Review: Wish on all the Stars

* Sequel to See You on a Starry Night *

Juliet is settling in to her new town. She's happy to have friends, but she misses her old life - mostly her dad and her best friend. But there are perks to her new town too - the beach, her friends, the ice cream shop, the bookmobile, and the Starry Beach Club. The club tries to help make wishes for others come true.

When Juliet and her friends hear that the bookmobile might be closing, they're devastated. They come up with a plan to stop it from happening. But nothing seems to be working.

Finally they come up with a brilliant idea - a craft fair. Emma and Carmen want Juliet to sell her paintings. The idea makes Juliet nervous. What if no one buys them? What if everyone hates them?

Carmen has a secret that she's holding on to tightly. When she finally reveals it, Juliet feels guilty for her own feelings. Can she summon her bravery and help Carmen feel better, let go of her insecurities about her art, and find a way to help save the bookmobile?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this sequel; I liked spending more time with these characters. I loved getting to know Carmen more. I felt so sad for her and her family and for their fears of deportation. I wish we could change things to make the world safe for everyone.  But there isn't any easy answers, which comes across in the story. 

I love how the girls came together to try to save the bookmobile. I liked their arts and crafts fair - it sounded great. I love how Juliet overcame her shyness about her art work and gave herself a chance. I loved the support from her friends and her family to help her overcome that shyness. I'm glad things are improving with her family and the outcome from the divorce. 

Yet another great story from Lisa Schroeder. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries.

Books and Treats (10)

A new blog idea inspired by Andi @ http://andiabcs.com/2014/08/01/pub-date-1/ with the Pub Date where a few bloggers share book and beer pair ups.  Andi states that the idea is the brain child of Brittany at The Book Addict’s Guide.

Early this summer, I read two amazing books that put me in the mood for ice cream!

In Stay Sweet, Amelia runs an ice cream stand for the summer - until a wrench is thrown into her plans. 

In See You on a Starry Night, Juliet moves to a beach town where she befriends a girl whose family owns an ice cream shop. They enjoy mixing flavors.

I'm from Vermont, so I'm a Ben and Jerry's girl, but I don't mind trying new ice cream places!

Photo Credit: https://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/free-cone-day

Review: See You on a Starry Night

Juliet's parents are getting a divorce; she's moved with her mother and her sister to a beach town. Right off she meets Emma; the two girls become instant best friends. Emma's writing a message in a bottle and throwing it into the ocean. She has an extra bottle for Juliet.

It isn't long before Juliet receives a message - one from someone who's gotten her bottle. The email asks if she wants to join a club - a club that grants wishes for people.

Juliet and Emma can't wait to make someone's dream come true - but who can they help? It can't be just a simple wish. Focusing on someone else's happiness allows Juliet's mind to focus on something other than her unhappiness.

My Thoughts: I really love this book. I loved how Emma and Juliet became friends. I adored Emma's family - they were large and loud and wonderful. I loved their interaction - from their chore list to their helping people out. I really loved their ice cream shop. I wanted to eat ice cream along with the girls. I adored the bookmobile and the couple who ran it. I enjoyed the small town charm and how everyone knows everyone else (and their business). I loved the Starry Night Club. What a wonderful way to spread kindness and good cheer. I loved how the girls searched for people to help - even just little moments of kindness. We could all use a little more kindness. And a little kindness goes a long way. I too have paintings I'd like to live in. I felt bad for Juliet and her family - how sad they were at the changes in their lives. But sometimes change is for the best; this might be one of those times. While it doesn't take place in the summer, it has a summer novel feel with plenty of tugs at the heartstring, family and friendship drama, and hope. Another winner of a middle grade novel for Lisa Schroeder. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: This book comes out tomorrow, so you don't have a long wait!
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries - because it's good and for the kindness club!