Author: 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 middle school 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.
❀ Magical Realism Novel
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. It is a perfect book for 11 year olds. 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.