Book Review: Blue Skies by Anne Bustard

“Glory Bea Bennett knows that miracles happen in Gladiola, Texas, population 3,421. After all, her grandmother—the best matchmaker in the whole county—is responsible for thirty-nine of them. Now, Glory Bea needs a miracle of her own…”

Goodreads blurb for Blue Skies

Review:

I absolutely picked this book up for the cover and for the cover alone. Later glancing at the synopsis, I was excited to see it’s a historical novel. 

Glory Bea is certain that she is due for a miracle. She’s seen them happen and firmly believes she’s capable of making one happen for herself and her family after her father is ‘lost’ to the war. Now that it’s ended, she is certain her father will triumphantly return home. Miracles take time, that’s all. 

I appreciate how the book presents themes of grief and change to a middle grade audience. That said, the storytelling/voice is also very much geared toward kids which I struggled with as an adult. Absolutely a me issue. I think this is a great book for ages 10-12. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Themes of grief presented in a way a younger person could relate to.
• Any easy piece of historical fiction for children to relate to.

What I didn’t like:

• Told in a very young voice (again, totally fair, just not enjoyable for me).
• Grandiose at times.

Afterthoughts:

I seriously had my hopes up too high after reading Some Kind of Happiness last year and rereading it this year. It set the bar for middle grade books so high for me.

Where to buy the book: