Title: Flower MoonAuthor: Gina Linko
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Rating:
Tempest and Tally Jo Trimble are mirror twins—so alike they were almost born the same person—and they've been inseparable since birth. But it's the summer they turn thirteen, and it seems like everyone can tell something is changing between them.
Pa Charlie, whose traveling carnival is the best part of every summer, is watching them closer than ever. Digger, who sneaks poor kids onto the carnival rides for free and smiles faster than anyone, seems to be fixing for a fight. Even Mama is acting different, refusing to travel with the carnival this year even though her own twin, who she hasn't seen since childhood, will be there.
And Tally and Tempest are the most different of all. There's a strangeness between them, a thickness to the air, an unseen push and pull, and it's getting stronger. It starts as a feeling, but soon it's sputtering and sparking, hurling them backwards, threatening to explode.
When Tally learns that she and Tempest may not be the first twins in their family to be separated by whatever this force is, she realizes she'll have to find a way to stop it—or she might lose not only her sister, but everyone she loves.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Flower Moon by Gina Linko
Flower Moon by Gina Linko is one of those books that once you start reading, it is hard to set down. Fans of magical realism will really enjoy this story that combines elements of magic and coming of age. The carnival setting gives the narrative a perfect backdrop, and the science that is used to describe the strangeness happening between the sisters is one that contains wonderful jumping off points for the classroom.
❀ Classic Bildungsroman
Gina Linko has created a classic bildungsroman in Flower Moon. The story is told from the perspective of Tally Jo who is struggling with not only trying to discover what this strange force is that is physically keeping her apart from her twin, but also figuring out who she is and where she is headed in life. Tally Jo is the perfect main character, as she is head strong, determined, and not afraid to take chances.
❀ Carnival Theme
If there is one theme that draws me into a book right away, it is the carnival theme. There is something so mysterious and alluring about the carnival life. What kid hasn’t dreamed of a summer filled with rides, treats, and never-ending excitement? This setting adds a touch of intrigue to the already magical story and lures the reader right in.
❀ Teachable Moments
There are quite a few teachable moments included in the book that make it perfect for classroom connections. The use of magnets and the wonderful descriptions that are given as to how they work provide fantastic ways to integrate this book into a science lesson. Also, the Flower Moon is something that I had not heard of before, and I found this was a very informative and interesting aspect to the book.
Flower Moon by Gina Linko is a magical realism novel that is sure to be enjoyed by fans of the genre. It contains a beautiful coming of age story that has a perfect setting and many educational elements. I look forward to seeing the Flower Moon this year now that I have learned all about it!
About Gina Linko
Gina Linko has a graduate degree in creative writing from DePaul University, and is also the author of young adult novels Flutter and Indigo. Gina edits college textbooks as a day job, but her real passion is sitting down at a blank computer screen and asking herself the question, “What if...?” She lives outside of Chicago, Illinois, with her husband and three children.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
This sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
I love books that feature magical realism and this one sounds pretty good! I really hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Magical realism AND a carnival setting? I need this book in my life! It sounds absolutely amazing. I’m adding it to my wishlist right away. Hopefully I’ll be able to purchase this book sometime soon. 😀 ♥
I hope that you love it! It is super cute and lots of fun. 🙂
Carnivals and magical realism plus twins sounds like a hard one to say no to. The only thing that makes me hesitant is the age of the MC. But I am still interested.
It is definitely geared for MG readers. I am going to be adding it to my list of things to gift preteens, for sure. 😉
I love that you gave suggestions for ways to incorporate Flower Moon in the classroom!
Dianna
I’m so glad to see you liked this! I actually just started reading this one this afternoon and I’ve been loving it so far – it’s such a fun book. Plus that cover is so gorgeous it’s probably one of the prettiest I’ve seen in ages. Great review!
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Such a fun and refreshing change to read a MG sometimes. 🙂
I like the carnival setting of this story.
The settings of this story make it different and exciting. I love this genre for middle grade students. This one sounds like it’s a magical read to enjoy.
This sounds like a wonderful read. I love MG stories with magical realism and the unique setting only adds to the charm. Thank you so much for sharing. On my Amazon list for my granddaughter now!
This book sounds a bit magical and I want to say soft with a whimsical heart beating moments.
@tisonlyme143
This sounds like a terrific read for both of my nieces.
Sounds like an interesting read, love the cover too!
Am just compiling a tbr list of mg books to read and gift. This one sounds great, adding!
I love this and I love reading things that have carnival or some type of amusement park. I think it catching my eyes because so many things can happen inside one.
@tisonlyme143
My niece would like this book.She likes different genres.Historical, mystery and romance.
I love books that I cant put down ! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds awesome!
The awesome cover, this book actually sounds really epic. The whole mystery of what is causing all the problems sounds like the moon and its tides.
I like the summary. Sounds great!
Looks like a great novel
Looks like a good book.