Publication Date: June 16th 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Source: Smith Publicity INC
Synopsis:
It’s the summer of 1955. For Ethan Harper, a biracial kid raised mostly by his white father, race has always been a distant conversation. When he’s sent to spend the summer with his aunt and uncle in small-town Alabama, his Blackness is suddenly front and center, and no one is shy about making it known he’s not welcome there. Except for Juniper Jones. The town’s resident oddball and free spirit, she’s everything the townspeople aren’t―open, kind, and full of acceptance.
Armed with two bikes and an unlimited supply of root beer floats, Ethan and Juniper set out to find their place in a town that’s bent on rejecting them. As Ethan is confronted for the first time by what it means to be Black in America, Juniper tries to help him see the beauty in even the ugliest reality, and that even the darkest days can give rise to an invincible summer.
Daven McQueen’s Juniper Jones is a character for all ages in this sweet coming of age story set in 1950s Alabama.
The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen ARC Review
* I would like to thank Smith Publicity INC and Wattpad Books for a copy of this book in return for an honest review*
“She hit him in the best way, like a rainstorm after five years of drought, healing the parched earth with a gentle touch; and in the worst way,like an unexpected earthquake,leaving dust and debris in her wake. She was, in equal parts, a gift and a natural disaster. Her name was Juniper Jones.”
An incredibly moving, heartbreaking, hopeful and timely YA #OwnVoices Summer Read!
I understand that I do not understand. Reading this book was exremely eye opening to the fact of how little things have actually changed in our society regarding oppression and racism. It was heartbreaking to read this book that was based in 1955 and see that so much Ethan went through, is still happening to black children and all black individuals today.
Although heartbreaking this book filled me with emotions. I was angry, frustrated, but also filled with joy and hope. McQueen weaves together a unforgettable story about a young boy discovering a part of himself, finding a beautiful friendship and having the bravery to ask some tough questions when faced with racism and discrimination.
Juniper Jones was quite the character and reminded me so much of Pippi Longstocking. She was unique and so unapologetically herself. She is not perfect and has flaws and makes mistakes, but she gives her all to stick up and protect Ethan. Ethan calls her out, but she promises try and do better and in times like we are facing today I think that is an important message, being an ally means when you make mistakes, which you probably will because no one is perfect or knows everything, but that you try to do better.
” When you trap people for hundreds of years, make their lives a living hell, they’re bound to get antsy. And furious. And so white folks think the harder they make it for us to live, the longer they’ll be able to put off a revolution.”
Juniper and her summer to do list was so much fun! She was a character full of life and tried to make everything fun and enjoyable, tried to see the best in everything and everyone. Ethan was also such a dynamic character. Growing up in a place where race was not as big of an issue, his innocence is shattered when he has to spend his summer in the deep south where segregation is still highly enforced. The relationship development with his aunt and uncle was emotional and confronting his father was hard hitting. I did find that Ethan and Juniper were written a little young. They were suppose to be 14/15 ish and came across as like 12/13ish.
Overall there were so many elements to this story that not only make it an impactful summer for Ethan, but is also an impactful read. There were parts of the book were so hard to read, it makes me want to work that much harder to be an ally. I understand my privilege has never put me in some of those situations, but no one should have to be treated like they are anything less or have their life threatened because of the color of their skin. I think this is a book everyone should pick up and read. You won’t want to miss out on these great characters and heartbreaking story.
