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Our Own Little Paradise
Could summer in your neighborhood turn out to be better than an exotic holiday overseas? Ina and her new neighbor Vilmer are about to find out…
Ina has no plans for the summer. Suddenly, she finds herself lying in front of the entire class, telling them she is going to the Mediterranean for three weeks. And then the lie keeps growing and growing via social media. The only problem is that the new boy in class has moved to Ina’s neighborhood and he will easily find out that she is not in the Mediterranean. Perhaps the best summer holiday is the one you thought would be the worst?
A warm, believable story about friendship, first love, and social media from Norwegian author Marianne Kaurin.
Ina has no plans for the summer. Suddenly, she finds herself lying in front of the entire class, telling them she is going to the Mediterranean for three weeks. And then the lie keeps growing and growing via social media. The only problem is that the new boy in class has moved to Ina’s neighborhood and he will easily find out that she is not in the Mediterranean. Perhaps the best summer holiday is the one you thought would be the worst?
A warm, believable story about friendship, first love, and social media from Norwegian author Marianne Kaurin.
300 pages, Hardcover
Published April 12, 2022
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Kaurin
12 books22 followersMarianne Kaurin er født i 1974 og har gått forfatterutdanningen ved Norsk barnebokinstitutt. "Nærmere høst" er hennes første bok.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2021
It's summer vacation and Nora has no plans. All of her classmates are traveling out of the country, so when it's her turn to share her plans with the class, she panics and announces she's going to "the tropics".
Nora befriends a new boy, Wilmer, and they make their own summer fun. Nora is busted though, and her entire class finds out she lied and didn't actually leave for the summer.
This was a cute story about making the most of your situation & about true friendship!
Nora befriends a new boy, Wilmer, and they make their own summer fun. Nora is busted though, and her entire class finds out she lied and didn't actually leave for the summer.
This was a cute story about making the most of your situation & about true friendship!
August 31, 2022
Sixth grader Ina definitely doesn’t fit in with her fellow sixth graders: she lives in the worst possible apartments in her school district; her mother is suffering from depression and has lost her job, so the family is having financial difficulties; Ina’s got some obsessive-compulsive problems in that she counts everything; plus she's shy and geeky. During the last class of the year, their teacher asks what they’ll be doing over the summer break. All Ina’s classmates are traveling to Spain, Portugal, etc. When her turn comes, she announces that she’s going to the “tropics.” Her lie grows when copies images from a tropical resort’s website and posts them on social media.
Wilmer, a boy who’ll be joining the seventh grade in the fall, is also present on the last day and introduces himself. It turns out he lives in the same apartments as Ina, but she avoids him because he isn’t cool. When the two finally get together, they make summer fun.
Marianne Kaurin is an award-winning children's author. Our Own Little Paradise is a low-key, believable story about friendship, making the most of what you have, first love, and the ills of social media. It tackles serious topics: wanting to fit in, who we want to be friends with, disparate social classes, and the struggle to fit in. It takes place over one summer, so it’s fast-paced. It is perfect for fourth through sixth graders.
Wilmer, a boy who’ll be joining the seventh grade in the fall, is also present on the last day and introduces himself. It turns out he lives in the same apartments as Ina, but she avoids him because he isn’t cool. When the two finally get together, they make summer fun.
Marianne Kaurin is an award-winning children's author. Our Own Little Paradise is a low-key, believable story about friendship, making the most of what you have, first love, and the ills of social media. It tackles serious topics: wanting to fit in, who we want to be friends with, disparate social classes, and the struggle to fit in. It takes place over one summer, so it’s fast-paced. It is perfect for fourth through sixth graders.
November 8, 2021
Translated from Norwegian to English.by Olivia Lasky. Reviewed advance read title is Our Own Little Paradise. This is a middle age chapter book that is about 300 pages.
6th and 7th grade can be a horrible time, especially for girls … I know it was for me. I remember overhearing (who I thought were “friends”) girls talking about me when I was in a bathroom stall. I was in middle school; it hurt. So this book really resonated with me.
Beautifully developed characters; I loved this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Marianne Kaurin and translator Olivia Lasky and the publisher Arctis and NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad for the opportunity to review the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read several other reviews who provided a three star rating ... who seemed to enjoy the book. Maybe I rate books to highly, but if I enjoyed it and it held my attention, then I don't have a problem giving it 5 stars.
6th and 7th grade can be a horrible time, especially for girls … I know it was for me. I remember overhearing (who I thought were “friends”) girls talking about me when I was in a bathroom stall. I was in middle school; it hurt. So this book really resonated with me.
Beautifully developed characters; I loved this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Marianne Kaurin and translator Olivia Lasky and the publisher Arctis and NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad for the opportunity to review the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read several other reviews who provided a three star rating ... who seemed to enjoy the book. Maybe I rate books to highly, but if I enjoyed it and it held my attention, then I don't have a problem giving it 5 stars.
January 15, 2023
‘Our Own Little Paradise’ by Marianne Kaurin follows main character Nora as she tries to fit into middle school social circles. The last day of school has her nervous since everyone is talking about the amazing summer trips they have planned, and she isn’t going anywhere. Not only is she not traveling, but she lives in the not-so-great part of town, and the new kid who showed up to introduce himself on the last day happens to live there, too. And he’s weird. Or so Nora decides before really getting to know him.
When she lies about taking a trip, she casts a pall over her summer, causing her to have to stay inside with the lights off and the windows closed in case any of her classmates see her out and about or walk by and see that someone is actually at home where she lives. When Wilmer, the new kid, realizes she didn’t actually go out of town, he tries to spend time with her, but she isn’t having it. That is, until she realizes that there might not be a way out of it.
Before long, she finds herself enjoying their time together as they set up their own summer “trip” while hanging out together in the apartment complex. Nora thinks of Wilmer as just a “summer friend,” but she soon finds herself thinking about him as more than that. She worries that he’s not the right kind of person for her, that the “cool” kids are who she wants to be with, but when things take a turn and her lies bubble to the surface, she comes to find out that what she once thought isn’t necessarily true, and she begins to look at life through a whole new lens.
The story touches on how lies can come back to bite the liar, hurting others in the process. It deals with friendship, loss, and determination to do what one thinks is right, even when the truly “right” thing is so obvious. Truth and kindness are also themes within this creative and sweet story about two friends who want more for themselves, and may have even found it when they weren’t looking.
Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
When she lies about taking a trip, she casts a pall over her summer, causing her to have to stay inside with the lights off and the windows closed in case any of her classmates see her out and about or walk by and see that someone is actually at home where she lives. When Wilmer, the new kid, realizes she didn’t actually go out of town, he tries to spend time with her, but she isn’t having it. That is, until she realizes that there might not be a way out of it.
Before long, she finds herself enjoying their time together as they set up their own summer “trip” while hanging out together in the apartment complex. Nora thinks of Wilmer as just a “summer friend,” but she soon finds herself thinking about him as more than that. She worries that he’s not the right kind of person for her, that the “cool” kids are who she wants to be with, but when things take a turn and her lies bubble to the surface, she comes to find out that what she once thought isn’t necessarily true, and she begins to look at life through a whole new lens.
The story touches on how lies can come back to bite the liar, hurting others in the process. It deals with friendship, loss, and determination to do what one thinks is right, even when the truly “right” thing is so obvious. Truth and kindness are also themes within this creative and sweet story about two friends who want more for themselves, and may have even found it when they weren’t looking.
Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
October 10, 2024
3.5 stars
Translated from Norwegian
The inside flap says the main characters name is Ina but she is Nora in the book.
On the last day of 6th grade, the teacher loses control of her class and one of the mean girls has everyone say what they'll be doing that summer. Nora is embarrassed to say that she will be staying in their apartment in the low income neighborhood all summer (because her mom is living with depression and does not have any money). Meanwhile all the other students are bragging about their trips to exciting locations. Nora lies when it is her turn and says she is going to the tropics. She gets caught up in the lie and even posts pictures from a tropical resort on social media so that others don't catch her out. However, there is one other student from her class who lives in her complex who has other plans for himself and Nora that summer. Together, they set about creating their own tropical paradise on the grounds of their complex. But of course, all good things must come to an end... and Nora has to decide who her friends really are and what kind of person she wants to be.
This is definitely a book with a message about being true to yourself and choosing your friends wisely. I did not like how the book portrayed the teacher - how they did not do enough to keep control of their own classroom. You could tell by the way they tried to intervene that they knew what the mean girls were doing but they didn't *stop* it
CW: there is a crush/romance with a little kissing and hand holding if your younger readers are not looking for that
Translated from Norwegian
The inside flap says the main characters name is Ina but she is Nora in the book.
On the last day of 6th grade, the teacher loses control of her class and one of the mean girls has everyone say what they'll be doing that summer. Nora is embarrassed to say that she will be staying in their apartment in the low income neighborhood all summer (because her mom is living with depression and does not have any money). Meanwhile all the other students are bragging about their trips to exciting locations. Nora lies when it is her turn and says she is going to the tropics. She gets caught up in the lie and even posts pictures from a tropical resort on social media so that others don't catch her out. However, there is one other student from her class who lives in her complex who has other plans for himself and Nora that summer. Together, they set about creating their own tropical paradise on the grounds of their complex. But of course, all good things must come to an end... and Nora has to decide who her friends really are and what kind of person she wants to be.
This is definitely a book with a message about being true to yourself and choosing your friends wisely. I did not like how the book portrayed the teacher - how they did not do enough to keep control of their own classroom. You could tell by the way they tried to intervene that they knew what the mean girls were doing but they didn't *stop* it
CW: there is a crush/romance with a little kissing and hand holding if your younger readers are not looking for that
May 3, 2023
DNF. Raised an eyebrow with some of the descriptions ("she headed out for yard duty in the neon safety vest that sits a little too snugly on her saggy breasts" - description of their sixth grade teacher) and Ina's outright lust for the boy two seats ahead of her...in sixth grade. Closed the book when Ina just started being outright mean to the new kid, Wilmer. Not a fan of mean characters.
Note: this book is translated and originally takes place in Norway (i believe), which I had to remember when all the kids were listing their summer plans. Of course they are travelling to what feels like far flung destinations to me here in the US Midwest, but to them its like a trip to Arizona or Florida.
Note: this book is translated and originally takes place in Norway (i believe), which I had to remember when all the kids were listing their summer plans. Of course they are travelling to what feels like far flung destinations to me here in the US Midwest, but to them its like a trip to Arizona or Florida.
July 20, 2023
Phantastic book for youngsters, and even I as an middle-aged adult liked it very very much. Knowing about norwegian society and school system, which is very focused on equality, it rang true that reality differs from ideals. Rich kids and poor kids go to the same schools as private schools are very rare, but that doesn't mean that the kids don't know about real life. Families depending on welfare live a very different life that those of the better off.
I found it so refreshing that Ina in the end finds out who are the real friends and who is good for her. And contrary to the beginning of the book it's not the popular and rich girls who really only drag her down.
I found it so refreshing that Ina in the end finds out who are the real friends and who is good for her. And contrary to the beginning of the book it's not the popular and rich girls who really only drag her down.
November 17, 2021
Marianne Kaurin really dug deep into being a 6th grader in Our Own Little Paradise. It discusses serious topics of wanting to fit in, the idea of whom we want to be friends with, talks about different social classes and the struggles of trying to fit in. It is a good length and it covers so much so it is fast-paced. The second story in the book was a great touch to help see the same issue Nora was facing but from a different time period and with a different outcome.
August 21, 2022
Really wanted to read more middle grade book, so I know what to recommend to my lil sister and this didn’t disappoint!
Well thought out storyline, that I literally inhaled in 2 hours, but also it made me cry and laugh 🥹 It teaches a lot of necessary life lessons, so for what it is, it gets a 5/5 🌟
Well thought out storyline, that I literally inhaled in 2 hours, but also it made me cry and laugh 🥹 It teaches a lot of necessary life lessons, so for what it is, it gets a 5/5 🌟
September 2, 2023
The book was so sweet. It awakes the feelings of pure honesty and friendship. Also, the insecurities that stay with us after childhood. Nice for parents, children and teachers. Also, good for everyone who wants to feel cosy
May 2, 2023
Precioso libro de literatura juvenil, pronto a salir en Vegueta.
July 7, 2023
Good book
January 4, 2026
Neveltui apdovanota knyga-nuostabi, tikrai šeštokams verta perskaityti, gal net prieš vasaros atostogas, iškeliaujant į 7a 🤭🥰🤗
July 12, 2023
Kokia miela ir teisinga ši knyga vaikams/jauniesiems paaugliams – sakyčiau 12-14 metų fainuoliams. Ji išryškina tokias reikalingas vertybes, o kartu ir tokius skaudulius, kuriuos patiria vaikai, negalintys gyventi taip, kaip visko pertekę klasės draugai. Apie norą pritapti, norą draugauti, norą įtikti tiems, prieš kuriuos „pasirodyt“ išties net neverta.
Inos paskutinė diena šeštoje klasėje. Draugai garsiai dalinasi ką veiks per vasaros atostogas, kokias šalis aplankys, kokiuose kurortuose deginsis. Ina gyvena skurdžiau, vien su mama, kuriai niekaip nepavyksta susirasti darbo. Jausdama spaudimą neišsiskirti iš klasės būrio, Ina primeluoja, jog irgi vyks į šiltus kraštus. Deja, realybė tokia, kad savo melu, bijodama jog draugai jį supras, mergaitė save įkalina mažame kambarėlyje, daugiabutyje, nenorėdama, kad kas ją pamatytų niekur neišvykusią. Betūnodama namuose, kieme Ina pamato klasės naujoką Vilmerį – kuris lyg niekur nieko visiems prisipažino, jog niekur neatostogaus, nes tėtis neturi pinigų. Ina mano, jog jis keistuolis nevykėlis, tačiau ji neturi su kuo bendrauti ir išlenda kieman jo kviečiama. Pasirodo, berniukas ją supranta geriau nei ji mano.
Labai graži istorija ir labai vertingas moralas. Ypač šiandieninėje situacijoje, kai daugeliui vaikų naujausias Iphonas yra suprantamas dalykas, o kitai pusei apskritai turėti bet kokį išmanųjį tėra svajonė. Autorė vaikams suprantama kalba papasakoja tikrųjų vertybių grožį, pristato džiaugsmą mažutėliais dalykais, kuris taip dažnai nublanksta pavydint kitiems brangesnių daiktų, tolimesnių kelionių. Žinoma, vaikai yra vaikai – jie visada lygiuosis į bendraamžius, norės to paties, ką turi kiti, tad man labai patiko, kad istorija nenuglaistyta. Rašytoja parodo ir desperatišką pyktį, nenucukruoja karštų emocijų negalint turėt to, ką turi visi. Knyga realistiška ir tai labai gerai sugros jauniesiems skaitytojams. Džiaugiuosi, kad knygos kalba apie tokius dalykus ir tikiuosi, kad istoriją perskaitys kuo daugiau jaunuolių!❤️ Už knygą dėkoju @debesuganyklos.lt 🪩
Inos paskutinė diena šeštoje klasėje. Draugai garsiai dalinasi ką veiks per vasaros atostogas, kokias šalis aplankys, kokiuose kurortuose deginsis. Ina gyvena skurdžiau, vien su mama, kuriai niekaip nepavyksta susirasti darbo. Jausdama spaudimą neišsiskirti iš klasės būrio, Ina primeluoja, jog irgi vyks į šiltus kraštus. Deja, realybė tokia, kad savo melu, bijodama jog draugai jį supras, mergaitė save įkalina mažame kambarėlyje, daugiabutyje, nenorėdama, kad kas ją pamatytų niekur neišvykusią. Betūnodama namuose, kieme Ina pamato klasės naujoką Vilmerį – kuris lyg niekur nieko visiems prisipažino, jog niekur neatostogaus, nes tėtis neturi pinigų. Ina mano, jog jis keistuolis nevykėlis, tačiau ji neturi su kuo bendrauti ir išlenda kieman jo kviečiama. Pasirodo, berniukas ją supranta geriau nei ji mano.
Labai graži istorija ir labai vertingas moralas. Ypač šiandieninėje situacijoje, kai daugeliui vaikų naujausias Iphonas yra suprantamas dalykas, o kitai pusei apskritai turėti bet kokį išmanųjį tėra svajonė. Autorė vaikams suprantama kalba papasakoja tikrųjų vertybių grožį, pristato džiaugsmą mažutėliais dalykais, kuris taip dažnai nublanksta pavydint kitiems brangesnių daiktų, tolimesnių kelionių. Žinoma, vaikai yra vaikai – jie visada lygiuosis į bendraamžius, norės to paties, ką turi kiti, tad man labai patiko, kad istorija nenuglaistyta. Rašytoja parodo ir desperatišką pyktį, nenucukruoja karštų emocijų negalint turėt to, ką turi visi. Knyga realistiška ir tai labai gerai sugros jauniesiems skaitytojams. Džiaugiuosi, kad knygos kalba apie tokius dalykus ir tikiuosi, kad istoriją perskaitys kuo daugiau jaunuolių!❤️ Už knygą dėkoju @debesuganyklos.lt 🪩
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June 2, 2022Nora comes up with a big lie on the last day of school about going to “the tropics” during summer vacation since everyone else in her class is traveling somewhere – except for the new kid, Wilmer. The two of them decide to create their own tropical vacation together in an empty apartment in the complex they both live in. Nora’s ideas of fitting in with the popular kids become less important as her feelings grow towards her new friend.
Reviewer #15
Reviewer #15
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