  | Honest June (Honest June) Author: Wells, Tina | |
| Price: $20.28 | ||
Summary:
Eleven-year-old June Jackson has always been good at making the people around her happy, even if that means avoiding telling them what you really think, but as she starts middle school her fairy godmother puts a spell on her that forces her to speak only the truth--even to her friends and family.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Smith, Stephanie |
| Illustrator: | Bond, Brittney |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.90 Points: 7.0 Quiz: 523274 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (10/15/21)
School Library Journal (11/01/21)
Booklist (12/15/21)
The Hornbook (00/11/21)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 11/01/2021 Gr 4–7—Honesty is not always the best policy. Especially for 11-year-old Black girl June Jackson, who believes telling seemingly innocent lies to her family and friends is the only way to make everyone happy. When her dad pressures her to join the field hockey team, she does, even though she much prefers writing for the school paper. When her mom chooses embarrassingly childish outfits for her to wear, she inconspicuously changes into something more mature. As if middle school and her parents' high expectations weren't challenging enough, June's life is turned upside down when a fairy godmother appears and puts a spell on her that forces June to say what she is truly feeling at all times. June has always been afraid that the truth will hurt everyone around her. Now, equipped with a fairy godmother on her shoulder and an honesty blog in her pocket, June must take her newfound "gift" and discover that, even though it's difficult, telling the truth is always the best choice. In this cleverly updated fairy tale, Wells has crafted a relatable, likable protagonist, despite June's overt lack of honesty. Readers will empathize with June; her relationship with her parents and the constant pressure she is under will keep fans rooting for her to finally speak her truth. This is a fun read that reminds young people that being honest is always best. VERDICT Recommended for reluctant upper elementary and middle school readers seeking lighthearted realistic fiction with a touch of magic.—Amanda Harding, Elmwood Elem. Sch., Wauconda, IL - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 12/15/2021 Eleven-year-old June takes pride in her ability to make her friends, her teachers, and her parents happy, even when it means telling half-truths or outright lies. But now that she’s in middle school, the pressure to wear the childish clothes her mother picks out, excel at the extracurricular activities her father chooses for her, and follow in his footsteps through Howard University and law school becomes intolerable. Fortunately, her unconventional fairy godmother steps in, casting a spell that makes it impossible for June to lie. Despite her clever attempts to subvert the spell, its power becomes apparent when it lands her in trouble with those she loves most, although it offers a better path going forward. June’s engaging first-person narrative immediately draws readers into her tale of good intentions, poor choices, and realigned priorities. As the only child in an upper-middle-class, Black family, she bears the burden of her parents’ high expectations, but she gradually realizes that they will support her individuality. Lively gray-scale drawings illustrate the drama and humor in this appealing chapter book. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
