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The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones
It’s the summer of 1955. For Ethan Harper, a biracial kid raised mostly by his white father, race has always been a distant conversation. When he’s sent to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle in small-town Alabama, his Blackness is suddenly front and center, and no one is shy about making it known he’s not welcome there. Except for Juniper Jones. The town’s resident oddball and free spirit, she’s everything the townspeople aren’t―open, kind, and full of acceptance.
Armed with two bikes and an unlimited supply of root beer floats, Ethan and Juniper set out to find their place in a town that’s bent on rejecting them. As Ethan is confronted for the first time by what it means to be Black in America, Juniper tries to help him see the beauty in even the ugliest reality, and that even the darkest days can give rise to an invincible summer.
Daven McQueen’s Juniper Jones is a character for all ages in this sweet coming of age story set in 1950s Alabama.
Armed with two bikes and an unlimited supply of root beer floats, Ethan and Juniper set out to find their place in a town that’s bent on rejecting them. As Ethan is confronted for the first time by what it means to be Black in America, Juniper tries to help him see the beauty in even the ugliest reality, and that even the darkest days can give rise to an invincible summer.
Daven McQueen’s Juniper Jones is a character for all ages in this sweet coming of age story set in 1950s Alabama.
312 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2020
About the author
Daven McQueen
1 book259 followersDaven McQueen grew up outside of Los Angeles, California. They graduated from Brown University, where they earned a B.A. in literary arts and economics. When they're not writing, Daven can be found tap dancing, embroidering, cooking, and eating dessert. They live in Boston, Massachusetts and are pursuing an MFA in creative writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 869 reviews
September 10, 2020
I wrote this and I think it’s nice. Good job to me 😌
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June 11, 2020I AM SOBBING. this has to be one of the most beautiful books i've ever read. unforgettable and absolutely invincible, cannot recommend this enough. a story of friendship, race, history, and one summer that changes so many lives.
June 17, 2020
WOW. I HAVE NO WORDS.
This is presumably one of the most spectacular books of today as not only is it beautifully written by the author, but it is also prevalent in today’s current events. This undoubtedly opened my eyes even wider to something that has been happening up to this day. Racism and discrimination have been a crucial issue happening not just in America, but around the world for the longest time. Although we could say it is becoming better throughout the years, however, it is 2020 and it is still happening. This is an issue that the society has been striving to put an end to in the hopes of one day, racism will not ever grow and foster. We are all humans, despite our differences regardless of our skin color or ethnicity, at the end of the day, we are all the same and we deserve a peaceful world to live in where fear has no room for.
This book is truly invincible and unforgettable. It is a story of friendship, race, history, adventures, and one summer that impacted so many lives. The message of this book is extremely powerful. A must-read for all! <3
Huge thanks to the publisher for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is presumably one of the most spectacular books of today as not only is it beautifully written by the author, but it is also prevalent in today’s current events. This undoubtedly opened my eyes even wider to something that has been happening up to this day. Racism and discrimination have been a crucial issue happening not just in America, but around the world for the longest time. Although we could say it is becoming better throughout the years, however, it is 2020 and it is still happening. This is an issue that the society has been striving to put an end to in the hopes of one day, racism will not ever grow and foster. We are all humans, despite our differences regardless of our skin color or ethnicity, at the end of the day, we are all the same and we deserve a peaceful world to live in where fear has no room for.
This book is truly invincible and unforgettable. It is a story of friendship, race, history, adventures, and one summer that impacted so many lives. The message of this book is extremely powerful. A must-read for all! <3
Huge thanks to the publisher for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2021
All the glowing reviews you see for this one are absolutely right. Ethan is a character I will always remember, and of course, Juniper is memorable for so many reasons, too.
This book has a young adult feel only in the straight forward writing and the ages of its characters. Juniper and Ethan are in their teens, and unexpectedly become friends because Ethan is sent to his father’s small southern hometown to stay with his aunt and uncle. He works in his uncle’s ice cream shop, and that’s where he meets Juniper. She is determined to make the summer her best, most exciting one yet, with Ethan by her side.
The book is set in the 1950s, when Jim Crow laws were still in full effect, and Ethan is biracial. Having lived in Washington state prior to that summer in Alabama, Ethan is surprised by how he is treated differently because of his skin color. The treatment is dark and ugly, but Juniper is determined to continue to show him the light and the best things their local environment has to offer, including their sound friendship.
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is a Wattpad publication. Daven McQueen’s storytelling leaves a mark on you, as does her characterization on top of it. As an emotional reader, I have to give this one five stars, even if it wasn’t absolutely perfect because of how strongly it made me feel.
Thank you to Beth for another amazing buddy read. I’m still behind on reviewing what we’ve read together this summer. ♥️
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
This book has a young adult feel only in the straight forward writing and the ages of its characters. Juniper and Ethan are in their teens, and unexpectedly become friends because Ethan is sent to his father’s small southern hometown to stay with his aunt and uncle. He works in his uncle’s ice cream shop, and that’s where he meets Juniper. She is determined to make the summer her best, most exciting one yet, with Ethan by her side.
The book is set in the 1950s, when Jim Crow laws were still in full effect, and Ethan is biracial. Having lived in Washington state prior to that summer in Alabama, Ethan is surprised by how he is treated differently because of his skin color. The treatment is dark and ugly, but Juniper is determined to continue to show him the light and the best things their local environment has to offer, including their sound friendship.
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is a Wattpad publication. Daven McQueen’s storytelling leaves a mark on you, as does her characterization on top of it. As an emotional reader, I have to give this one five stars, even if it wasn’t absolutely perfect because of how strongly it made me feel.
Thank you to Beth for another amazing buddy read. I’m still behind on reviewing what we’ve read together this summer. ♥️
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 7, 2024
My heart was not ready for The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones, a coming of age story set in 1955. Ethan Harper is a young biracial teenager sent to a small town in Alabama for the summer after getting in a fight at home. Ethan stays with his aunt and uncle, and meets Juniper Jones, a quirky redheaded girl. Largely considered outcasts among the small town, the two teens form a fast friendship.
Juniper is bright, bubbly, and determined to make the most of their summer. They have milkshakes and root beer floats, plant flowers, go on long bike rides, spend time at the lake, and have several adventures. Ethan isn’t exactly welcomed in town and this doesn’t escape him, though it initially surprises him. It’s a much different environment than where he lives in Washington. While they’re not always right, Ethan’s small circle tries to navigate this as best they can, learning along the way, trying to protect him and stand up for what is right. Despite being set more than 50 years ago, the book unfortunately still feels relevant today.
This story is not romantic — It's about racism, family, and most prominently, friendship. The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is emotional. I will be thinking about Ethan, Juniper, and this story for a very long time.
Juniper is bright, bubbly, and determined to make the most of their summer. They have milkshakes and root beer floats, plant flowers, go on long bike rides, spend time at the lake, and have several adventures. Ethan isn’t exactly welcomed in town and this doesn’t escape him, though it initially surprises him. It’s a much different environment than where he lives in Washington. While they’re not always right, Ethan’s small circle tries to navigate this as best they can, learning along the way, trying to protect him and stand up for what is right. Despite being set more than 50 years ago, the book unfortunately still feels relevant today.
This story is not romantic — It's about racism, family, and most prominently, friendship. The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is emotional. I will be thinking about Ethan, Juniper, and this story for a very long time.
June 16, 2020
Well, my face is splotchy and my husband just asked "what happened? Are you okay?"
So yeah, you could say I felt this book.
It's bananas the torrent of emotions this book put me through...
Excitement, fear, whimsical giggles, anger, and some ugly cries.
I loved every second of it!!!
Do yourself a favour and read this book.
Much love to NetGalley and Smith Publicity for my DRC.
So yeah, you could say I felt this book.
It's bananas the torrent of emotions this book put me through...
Excitement, fear, whimsical giggles, anger, and some ugly cries.
I loved every second of it!!!
Do yourself a favour and read this book.
Much love to NetGalley and Smith Publicity for my DRC.
July 18, 2020
This is such a beautiful story. The plot revolves around Ethan and Juniper and their unforgettable summer in 1955.
Although I loved the book, I have a few issues. The writing of this author isn't very mature. I heard it's a Wattpad story. I think the author should have polished the book a little bit more before publishing. The sentence structure was poor and the word choice wasn't rich either. Also, Juniper's family issue wasn't focused much. It was mostly focused on Ethan and his struggle. I would love to read more about her.
The main issue I have with this book is the title because when I read the first chapter I immediately knew something bad happened to Juniper. It gave away the major plot twist. However, these issues can be overlooked because the plot is tragic and beautiful at the same time. Nonetheless, Its a story about friendship, innocence, and racism.
Arc provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Although I loved the book, I have a few issues. The writing of this author isn't very mature. I heard it's a Wattpad story. I think the author should have polished the book a little bit more before publishing. The sentence structure was poor and the word choice wasn't rich either. Also, Juniper's family issue wasn't focused much. It was mostly focused on Ethan and his struggle. I would love to read more about her.
The main issue I have with this book is the title because when I read the first chapter I immediately knew something bad happened to Juniper. It gave away the major plot twist. However, these issues can be overlooked because the plot is tragic and beautiful at the same time. Nonetheless, Its a story about friendship, innocence, and racism.
Arc provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 6, 2020
Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad for an Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summer of 1955 and Ethan Harper is dropped of at his Aunt and Uncle's home. A small town in Alabama Ethan faces a lot of racial situations because he is biracial. Then he meets Juniper Jones and it turns out to be a summer he will never forget.
I LOVED this book. It had everything I love reading about in a book. The characters where so fun. I loved the history part of it. It brought all kinds of emotions out. Happy, mad and even sad. A fantastic read for everyone.
Summer of 1955 and Ethan Harper is dropped of at his Aunt and Uncle's home. A small town in Alabama Ethan faces a lot of racial situations because he is biracial. Then he meets Juniper Jones and it turns out to be a summer he will never forget.
I LOVED this book. It had everything I love reading about in a book. The characters where so fun. I loved the history part of it. It brought all kinds of emotions out. Happy, mad and even sad. A fantastic read for everyone.
April 18, 2021
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is a YA novel set in a historical background that explores the deeply seated roots of racism in American society. It follows the male protagonist, Ethan Harper, as he spends an invincible summer alongside Juniper Jones in Alabama. It is a brave, harrowing story that will bring tears to your eyes through its wonderful prose and important themes.
I loved this novel, from Ethan Harper to Juniper Jones, I felt their friendship was so beautiful and I enjoyed reading about their adventures. I think both these characters were written very well. The author managed to make them sound like their actual age group which to me is an accomplishment because at times I feel other book characters come off as too im/mature for their age group.
I really liked the writing style, it had an elegant and descriptive flow to it while not being overbearing with details. It managed to capture my attention and I loved the subtle foreshadowing and beautiful prose.
My only complaint would be the pace, it was at times slow and dragged on in some areas, but when the story began to unravel more, I really began to enjoy it! I 10/10 reccomend reading this!
WARNING: YOU WILL CRY.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
instagram | goodreads
I loved this novel, from Ethan Harper to Juniper Jones, I felt their friendship was so beautiful and I enjoyed reading about their adventures. I think both these characters were written very well. The author managed to make them sound like their actual age group which to me is an accomplishment because at times I feel other book characters come off as too im/mature for their age group.
I really liked the writing style, it had an elegant and descriptive flow to it while not being overbearing with details. It managed to capture my attention and I loved the subtle foreshadowing and beautiful prose.
My only complaint would be the pace, it was at times slow and dragged on in some areas, but when the story began to unravel more, I really began to enjoy it! I 10/10 reccomend reading this!
WARNING: YOU WILL CRY.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
instagram | goodreads
May 12, 2020
Wow!!! The Invinsible Summer of Juniper Jones was an unexpectedly great read. In her debut novel Daven McQueen hit the ball out of the park and I can't congratulate her enough. This was YA Historical fiction done exceptionally well. Granted I enjoy YAF and Historical fiction separately so it's probably not all that surprising I loved it but I can see it having wide appeal. McQueens characters were well developed and delightful. Her story built gradually and came to a conclusion I simply had not anticipated. She made me smile at the beautiful friendship between two young people, but more than anything she engendered in me an appreciation for what it was like to live with racism and her story had me in tears.
Ethan Charlie Harper was 14 in 1955 and had recently been suspended for punching a boy. His dad decided his punishment would be to spend the three months of summer living with his Aunt Cara and Uncle Robert in the small town of Ellison Alabama. As readers we gradually learn Ethan is a coloured boy, born to a white dad and negro mum. Here in Alabama it's very different from his hometown in Washington State. He's learning the hard way that boys that look like him are not welcome. Worse. In the bigger towns in Alabama there are laws keeping white folk and coloured folk separate. Not only is Ethan unhappy to be away from his friends and family but Ellison is a frightening place for a boy who has never really come across such outright racism. Thankfully he met and was befriended by Juniper Jones. She was a quirky character and was hard not to love. In many ways she reminded me of Pippi Longstocking. Not just the red hair and the apparent lack of parents but her playful nature and caring ways. She didn't have a mean bone in her body and was completely unbothered by apearances. She took Ethan under her wing and roped him into her plans for an invinsible summer. They had all manner of adventures together and as Juniper and Ethan found ways to support each other their friendship blossomed.
It was definitely a coming of age story. Under different circumstances there may have been more than friendship between Ethan and Juniper. In fact romantic feelings were definitely hinted at but no way could they be acted upon in this time and place. The theme of racism was front and centre all the way through the book. Through Ethan readers got to understand what it was like to be a coloured boy in a town where the Klan had a real and scary presence. His awakening to his own anger about racism and his fears of being physically harmed were the things that really made him lose his childhood innocence and see the world for what it is. All this while offset by his friendship with Juniper teaching him "...that people can be good and there can be hope, even when it hurts.”
Am thoroughly delighted to have read this book and highly recommend it. Sincere thanks to the author, to Wattpad Books and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review which it was my pleasure to provide.
Ethan Charlie Harper was 14 in 1955 and had recently been suspended for punching a boy. His dad decided his punishment would be to spend the three months of summer living with his Aunt Cara and Uncle Robert in the small town of Ellison Alabama. As readers we gradually learn Ethan is a coloured boy, born to a white dad and negro mum. Here in Alabama it's very different from his hometown in Washington State. He's learning the hard way that boys that look like him are not welcome. Worse. In the bigger towns in Alabama there are laws keeping white folk and coloured folk separate. Not only is Ethan unhappy to be away from his friends and family but Ellison is a frightening place for a boy who has never really come across such outright racism. Thankfully he met and was befriended by Juniper Jones. She was a quirky character and was hard not to love. In many ways she reminded me of Pippi Longstocking. Not just the red hair and the apparent lack of parents but her playful nature and caring ways. She didn't have a mean bone in her body and was completely unbothered by apearances. She took Ethan under her wing and roped him into her plans for an invinsible summer. They had all manner of adventures together and as Juniper and Ethan found ways to support each other their friendship blossomed.
It was definitely a coming of age story. Under different circumstances there may have been more than friendship between Ethan and Juniper. In fact romantic feelings were definitely hinted at but no way could they be acted upon in this time and place. The theme of racism was front and centre all the way through the book. Through Ethan readers got to understand what it was like to be a coloured boy in a town where the Klan had a real and scary presence. His awakening to his own anger about racism and his fears of being physically harmed were the things that really made him lose his childhood innocence and see the world for what it is. All this while offset by his friendship with Juniper teaching him "...that people can be good and there can be hope, even when it hurts.”
Am thoroughly delighted to have read this book and highly recommend it. Sincere thanks to the author, to Wattpad Books and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review which it was my pleasure to provide.
April 1, 2022
Gosh, this book made me angry! Especially as I read it during the height of the "black lives matter" protests following upon the police killing of George Floyd.
As with many classic novels exploring the experience of prejudice, The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is told from the perspective of a relative innocent - 16-year-old Ethan Harper from Arcadia, Washington, whose father is European-American and whose mostly-absent mother is African-American. As a woman of mixed Scottish, English and numerous sundry ancestries, I'm hesitant to apply labels like "mixed race" or "biracial", as race is a completely cultural construct (I found this article an excellent digest of the issue). Suffice to say, while Ethan has experienced occasional racial name-calling by peers, life as a teenager in the Pacific Northwest offers him much the same opportunities as everyone else his age.
However, following a fight with a schoolmate who used a racial epithet against him, and a resultant suspension from school, his father decides that sending Ethan to stay with reluctant family members in rural Ellison, Alabama for the summer will "do him good". Wow.
The year is 1955 - "Jim Crow" segregation laws are still applied in Alabama, but civil unrest is building in the African-American community, which will morph into the rise of the civil rights movement within months. 15-year-old Claudette Colvin has been arrested in nearby Montgomery for failing to relinquish her bus seat to a white woman, in a precursor to the more publicised incident involving Rosa Parks towards the end of the year. Within days of Ethan's departure from Ellison, 14-year-old Emmett Till will be brutally beaten to death by two white men across the border in Money, Mississippi, accused of having disrespected a white woman.
It doesn't take long for Ethan to detect that Ellison is not a safe place for him, and that the (exlusively white) townsfolk regard him with a mix of fear and overt antipathy. He is put to work by his uncle in the family malt shop (milkbar), which is where he encounters the effervescent Juniper Jones. Although white, Juniper doesn't display the prejudice and disdain of others, quickly earmarking Ethan as her new best friend and sidekick for the next three months. She has an "invincible summer" of adventures and challenges planned for them - including boating in the nearby lake, climbing the "tallest tree in Alabama", snail-racing and trying every flavour of milkshake in the malt shop. At first, Ethan is bemused by her attentions, but he quickly falls into her plans and begins to experience the beauty and wonder of his surroundings through Juniper's lens. However, the menace of racism is ever-present - in the derogatory comments of the town's citizens, in his aunt and uncle's repeated warnings to be mindful how he acts, and in the relentless provocations of white supremacist fellow teenager, Ryan.
As the hot summer days pass by in Juniper's enthusiastic company, Ethan begins to move beyond feelings of resentment (mostly directed at his father, who has never tried to understand Ethan's experience of race) to a more mature outlook on the world and its iniquities. A visit with Juniper to his mother in nearby Montgomery galvanises his feelings, as he is forced to use an inferior "blacks only" restroom and sit separately from Juniper in the movie theatre.
As the book reaches its climax, the infamous KKK raises its ugly head in Ellison, leaving Ethan genuinely in fear of his life. With his return to the relative safety of Arcadia only days away, events overtake Ethan and Juniper in a devastating manner, which will change Ethan's life forever.
What struck me most about this book was its use of contrast - the beauty of the surroundings with the ugliness of the inhabitants’ prejudice, Juniper's innocence with the closed-minded hatred of the Klan and its supporters, Juniper's efforts (with Ethan's assistance) to change the world for the better with the white citizens' desperate need to maintain the order of things as they have always been.
Juniper is one of those luminous, almost Christ-like characters - an archetypal innocent - like Phineas in A Separate Peace - whose essential goodness shines bright, .
I found this a beautiful book, with engaging characters and a storyline that provoked consideration on the individual impacts of societal prejudice and the importance of maintaining courage in the face of injustice. Very highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, the publisher Wattpad Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a copy of The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones prior to publication. #TheInvincibleSummerofJuniperJones #NetGalley
As with many classic novels exploring the experience of prejudice, The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is told from the perspective of a relative innocent - 16-year-old Ethan Harper from Arcadia, Washington, whose father is European-American and whose mostly-absent mother is African-American. As a woman of mixed Scottish, English and numerous sundry ancestries, I'm hesitant to apply labels like "mixed race" or "biracial", as race is a completely cultural construct (I found this article an excellent digest of the issue). Suffice to say, while Ethan has experienced occasional racial name-calling by peers, life as a teenager in the Pacific Northwest offers him much the same opportunities as everyone else his age.
However, following a fight with a schoolmate who used a racial epithet against him, and a resultant suspension from school, his father decides that sending Ethan to stay with reluctant family members in rural Ellison, Alabama for the summer will "do him good". Wow.
The year is 1955 - "Jim Crow" segregation laws are still applied in Alabama, but civil unrest is building in the African-American community, which will morph into the rise of the civil rights movement within months. 15-year-old Claudette Colvin has been arrested in nearby Montgomery for failing to relinquish her bus seat to a white woman, in a precursor to the more publicised incident involving Rosa Parks towards the end of the year. Within days of Ethan's departure from Ellison, 14-year-old Emmett Till will be brutally beaten to death by two white men across the border in Money, Mississippi, accused of having disrespected a white woman.
It doesn't take long for Ethan to detect that Ellison is not a safe place for him, and that the (exlusively white) townsfolk regard him with a mix of fear and overt antipathy. He is put to work by his uncle in the family malt shop (milkbar), which is where he encounters the effervescent Juniper Jones. Although white, Juniper doesn't display the prejudice and disdain of others, quickly earmarking Ethan as her new best friend and sidekick for the next three months. She has an "invincible summer" of adventures and challenges planned for them - including boating in the nearby lake, climbing the "tallest tree in Alabama", snail-racing and trying every flavour of milkshake in the malt shop. At first, Ethan is bemused by her attentions, but he quickly falls into her plans and begins to experience the beauty and wonder of his surroundings through Juniper's lens. However, the menace of racism is ever-present - in the derogatory comments of the town's citizens, in his aunt and uncle's repeated warnings to be mindful how he acts, and in the relentless provocations of white supremacist fellow teenager, Ryan.
As the hot summer days pass by in Juniper's enthusiastic company, Ethan begins to move beyond feelings of resentment (mostly directed at his father, who has never tried to understand Ethan's experience of race) to a more mature outlook on the world and its iniquities. A visit with Juniper to his mother in nearby Montgomery galvanises his feelings, as he is forced to use an inferior "blacks only" restroom and sit separately from Juniper in the movie theatre.
As the book reaches its climax, the infamous KKK raises its ugly head in Ellison, leaving Ethan genuinely in fear of his life. With his return to the relative safety of Arcadia only days away, events overtake Ethan and Juniper in a devastating manner, which will change Ethan's life forever.
What struck me most about this book was its use of contrast - the beauty of the surroundings with the ugliness of the inhabitants’ prejudice, Juniper's innocence with the closed-minded hatred of the Klan and its supporters, Juniper's efforts (with Ethan's assistance) to change the world for the better with the white citizens' desperate need to maintain the order of things as they have always been.
Juniper is one of those luminous, almost Christ-like characters - an archetypal innocent - like Phineas in A Separate Peace - whose essential goodness shines bright, .
I found this a beautiful book, with engaging characters and a storyline that provoked consideration on the individual impacts of societal prejudice and the importance of maintaining courage in the face of injustice. Very highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, the publisher Wattpad Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a copy of The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones prior to publication. #TheInvincibleSummerofJuniperJones #NetGalley
June 16, 2020
Thank you FFBC for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Invincible Summer Of Juniper Jones
By: Daven McQueen
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Invincible Summer Of Juniper Jones is sad, y'all. I ain't gonna lie because it just is. This book has coincidentally published at a time when its content and current events parallel in some ways. The issue is racism, and the story is about 1950's Alabama, a red headed girl and a boy of mixed race through one summer. I won't give anything way, but as you can imagine, fair treatment for all of humanity is not present much in the story. The depiction is true to the era with unique perspectives and is excellent historical fiction for young adult readers. This is an emotional, sharp and raw accounting of true selfless friendship at a pivotal young age when being understood is everything. I laughed and cried through reading, but one thought stuck out in my mind. Our physical bodies are certainly not invincible, but our spirits, souls, whatever you call it, linger on and are forever invincible.
The Invincible Summer Of Juniper Jones
By: Daven McQueen
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Invincible Summer Of Juniper Jones is sad, y'all. I ain't gonna lie because it just is. This book has coincidentally published at a time when its content and current events parallel in some ways. The issue is racism, and the story is about 1950's Alabama, a red headed girl and a boy of mixed race through one summer. I won't give anything way, but as you can imagine, fair treatment for all of humanity is not present much in the story. The depiction is true to the era with unique perspectives and is excellent historical fiction for young adult readers. This is an emotional, sharp and raw accounting of true selfless friendship at a pivotal young age when being understood is everything. I laughed and cried through reading, but one thought stuck out in my mind. Our physical bodies are certainly not invincible, but our spirits, souls, whatever you call it, linger on and are forever invincible.
May 29, 2020
My complete review will follow on my blog 9 June, so definitely watch out for that! But I do want to say a few things already:
- I finished this in one sitting and it’s been so long since I’ve flown through a book like that.
- this story is so empowering and the perfect mix of heartbreaking and beautiful. Powerful message for sure!
- I got John Green vibes from this book which is literally the biggest compliment I’m ever going to give a book.
- I cried. A few times. Yes.
So I will say I would recommend reading this, but if you need an extra push I’ll see you on 9 June ;)
- I finished this in one sitting and it’s been so long since I’ve flown through a book like that.
- this story is so empowering and the perfect mix of heartbreaking and beautiful. Powerful message for sure!
- I got John Green vibes from this book which is literally the biggest compliment I’m ever going to give a book.
- I cried. A few times. Yes.
So I will say I would recommend reading this, but if you need an extra push I’ll see you on 9 June ;)
February 29, 2020
( I did receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGally, but these opinions and feelings are entirely my own and in no way influenced by the way I got the material. )
The invincible summer of Juniper Jones tells the story if Ethan Harper. In the summer of 1955 Ethan has to live with his aunt and uncle. There he meets Juniper Jones, a very excited kind girl who has made it her goal to have the best summer ever.
When I started reading this story it immediately grabbed my attention and didn't let go. This is mostly because of the characters. Ethan is a very nice character to follow. During the story he becomes more and more aware that the world is not fair and that some people are treated poorly only because of the color of his skin. It is easy to connect with him as we see him trying to deal with his situation.
"'Because' said Juniper Jones, 'you're the quiet type. Not too noticeable. Not in a bad way, of course- it's just that I think back where you're from, you don't have a problem fitting in.' She paused, suddenly troubled. 'But not here. Here in Ellison, things are different, and you stick out like a sore thumb.' "
Even more likable is the second main character of this story, Juniper Jones (aka Starfish). Juniper is as likeable as it gets. Everything she does and says is filled with a passion and determination. She is different from all the other people in town. She is filled with love for Ethan and everyone she meets. They both just feel very genuine and like real children.
“Good.” Juniper grinned widely, her teeth uneven between her rose petal lips. “Making sense is for nerds and grown-ups. I am way more interesting.”
What really stuck out to me is how this story is very happy and relatable, while at the same time dealing with heavy topics such as racism and bullying. You get to see a lot of summer adventures, where the pair climbs trees, drinks milkshake and makes paintings. But there always is this threat in the background of people who really don't like Ethan being in town. You get to see some big and some smaller signs of how much everyone seems to dislike Ethan for the color of his skin. The fact that the characters are so flashed out makes it easy to understand the horrible topics even better. All I wanted was for these two kids to just be able to have the best summer ever without having to think about any big world problems.
“I know this isn’t how it works, but if I could reach out an airplane window, I think I’d borrow a few stars and bring them back home.” “What would you do with them?” She paused for a moment, thinking. “I think I’d hang them on people’s front doors,” she decided. “So much sunshine here in the summer, but God knows this town could use a little light.”
The way this story is written made it very easy for me to picture everything in my head. I loved the descriptions of the town.
This book has made me laugh several times, it has made my cry and it has made me want to scream in frustration.
The invincible summer of Juniper Jones tells the story if Ethan Harper. In the summer of 1955 Ethan has to live with his aunt and uncle. There he meets Juniper Jones, a very excited kind girl who has made it her goal to have the best summer ever.
When I started reading this story it immediately grabbed my attention and didn't let go. This is mostly because of the characters. Ethan is a very nice character to follow. During the story he becomes more and more aware that the world is not fair and that some people are treated poorly only because of the color of his skin. It is easy to connect with him as we see him trying to deal with his situation.
"'Because' said Juniper Jones, 'you're the quiet type. Not too noticeable. Not in a bad way, of course- it's just that I think back where you're from, you don't have a problem fitting in.' She paused, suddenly troubled. 'But not here. Here in Ellison, things are different, and you stick out like a sore thumb.' "
Even more likable is the second main character of this story, Juniper Jones (aka Starfish). Juniper is as likeable as it gets. Everything she does and says is filled with a passion and determination. She is different from all the other people in town. She is filled with love for Ethan and everyone she meets. They both just feel very genuine and like real children.
“Good.” Juniper grinned widely, her teeth uneven between her rose petal lips. “Making sense is for nerds and grown-ups. I am way more interesting.”
What really stuck out to me is how this story is very happy and relatable, while at the same time dealing with heavy topics such as racism and bullying. You get to see a lot of summer adventures, where the pair climbs trees, drinks milkshake and makes paintings. But there always is this threat in the background of people who really don't like Ethan being in town. You get to see some big and some smaller signs of how much everyone seems to dislike Ethan for the color of his skin. The fact that the characters are so flashed out makes it easy to understand the horrible topics even better. All I wanted was for these two kids to just be able to have the best summer ever without having to think about any big world problems.
“I know this isn’t how it works, but if I could reach out an airplane window, I think I’d borrow a few stars and bring them back home.” “What would you do with them?” She paused for a moment, thinking. “I think I’d hang them on people’s front doors,” she decided. “So much sunshine here in the summer, but God knows this town could use a little light.”
The way this story is written made it very easy for me to picture everything in my head. I loved the descriptions of the town.
This book has made me laugh several times, it has made my cry and it has made me want to scream in frustration.
January 14, 2022
How I would love to give Juniper Jones (Starfish) a BIG HUG and buy her a root beer float.
It’s not often I feel so totally connected to a fictional character, but this one pulled at my heart strings and made me laugh and cry. She made my heart sing and broke my heart.
Biracial Ethan Harper is sent to spend the summer with his white aunt and uncle in Alabama – 1955. As far as I can tell the white father is a moron thinking that this is a good idea and a way to teach his biracial son a lesson about race.
Ethan has the good fortune to meet the free spirit red-haired Juniper Jones who is considered the town weirdo.
Juniper decides that Ethan will be her best friend and they will plan to have an Invincible Summer together. Which they do, until they don’t.
Throughout the book I had the uneasy feeling that something bad was going to happen, and then it does.
This was a hard book to read especially because what these kids went through is all too real, even today.
In no way should this beautiful, haunting, devastating book be considered for a YA audience just because Ethan and Juniper are teens. It deals with friendship and racism and it is for anybody with a heart, a brain and a conscience.
This is already at the top of my list for “Best Books of 2022”
It’s not often I feel so totally connected to a fictional character, but this one pulled at my heart strings and made me laugh and cry. She made my heart sing and broke my heart.
Biracial Ethan Harper is sent to spend the summer with his white aunt and uncle in Alabama – 1955. As far as I can tell the white father is a moron thinking that this is a good idea and a way to teach his biracial son a lesson about race.
Ethan has the good fortune to meet the free spirit red-haired Juniper Jones who is considered the town weirdo.
Juniper decides that Ethan will be her best friend and they will plan to have an Invincible Summer together. Which they do, until they don’t.
Throughout the book I had the uneasy feeling that something bad was going to happen, and then it does.
This was a hard book to read especially because what these kids went through is all too real, even today.
In no way should this beautiful, haunting, devastating book be considered for a YA audience just because Ethan and Juniper are teens. It deals with friendship and racism and it is for anybody with a heart, a brain and a conscience.
This is already at the top of my list for “Best Books of 2022”
August 11, 2022
This may have been a Watt pad story, but man did it make me sob at my job. What a beautiful story of friendship during a tumultuous time between Black and white people in the 50’s, Alabama at that!! Ethan & Juniper became fast friends and their bond was so beautiful.
I didn’t expect this story to break my heart the way it did. What an incredible story. Very real. Makes you think.
I didn’t expect this story to break my heart the way it did. What an incredible story. Very real. Makes you think.
August 22, 2021
4.5 stars
October 4, 2020
Required reading.
June 16, 2020
Rating: 5 shining debut stars
This is a fantastic debut book by Daven McQueen. It is s a gripping YA historical fiction tale. It is set in Alabama circa 1955. It would be great to read this any time, but with the current events in the US that have provided a wider awakening to Black history and racism in America it is now an especially timely read. The book is a quick read and it packs an emotion punch. Everyone from Junior High aged kids on up should read this exceptional book.
We meet Ethan Harper as his Dad drops him off in a small town in Alabama. As a bi-racial 14 year-old raised by a white father in Washington State, he is in for a rude awakening during his summer in Alabama. His white aunt and uncle are wary of his appearance because they know the full history of the town. There is not a single black resident in the town. Ethan soon learns that being Black in this town is not a good thing.
Ethan works the morning shift by himself at his uncle’s Malt Shop. He is bemused and finally enchanted when quirky Juniper Jones plops herself on a stool at the empty soda counter, and proceeds to reel Ethan into her summer plans. Juniper is an outcast in town too. She lives with her great-aunt. Her bright red curly hair sets her apart from most of the town folks. They barely tolerate her. She is bright and fearless in describing all the things that she wants to accomplish during this Invincible Summer. She eventually reels Ethan into her schemes and they spend lots of time together as Juniper shows Ethan all the things that she loves about her town.
All the while, Ethan struggles with what it means to be Black in this narrow-minded town. His black mother grew up in Alabama. However, she has been gone for years. He is unprepared for all the questions, fears and dangers that come with being a Black kid in this town. After Ethan was bullied and threatened by some older teenagers, a sense of dread that pervaded the book. However, the suspense level was just right. The suspense pulled me along. I wanted to see how Ethan and Juniper would navigate each subsequent situation.
And that --- as they say --- is that. I am not going to talk any more about the plot. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today. This coming of age story is resolved in a way I did not anticipate. It was a bit of a tearjerker at the end. The pace of the book is well measures. The story always felt believable and not exaggerated. Ethan and Juniper are such wonderful characters. I am thrilled that I got to meet them and join their journey for a little while.
I would recommend this book to everyone, with no qualifiers as to preferred reading genre. This is a fabulous book. Everyone should read it. Brava, Ms. McQueen!
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Wattpad Books; and the author, Daven McQueen for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fantastic debut book by Daven McQueen. It is s a gripping YA historical fiction tale. It is set in Alabama circa 1955. It would be great to read this any time, but with the current events in the US that have provided a wider awakening to Black history and racism in America it is now an especially timely read. The book is a quick read and it packs an emotion punch. Everyone from Junior High aged kids on up should read this exceptional book.
We meet Ethan Harper as his Dad drops him off in a small town in Alabama. As a bi-racial 14 year-old raised by a white father in Washington State, he is in for a rude awakening during his summer in Alabama. His white aunt and uncle are wary of his appearance because they know the full history of the town. There is not a single black resident in the town. Ethan soon learns that being Black in this town is not a good thing.
Ethan works the morning shift by himself at his uncle’s Malt Shop. He is bemused and finally enchanted when quirky Juniper Jones plops herself on a stool at the empty soda counter, and proceeds to reel Ethan into her summer plans. Juniper is an outcast in town too. She lives with her great-aunt. Her bright red curly hair sets her apart from most of the town folks. They barely tolerate her. She is bright and fearless in describing all the things that she wants to accomplish during this Invincible Summer. She eventually reels Ethan into her schemes and they spend lots of time together as Juniper shows Ethan all the things that she loves about her town.
All the while, Ethan struggles with what it means to be Black in this narrow-minded town. His black mother grew up in Alabama. However, she has been gone for years. He is unprepared for all the questions, fears and dangers that come with being a Black kid in this town. After Ethan was bullied and threatened by some older teenagers, a sense of dread that pervaded the book. However, the suspense level was just right. The suspense pulled me along. I wanted to see how Ethan and Juniper would navigate each subsequent situation.
And that --- as they say --- is that. I am not going to talk any more about the plot. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today. This coming of age story is resolved in a way I did not anticipate. It was a bit of a tearjerker at the end. The pace of the book is well measures. The story always felt believable and not exaggerated. Ethan and Juniper are such wonderful characters. I am thrilled that I got to meet them and join their journey for a little while.
I would recommend this book to everyone, with no qualifiers as to preferred reading genre. This is a fabulous book. Everyone should read it. Brava, Ms. McQueen!
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Wattpad Books; and the author, Daven McQueen for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
July 3, 2020:
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is a bittersweet summer tale that perfectly travels through a newfound friendship and brings happiness under the sun while painting an atmosphere of anxiety and fear in response to narrow-minded racists in a small town—an obvious backdrop for the historical fiction that this book is but also a relevant theme in today's society.
This read can be emotionally drenching because the good and the bad, both demands a lot and the readers shouldn't be shying away from feeling it all. The writing went overboard at some places but considering what it aims for, there's nothing to complain. A YA contemporary that strongly paints the evident racism and compels empathy to follow, it can be anyone's next best read.
May 19, 2020: I have found some amazing books through Wattpad and this is one such YA story. While historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, I've always given my heart to the few HFs I do read, and this one promises an ownvoices biracial representation during an era that didn't understand diversity. Super excited to read a published version. Thank you, Wattpad Books for a digital copy via Edelweiss!
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is a bittersweet summer tale that perfectly travels through a newfound friendship and brings happiness under the sun while painting an atmosphere of anxiety and fear in response to narrow-minded racists in a small town—an obvious backdrop for the historical fiction that this book is but also a relevant theme in today's society.
This read can be emotionally drenching because the good and the bad, both demands a lot and the readers shouldn't be shying away from feeling it all. The writing went overboard at some places but considering what it aims for, there's nothing to complain. A YA contemporary that strongly paints the evident racism and compels empathy to follow, it can be anyone's next best read.
May 19, 2020: I have found some amazing books through Wattpad and this is one such YA story. While historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, I've always given my heart to the few HFs I do read, and this one promises an ownvoices biracial representation during an era that didn't understand diversity. Super excited to read a published version. Thank you, Wattpad Books for a digital copy via Edelweiss!
September 12, 2020
What a wonderful book! Memorable, heart-breaking and enlightening. I think it's one of the best books I have ever read. A novel that should be mandatory in every school all over the world because racism, unfortunately, is universal. Although it is set almost seventy years ago, some of the situations depicted in the book are still common in many places and the way some people think hasn't changed much.
This is a story about friendship, love, hate and what it means to have a different skin colour in a narrow-minded society.
Juniper Jones a cheerful girl who thinks root beer floats are the best drinks known to man makes friends with the new boy in town who believes that he can't walk down the street without feeling like every single person wants to point a gun hat his head and pull the trigger because of the colour of his skin. Together they spend an invincible summer, probably the best and worst summer of their lives.
I recommend this book to people who have never suffered racism, people who think that it no longer happens or that it will never happen to them because it is a real eye-opener and when you read about the monsters in white you will feel they are coming for you too no matter what colour you are.
www.theleisurediaries.blosgpot.com
This is a story about friendship, love, hate and what it means to have a different skin colour in a narrow-minded society.
Juniper Jones a cheerful girl who thinks root beer floats are the best drinks known to man makes friends with the new boy in town who believes that he can't walk down the street without feeling like every single person wants to point a gun hat his head and pull the trigger because of the colour of his skin. Together they spend an invincible summer, probably the best and worst summer of their lives.
I recommend this book to people who have never suffered racism, people who think that it no longer happens or that it will never happen to them because it is a real eye-opener and when you read about the monsters in white you will feel they are coming for you too no matter what colour you are.
www.theleisurediaries.blosgpot.com
June 16, 2020
ARC provided by Wattpad Books and Daven McQueen via NetGalley. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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"She hit him in the best way, like a rainstorm after five years of drought, healing the parched earth with a gentle touch; and in the worst way, like an unexpected earthquake, leaving dust and debris in her wake. She was, in equal parts, a gift and a natural disaster."
06-16: I suppose there's some irony in the fact that as I worked to catch up on my scheduled reads, 'The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones' by Daven McQueen, happened to come up at such a critical moment in history.
If you know me, you know that since I like to read as near to release date as possible.. by the time I get to most of my reads, I no longer remember the synopsis. I like beginning a story with a fresh set of eyes and no presumptions.. just letting it unfold as I make my way through it.
In hindsight, I vaguely remember being concerned about requesting it because I've only read one Wattpad writer and that was less than a great experience. McQueen has certainly shown me the level of skill in that community is diverse, however.. as this is a well-sculpted story, full of heart and tempered with sadness.
"All of this really fits in the trees?"
"Of course.."
"..I told you: it's magic."
The story revolves around a sixteen-year-old boy named Ethan Harper, the son of a biracial couple, in the summer of 1955. His father decides that it seems like a solid idea for Ethan to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle in smalltown Alabama, where the majority of the residents are filled with ignorant prejudices and disapproval for anyone they don't feel 'blends in.'
Having come from a city in Washington, Ethan is already miserable just dealing with the sudden isolation. He doesn't know his aunt and uncle and they don't seem welcoming either. He's got nothing but a few comic books and some records to attempt to make the place feel like home, and he's expected to work at his uncle's malt shop to earn his keep. He has a relatively innocent perspective which comes to a screeching halt in Ellison.
During one of his lonely morning shifts, in comes Juniper Jones. She's wildly creative and full of life.. a veritable force of nature.. and she decides upon meeting him that they're going to be best friends and have an invincible summer adventure together.
"Trying doesn't make me feel safe here. And I guess I just think there's only so much trying you all can do. There are some things about me and my life that you'll never understand."
What develops between them is a beautiful, sometimes complicated relationship. While the townspeople leer at him, making horrendous comments about his presence and the neighborhood bullies do their best to torment him, she's busy trying to counter all that with as much kindness and warmth as she can muster.
It's important to note, I think.. that there is indication he isn't targeted as openly as someone who lived in the town before him. Both due to his familial history with the town and his lighter skin tone, it's stated that he isn't made to suffer as much as he might otherwise, but what he does suffer is horrible.
Overall, it's a story with plenty of joy and plenty of darkness. There's grief and sorrow. There's a sea of hate threatening to drown Ethan and even those who mean well, who seem to care.. don't really understand, which means they screw up too. There are definitely times that either well-meaning uninformed intentions or just plain ignorance to what it's like to be black, end up causing him pain too. I think the truth of their journey would have ended differently, but that's a tragedy real people are living with everyday.
"..while I don't love the idea of you getting into fights... sometimes you need to be angry. A lot of the time, these days, you need to be angry."
Honestly, there are a ton of sad stories like this, more devastating stories than the one found in this book.. actual experiences stretching back through generations. Unfortunately, this kind of thing isn't a rare occurence at all. It's still everywhere. As a society, we like to turn our heads and pretend everything is okay, but we're far from okay and that should be pretty apparent across the world right now.
If you read this book.. I recommend it.. I hope you take a couple of things away with you. One.. no matter how much you think you comprehend of the reality someone else is living, unless you've lived it too.. you actually don't understand. And two, sometimes anger is not only justified.. it's necessary.
PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | WATERSTONES
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06-15: Hoping to finish this up today.
06-14: Hit the halfway mark today around other projects. There's beauty here too, with the ugliness.
06-13: Only 20% in and already the story is both sad and infuriating. I have a feeling both will be worse by the time it's done.
06-12: I'm a bit behind on my non-deadline scheduled reads, so I'm just getting to this one today.
February 9, 2021
“ Ethan remembered what his mother said, about how black kids were never allowed to be innocent. And yet he had been, for a time. Aunt Cara said she wished her brother had never sent him to Ellison – and he knew that things would’ve been much easier if that had been the case. But now, at least,he could see the world for what it was. He could see himself for who he was. And maybe, in time, he’d learn to look in the mirror and see his blackness as a precious gift.”
This book broke my heart into a million pieces and made me so damn angry. It also made me vow to be a better ally and advocate and to speak up and speak louder.
This book is technically YA but everyone should read it. It’s a beautiful and deeply sad story and I’m better for having read it.
This book broke my heart into a million pieces and made me so damn angry. It also made me vow to be a better ally and advocate and to speak up and speak louder.
This book is technically YA but everyone should read it. It’s a beautiful and deeply sad story and I’m better for having read it.
July 29, 2020
I rarely cry at books. I can think of less than a handful that have provoked tears but this one had me snivelling. I didn't predict the ending (which was so refreshing, as someone who always seems to figure out which way a story is going) and it punched me in the gut. This is a tight, powerful, lyrical book that had me clenching my fists in anger and crying with devastation, amidst getting totally lost in the richly imagined setting. Some books are just words on a page, but some books take you right to the place they're describing, and this is one of those. I could see and feel every location described; I could see Ethan and Juniper and I could feel their light in a dark world.
May 18, 2020
I loved this book. It was beautifully constructed it was incredible from beginning to end. Juniper was such an endearing character, and her positivity was magnetic throughout the story.
This book is full of powerful messages about race and how we see the world. Definitely a tear jerker, but well worth the water works. Highly, recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and Wattpad Books for the opportunity to review this arc in exchange of an honest review.
This book is full of powerful messages about race and how we see the world. Definitely a tear jerker, but well worth the water works. Highly, recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and Wattpad Books for the opportunity to review this arc in exchange of an honest review.
June 12, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks also to the FFBC for including me on the blog tour for this book! 4.5 stars rounded up.
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones… What do I even say? This is not an easy book to swallow or digest! I’m not going to lie, I read the majority of this book with one of those ‘movie intro’ voice overs (along the lines of Morgan Freeman’s soothing voice) narrating in my head because from the word go this book literally played out like a movie in my head (a la My Girl, Forrest Gump etc.).
I knew that this book would affect me but what I didn’t expect was how much. From the opening notes by the author to the final pages as Ethan gets his ‘closure’, this book is tough. I’m pretty sure I cried through 80% of it not only because it was such an emotionally heavy read, but also because of how relevant it is at this moment. There has been so much hurt, anger, sadness and frustrated energy that has been projected globally after the death of George Floyd, and the following protests and riots; so maybe that has influenced my reading experience. Although I’ll say that as an emotional reader I’m quite sure I still would’ve ended up crying for a good chunk of this book even with none of what’s happening right now.
First, I want to touch on the writing. There were points when the writing did get a bit too purple but overall, it was very atmospheric and beautifully descriptive. I loved how McQueen described certain things (whether objects, surroundings or people) in ways that I would’ve never imagined but I was still able to so easily call these images to mind and picture it unfolding before me. McQueen manages to bring the hot and sticky summer days in Alabama to life and it felt as if I was there in the heat with Ethan and Juniper, adventuring through a quiet town surrounded by trees with a lake in the middle. Despite the fear that dogs Ethan’s summer in Ellison, there was a certain childhood whimsy to the ‘invincible summer adventures’ between the two that really warmed my heart and made me nostalgic. At the same time, I felt the underlying current of dread that kept me on my metaphorical toes while reading as I waited for the other shoe to drop, and it made me want to stop reading but also keep reading at the same time!
I loved Ethan and Juniper. I felt so much for both of them being the outcasts in this small middle-of-nowhere town full of racists and small-minds. They both experience such growth over the course of a summer and it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I don’t have adequate words to express how horrifying and devastating it was to read Ethan’s innocence be so quickly and completely swept away as the days passed in Ellison. I can’t imagine having to deal with that level of anxiety and fear at such a young age for just being who you are; because of the colour of your skin. I was flabbergasted that Ethan’s father, who(‘s white and) grew up there and knew what the people are like, could even think to send his biracial son there. So much wilful ignorance and it boils my blood! Like many YA novels, this book has the ‘missing parent’ syndrome, although Ethan’s aunt and uncle were more-or-less present they didn’t have a big role, but I wished that Ethan’s parents were more visible; especially his mother as it would’ve given the book more depth/strength.
On the other hand, Juniper was… a breath of fresh air. She was a total whirlwind and brought so much life to the page that her character seemed almost real in front of me. She “marches to the beat of her own drum” and you can sense she has experienced a lot of her own suffering, yet those differences makes her more understanding and accepting of others. She was by no means perfect and even made some painful mistakes, but she really tried her best in the way she knew how and ended up being a very headstrong and wonderfully supportive friend to Ethan. I’m quite sure we could all benefit from having a Juniper Jones in our lives! I do wish we learned more about her backstory but I do understand why we didn’t. *Gah, so many emotions!*
When the story opened with Ethan in 2015, I thought I knew where we were headed and who he was originally talking about but… wow, I was so wrong? Maybe I was naive to think that nothing worse could happen but that ‘twist’ in the story sprung up on me and left me gasping! I just…oh my days. I think what’s the most painful to realise is that despite this being a historical fiction, it’s evident that not all that much has changed. As a POC, I have experienced instances of racism from when I lived in Australia and the UK but never to the extent that I’ve had to fear for my life because of the colour of my skin; and it’s upsetting to say that that in itself is a privilege because it shouldn’t be.
I’m not sure what else to say. This book couldn’t be more relevant right now and I think it contributes well to the discussion of how deeply racism is rooted in society and how privilege is there whether you want it, acknowledge it, accept it or not. The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is well-written and although the subject matter is complex and difficult to digest, it’s accessible. I’m so glad that I read this book and I’ve already pre-ordered it to for my physical shelves!
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones… What do I even say? This is not an easy book to swallow or digest! I’m not going to lie, I read the majority of this book with one of those ‘movie intro’ voice overs (along the lines of Morgan Freeman’s soothing voice) narrating in my head because from the word go this book literally played out like a movie in my head (a la My Girl, Forrest Gump etc.).
I knew that this book would affect me but what I didn’t expect was how much. From the opening notes by the author to the final pages as Ethan gets his ‘closure’, this book is tough. I’m pretty sure I cried through 80% of it not only because it was such an emotionally heavy read, but also because of how relevant it is at this moment. There has been so much hurt, anger, sadness and frustrated energy that has been projected globally after the death of George Floyd, and the following protests and riots; so maybe that has influenced my reading experience. Although I’ll say that as an emotional reader I’m quite sure I still would’ve ended up crying for a good chunk of this book even with none of what’s happening right now.
First, I want to touch on the writing. There were points when the writing did get a bit too purple but overall, it was very atmospheric and beautifully descriptive. I loved how McQueen described certain things (whether objects, surroundings or people) in ways that I would’ve never imagined but I was still able to so easily call these images to mind and picture it unfolding before me. McQueen manages to bring the hot and sticky summer days in Alabama to life and it felt as if I was there in the heat with Ethan and Juniper, adventuring through a quiet town surrounded by trees with a lake in the middle. Despite the fear that dogs Ethan’s summer in Ellison, there was a certain childhood whimsy to the ‘invincible summer adventures’ between the two that really warmed my heart and made me nostalgic. At the same time, I felt the underlying current of dread that kept me on my metaphorical toes while reading as I waited for the other shoe to drop, and it made me want to stop reading but also keep reading at the same time!
I loved Ethan and Juniper. I felt so much for both of them being the outcasts in this small middle-of-nowhere town full of racists and small-minds. They both experience such growth over the course of a summer and it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I don’t have adequate words to express how horrifying and devastating it was to read Ethan’s innocence be so quickly and completely swept away as the days passed in Ellison. I can’t imagine having to deal with that level of anxiety and fear at such a young age for just being who you are; because of the colour of your skin. I was flabbergasted that Ethan’s father, who(‘s white and) grew up there and knew what the people are like, could even think to send his biracial son there. So much wilful ignorance and it boils my blood! Like many YA novels, this book has the ‘missing parent’ syndrome, although Ethan’s aunt and uncle were more-or-less present they didn’t have a big role, but I wished that Ethan’s parents were more visible; especially his mother as it would’ve given the book more depth/strength.
On the other hand, Juniper was… a breath of fresh air. She was a total whirlwind and brought so much life to the page that her character seemed almost real in front of me. She “marches to the beat of her own drum” and you can sense she has experienced a lot of her own suffering, yet those differences makes her more understanding and accepting of others. She was by no means perfect and even made some painful mistakes, but she really tried her best in the way she knew how and ended up being a very headstrong and wonderfully supportive friend to Ethan. I’m quite sure we could all benefit from having a Juniper Jones in our lives! I do wish we learned more about her backstory but I do understand why we didn’t. *Gah, so many emotions!*
When the story opened with Ethan in 2015, I thought I knew where we were headed and who he was originally talking about but… wow, I was so wrong? Maybe I was naive to think that nothing worse could happen but that ‘twist’ in the story sprung up on me and left me gasping! I just…oh my days. I think what’s the most painful to realise is that despite this being a historical fiction, it’s evident that not all that much has changed. As a POC, I have experienced instances of racism from when I lived in Australia and the UK but never to the extent that I’ve had to fear for my life because of the colour of my skin; and it’s upsetting to say that that in itself is a privilege because it shouldn’t be.
I’m not sure what else to say. This book couldn’t be more relevant right now and I think it contributes well to the discussion of how deeply racism is rooted in society and how privilege is there whether you want it, acknowledge it, accept it or not. The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is well-written and although the subject matter is complex and difficult to digest, it’s accessible. I’m so glad that I read this book and I’ve already pre-ordered it to for my physical shelves!
February 23, 2022
Wonderful debut novel, and great narration.
Full review to come....
Full review to come....
September 8, 2020
This book is incredible! It’s an intense, coming of age story set in rural Alabama in 1955.
Ethan, a biracial teen, is sent to live with his paternal aunt and uncle after getting in a fight at school after being the target of racism. Ethan’s dad, who is white, thinks a summer I’m his hometown is just what Ethan needs to set him straight.
The adjustment of life in Acadia, Washington to the Ellison, Alabama where laws to keep whites and Blacks separate were the norm and the KKK ruled through force and violence.
Ethan forms an unlikely friendship with the eccentric Juniper Jones. Over their summer of adventures, their friendship depends and the two teenagers work through the prevalent racism, what it means to be an ally and how friends can help each other grow.
This YA novel is great for teens and adults.
There is some difficult subject matter including racism, lynching, violence from racism, and a look at laws that prevented Blacks from being treated equally and interracial marriage.
Highly recommend.
Ethan, a biracial teen, is sent to live with his paternal aunt and uncle after getting in a fight at school after being the target of racism. Ethan’s dad, who is white, thinks a summer I’m his hometown is just what Ethan needs to set him straight.
The adjustment of life in Acadia, Washington to the Ellison, Alabama where laws to keep whites and Blacks separate were the norm and the KKK ruled through force and violence.
Ethan forms an unlikely friendship with the eccentric Juniper Jones. Over their summer of adventures, their friendship depends and the two teenagers work through the prevalent racism, what it means to be an ally and how friends can help each other grow.
This YA novel is great for teens and adults.
There is some difficult subject matter including racism, lynching, violence from racism, and a look at laws that prevented Blacks from being treated equally and interracial marriage.
Highly recommend.
August 26, 2021
OH MY HEART!!!!! Read this one!!!
February 3, 2022
WOW!!!! It’s going to take a while to get over this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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