Juniper has always lived off the grid with her family, but when her younger brother must go to a hospital, the whole family (re)enters Society, where Juniper is passionately curious about everything (including how the refrigerator works, which no one seems able to explain). An incredible fish-out-of-water story (see also: Schooled by Gordon Korman). ( )

This tender story told with heart and humor, and will leave you smiling and full of warm fuzzies.

Having been around a good number of 11 year odds over the years, I would say that the authors did an amiable job of writing in a believable voice, making Juniper Bean really sound her age. I loved that about this story. Told entirely from Juniper’s point of view, we learn about her family and how they have lived in the mountains, off grid, and wholly reliant on what they can glean from wild, Juniper’s entire life. But when a medical emergency for her brother sends them back into the city so he can get treatment, Juniper suddenly has to learn to navigate a foreign—and seemingly cutthroat—world.

I adored Juniper’s curiosity and confidence. Her little confidence boosting talks she would give herself were beautiful, and I hope my kids can say things like that to themselves. Juniper is a character who puts her all into what she does, and is extremely resourceful and resilient. I loved watching her navigate this new world, with new relationships, and do so with her head up high.

There are also some deeper themes throughout this one, including strong family and friendships, bullying, parental abandonment, split families, life-threatening illness, and anxiety attacks. But it’s all written in age-appropriate ways, and I think any middle grade reader could benefit from the lessons woven throughout this delightful story.

**thanks to the publisher for the copy!

Quotes I loved:

Stupid can get you dead.

She had a big heart that leaked out her eyes.

I was fine. You’ll never learn to do flips if you’re afraid of flopping sometimes. You’ve got to try. ( )