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A review by angiew23
J.R. Silver Writes Her World by Melissa Dassori
5.0
This middle grade fantasy tells the story of a girl named J.R. who is adjusting to a new grade, and worried about losing her best friend. Over the course of the story she learns that writing is a great way to express herself and reflect on her world and the challenges she faces. When her teacher gives her a new writing assignment and she starts to notice that the things she writes end up coming true she must learn how to use this special magical power without getting out of hand. Even though her teacher is very inspiring and supportive, she is only with the class until Christmas break and it shows the impact that teachers have on students but also emphasizes the short time we have in which to connect with our students. There is also a bit of conflict and worries around a community bookstore potentially closing that is very hard on the characters and they plan to work together to solve the problem.
I noticed other reviewers commented on the book being anticlimactic, and I would agree, in general the book is a bit slower there is not a lot of problem resolution, but I think that younger middle grade readers wont mind that too much. My grade 3s write stories with no problems or resolutions all the time, I think that for this audience group large character arcs and too many problems to resolve actually gets complicated quickly. The book also has short chapters and some black and white illustrations which is really helpful for those beginning middle grade readers who are transitioning into longer chapter books. J.R. Silver Writes Her World also covers a lot of great middle grade themes including growing independence (but still needing parents!), appropriate use of technology, friendship, standing up for what you believe in. I would definitely recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the grades 2-6 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
I noticed other reviewers commented on the book being anticlimactic, and I would agree, in general the book is a bit slower there is not a lot of problem resolution, but I think that younger middle grade readers wont mind that too much. My grade 3s write stories with no problems or resolutions all the time, I think that for this audience group large character arcs and too many problems to resolve actually gets complicated quickly. The book also has short chapters and some black and white illustrations which is really helpful for those beginning middle grade readers who are transitioning into longer chapter books. J.R. Silver Writes Her World also covers a lot of great middle grade themes including growing independence (but still needing parents!), appropriate use of technology, friendship, standing up for what you believe in. I would definitely recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the grades 2-6 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.