The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen

The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen –320 pages

ARC from Wattpad Books in exchange for an honest review.

Book Blurb:

Summer, 1955. Calls for equality are sweeping America, but sixteen-year-old Ethan Harper is about to discover just how deep the roots of racism run. When mixed-race Ethan is sent to stay with his white uncle and aunt in Ellison, Alabama, he soon discovers that the only thing smaller than the town itself are the minds of its inhabitants. Except for Juniper Jones – resident artist, oddball and self-proclaimed free spirit. Ignoring the tide of prejudice and disapproval that follows Ethan, Juniper enlists him as her sidekick in her quest for an unforgettable summer. Armed with two bikes and an unlimited supply of root beer floats, the pair set out to find their place in a town that’s set on rejecting them. Along the way, they will find hope, friendship – and maybe something more . . . 

My Review: 4.5 stars

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The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones took me to Alabama in 1955, where two young kids face a fun, yet, challenging and foreboding summer. I became utterly immersed in Juniper and Ethan’s lives.

Ethan’s dad sent him to live with his aunt and uncle as punishment for standing up for himself. With his black mom out of the picture, he finds himself in a uber white town that is as racist as the sky is blue. When Juniper, the most carefree, wonky and happy girl shows up in his life, Ethan’s summer is changed forever. I loved Juniper. Sadly, being poor with an oddball personality makes her become a target for bullying and badgering. Therefore, both of the kids have faced discrimination, albeit for different reasons. Juniper won’t let anything stop her from showing Ethan why her town is beautiful and it’s through those outings that they both begin to flourish. 

The author of this book is a mere twenty-three years old and brings so much to the table in this storyline. She touches on the difference between a white person (Ethan’s dad) that thinks he understands what it feels like to be a black person versus what a black person actually feels. She broaches this thoughtfully that reaches the reader in a way that will make them stop and think. Beyond the undercurrent of racism, which is one of the major themes of the book, there is also love, understanding, courage, friendship and hope.

When I saw this title come up as an ARC, it was the title that drew me to it. When I then saw the cover, I was completely sold. I had no idea that this was written for a YA audience. This book is for all readers. It’s a lesson in kindness and compassion. Highly recommend.

Quotes I liked:

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.”