Tween You & Me

The Glass Castle

By: Trisha White Priebe & Jerry B. Jenkins

The Story

It is thirteen-year old Avery's birthday. Instead of spending her birthday stuck inside, Avery decides to go into the woods with her brother. Going out into the forest alone is strictly against her father's rules, but it is her special day and she is determined to enjoy it. This enjoyment doesn't last long, however, Avery is being followed. She grabs her brother and finds safety in a tree house that her father built for her. They wait. When they think the danger is past, they slowly creep out. An old lady grabs them and puts them in a cage. Avery spends hours wondering what will happen to her next. Finally, the wagon stops. Avery is let out and is met by other children who are all thirteen. She is tired and scared, but she notices that her brother is no longer with her. The old lady tells her she must do what she is told or her brother will die. A girl named Kate takes Avery to get clothes and rest. It is there that Avery finds out that she is living among a community of kidnapped children. She must find a way to get out to save her brother, but as secrets unravel, she finds out that she is connected to the community of children in more ways then one.

Strengths

This book is engrossing, original, and faith based. Even though this book is faith based, it is not an in your face Christian novel. Avery goes to church and the service does mention some verses, but it doesn't dominate the plot.

The plot does seem a little scary on the surface, but I would say it is ironically very family friendly. There are strong themes of kindness, community, hope, and family.

There is just enough action to keep readers wanting more. It would be perfect audio or family book for tweens and their families. I must say it is one of my favorite books of 2016!

Weaknesses

I had a difficult time adjusting to the underground children's society. It was difficult for me to take in a 13-year olds talking about marriage and then adjusting the the children run government. I think this annoyance is due to my age.

When I stopped to think about it why the book was this way, this weakness quickly became a positive. I realized that the theme of the story was that children can do anything & this helps to support that. More importantly. in history we did have children rulers and societies. If this book was read by a family, families could explore these historical connections or even connect it to children heros in the bible. As libraries, we could pair this book with non-fiction titles on this subject.

If you are an adult reading this book, I would recommend adjusting to this before you read it. You can enjoy the story more in this frame of mind.

Overall

I listened to this book on audio and I found myself sitting in parking lots trying to finish up the chapter I was on. I was so addicted I downloaded it on my phone and started to listen to it as I walked between my daily tasks.

I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy. Some great read a likes are: