Member Reviews

A very sweet and quick read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It was very much a slice of life book.

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What a sweet, wonderful story! I ended up buying a set and using it for a group discussion book. I loved the characters. I loved the setting. Perfect for booklovers and an easy read.

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This is a sweet and simple story that centers around the Wind and a Chair Used book shop where her mother works. Nothing huge happens in this story... the reader follows Flora as she navigates life changes during her 4th grade year. I think this will be good for younger readers but, honestly, nothing huge happens in this story. But, maybe that is a good thing!

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I enjoyed the diversity in the characters. It reminded me a lot of my youth. I spotted several teachable moments for kids reading this story. I liked how the author tackled the divorce of the Flora's parents. I will recommend this book to my school librarian.Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC of this title via NetGalley.

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Cannot open file. If it were a Kindle supported file, I could have; as is, the encrypted PDFs do not open.

Would have loved to review it but no luck on the document! :(

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This was far too saccharine and idyllic for my cold heart. Flora is a 9-year-old in Rosetown, Indiana in 1972. Her parents have recently separated, and her old dog has recently died, but for the most part, life is good. Flora has a new cat, a new good friend from Ukraine named Yury (who has a new puppy), and a best friend named Nessy (who has a new bird). Flora loves to read and to spend time in the used-books store where her mother works part time. Her parents’ separation is the most amicable one in the history of the world. Nothing much happens in this quiet book: Flora and Nessy begin piano lessons, Yury tries scrabble club, Flora discovers that encyclopedias are fun to look through (which is true). I did like that Flora was such a sensitive and observant child, but everything--including the dialogue--is just too sweet for my taste.

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A beautifully written and touching story about a young girl and a year in her life living in a small town in Indiana. It filled a space of warmth and nostalgia in my heart as a Midwesterner with roots in a small town. I thought the story was well written with very visceral parts. I thought the moments of growth and character development were perfectly written for young readers.

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This slice of life story feels like a warm hug! ILovely writing and kind characters. What a great book that will appeal to readers looking for something wholesome and peaceful.

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I have always adored Cynthia Rylant's works. This one did not disappoint either. I think it will really hit home with any children who have separated or divorced parents. Flora is such a great character and I really liked all the hobbies she was experimenting with to find what really suited her. A beautifully written feel good story that takes place in 1975, Rosewood, Indiana about 3 friends, growing up, coming together, and loving life.

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