Shine {Review}

In our house, we fight over Chris Grabenstein books.  From The Island of Dr. Libris to the Mr. Lemoncello series, we rotate the books between my 7 year old and 11 year olds... and Mom makes sure she gets her turn as well.

His latest book, Shine!, written with wife J.J. Grabenstein, tells the story of twelve year old Piper who is more than happy to blend in.  When it comes to shining, Piper is often in the background, supporting her father and friends.  But when his new job lands them both in Chummy Prep, and a unique honor is being offered, Piper finds that she is more anxious to stand out.  Shine! is a book about being, becoming, and the trials and triumphs of middle school.

Like I said, we love Chris Grabenstein books.  So when he wrote this book with wife, J.J. Grabenstein, we were more than anxious to read it.  Shine! felt different than some of Grabenstein's books that we've read previously.  But different isn't always bad.  While I didn't feel that Shine! was as in-depth as the Mr. Lemoncello series, it does address the awkward middle school stage with a lot of grace and humor.  The authors write a young Piper that struggles with identity, but always remains true to her friends, even showing sympathy for the classic mean girl.  For reading level, this book is fit for 3-4th graders, but as far as the middle school struggles, I would recommend this book for 5-6th graders, walking through the transition themselves.  Quick, sweet, and inspiration, I am happy to have my own daughter reading this one.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from he publisher.  All opinions are my own.