The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen is a simple, remarkable book, filled with complex situations, issues and emotions that stick around long after the book has been closed. As I read it, I kept thinking of To Kill A Mockingbird. It had that same sort of vibe - the innocence, the growing awareness, the coming of age in an age where color mattered more than character, and, of course, the strength of character and moral conviction..

Set in 1955, the story revolves around Ethan Charlie Harper, the teenage son of a White father and a Black mother, who is sent to his father's hometown of Elllis, AL for the summer to gain some "character" - and by character his father apparently means Ethan needs to be put in his place as a Black man in a White world.

Yeah. The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is intense, but not in a militant way or a preaching way, but in a gentle unfolding - again, I'm reminded of TKAMB.

In Ellis, Ethan is befriended by Juniper Jones, a 14-year old local girl who is eccentric and honest and overflowing with life. She is also an old soul who understands the situation Ethan finds himself in better than he does himself, at times. Juniper's goal is to have one invincible summer, and she convinces Ethan to join her.

The writing is perfect for the story and for the characters. Not flamboyant or showy or even sophisticated. The simplicity and authenticity of the writing and pacing allow the reader to fully and emotionally experience events along with the characters without being distracted.

And, make no mistake, this is an emotional ride.

There are a few books I keep around and reread every so often, and The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones
by Daven McQueen has been added to that list.

This review is based on an advance copy read.

Bad news comes in the mail. His granddaughter was rejected her favorite college and he was picked for jury duty. There is also a funeral in a town Ethan stayed in . Juniper Jones comes into his life and changed everything with her bright hair.Ethan had been sent to Ellison to stay with his aunt for punching someone in the face.Ethan had twin siblings Anthony and Sadie. He works in his uncle's malt shop in the mornings. He had to get use to living in the south and the racism. Ethan is not excited when he first meets juniper.

A beautiful story of friendship, with a really strong message, and still a topic very important today.

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones makes you stop and think... about family, relationships, race, and racism. While set in the 1950s, the story line could easily be transposed into current times with only a few tweaks. When Ethan is sent to live with his aunt and uncle, he doesn't truly understand the impact the color of his skin will have on what happens in Alabama. No one has talked to him about race in America. He is shocked to learn of the laws in 1950s Alabama and what it means for how people in the small town will treat him.

He makes a friend in Juniper Jones when she, as another outcast in town, decides she wants a friend and Ethan it will be! They have their struggles, but their friendship sees them through some rough patches that summer. Juniper makes sure that Ethan sees the good things in her town. She's there for him during some tough decisions and events in his life.

While the ending was not what I was expecting, I think it brings more meaning to the story.

Thank you to Wattpad Books and NetGalley for a free Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

***TRIGGER***
racism, death, bullying

It's 2015 when Ethan receives a letter that brings him back to the summer he spent in Ellison, Alabama, 60 years earlier. The story picks up in 1955, before returning to 2015 for the last part of the book. With the story being bookended in the present, with the tale of the past in the middle, it made the book feel very cinematic. Throughout the entire story, I could picture every scene as if it was a movie. 

The friendship between Ethan and Juniper was just lovely. It's rare to read about such a strong boy/girl friendship that never moves into romance. Juniper was so special, even though no one in town could see it except for Ethan and his family. She accepted Ethan, no questions asked. She saw the good in everyone, even people who didn't deserve it. 

I can't speak as to how this dealt with racism, especially Alabama in the 50's, but from things that I have seen and read, this seemed to be pretty spot on. The writing was very strong. I'm excited to read more from Daven McQueen. 

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a book that I didn't know I needed. Juniper Jones spends the summer trying to make Ethan feel welcomed in a racist town in Alabama during the 1950s. Ethan doesn't just face the struggle of being biracial, he is now challenged with racism firsthand. Everyone should read this book, especially studies. They should be able to build empathy and understanding of what some people in America have had to endure then (and even now). This book will definitely make its way into my classroom. I would rate this book 10 stars if I could.

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones was a historical fiction novel the takes place in the mid 1950’s and is about a young man of mixed race forced to spend his summer in the South. This was during a time of segregation and blatant racism. Ethan has some terrifying and horrible experiences, but yet he is able to make a long lasting friendship. At the beginning of his torturous summer, he makes an unusual friend in Juniper Jones. She is white, has red hair and blue eyes, she is also seen as out of place in this very small town. They spend the summer going on many outrageous adventures and make an everlasting bond and friendship, even though their friendship is not seen as acceptable amongst many townspeople. The descriptions of Juniper are just so vibrant and colorful, she is a character that literally jumps off the page at you. The descriptions of the town and all the places where Ethan and Juniper visit are so descriptive, the writing makes it very easy to visualize a summer in Alabama. Being a child of a mixed race couple, I can relate to some Ethan’s feelings of not quite knowing where you belong. Although I am sure it was much more difficult in the 1950’s. This book is a wonderful historical fiction novel for any middle schooler and mature elementary school readers.

Ethan is sent to his father's hometown to live with his aunt as punishment for fighting at school. His father, a white man, believes that the South will teach Ethan some "Southern Manners." However, Ethan looks like his mother who is black. Ethan world is turned upside down, when this small 1950s town believes he doesn't belong there. Throughout the summer, Ethan quickly realizes what it means to be black man growing up in America as well as what true friendship is when he meets, Juniper.

Juniper and Ethan set out to have the best summer ever that takes them on a journey that neither are truly prepared for. This heartwarming story embraces the complexities of race in the 1950s as well as the 2010s, and explores different perspectives of race and racism. All of this wrapped up in a beautiful story of two kids who just want to have the best summer of their lives.

I highly recommend that everyone read this book because it allows people to view the world beyond a narrow gaze.

3.5 Stars

When Ethan Harper receives news of a funeral taking place in Ellison, Alabama, he is taken on a journey down memory lane to a summer 60 years ago when he first met Juniper Jones.

The majority of this book is set in 1955 Alabama with just the first and last chapters being set in the present. Ethan is a biracial protagonist who has faced micro-aggressions as a result of the colour of his skin since elementary school however it is not until he is forced to spend the summer with his Aunt and Uncle in rural Alabama that he comes face-to-face with the true scale of the institutionalised racism that exists within America.

Juniper Jones is a Manic Pixie Dream Girl who befriends Ethan and together they set out to have an invincible summer together.

Throughout the course of the story, there is mention of PoC living in Ellison previously and that they were "dealt with" however it is not until towards the end of the book that the full story is revealed. There is a growing sense of unease throughout the book as Ethan continues to be stigmatised and the reader knows that something bad is about to happen.

I found this book really compelling throughout however I wasn't keen on the ending. This is very much a personal preference but I just didn't enjoy the direction that the story went in.

This book will likely be a hint with fans of Looking For Alaska and The Hate U Give.

I actually really did enjoy this story. I felt like the characters were endearing and even though the story takes place in the past--they were very relatable.


My issue is that the writing was a little off for me. I felt like this was more middle-grade and the writing reflected that.


But, I was able to finish the story because of the characters. They were charming and I had to stay with them to the end.


This story could be a bit frustrating at times because of the adversity presented. It is honestly frustrating that the world is full of people represented in this story. Poor Ethan Harper. I felt for him so much.


Even though the writing was difficult for me at times, I still feel like this is a story that needs to be experienced.


This review will be available at the given link on 5/11/20.

I was very interested in this title, but despite successful download, this ebook would not load to my e-reader. It added to my shelf, and I was able to click into it, but no words ever appeared despite major wait time and multiple tries. I was unable to read it, so I am unable to review it at this time. I hope to be able to read it at some point in the future.

Set in 1955, THE INVINCIBLE SUMMER OF JUNIPER JONES is a heartbreaking story that will stay with me for a long time. It is a coming of age adventure that touches the bond of friendship and family but also the suffering of racism.
I have to say that it is probably one of the most beautiful books I read in a long time. I am sobbing as I just reached the end. It is one incredible book about a summer that changed so many lives.
This book will remind you a lot of childhood and innocence but it will rip your heart out showing the cruelty of small minded people. Being black in a world of white people meant that you were an outcast, had no rights and sitting in the back of the bus or being able to watch a movie in a negro area were considered privileges one should be grateful for

Imagine wandering the streets of Alabama, a bit bummed to be stuck a summer in the sleepy old town where your dad grew up... until people start giving you strange looks (fear? anger? disgust), whispering (or not so much) behind your back, and tormenting you; all because of your parents' backgrounds. Ethan has always been aware of how he is considered an "other" and treated differently, but the racism he faces head-on is heartbreaking. Luckily, Juniper has chosen him as her companion on an invincible summer, giving a great confidante and friend while dealing with the sentiments of the South during 1955.

The descriptive imagery, internal conflict, and believable character personalities bring this book to life. I felt like I was in the ice cream parlor with Starfish and Ethan, gasping at some of their injustices faced. I see this as a title that can be added to many curriculum that explore themes of the United States Black experience, racial discrimination, and social injustice. I plan on having my students read this book.

Thank you for the ARC, #NetGalley.

This book had all the summertime warmth and glory of a Calvin and Hobbes adventure, paired with incredible depth and maturity. Ethan is a bi-racial teen who is sent to live for the summer of 1955 with his aunt and uncle in Ellison, Alabama. There he meets a wild and wonderful girl named Juniper Jones who is the first person in town that doesn't treat him like some kind of monster. She decides they are best friends and will have an invincible summer. In between bike rides through the forest and rolling down Alligator Hill, they confront the racism inherent in small town Alabama, and Ethan copes with accepting the Black half of his identity.

I love the way the allies and advocates are portrayed in this book. They are not perfect. Juniper struggles to confront racist attitudes in her family. His aunt and uncle at first barely see Ethan as a person. However, these people confront their own biases, make amends, and do better. They also admit that they will never understand the Black experience because they are "safe in their skin" but that they will love and protect Ethan.

This book will make you crave a rootbeer float on a hot summer day, horrify you with bullies and racists, break your heart and help you heal again. I'm pretty sure everyone should read this book.

"Sometimes, content like this is kept away from teens and young readers because it might be hard to handle. It is hard to handle. But even though this book is fiction, antiblackness is an undeniable reality."

From the author's note to the end of the book, this is an intense and difficult read. But like Daven McQueen says: it is hard to handle. It's supposed to be difficult, and never once do you forget that; even in the softest, sweetest moments of the narrative, you feel yourself tense and taut, waiting for the next moment that will rip you to shreds. The portrait of a young black kid in Jim Crow south is unflinching and honest, and too much of Ethan's experiences continue into modern day; too often people believe since we no longer live under Jim Crow laws that things are better, but they aren't. This is a book about resilience and friendship and resistance and the desire to be even when the world doesn't want you to be. It's well-written and full of depth and characters that are so real and vibrant. It's so important, beautiful, and forever relevant.

This book ripped my heart out! I really enjoyed reading it, but I did think the end was a bit predictable.

Ethan and Juniper were such a fantastic duo! They seemed to be polar opposites, but created an unbreakable bond because they were both outcasts in the tiny town. I love how the author created characters who were so multidimensional. Both Ethan and Juniper maintained a childlike innocence, especially when it came to their adventures, but also showed maturity and courage when dealing with the racism that Ethan faced.

I appreciated the way the racism in the story was handled in a way that made it appropriate for it's target audience: young adults. The author didn't shy away from the use of the n-word (two or three times) which is touchy, but sadly, a part of American history. I think this book is being released at a perfect time and would be a great tool for middle school or high school teachers to use when discussing the racial issues of the past and the present.

I'm a bit undecided about this book. The contents is so important and I think it talks about issues surrounding discrimination and racism very well in what I believe to be a very accurate way. It is nice to see young adult books talking about such important issues. The commentary also takes an interesting approach by acknowledging the struggles of white people, even those in family, to understand the experience of those discriminated against. The idea that they are sometimes unconsciously treating Ethan differently is an important one and I really enjoyed the development of the relationship with his Aunt and Uncle. It really made me think but I just wish these went a further developing the relationship than it did, rather than being more in the background.

One thing that I didn't quite find believable was that his own father would send him to a place where he knew he was going to be discriminated against. Ignorance sure, but to his own son.....pretending something is not happening and practically throwing your son into the crossfire does not seem the same to me. Perhaps, if his intentions were fleshed out a little more this would be more believable.

There are lots of tigger warnings for this book including the contemplation of suicide. This is only for one moment in the book and I feel like the gravity of Ethan's thoughts were not really addressed anywhere else in the book. I would have liked this to be mentioned/addressed further.

On a more positive note I enjoyed the friendship between Juniper and Ethan which had a childish playfulness that was exactly what both this book and Ethan needed. So, overall I am giving the book a 2.5* meaning that I liked it but I did have some problems with it.

I will post a review on my blog closer to the release date.

I received a copy of this book from @netgalley and @wattpadbooks in exchange for an honest review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ethan, age 15 has a white dad and black mom, and gets sent to spend the summer of 1955 with his aunt and uncle in Alabma after he was suspended from school. His eyes are opened to the segregation of the south while there. He meets Juniper Jones and they embark on a summer of adventures. I will be thinking about Juniper for a long time...I loved her character! This book made me smile and cry (for about the last 30 pages non-stop), and I would reccomend it to everyone. This will for sure become a part of my classroom library. Release date: June 16, 2020 #netgallery #theinvinciblesummerofjuniperjones

"The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones" is an excellent debut YA novel from Daven McQueen. Sometimes I find that YA authors force historical facts into books, but that was not the case in "Invincible Summer." There were definitely historical facts in the book, which took place in rural Alabama in 1955, but I felt like the author did a great job of weaving them into the narrative. Also, I like that the author chose to set this story in 1955 - the same year as the Emmitt Till murder and thus the birth of the Civil Rights movement. I also appreciate the brutal honesty in the narrative/McQueen's seeming refusal to make this a story to make this a story about a young black man who meets a Southern girl, they fall in love and racial tensions are forgotten. It is important that stories set in 1950s accurately portray the time period, and this book did just that. I also thought that the characters were really well-developed! Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a really excellent YA novel.

Juniper Jones is a sorrowful yet incredibly sweet quick-read to fill a warm Sunday afternoon. The author's youthful voice is deftly able to convey complex emotions and realistic racial conflicts through the eyes of a teenage boy in 1950s Alabama. A good reminder of the innocent joys of childhood friendships and the cruel realities that threaten them.