J.R. Silver Writes Her World

by Melissa Dassori, Chelen Ecija (Illustrator)

What if you could write your dreams into reality with the stroke of a pen? 

Sixth grade is off to a difficult start for Josephine Rose Silver. Her best friend, Violet, returns from camp with a new best friend; her parents refuse to grant her more independence; and her homeroom teacher, Ms. Kline, is full of secrets. When Ms. Kline unveils a collection of old Gothamite magazines and tells her students to build their writing skills by crafting short stories inspired by the iconic covers, J.R. discovers a peculiar power: The stories she writes come true. Soon J.R. is getting a cell phone, scoring game-winning goals, and triggering school cancellations. But it's not long before she realizes that each new story creates as many conflicts as it does solutions. And when J.R. tries to write about her fallout with Violet, all of her problems converge.
 
With a pinch of magic, mystery, art history, and language arts woven into a journey of growth and self-confidence, this promising debut is a heartfelt and satisfying tribute to the power of words.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Magical Realism, Writing, Magic, Fiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published July 19, 2022

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Fantasy Middle Grade. The beginning of this book took me awhile to get into, but once I got in I was completely into the storyline. I loved seeing the main character (a young girl) learn to write, and she also learned so much more. I loved the writing assignments in this book, and the writing assignments made me think back to being in school. I loved seeing the writing assignments come to life. This was a fun book to read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Christy Ottaviano Books) or author (Melissa Dassori) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dassori’s debut book for middle grade students will be a hit with readers who dream of being different and want to change something in their lives. Writing stories inspired by magazine covers that magically come true is not the answer of course, but the larger message underneath is: Kids do have the ability the speak up, behave differently, achieve more, and make a positive change if they will be brave enough to take that first step. In the meantime, it’s a whole lot of fun to see how J.R.’s writing makes changes that ripple through her home and school and to watch the friend drama that unfolds in a way that will be very familiar to those in grades 4-7. Frequent references to Konisberg’s The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and the runaway adventure in the Met may revive interest in that book and references to The Runaway Rabbit, Sal’s Blueberries, and Crossover will make readers of those books smile. Text is free of profanity, sexual content, and violence. Readers who enjoy J.R.’s story may also enjoy Kate Messner’s All the Answers, Gordon Korman’s Operation Do-Over, and Jen Calonita’s Retake.

Thanks for sharing a print arc with #BookAllies, Melissa Dassori!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

After her best friend Violet returns from summer camp, J.R. feels Violet has become distant. Violet is spending more time with Ava, a classmate who attended the same camp and Ava's friends Aria and Adelaide. Even when included with the four girls, J.R. isn't sure if their friendship towards her or Violet is genuine. Their 6th grade teacher, Ms. Kline who is also new to their school encourages J.R. to find her voice through writing.
Is it possible that what J.R. writes about can come true in her real life? Is there really a connection between the assignments using old magazine covers that Ms. Kline gives and the stories J.R. writes? If there is, can she use it to make her and Violet's friendship like it once was? Give this to aspiring writers and who love anything set in New York City, especially school stories.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

JR SILVER WRITES HER WORLD is a love song to writing, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to independent bookshops, and to New York City itself. What a joy! When JR's new teacher gives a series of writing assignments based on 'Gothamite' magazine covers, JR finds that what she writes actually comes true. What follows is a beautiful exploration of the challenges of changing friendships, the struggle for self-discovery, and the real-life power of words. Charming illustrations add to the narrative, and the novel's homage to 'From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' had me absolutely swooning. Highly recommend this heartfelt and original middle grade read! My heartfelt thanks to Melissa Dassori and Christy Ottaviano Books for the advanced review copy.

[Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

Representation: Black characters
Trigger warnings: N/A
Score: Five out of ten.
Find this review on The StoryGraph.

I didn't have much choice other than to read J.R. Silver Writes Her World by Melissa Dassori. I only heard about this book a few days ago when I picked it up when the novels I wanted were all gone. I glanced at the intriguing blurb, and I headed in with high expectations considering the ratings, but it was only okay.

It starts with Josephine Rose 'J.R.' Silver recounting her life as a 6th grader, presumably somewhere in America, and nothing is going well according to her, as her friend, Violet, and parents distanced themselves. That is until her teacher, Ms Kline, assigns her some tasks, prompting her to write short stories based on magazine covers from a series called Gothamite (that looks familiar.) Sounds intriguing? It seems so, until I see how Dassori executes the premise. Let's start with the positives, the pacing is enough to keep the plot going, with the length being around 250 pages, and the writing style is mostly accessible except for a few more unfamiliar words that might put off the target audience, like wanderlust. Adding a glossary would help.

Unfortunately, I can only compliment the creation in so many ways, so now it's time to turn to the areas needing improvement, like the characters. The characters are hard to connect or relate with, lacking depth and development, but expanding on them would improve the reading experience. I only saw a glimpse of the character dynamics involving J.R. and her English teacher, J.R. and her parents and J.R. and her friends. I got to observe the first one the most, but I only wanted a deeper exploration. Dassori fumbled the climax as the payoff wasn't it. J.R. discovers the stories she writes come true like when she could score soccer goals, make her parents allow her to use her phone and even go on school trips, but her actions must have consequences, but they weren't there. Where were they? This is not it. The concluding pages weren't that engaging because of that. Also, why does the cover look like it wants to have a staring contest with me?

[Tea and Spite · Rating 1 out of 5]

In terms of writing, this was fine. Interesting premise, decent enough main character, the prose wasn't awful.

Unfortunately, a story about friendships changing and friends growing into their own people requires that the potential cast of friends be worth keeping around. That was where Dassori failed.

JR is great as both a character and a kid. She's relatable in a way I think most any bookish kid will recognise. Her best friend, however, is not. It's clear from the beginning that Violet has no interest in truly continuing her friendship with JR. In the end, JR is the only one changing and making concessions to fit better into Violet's new life. That's not a story about growing up and making new friends, it's a story about learning to be a doormat in order to be included with the popular girls.

It doesn't help that all of the changes JR makes to her life seem to have little to do with her own interests and wants and everything to do with keeping up with the popular girls. Whatever happened to stories about kids--especially outsider kids--learning to find confidence in themselves and go against the crowd? What happened to moral fortitude and having a backbone? JR is pushed into behaving like a teenager at all of eleven years old with not a single adult suggesting that maybe it's fine to not want to be on TikTok or spend all day talking about boys.

It would be different if there were any indications that JR was curious about makeup or dating on her own. If she'd thought of a boy in her class as cute without anyone else mentioning it or considered a more grown-up Halloween costume without being pressured. Instead, every move toward adolescence is made only after she's been lightly shamed by the girls around her. It's like a parody of an after-school special. Even the one actively cruel girl in the popular girl group never gets more than a mild scolding before being happily accepted back into the group.

The end result is that the book's moral seems to be "follow the crowd without complaining or you'll be left behind". That's not a message any child needs to read.

[Jennifer Blecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut middle grade novel has it all - friendship struggles, family tension, a contemporary urban setting, and a glittering touch of magic. My twelve year old could not put it down and when it was finally my turn to read, I understood why. Dassori writes with confidence, empathy, and a keen ear for tween life. A wonderful book!

[Kathie]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of JR SILVER WRITES HER WORLD (releases July 19th from @littlebrownyoungreaders).

The premise of this story intrigued me – what if you could write something and have it come true? It seems like something that many of us would like to have the power to do. But when J.R.’s new 6th-grade teacher assigns writing projects based on the covers of Gothamite magazines passed down to her, J.R. learns that having wishes come true can be complicated.

In this story about friendship, self-discovery, and figuring out how to stay true to yourself, I loved watching J.R. navigate her changing relationship with her best friend. She slowly discovered what she really wanted and how to express herself through the assignments thoughtfully given to her by Ms. Kline. The author did an excellent job tapping into that middle-grade experience of resistance to change and wanting things to stay the same when growth is inevitable. I also really enjoyed the time spent in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the link to From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

I would recommend this book to readers who like a touch of magic in their stories and appreciate the power of words.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to read an ARC of J.R. Silver Writes Her World, and devoured it one weekend. What a treat of a story, with a main character who is struggling to adjust to friendship changes and finds her voice in the process. This story makes the most of the New York City setting with vivid details, especially the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the inspiration of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Add a a layer of magic, as J.R. discovers that the stories she writes come true, and you've got an entrancing, imaginative, witty middle grade novel that will keep kids turning the pages. The art promises to bring this novel to the next level in terms of gorgeous design.

[Labeba Salameh · Rating 3 out of 5]

مراجعة رواية: J.R. Silver Writes Her World للكاتبة Melissa Dassori

تقدم هذه الرواية مغامرة أدبية فريدة من نوعها لليافعين، حيث تلتقي الكتابة بالسحر في حكاية تحاول المزج بين الواقع والخيال بطريقة غير تقليدية. البطلة، جي آر سيلفر من الصف السادس، تكتشف قدرتها على التأثير على عالمها الواقعي من خلال القصص التي تكتبها، مستلهمة أفكارها من أغلفة مجلات تقدمها لها معلمتها. ومع كل قصة تُكتب، تبدأ الحياة من حولها في التحول بطرق غريبة وغير متوقعة.

واحدة من نقاط القوة في الرواية هي تسليطها الضوء على قوة الكتابة، وكيف يمكن للسرد أن يغير نظرتنا للأحداث وحتى لعلاقاتنا بالآخرين. كما أن أسلوب السرد خفيف ومناسب للفئة العمرية المستهدفة، مع لمحات من الطرافة والدهشة.
تقدم الرواية شرحًا مبسطًا وجذابًا لمبادئ الكتابة القصصية، من حيث السرد وبناء الشخصيات والحبكة والحوار. يمكن أن تلهم القارئات الصغيرات اللاتي يحاولن تأليف قصصهن الأولى.

تذكر الرواية مجموعة من العناوين الكلاسيكية والمحببة في أدب الطفل، مما يثري مكتبة القارئ الصغير ويثير فضوله للبحث ع��ها واكتشافها، مثل From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler وغيرها

مع ذلك، فإن الطابع السحري في الرواية لا يُبنى بشكل واضح أو محكم، ويترك الكثير من الأسئلة دون إجابة حول حدود هذا "السحر" وطبيعته. لا يتم شرح القواعد التي تحكم تحوّل القصص إلى واقع، مما قد يربك بعض القرّاء. كذلك، فإن العواقب التي تترتب على هذه التحولات لا تأتي دائمًا واضحة أو مدروسة بما يكفي لتكون ذات معنى تربوي أو درامي عميق.

شخصيات البالغين، وبشكل خاص شخصية المعلمة، قد تبدو للقارئ جافة أو غامضة، وتفتقر إلى الدفء أو الدور الإيجابي المعتاد في روايات الأطفال. أما ختام الرواية، فهو يتجه لمنحى مختلف عن بدايتها، حيث تبدأ القصة في بصراع للحفاظ على الصداقة ثم تتطور إلى طرح مواضيع مثل المواعدة! بطريقة قد تُشعر بعض القرّاء أو أولياء الأمور بعدم الارتياح، خصوصًا للفئة العمرية الأصغر سنًا.

الخلاصة:
رواية J.R. Silver Writes Her World تقدم فكرة مبتكرة عن قوة الكتابة وتأثير الخيال، لكنها تعاني من بعض التذبذب في البناء السردي والموضوعي، وقد لا تكون مناسبة لجميع الأعمار داخل فئة القرّاء اليافعين، خاصة من يبحثون عن قصص أكثر وضوحًا في القيم والتوجيه.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

_J.R. Silver Writes Her World_ has a lot going for it: charming illustrations, a NYC setting (one of my fave cities!), myriad book references (including tons to one of my fave elementary reads and Newbery Award winners, _From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler_), and a nod to the power of teachers in our lives. I've been blessed with a number of stellar teachers myself, and my first retail job was at a bookstore, so I particularly enjoyed J.R.'s interactions with Ms. Kline as well as with Alex, and June's Books.

There isn't a ton of action within the read; I felt it a bit anticlimactic (in fact, lacking a big climax at all, heh). It certainly illustrates the struggles all kids go through at varying points, and I could well remember a few of my own similar situations over the years. As an ode to NYC and one of my fave books set there, I thought it was great; it did have a few hiccups in narrative arc and content, and I felt some situations a bit young for an MC already in middle school. But plenty positive to enjoy, as well.

Note: One passing reference to a lesbian couple.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R. Silver Writes Her World poses the question, what if you could write your dreams into reality with the stroke of a pen? Man was this such a wonderful read, I just devoured it, and it's one of my favorite reads so far this year. It included so many of my favorite things, a main character who wants to be a writer, bookstores, shout outs to other authors and books (Rick Riordan, Linda Sue Park and Jacqueline Woodson) and is also set in New York and parts of it take place at the Metropolitain Museum of Art (MET). I so would've loved this book as a kid, not only for the creative writing assignments using magazine covers but also for the getting words out and onto the page. I love that the author drew inspiration for the story from her own fourth grade teacher who used the New Yorker magazines for their creative writing assignments. It was an especially special read for me because I also used magazine covers, Norman Rockwell's in my own speech therapy practice and it brought back some happy memories.

While reading, I so related to J.R.'s feelings and felt the story wonderfully captures the awkwardness of a friend having moved on, and the feeling of being left behind. Which happened to me quite a few times as a kid. The pains of watching Violet making new friends and not including you in her plans. I so felt for J.R. and was happy that she eventually was able to convey her feelings to Violet. Having those tough conversations are never easy, especially when it involves your friend, but the message here shows the importance of being honest and having that tough talk.

Anyone who knows me also knows that I love stories with wonderful teachers. Teachers who inspire, find all the great qualities in their students, or ones that just support them achieve their dreams. J.R.'s teacher, Ms. Kline was absolutely wonderful. I'd agree she felt similar to Mary Poppin's, and I just adored her. She never provides J.R. all the answers about her stories coming to reality, but gently guides her to improve her stories to get a better outcome. I've always had a soft spot for teachers, and I'd put Ms. Kline up there with Ms. Bixby from John David Anderson's Ms. Bixby's Last Day. Overall, this was a fabulous debut that focuses on language arts and captures the ebbs and flows of friendships. I'd highly recommend this to an aspiring writer, and this would make a wonderful read aloud. Thank you, Edelweiss+ for the E-ARC

[Kellye Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you could conjure up a no-school snow day, a winning soccer goal, or even your own cell phone when your parents won’t let you have one, simply by doing your homework? That’s the intriguing premise behind J.R. Silver Writes Her World, a delightful love letter to writing, reading, indie bookstores, NYC, and friendship.

J.R., who dreams of becoming an author, enters sixth grade feeling out of step with her peers, and not just because of the phone thing. Her friends now walk home from school unchaperoned while J.R. must wait for her mom. Worst of all, J.R.’s parents didn’t let her attend summer camp, where her lifelong bestie, Violet, bonded with Ava.

Now, all three are in the same class, taught by the mysterious vagabond Ms. Kline. Ava’s best friends, Adelaide and Aria, are there, too, and add their best Mean Girls moves. Fortunately, no one is a stereotype. In fact, the way J.R., Violet, and Ava navigate their relationships is a refreshing surprise.

Still, watching your BFF fall hard for someone else creates a particular kind of pain—no matter your age—and J.R. experiences all the feels: jealousy, self-doubt, confusion, embarrassment, anger, and sadness.

When Ms. Kline assigns creative-writing homework inspired by Gothamite’s illustrated magazine covers, J.R. soon discovers her stories are magically coming true. Like any good protagonist, she acts, trying to write away her problems.

Of course, action begets reaction, sometimes with unintended consequences. Whether they’re good or bad often depends on point of view. That’s important to understand, J.R. realizes, in fiction-writing and life.

Writing is powerful—in this novel, literally. But as J.R. creates her stories, she also experiences the exciting truth that the act of writing itself summons its own real-world magic. Can J.R. find the courage to speak up and be the protagonist of her own story?

Books and reading also are celebrated, and one subplot has J.R. trying to help a neighbor whose indie bookstore is losing its lease. The Metropolitan Museum of Art also often takes center stage, along with fitting references to E.L. Konigsburg’s classic “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.” This is a contemporary novel, with references to modern classics such as Cece Bell’s graphic-novel memoir “El Deafo,” but it also offers a cozy, slightly nostalgic vibe.

Middle-grade readers will cheer for J.R., relate to her friendship troubles, and want to solve the magical mystery. Teachers will find creative-writing lessons artfully folded into the story and some great writing prompts.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I only post about books that I finished and enjoyed.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you feel your best friend found other friends and you don't know why you're being left behind?Do you love books and want to be a writer? This is the perfect book.

Jr Silver Writes her World is the perfect novel gift for young readers who want to become writers. Because it's also a powerful middle-grade novel it addresses several issues that Jr faces as a 6th grader such as: getting more independence from her parents, keeping up with her friend's world, dealing with loneliness, and abandoning fixed ideas or concepts about something or someone without getting to know the truth first.

Jr misses her only best friend Violet very much, but Violet wants to have other friends and do things on her own too. Not just lonely, Jr feels the lack of confidence to reach out to others and say how she feels. But a new teacher appears with a set of magical magazines that helps her find her voice not only as a person but as an author. 

It's set in New York and full of great cultural, local, and art references. 
The first chapters aren't very focused and precise on what is happening or what the story will be about, but once we're focused on the magazines' powers we get excited to see what she can do with them not only to help herself but to help others too.
We get to accompany close Jr ups and downs. Sometimes she has a very adult perspective of the world around her. This challenges middle graders who love to read about older, clever, and knowledgeable characters whom they aspire to emulate. Also, older and more demanding readers will still be drawn to this book. As an adult and educator, I loved it. My favorite chapter was the sleepover. This challenges middle graders who love to read about older, clever, and knowledgeable characters whom they aspire to emulate. Also, older and more demanding readers will still be drawn to this book. As an adult and educator, I loved it. My favorite chapter was the sleepover.
I wish middle grades were a thing when I was younger to give me answers while I was growing up, but I'm glad they can help my students now. I recommend this book to librarians and educators.

Thank you, NetGalley and Christy Ottaviano Books for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R. SILVER WRITES HER WORLD fulfilled so many of my pre-teen dreams. For a few pages, I got to:

- be a kid living in New York City.
- wander the Metropolitan Museum of Art and get to know it behind the scenes.
- have a magical power that makes my stories COME TO LIFE.

Pre-teen me would have also learned some really helpful coping skills for friendship drama. In short, my 7th and 8th grade life would have been a lot easier had I read this book. (Parents, your kid doesn't know they need this book yet. But they do.) The pushes, pulls, inclusions, and exclusions of the friend group dynamics in this story are SO well done. Plus the story is really fun!

Full of beautiful prose and stirring lessons about using our powers for good, this book is sure to become a favorite with readers. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

[Sam Subity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has the coolest "What if?" premise: What if you could write a story and it would come true? What would you write about? When JR Silver writes her first assigned story in sixth grade, it actually comes true. When it happens a second time with the next story, she can hardly believe it. But each result comes with both good and bad. Should she use this new ability to try to win back her best friend who has been hanging out with another girl? This book is perfect for fans of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and is full of humor, mystery, heart and magic.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R. Silver Writes Her World
by Melissa Dassori
Pub Date 19 Jul 2022
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Christy Ottaviano Books
Children's Fiction





I am reviewing a copy of JR Silver Writes Her World by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Christy Ottaviano Books and Netgalley:






What if you us the ability to write your dreams into reality with only the stroke of a pen?





Josephine Rose Silver is having a difficult start to sixth grade. Her best friend Violet returns from camp with her new best friend, her parents will not give her any more freedom, and her homeroom teacher, Ms. Kline, is full of secrets.





After Mrs Kline unveils a collection of old Gothamite magazines and tells her students to build their writing skills by crafting short stories inspired by the iconic covers, J.R. discovers a peculiar power: The Stories Josephine write. Soon J.R gets a cell phone , scoring game-winning goals, and triggering school cancellations. But it's not long before she realizes that each new story creates as many conflicts as it does solutions. And when J.R. tries to write about her fallout with Violet, all of her problems converge.


If you have a middle grade reader who likes magic, mystery and a little art history, I’d highly recommend J.R Silver Writes the World!


Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book for any middle schoolers going through changes in their lives as in their friendships. This was a magical and fun book, that I had a hard time putting down. I really liked J.R. and how she navigated her challenges and her friendships. I also liked how she took time to think about other people and their feelings too, not just her own. That can be hard at any age.
This is a great story about friendships and middle school.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish they had books like this one when I was JR’s age! It may seem at first like a realistic middle grades book- but then comes the fantasy! The illustrations are beautiful and truly add to the book. And all the references to “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwilder” make me want to read this favorite again.

[Karen Hsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an imaginative and magical story! I was genuinely surprised it had actual magic in it, and also tickled that it existed.

Loved that New York City came alive on the page and that the themes of friendship carried throughout. I think some of the vocabulary might be challenging for younger MG, but I liked the level of intelligence. I absolutely want to visit the Met now to see the Bubble Room. It's been quite a few years.

Wonderful book. Definitely recommend it!

[Jennifer Hottinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful magical read!! I love the concept and imagine students will wish as I did that our writing could become reality! Ms. Kline brings this special enchantment to her classroom as a former teacher gave her the magical magazines! J.R. will just need to remember ,”With every story, you’re changing fate.” Thank you for sharing with #bookposse!@mdassori @littlebrown

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R. Writes Her World is a unique twist on classic tween woes - changing friendships and finding your voice. At the beginning of 6th grade, JR, a talented writer with lots on her mind, finds herself gaining a new teacher while possibly losing an old friend. Aided by some very special writing assignments inspired by New Yorker style covers (the fictional Gothamite Magazine), she discovers that she is actually able to “write” her world! To make her dreams come true with the stroke of a pen! As it turns out, wielding such power does not come without consequences. J.R. learns that she doesn’t have to hide behind stories; she can confront her fears out loud, in the real world, and maybe, just maybe, get the happy endings she so desires.

[Tracy Badua · Rating 5 out of 5]

So readable and relatable! In J.R. Silver Writes Her World, sixth-grader J.R. grapples with the changing nature of friendship– one of the big “oh, I’ve been there” hallmarks of this age. Throw in parents who think she’s too young to walk home like the other students, check-ins at a neighborhood bookstore, and a teacher whose assignments come with a side of magic? There’s so much to love in this book!

[Sonja Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle grade debut was such a joy to read, that I gobbled it up in one weekend! So many tween issues were thoughtfully addressed from friendship drama to fighting for independence from parents, all with a satisfying resolution. Throw in an empathetic main character who loves to read and write, a vivid New York City setting, along with a dash of magical realism, and you have the perfect recipe for one of those books you’ll find yourself reading over and over. Well-paced, imaginative, and engaging, I highly recommend, especially for librarians, educators, and parents to share with the middle-grade-book readers in their lives.

Thank you to author, Melissa Dassori, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this wonderful book!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a warm hug of a story. Faced with a best friend who is drifting away and shifting alliances among friends, J.R. discovers an unusual power: the ability to write her wishes and dreams into reality through special writing assignments. As J.R. wields the power of words, she learns that the magic that will truly change her life and help her find her way back to her friends lies within her. The literary/cultural side of New York City comes wonderfully to life in the cozy neighborhood bookstore and Metropolitan Museum of Art settings. A must read!

[Alysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.R. SILVER WRITES HER WORLD is a warm-hearted, imaginative, and incredibly welcome addition to MG lit! Exploring themes of changing friendship, fitting in, standing up for yourself, and learning to listen to your inner voices, this book is an absolute treat.
I love the light twist on the fantastical here, and the play on the theme of "writing your own story." The NYC setting is expertly, and lovingly done, as are the odes to books, writing, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the hat tip to The Mixed Up Files. There is a pitch-perfect classic MG feel here, expertly coupled with the myriad issues that kids confront in middle school. Well paced, with realistic and well-grounded characters and relationships this would make a great read-aloud for a classroom, bookclub, or family read.
Thank you to the author and Christy Ottaviano Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle grade novel is full of magical realism, friendships, family, supportive and caring adults, and the challenges of navigating middle school. I enjoyed the New York City setting and loved traveling to places I've never been while reading; the author made them feel so real to me. I enjoyed the tribute to independent book stores, especially since I was reading this one on National Independent Book Store Day. The writing tips given by J.R.'s teacher and helpful too.

[Karina Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut is a beautiful story about changing friends, creative imaginations, and the power of words. The setting is rich with character and the illustrations throughout are lovely. I loved the Mary Poppins-esque pinch of magic with J.R.s teacher, and I think readers will really relate to the emotions J.R. feels surrounding her shifting friendships. 10/10!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This is a delightfully written journey of self-discovery wrapped in a magical "power of the pen" tale that begs to be used as a jumping off point for creative writing lessons in classrooms everywhere. Perfect for kids struggling with shifting friendships. Coming July '22 -- don't miss!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixth grade is supposed to be a time of increased independence, but eleven year old J.R. Silver continues to find herself monitored by her overprotective parents. Still not allowed to walk home from school, J.R. observes as her best friend Violet falls in with a new group of friends and J.R. is afraid of being left behind. So, when a new English teacher named Ms. Kline gives the class an unexpected writing assignment, J.R. begins to set actions into motion that have an enormous impact on her life. J.R. has always dreamt of becoming an author, and her experiences in sixth grade are quickly making that dream into a reality. But will Violet return to J.R., and will J.R. continue to appreciate all the things she is willing into existence? Only time will tell.

This quirky middle grade novel is a bit slow to start, taking a great deal of time to establish the story before the true intent becomes clear. Unfortunately, the novel lacks a dramatic climax, as well, which minimizes the forward momentum of the narrative. Despite this, however, readers will appreciate the myriad mentions of famous literature woven into the story because these references anchor this fictional book in reality. Ms. Kline is a particularly intriguing character who, much like Ms. Frizzle and other literary greats, is a memorable contributor to J.R.’s life. A love letter to that special English teacher who sets one’s future in motion, this book encapsulates many of the important elements that remain with students long after the school year ends.

Newer middle grade readers will particularly appreciate this book because of the relatively short chapters and occasional black and white illustrations that appear throughout the novel. This design permits readers to not only have a visual respite fairly frequently throughout the course of the story, but the images also help to provide visual context for the narrative. Friendship is challenging in middle school, especially as childhood relationships shift and fade with time and maturity. J.R. models some of the behaviors common to managing this universal situation, and readers will recognize the jealousy and “otherness” characters feel as their comfortable reality begins to transform. Though slow moving, this book will resonate with fans of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler as well as those who believe in the lasting power a great teacher can have.