Book Summary
Juniper Berry knows how to handle bobcats, bears, and mountain lions, but can she survive the toughest predator of all—middle school?
Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives with her family deep in the wild woods. Living off the grid is pretty exciting, but her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and they move to the city to be closer to the hospital. Juniper and her older sister end up living with cousins they hardly know and attending public school for the first time, which is harder to navigate than the wild woods ever were. Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack.
As the hospital bills for her brother start piling up, Juniper knows they’ll need to be paid before the family can go back to the woods, so she decides to make enough money to help out. With her cousin Alayna’s support, Juniper starts posting videos filled with her wisdom from the woods, hoping to get a following. But what if it doesn’t work? What if the bills never get paid? Not going home to the wild is Juniper’s worst nightmare. While she’s stuck in the city, she might as well make the most of it, like sticking up for Alayna, who’s being bullied by her supposed friends, for starters.
The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a story about perseverance when faced with difficult and unfamiliar challenge, belonging and finding your identity, compassion for others, and learning that our differences can sometimes be our strengths.
Book Details
- Publisher : Shadow Mountain (August 15, 2023)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 163993099X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1639930999
- Reading age : 8 - 10 years
- Grade level : 3 - 6
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
Have you ever wondered how a fish out of water would survive in our crazy, technological, social-media-filled society? The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Authors Chad Morris and Shelly Brown has written a story for middle-grade readers that shows you exactly this.
Eleven-year-old Juniper has lived her whole life with her family off the grid and learning to love nature. When her younger brother Hank becomes ill, the family is forced to re-enter modern society to get medical help for him. This is when the changes begin for Juniper whose POV is used to tell this story. There are many humorous moments as Juniper is introduced to many things we take for granted, like a fridge, microwave, a shower, using a flush toilet, and eating pizza for the first time. I really liked Juniper who despite realizing she really doesn't fit in doesn't change to make her blend in. She truly is a strong and confident girl who loves her family and will support them whatever it takes.
There are some strong themes of bullying, split families, and anxiety attacks, that are beautifully written for this age readers to understand. This novel also has such wonderful characters from Zombie the Goose, grumpy Mrs. Nakamura, stuck-up Sophie, and Juniper's cousins. Readers will learn lessons of having confidence in your own gifts and talents, standing up for others...even if you don't like someone, and staying strong as families in any circumstance.
Chad and Shelly write the best books for Middle-Grade readers. The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is another accomplishment in their growing list of novels that change kids' lives as they navigate the journey toward being an adult. I highly recommend this heart-filled book.
****Meet the Authors****
Chad Wilson
Shelly Brown
She has no regrets, one husband, three chickens, five children, and sixty-four Pez dispensers.
For more information, to request interviews or school visits, or for a press kit contact her at shellybrownwriter@gmail.com
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