… I highly recommend it!
I was truly impressed with how well-written and descriptive the story was. It was a delight to read. I felt as though I was right there, in the lovely, little town of Spring Hope, at their cute downtown coffee shop nibbling on my warm cookie and sipping hot chocolate with Olivia and her BFF, Isabella. Back at Olivia’s farm, I felt like I could almost smell the fresh hay in the barn and I found myself smiling as Olivia gently whispered kind words to her horse while lovingly brushing her golden mane.
Cat Michaels and Rosie Russell have written a wonderful, courageous story with a meaningful message for tweens. What a fabulous book to read and discuss! I received an advance reader copy of this book to review and wanted to offer my honest opinion of its content… I highly recommend it!
December 7, 2020
Written by two great co-authors, Just Between Sam and Me has seamless synergy. The voice of the main character is strong and at no point can you tell the change between authors. It is a heart-warming story full of plenty of ups and downs. In fact I was almost moved to tears on several occasions. Set in the mid-west of the United States, I enjoyed the references to all the different foods I was not familiar with, it helped bring a curious flavour to the scenes. However, the main plot of the story, overcoming bullying, was done with tender care, demonstrating that anyone can overcome the torment and find successful coping strategies. I enjoyed the strong message this story conveyed that is sure to help any tween in this situation. I highly recommend this story to be shared in classrooms and at home.
December 14, 2020
Middle School Dreams
When a 6th-grader, Olivia, meets the new mean girl, Candace, her world turns upside down in an instant. The timid insecurities expressed by Olivia while people-pleasing, evoked a gut-wrenching empathy towards the not-so-forgotten days of my youth. Finding solace in the hope of showcasing her horse at Spring Daze, it comforted her from the barrage of bullying. Her bestie sidekick, Isabella, proved to be no match for Candace putting her in her place. Hooray for this exceptional, kind friend. I would want that friend on my team any time! Olivia pours her heart out in a journal, addressing each entry to her sweet furry feline, Sam. Throughout the tweener's strife, including tornados and inclement weather, the yearning for good and decency outshines the turmoil. The depth of the main characters had me cheering for Olivia out loud! Five stars for a profoundly told story with an important message about bullying. Well-done.
When a 6th-grader, Olivia, meets the new mean girl, Candace, her world turns upside down in an instant. The timid insecurities expressed by Olivia while people-pleasing, evoked a gut-wrenching empathy towards the not-so-forgotten days of my youth. Finding solace in the hope of showcasing her horse at Spring Daze, it comforted her from the barrage of bullying. Her bestie sidekick, Isabella, proved to be no match for Candace putting her in her place. Hooray for this exceptional, kind friend. I would want that friend on my team any time! Olivia pours her heart out in a journal, addressing each entry to her sweet furry feline, Sam. Throughout the tweener's strife, including tornados and inclement weather, the yearning for good and decency outshines the turmoil. The depth of the main characters had me cheering for Olivia out loud! Five stars for a profoundly told story with an important message about bullying. Well-done.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews