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Trusting True North
True North Vincent is struggling after spending months in lockdown because of a virus. With her mom struck across the border in Canada and her dad working long hours as a nurse at the hospital, True feels responsible for making sure her family stays safe, especially her grandma and her younger brother, Georgie, whose asthma makes him more vulnerable to the virus. She also wishes her older sister, Rose, would be friends with her again instead of texting on her phone.
True finds escape and comfort in working on her maps, a skill she learned from her mother. To keep Georgie entertained, True creates an elaborate treasure map for him to follow that spans the forest beyond her backyard. While exploring, they find a litter of newborn kittens in an old barn. The smallest kitten looks sickly and has been abandoned by the mama cat. True names her Teacup; she knows exactly how it feels to not have a mom around when you need her the most.
True also meets Kyler, who wants to care for the kittens, and True realizes he might not be the bully everyone thinks he is. But when both Teacup and Kyler get sick, True is afraid she won't be able to help everyone all by herself. Running out of her own fixes and remedies, True reaches out and realizes that her family does care about he and wants to offer support and guidance to help her find her way through the unexpected challenges the virus and life bring.
True finds escape and comfort in working on her maps, a skill she learned from her mother. To keep Georgie entertained, True creates an elaborate treasure map for him to follow that spans the forest beyond her backyard. While exploring, they find a litter of newborn kittens in an old barn. The smallest kitten looks sickly and has been abandoned by the mama cat. True names her Teacup; she knows exactly how it feels to not have a mom around when you need her the most.
True also meets Kyler, who wants to care for the kittens, and True realizes he might not be the bully everyone thinks he is. But when both Teacup and Kyler get sick, True is afraid she won't be able to help everyone all by herself. Running out of her own fixes and remedies, True reaches out and realizes that her family does care about he and wants to offer support and guidance to help her find her way through the unexpected challenges the virus and life bring.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
3 people are currently reading
1819 people want to read
About the author
Gina Linko
8 books105 followerswriter, mom, believer in impossibilities
NOTHING ELSE IS LOVE (Oct 2021),
TRUSTING TRUE NORTH (April 2022)
NOTHING ELSE IS LOVE (Oct 2021),
TRUSTING TRUE NORTH (April 2022)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
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March 6, 2022What a heartwarming story! Really had me thinking about how awful the pandemic must be for kids. This had some relatable, amazing characters. That are dealing with real life struggles, & more. This is about time during the pandemic, when schools were closed, & it was at peak scariness. Before vaccines, etc. You feel the same concerns, worries, & stress these kids do..but in my case, it was so eye opening seeing the pandemic from a kids POV. Kids who had or are having trouble with the worries/stress this has brought, might see themselves in this book, & it might help them. I especially loved True & the aspect of the maps. The whole process, & what different things mean in maps(all kids of maps)-fascinating! I loved what she put together for her little brother, & loved their relationship. Her relationship with her older sister will be very relatable for sisters with an age difference of a few years, & I loved how that developed through the story. Kyler has my heart. What an amazing kid. Yet again, a character I think some kids will feel very seen with. All the assumptions piled on him, & just everything about his character-amazing. I wanted to give him such a big hug. Teacup though..my heart is with that little kitten too. I absolutely loved the map True made towards the end. Such a superb idea, & beautiful, & just phenomenal. Such a great ending period. So charming & heartwarming, with an amazing story & characters, mixed together with real life relatable themes. Loved this. Very quick read. There are some blacked out pages(this is an arc), so I’m assuming that means there will be illustrations throughout in those places? Can’t wait to see those! Stunning cover by Kevin Keele. This comes out April 5th!💜
March 27, 2022
Kyler studied the map closely. Then, finally, he looked at Georgie. “You made this?”
“No, no. I wish! True did. Our mom makes maps for real. True’s name is a map word. You know, ‘true north?”
“That’s your name—True North?” Kyler asked me.
“Yep. It means, like, a fixed point, something that always stays true, even in a spinning world,” I explained. I was babbling because Kyler was studying my map. Hard.
True’s Mom is stuck in Canada when the border is closed due to the virus. She struggles when all she wants her Mum to return home. She is concerned about her younger brother, Georgie, who has asthma and is more susceptible to the virus, and she wants her older sister Rose to see her like she used to, and not be glued to her phone and texting her friends.
This is the first book that I’ve read that mentions the ‘virus’ and speaks about a lockdown. Granted, I would normally not choose to read a book about the virus but it becomes a little more involved in the plot than I would’ve preferred.
While trying to keep Georgie entertained and using one of her created and elaborate maps they venture past their backyard and find kittens in an abandoned barn, and to True’s surprise, Kyler Grier is there (from school) also wants to help these kittens.
I liked True’s take-charge manner, her care towards her younger brother, Georgie. He obviously looks up to True and it showed through Her loyalty towards her family and friends is admirable. She isn’t speaking to her Mom but her map making, her Mom is a cartographer, which shows she hasn’t forgotten her but is trying to work through her emotions towards the whole situation. 3.5 stars
My gratitude to Shadow Mountain and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
“No, no. I wish! True did. Our mom makes maps for real. True’s name is a map word. You know, ‘true north?”
“That’s your name—True North?” Kyler asked me.
“Yep. It means, like, a fixed point, something that always stays true, even in a spinning world,” I explained. I was babbling because Kyler was studying my map. Hard.
True’s Mom is stuck in Canada when the border is closed due to the virus. She struggles when all she wants her Mum to return home. She is concerned about her younger brother, Georgie, who has asthma and is more susceptible to the virus, and she wants her older sister Rose to see her like she used to, and not be glued to her phone and texting her friends.
This is the first book that I’ve read that mentions the ‘virus’ and speaks about a lockdown. Granted, I would normally not choose to read a book about the virus but it becomes a little more involved in the plot than I would’ve preferred.
While trying to keep Georgie entertained and using one of her created and elaborate maps they venture past their backyard and find kittens in an abandoned barn, and to True’s surprise, Kyler Grier is there (from school) also wants to help these kittens.
I liked True’s take-charge manner, her care towards her younger brother, Georgie. He obviously looks up to True and it showed through Her loyalty towards her family and friends is admirable. She isn’t speaking to her Mom but her map making, her Mom is a cartographer, which shows she hasn’t forgotten her but is trying to work through her emotions towards the whole situation. 3.5 stars
My gratitude to Shadow Mountain and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 25, 2022
An authentically told lower middle grade novel, Trusting True North follows fifth grader True as she navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and attempts to save a sick kitten. I’d definitely recommend this one to young readers (8-10) who want to see their their recent experiences reflected on the page. Watching True work through her anxieties about events she can’t control might help readers process their own feelings.
***
Things I especially liked:
•True makes maps in her free time—what a cool hobby for a protagonist!
•True’s first-person narration generally feels authentic and always feels engaging.
•This book is CONCISE. It wastes zero words and has zero filler scenes, but also doesn’t feel rushed, despite having less than 200 pages.
***
Things that didn’t work quite as well:
•I occasionally wanted more depth from True’s little brother, Georgie, one of the story’s major secondary characters.
•Even though story clearly takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic (masking, social distancing, characters losing their sense of smell and taste), the book never names the pandemic. It’s only ever called the “virus.” Why not call it by name? Details like the loss of taste peg the virus’s identity pretty clearly anyway.
[Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an ARC for review!]
***
Things I especially liked:
•True makes maps in her free time—what a cool hobby for a protagonist!
•True’s first-person narration generally feels authentic and always feels engaging.
•This book is CONCISE. It wastes zero words and has zero filler scenes, but also doesn’t feel rushed, despite having less than 200 pages.
***
Things that didn’t work quite as well:
•I occasionally wanted more depth from True’s little brother, Georgie, one of the story’s major secondary characters.
•Even though story clearly takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic (masking, social distancing, characters losing their sense of smell and taste), the book never names the pandemic. It’s only ever called the “virus.” Why not call it by name? Details like the loss of taste peg the virus’s identity pretty clearly anyway.
[Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an ARC for review!]
December 6, 2021
This is authentic middle grade at its best. I loved the family and friendships as well as the hard truth of living through a pandemic and all the emotions, concerns, hardships that it brings. This author does not shy away from difficult topics such as death, sickness, separations from family and friends, and bullying. I highly recommend this contemporary novel that tugged at my heart every page.
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April 12, 2022In this sweet middle grade novel, True North (yes, that’s her name, and her sister is named Compass Rose) must navigate the tricky situation she finds herself in: her mom is stuck on the wrong side of the border in Canada and can’t come home due to a pandemic, her dad works long hours at the hospital and pretty much lives in the basement so he doesn’t risk infecting his immunocompromised mother, her older sister is acting like she’s too cool to play with True, and her little brother is having a hard time dealing with everything. True’s efforts to cheer him up sometimes lead to a little bit of bending the rules (and then facing the consequences). Along the way, she discovers a litter of kittens with a runt that needs help, and a boy from school who maybe isn’t the bully she once thought he was.
I read this book with my daughters and they could relate to many of the elements: lockdowns, online learning, pandemics, little brothers, and adults with rules they either don’t agree with or don’t completely understand.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
I read this book with my daughters and they could relate to many of the elements: lockdowns, online learning, pandemics, little brothers, and adults with rules they either don’t agree with or don’t completely understand.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
March 8, 2022
Trusting True North
By Gina Linko
Pages 161
Pub Date: April 2022
This cover is beautiful ♡
This was the first book I have seen about a virus after 2020. This middle grade story was a fast read, fast paced and would recommend to young readers.
This was an enjoyable read and will be donating my copy to my sister who's a school teacher.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for sending me an ARC in exchange of on honest review.
Book Synopsis:
"True North Vincent feels lost and uneasy after the fear of a virus closes the border, meaning her mom can't return home from Canada. With her father working long hours as a nurse helping people who are sick with the virus, she's left at home with her grandma, who doesn't have the energy to keep up with True's adventures, or her older sister, always focused on her phone, or Georgie, her younger brother, whose severe asthma makes him more vulnerable to the virus. True is lonely and sometimes gets angry because she feels forgotten and unheard. True's mom tries to talk to her by phone, but True refuses; she just wants her mom home in-person, not just her voice. True finds escape and comfort in working on her maps, a skill she learned from her mother who is a cartographer. Not only does it fulfill her remote learning class assignment, but it helps to pass the time in isolation. She also creates an elaborate treasure map for Georgie that spans the entire thick forest beyond her backyard. While exploring, True finds the new kid, Kyler, playing tenderly with a litter of newborn kittens in an old barn. Kyler knocked out Dakota Sullivan's tooth during a fight and has a reputation of being a bully, so True waits until he's gone before approaching the kittens. The smallest kitten, the runt of the litter, looks sickly and has been abandoned by the mama cat. True names her Teacup; she knows exactly how it feels to not have a mom around when you need her most. As Teacup's health worsens, True attempts to nurse the cat back to health by herself. Just when True thinks she and Kyler could be friends over their concern for Teacup, he starts acting strange and doesn't return her calls. To make matters worse, True's dad gets sick and must stay at the hospital, and then Georgie gets lost in the forest, and then their elderly neighbor gets the virus. True feels even more scared and alone. Running out of her own fixes and remedies, True reaches out and realizes that her family does care about her and wants to offer support and guidance to help her find her way through the unexpected challenges the virus and life bring."
By Gina Linko
Pages 161
Pub Date: April 2022
This cover is beautiful ♡
This was the first book I have seen about a virus after 2020. This middle grade story was a fast read, fast paced and would recommend to young readers.
This was an enjoyable read and will be donating my copy to my sister who's a school teacher.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for sending me an ARC in exchange of on honest review.
Book Synopsis:
"True North Vincent feels lost and uneasy after the fear of a virus closes the border, meaning her mom can't return home from Canada. With her father working long hours as a nurse helping people who are sick with the virus, she's left at home with her grandma, who doesn't have the energy to keep up with True's adventures, or her older sister, always focused on her phone, or Georgie, her younger brother, whose severe asthma makes him more vulnerable to the virus. True is lonely and sometimes gets angry because she feels forgotten and unheard. True's mom tries to talk to her by phone, but True refuses; she just wants her mom home in-person, not just her voice. True finds escape and comfort in working on her maps, a skill she learned from her mother who is a cartographer. Not only does it fulfill her remote learning class assignment, but it helps to pass the time in isolation. She also creates an elaborate treasure map for Georgie that spans the entire thick forest beyond her backyard. While exploring, True finds the new kid, Kyler, playing tenderly with a litter of newborn kittens in an old barn. Kyler knocked out Dakota Sullivan's tooth during a fight and has a reputation of being a bully, so True waits until he's gone before approaching the kittens. The smallest kitten, the runt of the litter, looks sickly and has been abandoned by the mama cat. True names her Teacup; she knows exactly how it feels to not have a mom around when you need her most. As Teacup's health worsens, True attempts to nurse the cat back to health by herself. Just when True thinks she and Kyler could be friends over their concern for Teacup, he starts acting strange and doesn't return her calls. To make matters worse, True's dad gets sick and must stay at the hospital, and then Georgie gets lost in the forest, and then their elderly neighbor gets the virus. True feels even more scared and alone. Running out of her own fixes and remedies, True reaches out and realizes that her family does care about her and wants to offer support and guidance to help her find her way through the unexpected challenges the virus and life bring."
January 17, 2022
This was a super quick and easy read. Great for middle schoolers (or even younger). ☺️ True is a fifth grader who is just trying to survive the pandemic and take care of others. Without her mum, who was stuck in another country, True had to take on the extra responsibility of caring for her family in her mum’s place.
This book made me realize how the pandemic might have affected our youth. They didn’t know what was going on or why they couldn’t be near their friends. It was interesting reading this book and remembering how things were at the start of quarantine.
And it also teaches us not to judge others too harshly since we never know the whole story.
This book made me realize how the pandemic might have affected our youth. They didn’t know what was going on or why they couldn’t be near their friends. It was interesting reading this book and remembering how things were at the start of quarantine.
And it also teaches us not to judge others too harshly since we never know the whole story.
December 10, 2021
Speaking from the perspective of an older sibling, this book gripped my heart. I felt along with True as she desperately tries to bring her little brother's spirits up when their mother is unable to come back home due to the border closing from the virus. She puts his feelings before her own and is only able process her emotions through anger and drawing her map. This is the first book I have read set in the pandemic. It talks about friendship through the screen, the boredom of being stuck inside, and ultimately, teaches us to appreciate what we have and learn when to ask for help.
Building maps is a wonderful way to introduce children to worldbuilding and wanderlust. I loved the tidbits that teach us how to make a map with your own quirk in it.
Building maps is a wonderful way to introduce children to worldbuilding and wanderlust. I loved the tidbits that teach us how to make a map with your own quirk in it.
May 17, 2022
This is a great middle grade read. It is very relatable since it is set during the pandemic and it will really resonate with kids. Since everyone has experienced this, kids will be able to see themselves in the story. Trying to cope with being locked down and learning online. Wanting to see your friends and live normal life but worrying about your family.
This is told from True’s point of view and how she struggles to live during lockdown and follow all of the rules given to her. She wants to live life but she also worries about the virus. How can she find the compromise? This is a beautiful story about learning to trust yourself and to lean on your family. A wonderful middle grade read, True North is a story that young and not-so-young readers will both enjoy. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is told from True’s point of view and how she struggles to live during lockdown and follow all of the rules given to her. She wants to live life but she also worries about the virus. How can she find the compromise? This is a beautiful story about learning to trust yourself and to lean on your family. A wonderful middle grade read, True North is a story that young and not-so-young readers will both enjoy. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 26, 2022
This book was really cute! I really enjoyed watching True's ARC and seeing how her relationships evolved. I thought it was a little too fast paced, but I think that will work more for the intended audience.
April 26, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read that is set during the pandemic. I loved the way the author, Gina Linko, showed a bit of the way the kids felt. Kind of confused and maybe even a little bit rebellious toward all of the rules that the adults put in place for them.
I loved True. She is a young girl just trying to do her best. She wants to be the best sister she can to her little brother, Georgie. And that has her concocting adventures for him. Which include going to the barn, where they used to go before the life became crazy. I loved how she wanted to make him a treasure map. What a cute, creative girl True is.
But she gets in trouble with her dad and her grandma for going to the barn. Life gets more and more crazy. And soon True must make a very hard choice. Does she follow the rules she knows she’s supposed to. Or does she follow her heart to help someone in need.
I loved the way her mom talked to her at the end. And let her know that her family would always be by her side. This is such a great book! I enjoyed reading it.
I was sent a copy of Trusting True North as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved True. She is a young girl just trying to do her best. She wants to be the best sister she can to her little brother, Georgie. And that has her concocting adventures for him. Which include going to the barn, where they used to go before the life became crazy. I loved how she wanted to make him a treasure map. What a cute, creative girl True is.
But she gets in trouble with her dad and her grandma for going to the barn. Life gets more and more crazy. And soon True must make a very hard choice. Does she follow the rules she knows she’s supposed to. Or does she follow her heart to help someone in need.
I loved the way her mom talked to her at the end. And let her know that her family would always be by her side. This is such a great book! I enjoyed reading it.
I was sent a copy of Trusting True North as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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May 4, 2022This book told an authentic story of how the pandemic (and especially lockdowns) affected kids. True understands that COVID is serious and she realizes she needs to be careful because both her grandmother (who has recently had cancer) and her little brother (who has asthma). But understanding these things on the surface doesn't take away the confusion and loneliness that she feels when school is online, her dad has to work long hours, and her mom can't come home. She feels incredibly conflicted, wanting to do the right thing but also struggling with sadness about the situation and a general sense of stir-craziness. Because of this, True takes risks she knows she probably shouldn't. I have to say that there were a few times I was kind of horrified at here actions (especially toward the end of the book), but the whole point is that she is a kid and she makes wrong decisions sometimes. And she does learn from her mistakes. I think the main takeaway from this story is that the pandemic has been hard on people, especially kids, and no one knows how to handle it perfectly, especially kids.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
January 27, 2022
#TrustingTrueNorth #NetGalley
A children's story, set in 2020 during the pandemic. True North, is a fifth grader and misses seeing her friends. She also misses her mom, who hasn't been able to come home, because of the pandemic. True likes to draw maps and send her brother George out looking for treasures. True, also finds an unexpected friend, in someone she originally thought was unkind. I loved how close knit the North. Children were in the story. The pandemic is a tough subject matter for middle readers, but each one has felt the effects of not being able to live life the way it was before. I love the gorgeous cover.
A children's story, set in 2020 during the pandemic. True North, is a fifth grader and misses seeing her friends. She also misses her mom, who hasn't been able to come home, because of the pandemic. True likes to draw maps and send her brother George out looking for treasures. True, also finds an unexpected friend, in someone she originally thought was unkind. I loved how close knit the North. Children were in the story. The pandemic is a tough subject matter for middle readers, but each one has felt the effects of not being able to live life the way it was before. I love the gorgeous cover.
November 22, 2021
I loved this book it shows a lot of emotion and it teaches you that sometimes things go away for the better.
November 23, 2021
True North Vincent loves maps. She reads them, creates them, and is even named after elements of cartography. But life is not as simple as true north on a compass when you are living under the pall of a pandemic and have seldom left your property for months on end, are learning through online platforms, one parent is stuck on the wrong side of the Canadian border and one lives in isolation in the basement in order to keep the family safe from any possible virus that might travel home from a hospital nursing job. Taking care of younger brother Georgie is one of True’s primary tasks and creating treasure maps is a sure way to keep the little boy occupied until one day, the adventure takes them into a creepy barn and a litter of kittens, a metal detector, and new kid Kyler enter the picture. True’s anger over her mother’s absence, her father and grandmother’s restrictive rules and her led her to make risky decisions and may cause a life lost and one saved. Readers who have sat at home under quarantine will have a special connection to True, but even when the pandemic’s effects seem a distant memory, lessons on family, rule-following, and friendship will still resound clearly. The low page count and simple plot make this ideal for grades 4-6, especially those who need to finish and move on to the next read quickly. Author Gina Linko keeps the text free of profanity, sexual content and violence, but sensitive readers may have their hearts severely pricked with the death of one of the kittens. Race of the characters is left up to the imagination of the reader, but True’s family presents as upper middle class and Kyler’s is barely making ends meet. True’s family consists of two parents, three siblings, and a grandmother while Kyler lives with mother.
Thanks for the print arc, Shadow Mountain publishing.
Thanks for the print arc, Shadow Mountain publishing.
April 4, 2022
Here’s a fast read for those who want a glimpse at a fictional story of a young girl, True, during the early days of the Covid pandemic. Although it’s never mentioned specifically by name, those of us who have lived through it know what virus the author is talking about. Although it’s been 2 years since the beginning of the first lock down, it brought back a lot of memories for me. This might be a trigger for some, so know your boundaries before picking up this book. There were parts everyone could relate to. The homework assignments of the e learning, the families separated, medical professionals being swamped, being scared of the unknown, it’s all raw and well written for the age level of middle schoolers. Maybe some people aren’t ready to relive this time, especially because we aren’t out of it, but when the time is there, I think it’s a good fictional story that kids will be able to read and get a glimpse of life during a difficult time when the whole world was affected.
Small things I loved. The beginning has the cutest little map. I love True’s hobby, being a cartographer, and living up to her name. There’s a point where she talks about her name and how she stands strong in a spinning world. Children are resilient and should be looked to more often. We don’t need to put the weight of the world on them, but they’re able to be a steady point even when chaos is around them. I think True is a beautiful example and a heroine that other middle schoolers can look to. Last part, I loved the map at the end and her discussion with her mother. You’ll see what I mean once you read it, but I think that Linko captured a beautiful conversation between a mother and her daughter that needed her.
One day this will be considered historical fiction and I think it’ll be a great example to a younger crowd of what we went through.
Thank you netgalley and Shadow mountain for this arc! All thoughts are my own.
Small things I loved. The beginning has the cutest little map. I love True’s hobby, being a cartographer, and living up to her name. There’s a point where she talks about her name and how she stands strong in a spinning world. Children are resilient and should be looked to more often. We don’t need to put the weight of the world on them, but they’re able to be a steady point even when chaos is around them. I think True is a beautiful example and a heroine that other middle schoolers can look to. Last part, I loved the map at the end and her discussion with her mother. You’ll see what I mean once you read it, but I think that Linko captured a beautiful conversation between a mother and her daughter that needed her.
One day this will be considered historical fiction and I think it’ll be a great example to a younger crowd of what we went through.
Thank you netgalley and Shadow mountain for this arc! All thoughts are my own.
March 13, 2022
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This story takes place during the COVID-19 lockdown although never mentioned by name – just called “the virus.” Fifth grader True North Vincent spends her days doing e-learning, taking care of the chickens, and spending time with her younger brother, Georgie. Her cartographer mother got stuck on a job in Canada and can’t come home just yet and her father is a nurse at the local hospital working very long hours so Grandma Jo tending to the kids. True draws maps to help relieve her anxiety and keep Georgie occupied with treasure hunts. One day one of the treasure hunts leads True and Georgie to an old barn where they find newborn kittens. Kyler, another fifth-grader from her school, has been taking care of the kittens but doesn’t really have someone taking care of him during this stressful time.
This is a poignant middle grade story about the pandemic as seen through the eyes of a child. True’s choices aren’t always thought through with everyone’s safety in mind but her heart is in the right place. It is a relatively short book for middle grade but it didn’t need anything else. I would definitely recommend for grades 3 and up.
#TrustingTrueNorth #NetGalley
This story takes place during the COVID-19 lockdown although never mentioned by name – just called “the virus.” Fifth grader True North Vincent spends her days doing e-learning, taking care of the chickens, and spending time with her younger brother, Georgie. Her cartographer mother got stuck on a job in Canada and can’t come home just yet and her father is a nurse at the local hospital working very long hours so Grandma Jo tending to the kids. True draws maps to help relieve her anxiety and keep Georgie occupied with treasure hunts. One day one of the treasure hunts leads True and Georgie to an old barn where they find newborn kittens. Kyler, another fifth-grader from her school, has been taking care of the kittens but doesn’t really have someone taking care of him during this stressful time.
This is a poignant middle grade story about the pandemic as seen through the eyes of a child. True’s choices aren’t always thought through with everyone’s safety in mind but her heart is in the right place. It is a relatively short book for middle grade but it didn’t need anything else. I would definitely recommend for grades 3 and up.
#TrustingTrueNorth #NetGalley
May 6, 2022
This middle-grade book is a gem! Meet True North Vincent, a girl who is obsessed with maps because her mother works in map-making. Set during the pandemic, True and her family struggle with being separated from their mother because she is quarantined while traveling for work. Then her father, who works at the hospital, has to quarantine himself as well. That leaves Grandma to take care of the kids.
True bends the rules and gets into a little trouble when she sneaks into a barn and finds baby kittens, but her trouble eventually helps save a life.
I enjoyed the unique ways that True worked to help her younger brother. The family dynamics were authentic and brought up some good things to consider.
I’m a farm girl and I love cats so I did notice the author portrayed cats and kittens incorrectly, but that didn’t detract from the story as a whole.
Overall an excellent book with creativity, curiosity, and friendship thriving during the pandemic.
True bends the rules and gets into a little trouble when she sneaks into a barn and finds baby kittens, but her trouble eventually helps save a life.
I enjoyed the unique ways that True worked to help her younger brother. The family dynamics were authentic and brought up some good things to consider.
I’m a farm girl and I love cats so I did notice the author portrayed cats and kittens incorrectly, but that didn’t detract from the story as a whole.
Overall an excellent book with creativity, curiosity, and friendship thriving during the pandemic.
May 14, 2022
This middle-grade realistic fiction is set during the recent pandemic. The "virus" as it is called in the novel is never referred to by its real name, Covid-19. The main character, True North Vincent is having a hard time during the lockdown because of the isolation and all of the distancing rules and being away from friends. Her mom is stuck in Canada, her dad works at the hospital, and True is in charge of taking care of her little brother because her Grandmother is in ill health. To make matters worse, her beloved older sister is pushing her away, they're all stuck doing virtual school, and True seems to keep getting in trouble for not following her Grandma's rule.
There is a lot in this novel that middle-grade readers will like. They will be able to relate to True and how she is feeling. True discovers many things about herself and others. Her love of making maps goes along with her quest to find treasures in others too. Trusting True North is a great book for this age group and an adult should be there to discuss things from the book if needed. These are real-life events and issues and this book can bring out some great talking points wrapped up in a sweet story of discovery.
There is a lot in this novel that middle-grade readers will like. They will be able to relate to True and how she is feeling. True discovers many things about herself and others. Her love of making maps goes along with her quest to find treasures in others too. Trusting True North is a great book for this age group and an adult should be there to discuss things from the book if needed. These are real-life events and issues and this book can bring out some great talking points wrapped up in a sweet story of discovery.
April 15, 2022
I decided to review this book because I wanted to get more experience with a younger audience book. I thought this story was very cute and it teaches a lot of good lessons. It is based upon the COVID pandemic which was interesting because most of us at this point have lived through it an know the hardships that it brought, but seeing it from True's perspective was really interesting. I was in college so my experience was very different from an 11 year old girl's experience. Why should you read this story? Because it is unique in that it tells a fictional story of the historical pandemic. This story teaches great lessons and I definitely think that in the future and currently this story will help guide children to hold fast to what is good and true in this ever changing world.
February 22, 2022
This is a great Middle Grade reader that touches on coping with Covid-19 and that stress as well as navigating friendships and emotions surrounding this tough time. I think older elementary/younger middle school is the right audience for this one. It might still be too hard for my 9-year old to read and emotionally understand. True has been raised to love maps. She loves to study, create, and use all kinds of maps. She uses a lot of her time to make scavenger hunts for her little brother when not doing online school. It's a great release of pressure for her- especially as her mom has been stranded outside the country. There are some heavier themes for little ones like animal death, health scares with Covid, and parents missing. Certainly keep these in mind when recommending, but I thought it was well done.
Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2022
This is a great story for younger readers, especially those who enjoy realistic fiction that speaks to their experiences. It is short and readable with relatable characters. True is a young 5th-grade girl who is dealing with a lot in her life. First, there is a viral pandemic going around with schools being shut down. And with family circumstances also being difficult, True is feeling alone but with greater responsible for looking after a younger brother. This is her story of finding her way through these trying circumstances. She learns more about herself along the way and how to communicate and connect with her family when things change.
March 15, 2022
"Mom always joked that I was her "True North" because it was, after all, my name, but the thing was, Mom was mine too. She was always there for me. Always in my heart."
There will be readers who may want a bit more distance from the pandemic before they pick up books that remind them of the many trials they have been through but when they are ready this is an endearing story of a young girl trying to navigate her way through the many changes that she has had to endure, from e-school to masks to missing her mom who is stuck in Canada until the borders open. Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a chance to read an advance copy.
There will be readers who may want a bit more distance from the pandemic before they pick up books that remind them of the many trials they have been through but when they are ready this is an endearing story of a young girl trying to navigate her way through the many changes that she has had to endure, from e-school to masks to missing her mom who is stuck in Canada until the borders open. Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a chance to read an advance copy.
April 5, 2022
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*
I loved the book, I didn't read many things that happen during the pandemic, so it was very interesting to read this story.
I loved our main character, I liked how she grew up but she didn't stop being herself.
I loved how the author managed to bring a story about adventures but at the same time bring heavy and real themes.
I think this book is a great mix of reality and adventure that you only find in middle grade books.
I highly recommend this book especially for children who are growing up and learning to deal with their feelings and responsibilities.
It's a book that will leave you with a heavy heart because it shows our reality but at the same time happy because you are enchanted by the story.
I loved the book, I didn't read many things that happen during the pandemic, so it was very interesting to read this story.
I loved our main character, I liked how she grew up but she didn't stop being herself.
I loved how the author managed to bring a story about adventures but at the same time bring heavy and real themes.
I think this book is a great mix of reality and adventure that you only find in middle grade books.
I highly recommend this book especially for children who are growing up and learning to deal with their feelings and responsibilities.
It's a book that will leave you with a heavy heart because it shows our reality but at the same time happy because you are enchanted by the story.
May 18, 2022
4 stars
Review to come
Review to come
June 14, 2024
Trusting True North
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 5.71/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 6
Plot - 5
Intrigue - 6
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 5
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 5.71/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 6
Plot - 5
Intrigue - 6
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 5
October 29, 2022
This is a kids book. If you remember that through the whole thing you can enjoy it and appreciate the simplicity of the plot but it is very simple without much point. The only actual plot line was to give a glimpse into some kids minds during the covid shutdown. It was hard to understand some parts as we did not live the shutdown like other areas.
December 11, 2021
Great book - timely and I was sad that it ended :(
#bookposse
#bookposse
January 27, 2023
Interesting story about kids dealing with the effects of the COVID virus. It was a little too dramatic.
February 6, 2022
When True’s mom gets trapped in Manitoba due to lockdown True becomes furious and refuses under any circumstances to speak to her but that is the least of her troubles, in order to avoid bringing the virus into her household True and her little brother Georgie are banned from exploring the barn close to their home. One day whilst returning the metal detector True used to create a treasure map for Georgie the duo discover a litter of kittens. When leaving, True notices a shadow and starts to get nervous, as she recognizes the boy as Kyler Grier, ever since he knocked out Dakota Sullivan’s tooth in school she hasn’t been willing to talk to him, but when True’s fears grow for one of the kittens, Kyler tries to help and soon the two become good friends.
Even though there were a few errors here and there like the gender of one of the kittens being specified as female but then labeled as ‘him’ in the dialogue. Later Miss Delrose is spelt incorrectly and there are some mistakes in chapter twelve which felt disjointed. I hope these edits get changed ahead of publication but overall Trusting True North is a quick, fast and moving read, perfect for middle grade readers. 100% recommend.
#NetGalley #TrustingTrueNorth
Even though there were a few errors here and there like the gender of one of the kittens being specified as female but then labeled as ‘him’ in the dialogue. Later Miss Delrose is spelt incorrectly and there are some mistakes in chapter twelve which felt disjointed. I hope these edits get changed ahead of publication but overall Trusting True North is a quick, fast and moving read, perfect for middle grade readers. 100% recommend.
#NetGalley #TrustingTrueNorth
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