MMGM: Small Stakes, Big Heart: A 'Quiet Stories' Review of 'Honey and Me

 

One of the many books I discovered while homeschooling was All of a Kind Family. This beautiful book tells the story of five Jewish sisters who grew up in 1912. I loved all the details of their life, especially how they left a place for Elijah at the Passover seder. It was these simple, low-stakes moments that drew me to this story.

 

It reminded me of a project I did in college for my education degree. I visited a synagogue to immerse myself in that culture. The ladies let me join them in making hamantaschen for Purim. When they were explaining about the holiday, I said, “Oh, that’s the book of Esther!” 

What I found interesting when I read the back matter for Honey and Me was that Meira Drazin was inspired to write a book like Ballet Shoes, Anne of Green Gables, and The Penderwicks, but about a Jewish family:

 “I wondered if I could do what these writers all do so beautifully—show the importance and magnitude of small dramas in everyday life—but with contemporary Jewish characters.”--Meira Drazin

Synopsis: 

Milla and Honey have been best friends since forever.

Milla envies Honey’s confidence, her charisma, and her big, chaotic family―especially when they provide a welcome escape from Milla’s own small family and quiet house. In their close-knit Jewish community, the two girls do everything together, from delivering meals to an ill-tempered elderly neighbor to shopping at a local thrift store, celebrating the holidays, and going to their first bat mitzvahs while studying for their own.

So when Honey joins Milla’s school for sixth grade, why is it not as great as Milla expected? Can their friendship survive all the ups and downs the year has in store for them? And will Milla ever find the courage to step out of Honey’s shadow and into her own spotlight?

Charming, authentic, and wise, Honey and Me is a classic coming-of-age story filled with relatable middle school struggles, keen insight, and sparkling humor. (from Amazon)

 

Why This Book Stays With Me:

1.    A friendship that feels real. I loved how Milla and Honey have their ups and downs, although they are always loyal to each other. Drazin did such a marvelous job of creating a real friendship, where a good friend tells the truth, sometimes gets jealous, and doesn't always understand you perfectly.

2.    An insight into Orthodox Judaism. Other than All of a Kind Family and some Chaim Potok, I know very little about Orthodox Judaism. I appreciated that Drazin has a glossary in the back for readers who might be unfamiliar with phrases and practices of Orthodox Judaism. As a person whose Christian faith is central to my life, I enjoyed seeing this tight-knit culture portrayed warmly and respectfully. 

3.    The mother-daughter relationship with Milla. Milla's relationship with her mother and her tendency to put Honey’s family on a pedestal are very real and relatable. How she and her mother worked through this was also beautifully depicted. 

4.    Small stakes that were engaging. Like The Penderwicks series and other “small stakes” novels, I kept reading because Drazin shows us that even these small things have meaning. Winning a speech contest might not feel as significant as traveling the world or stopping a nefarious bad guy, but it feels real to Honey and Milla, so it did to me, too. And I was reminded that the small moments in my life are important.

5.    Incredible secondary characters. This book had a huge cast, but two characters really stood out to me: Ageneni, a grandma-like figure who reads children’s books and speaks her mind, and Mr. Sandler, a very special English teacher.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 8-12-year-olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 5th-grade reading level and above. A small note for sensitive readers: there is the loss of a beloved adult near the end of the story. It is handled with great heart, but it may be a moment you'll want to walk through together.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴

No dogs again! Ugh! And Mom was reading for a long time. 

Notes from the Front Porch:

What slice-of-life, low stakes books have you enjoyed?

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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Kindred Spirits and Celtic Knots: Celebrating Irish Stories

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! One of the best parts of holidays is tying them into what your child or family is learning about. Around St. Patrick’s day, our family often read Irish authors, learned about the real Saint Patrick, or did shamrock math. Today I’m featuring two Irish authors whose books I enjoyed lately. Whether you’re looking for a light fantasy or a historical fiction set in Ireland, I’ve got you covered. 

For historical fiction fans:

 

 The Celtic Knot

"It's like flying!" twelve-year-old Kathleen Murphy decides after her very first Irish dancing lesson. But times are tough in Dublin, and her da's hardly working, so there's no money to spare for lessons, much less a fancy dancing costume to compete in. Then, when one unexpected thing leads to another, Kathleen realizes that even when dreams change, the future holds possibilities she has never before imagined. (from the front flap)

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    The rich historical detail! This book takes place in 1930s Dublin in the midst of the worldwide economic depression. I really felt immersed in time and place, especially because this author just throws you into this family with very little explanation.

2.    How poverty was depicted. One of my pet peeves, especially as a former teacher, is that there is often a stereotype that if a family is poor, they are also mean or abusive. Kathleen is poor. She has to help her siblings and parents and go without in ways kids in North America do not. But her family is loving, though imperfect. And what a joy that was to see that portrayed in fiction.

3.    Irish dancing! We used to attend a local Celtic concert where a dear friend of ours would do Irish dancing. My younger son at three called her a butterfly princess. I was so excited to see that dancing was a huge part of this novel—and a way Kathleen embraced her heritage and found something that brought her joy.

4.    Family relationships! As mentioned before, I really loved this family, practical, but loving Mam, fun-loving Da, and Aunt Polly, who’s almost like a big sister to Kathleen. And all her siblings! It was really fun seeing this warm family on the page.

5.    A realistic, but hopeful ending. As mentioned before, this book didn’t skirt the difficulties with poverty or life in Ireland in 1930, but it left the reader with hope and warmth. If you’d like to celebrate St. Patrick’s with a warm hug, this book will do that.

My favorite quote: “That was another puzzle. If you wanted to know something, why couldn’t grown-ups just tell you, instead of fobbing you off and telling you to go and play?” p.5

 

For Fantasy Fans

 Lianna and the Hombit

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

When 13-year old Lianna, devastated by the loss of her father, is sent to the distant land of Nivram, she finds her new home and guardian every bit as horrible as she expected. When she meets a magical birdlike creature called a hombit, they strike an alliance: Lianna will help it complete its secret mission if it helps her get home.

But her plan goes awry and she accidentally awakens a creature that threatens both her and her new home. Lianna must uncover family secrets to avoid a terrible fate…

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost. (from Amazon)

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    Lianna is a heroine to look up to. Although sometimes she was too reckless (I kept wanting her not to listen to the living rocks!), I loved her bravery and loyalty to her late parents. She didn’t make selfish choices, even when her life was at stake.

2.    The Hombit! This creature, a sort of bird with glass wings, definitely stole the show. Its inability to understand words and expressions added so much humor, and I was moved by the close friendship between the Hombit and Lianna. The Hombit is a true kindred spirit.

3.    An intriguing mystery that fits well within the fantasy/mystery genre. I was reminded of Edmund in Narnia, Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, and Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. Valinora beautifully portrayed the power of temptation--and an interesting mystery involving jewels.

4.    Illustrations and interesting fauna. Throughout the text are illustrations of the creatures Lianna references, such as the bantimouse and the deadly octospider. Kids who love fantasy and biology will enjoy those tidbits — and perhaps be inspired to make their own fantasy nature journal. I couldn't help but think of the interesting creatures from The Wingfeather series, like the toothy cow.

5.    An ending that left an opening for a continuation but still tied all the loose threads. I don't know if a sequel is planned, but I loved that we were not left with a cliffhanger, but a very touching ending with Lianna and her uncle understanding each other better.

From the Archives, A Quiet Saint Patrick's Day Library:

• Top Middle Grade Books to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day: Three gentle stories of Irish heritage and heart, perfect for a family read-aloud.

• A Slip of a Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff: A poignant novel in verse following a young girl’s courage during the Irish Land Wars.

• More from Siobhan Parkinson: If you loved 'Kathleen: The Celtic Knot,' discover two more lyrical stories set in the heart of Ireland.

Max’s Five Bone Rating

 🦴🦴

Max, the Reading Dog

 

  

 

 

 

Kathleen’s Knot: No dogs again! Ugh! But I would like to go to the Emerald Isle. I hear there is another dog who loves to read over there! 

🦴🦴🦴
Lianna and the Hombit: No dogs, but there is a really cool bird-like creature called a Hombit. I think I need a bird friend in my life. Maybe the Hombit would like to go for a walk with me?

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

What books have you enjoyed by Irish authors? How do you and your family like to celebrate St. Patrick’s day? I’m always looking to travel to the Emerald Isle through stories.

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

  

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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: More Than a Mystery: A Heart-Filled Journey to a Darjeeling Tea Plantation

 

"There is no frigate like a book,” Emily Dickinson said. And that’s exactly how The Golden Necklace made me feel. Reading this book was like opening a window to another world, filled with tea, diverse cultures and traditions, and a girl who sees what others miss.

As I read Sona’s story, I couldn’t help thinking of the time I lived in places where clean water was a precious gift, like the Crimea and Honduras. It made me think about how books can help children—and adults—appreciate simple things we often take for granted.

Synopsis  

National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins crafts a contemporary chapter-book mystery about a 12-year-old Nepali girl who sets out to solve the disappearance of her Bengali friend’s missing jewelry.

Sona, a 12-year-old Nepali girl, has struck up a friendship with Tara, the niece of the greedy tea plantation manager who has promised Tara’s hand in marriage in order to get his hands on her inheritance of precious jewelry. Then Tara’s gold jewelry goes missing. The search is on for the culprit, and Sona must use all her wits in order to prove it wasn’t her beloved brother, Samiran Daju, who stole it.

Filled with vivid characters against a complex and multilayered political and cultural backdrop, this novel showcases a strong girl protagonist whom readers will root for. The Golden Necklace is award-winning author Mitali Perkins’s latest and most compelling story yet. (from Penguin Random House)

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 7-10-year-olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 3rd-5th-grade reading level. It's illustrated and only 128 pages, so it's a gentle introduction to middle grade mysteries. 

Why This Story Stays with Me

1.    The rich detail of life near a Darjeeling Tea plantation.  Sona had to wait in line to fetch water every day, and the tea workers wore forehead straps to carry the heavy bamboo baskets of tea. While some of the cultural terms were new to me, they felt like a gentle invitation to learn alongside Sona.

2.    How poverty was depicted. I loved the quiet details of Sona’s life—the way she saved water for emergencies, the meals she prepared, and her fierce loyalty to her brother when a rumor threatened his business. I rooted for Sona as she helped her family. Her dedication to learning and wanting to succeed in school was especially inspiring.

3.    Beautiful friendships. I really enjoyed that Sona had kindred spirits across culture and social barriers: Jampa, who only spoke Tibetan, and with whom she communicated mostly through gestures, and Tara, who was both older and from a higher social sphere. All the girls helped each other, despite their differences. 

4.    Family relationships! I loved how Sona’s heart for her brother was at the center of the mystery. Finding the necklace was the only way to prove his innocence and keep their small world safe. I loved how Sona and her mother supported each other through the ache of losing Sona’s father while simply trying to put food on the table each day.

5.    More than just a mystery.  This was a story about girl finding quiet courage to help her family. That’s exactly where Perkins shines. Like with Bamboo People or Ricksaw Girl, Perkins has given us a true sense of place, making a far-off tea plantation feel as real as our own cozy reading chair.

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

Max’s Bone-Rating: 

🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

 5/5 Bones for Kutu! He shows that sometimes the best mystery-solving partner has four legs and a very good nose. Sona couldn’t have solved the case without him! 

 

 

A Note for the Front Porch:

Does your family have a favorite 'window book' that took you to a place you’ve never been? Or perhaps a favorite fictional mystery that kept your young readers guessing?

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*Exciting changes are coming to Cozy Stories for Bookish Kids! I am transitioning to a new professional website next month. If you currently follow me here on Blogger, please subscribe via follow.it  to stay updated during the move.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

ISWG: A Love Letter to Stories: Planning a "Quiet" Book Launch

When my kids were young, I looked forward to creating the cake that matched whatever their current interests were—usually an animal for my youngest, and something scientific for my oldest, like a beaker cake. And then there were tons of themed games, of course, like making our own baking soda volcanoes or my version “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” 

I’ll never forget these parties—and I hope they don’t either. 

A geode cake from 2025

 

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Question

On the first Wednesday of the month, I am part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share the ups and downs of the creative life. It’s a place to share our hurdles and celebrate our small victories.

Since I love parties, I was thrilled when I saw this month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group question: 

What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?
   

My Launch Party Plan:

What I’d include (in-person): 

This is the party I’ve dreamed of ever since I decided I wanted to pursue my writing. Of course, we’d have themed snacks! For my upcoming book, where food plays a huge part, that would be tea, cookies, and cute sandwiches. Maybe some watercolor bookmarks and crafts for the kids. A reading of my first chapter or two. A cake with minty frosting and flowers for decorations. Something Anne would love.

My dream launch!

What I’ll likely do (virtual):

But of course, what’s more practical is to have a virtual launch. I have ideas for that too! Although we might have to bring our own treats, I’d love to have online bingo and book trivia, draw or paint something together from the book, a reading, and a discussion of our favorite parts. 

Photo by Sergio Dominguez on Unsplash

 

Why:  

My book is my love letter to my favorite book, the time I spent homeschooling, and my community. I also hope this will be a time I can celebrate with my beta readers, family, and friends, who supported me with encouragement and honesty. Most of all, I hope that readers who have struggled with fitting in and finding true friends will see themselves in my book.  

My oldest friend Gail

Encouraging Quote for the Day:

Lately, as I’m finishing up edits, I’ve been thinking a lot about  L.M. Montgomery as I just read her first set of journals.

 

When Maud found out Anne of Green Gables was to be published, she celebrated and said, “I cast ...ideals to the winds and made my ‘Anne’ a real human girl.’” I hope I have done that with my main character.

My favorite book

Writing Advice from Max: 🦴

My tip for book launches? Make sure there are lots of dog cookies. I especially like ones with frosting on them and “Good Boy” decorations. I may not attend an in-person party, but I will show up on the camera if you do a virtual one. 

Max is a very encouraging beta reader. :)

Notes from the Front Writing Porch:

What is your favorite way to celebrate completing a big project or a big win? Maybe it's your book, short story, play, or poem? Or maybe it’s planning a graduation, finishing a quilt, or celebrating the first sprouts of peas coming up? 

I’d love to hear how you celebrate your high points in the comments.

P.S. Speaking of launches... I have a very special 'launch' coming next month! My new professional website is almost ready, and I can't wait to give you a tour. My web developer (a.k.a. my wonderfully talented hubby) has transferred all my old posts over, but I will still leave links here so you can easily access them. Watch this space for updates!

*If you currently follow me here on Blogger, please subscribe via follow.it to continue to follow me after the move.

If you'd like to read more ISWG posts or sign up, please go HERE. You won't be disappointed.