ENCHANTED STORIES: Stepping Stones

By Lucy Knisley

New York: RH Graphic, 2020. Graphic Novel.

Jen is frustrated. Her mom has just moved her from the city to a farm out in the country along with her mom’s new boyfriend, Walter. Moving means leaving everything Jen loves about the city…including her dad. To make matters worse, Walter expects her to take care of the chickens and to welcome his two daughters to the farm – and to her new bedroom – with open arms each weekend. Yet somehow, through all of the changes, Jen finds happiness in unexpected people and places as she settles into her new life.

Based on events from the author’s childhood, Stepping Stones is a brilliant look at the complexities of family life and the kids who are often at the mercy of their adults’ decisions. However, don’t be fooled by the weighty theme! This is a sweet, delightful, and tender graphic novel about a completely relatable tween girl. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, this is a fantastic read for anyone simply trying to find their place!

Comments

Review: Faker

Faker By Gordon Korman New York: Scholastic Press, 2024. Fiction. 214 pages. 12-year-old Trey is used to starting over at a new school -- he has the routine perfectly memorized: make new friends, introduce his dad to the wealthy parents of his new friends, and "Houdini" themselves out of there before they get caught running their latest scam. Trey's dad is a master con artist, and Trey has just been promoted to full-partner. Their new scheme for the next big score brings them to the affluent suburb of Boxelder, TN where Trey's dad has cooked up a fake electric car company for investors to buy into. The only problem is that Trey is starting to grow tired of moving around and never putting down roots, especially after forming a fast friendship with Logan and developing a crush on Kaylee, a socially conscious girl in his class. As Trey longs for a normal life, is there any way he can convince his dad to get out of the family business? Gordon Korman is a perennial favorit

Review: The Frindle Files

Frindle Files By Andrew Clements New York: Random House, 2024. Fiction. 198 pages. In 1996 Andrew Clements wrote a story about a kid who invented the word “frindle” (another word for “pen.”) The Frindle Files is the sequel that takes place many years later. Josh is a student in Mr. N’s class. He and his friends can’t stand the fact that Mr. N makes them all write their homework down on paper with a “blue or black pen” and “neatness counts.” Josh is a computer geek and loves to do all his homework on the computer. In the midst of trying to find a way to make Mr. N accept the students' desire to do homework online, Josh comes across some information about Mr. N that links him to the word “frindle.” Now Josh and his best friend must decide what to do with the information and if they are willing to stand up to Mr. N’s antiquated way of doing homework. Kids who love the original book will highly enjoy this new edition. It is a continuation to the story in that it shows what ha

Books to Read When... You Need to Feel the Warmth of Friendship

When autumn is merging with winter, storm clouds present themselves more often, and mornings are crisp and chilly, I crave reading books that make me feel cozy and loved. Friendships are always valuable to me, but there is definitely something that makes me appreciate them even more in the colder months. There is a warmth to be found in each of these books that I hope you will enjoy! All That Is You Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2022. Picture Book. This book is representative of everything good about relationships and connections. The author puts into words exactly what I have felt about so many of my closest relationships. I love the wide variety of characters represented. There are young children, grandparents, parents and children, siblings, and friends, as well as pets, birds, and insects. The illustrations have beautiful nature scenes, including a gorgeous sunrise, a sailboat on the water, and cozy scenes of h

Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Search This Blog