MMGM: The Colors of Friendship in Honey Butter by Millie Florence

 

 

If you had siblings, did you get along famously or struggle to see eye to eye? And if you’re a parent with multiple kids, having your children get along is always a challenge.

Although my sister and I often fought growing up, she’s now one of my dearest friends. And I’m so glad that my sons have so much in common, although they also have their differences.

In literature, I often see two extremes: either siblings who always understand each other, like Lizzie and Jane in Pride and Prejudice, or sibling rivalry that’s just a foil for the protagonist's conflict.
Honey Butter by Millie Florence realistically highlights sibling rivalry, but with a whole lot of hope for understanding each other. It’d make the perfect read-aloud and springboard for discussing how to get along with our “friends for life.”

 

A Little About the Story

Everlasting Blue, Slam Dunk Orange, Dragon Fruit Pink…

Seven-year-old Jamie Johnson is obsessed with collecting paint cards. In fact, it’s the only thing that can distract her from fighting with her older sister during the long, boring summer. Until, that is, a mysterious girl moves in next door. Laren Lark is almost thirteen, a homeschooler, and a passionate poet.

Despite their differences, the two girls quickly become friends and Jamie begins to think that the summer doesn’t have to be so boring. After all, Laren says that adventure can be found anywhere—it’s all about where you look.

(from the jacket copy)

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1. A tender friendship! It’s not often that I see a book that shows kids of different ages being friends. And I really liked how Laren was almost like a mentor to Jamie, not only providing an understanding ear but challenging her to look at life differently. 
2.  Interesting hobbies! I’m not sure if I’ve ever read about a character who liked to collect paint cards. But I loved how the author, Millie Florence, used those colors to show us things about Jamie’s inner life—and her character growth. The inclusion of Laren’s poetry was also a nice touch.
3. A lovely librarian with a calendar of daily celebrations. This was such a fun part of the book. Whenever Laren and Jamie went to the library, they found out what day it was (like National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day—count me in!). This was not only fun but also provided structure to the narrative—and later offered deeper meaning.
4. A secret with emotional weight, but without feeling too heavy. The turning point of the story lies with Laren’s backstory. It is one of those turning points that will make you see the whole story differently—but in a way that leads to hope and reconciliation.
5. The author was thirteen and homeschooled. It wasn’t till I finished this book that I found out this tidbit, and I couldn’t believe it, as this story had such depth. Although I wrote some short stories at that age, I’m so impressed by this young author’s talent. If you have an aspiring writer at home, this might be an inspiration as well!
   
   Minor quibble: I did feel like Jamie felt a bit older than her age, and seven is a little young for middle grade. But I still think this is a wonderful read.  

Reading guide

Reading level: Approximately Grade 3-7 for independent reading or a read-aloud. 

Content notes: A child’s death happens off the page, and the sibling rivalry might be too intense for some readers. 

Ways to Gently Extend the Reading: This would pair beautifully with studying colors or color theory, reading and writing poetry, finding the “National Day of ___” along with celebrating those days, and talking about sibling rivalry, kindness, and empathy.

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

 🦴🦴🦴

No dogs! But there is a cat, Abby. Unfortunately, if I were in the book, I’d have to chase her. 


  

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

What are your favorite books about siblings? 

Thank you to Isabelle Knight, another Monday Middle Grade blogger, for sharing about this book!

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

  

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