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Izzy’s Grandma and her Secrets Box

Dec 02, Kimberly rated it really liked it Shelves: Thank you kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.

All opinions are my own. Izzy Malone indeed charmed me!


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I felt for this spirited middle grader who is often misunderstood, verbally bullied by her peers and feels quite alone in this big world. The characters truly make this book. They are all unique and Thank you kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. They are all unique and each have quirks that make them feel vulnerable. I guessed the secret behind the creator, but was definitely touched by their back story.

Talk about a wonderful book for mothers and daughters to read together.

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone

Many grow up with strained relationships that result in constant bickering. We met Violet in this book and learned about some of her past and a big change that is about to happen in her family. I look forward to reading her story and visiting these characters again. Nov 11, Elizabeth Mathis rated it really liked it Shelves: X Publishing for sending me a free ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book. Words are a weapon, and rotten kids like Tyler Jones get a free pass when it comes to using them because the marks they leave are invisible.

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Why don't more adults realize that? I really ought to read more middle grade. Every time I finish a midgrade novel, I tell myself this. I somehow wind up forgetting, until the next time I pick up another midgrade. They're ALWAYS more focused on the morals than on romance because duh, at this age most kids still believe the opposite sex has cooties. This book by Jenny Lundquist? These characters are vibrant. They are all quirky in their ways, and self-conscious, and confused, and conflicted.

Every sentence sets the tone, makes a statement, and left me breathless--which is why, when it came time for me to choose my quotes for this review, I struggled. I had NINE quotes bookmarked. I couldn't help but add every single one of them to goodreads after finishing--Jenny Lundquist's words are just too powerful, too poignant, to remain unread.

I greatly prefer the underappreciated genius of Speaking My Mind. I figure if someone doesn't like what I have to say, they shouldn't put their ears in close proximity to my mouth. I absolutely adored the "pen pal" aspect of this novel. In an age where writing physical letters has devolved into emails and monosyllabic text messages Well, I can imagine the letters featured in this book--and the relationship built around the sending and receiving of them--was something truly special. The fact that someone went out of their way to listen to, and validate, Izzy in ways she's never really gotten before And the prose is so gorgeously poetic, it called for letters--for an outlet where the abstract, instead of the realistic, could come out to play more.

The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist

Because Izzy is, in the end, in middle school--and still bursting with creative potential. And the morals--the morals and the statements this read makes are SO super important. I mean, I could keep going, but there are a LOT of morals floating in these pages The bracelet and the first charm appeared the day I punched Austin Jackson in the nose. I didn't mean to slug him. His face just got in my way. It was a bruising end to a disastrous first month in middle school. This was a super entertaining, humorous, fantastic read! The cover is also super adorable, though you won't necessarily understand all of the artwork until you turn the last page.

The characters are charming and vibrantly unique; the focus on relationships and morals is engaging and heart-wrenching; and I have, I fear though "fear" isn't quite the right word! I recommend this to literally everyone, but especially: I cannot wait to pick up my next Jenny Lundquist book; I only regret not having done so sooner! It's a book absolutely brimming with heart and it hit me deep inside my middle grade core because we are ALL really year-olds inside. And the charm school storyline is amazing as well. I can't wait to read Violet's story next. Highly recommended for grades !


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  4. Markenrecherche - Grundlagen und Durchführung (German Edition).
  5. I will be purchasing this for my school library. Thanks to the author for providing copies of this title to Kid Lit Exchange for review! Jan 31, Siddharth Chakravarthy rated it it was amazing Shelves: I'm unable to phrase my feelings. This book impacted my soul deeply and absolutely hate this book for making me cry. Oct 23, Aeicha rated it really liked it. Izzy receives letters from Mrs. Whippie, the charm school teacher, along with a new charm and task to earn it per letter. Lundquist has spun an engaging and fun middle-grade read bursting with humor and heart and explores subjects like family, friendship, and fitting in, with depth and a pitch-perfect voice.

    The middle-school world in The Charming Life of Izzy Malone feels achingly and hilariously authentic. From dreaded teachers to mean girls, annoying assignments, and first crushes, this is a world readers will get and relate to. Izzy Malone is a lovable heroine with a spunky attitude and charming wit. Readers will admire her fearless ability to be herself, while appreciating her vulnerability. Izzy is surrounded by a superb group of girlfriends with their own unique and special personalities.

    Sep 11, Sam rated it it was ok. Izzy is a story that follows finding yourself and your friends in early middle school, and I would genuinely recommend this book to any young girls who feel like they don't have many friends, or that the world is against them sometimes e. But reading this as an adult, I will say that sometimes the narration felt very pandering, even though the intended audience is children. Readers are spoon-fed morales, and parallels are addressed so explicitly and continuously that any chance juvenile readers might've had of coming to their own understanding is effectively snuffed out.

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    There are a few pacing problems near the beginning and end as well, and a few things in the story are effectively left un-addressed I do realize a sequel is in the works. I found myself truly laughing at some of the jokes in Izzy Malone, and the very concept of this book is an incredibly endearing one of originality and charm pun intended. Izzy is a very dynamic character, and following her from a potential juvenile delinquent to someone all young girls could aspire to be, gave me warm-fuzzies. Jan 30, Rena rated it it was amazing Shelves: Read this book quickly in one sitting.

    Dec 12, Christina rated it it was amazing Shelves: The Charming Life of Izzy Malone is just that charming. Isabella "Izzy" Malone feels like an outcast in middle school where she is verbally bullied. And feels like everyone wants her to be like her older sister who she likes to call Carolyn the Grea "Sometimes I feel like a wildflower And feels like everyone wants her to be like her older sister who she likes to call Carolyn the Great. If that wasn't enough Izzy's mother is running for Mayor, and she wants her daughter to just be "normal".

    Malone signs up Izzy to do a home-study charm school, meaning she will be receiving her assignments through the mail. The teachers name is Mrs. Whippie, which I found her to be a pretty awesome character. Whippie wants Izzy to perform a series of task, once she finishes a task she receives a charm to put on her bracelet. And as Izzy goes through each task she finds some unexpected friends, but with each good deed things begin to get complicated. I think young girls that relate to Izzy will enjoy this book. She's fearless, charming and unique in a room full of pretty pinkies.

    And every young girl should feel special awkward or not. We are all unique in our own ways. This book will definitely be on my daughters shelf once she gets to that age. I think it'll make a charming gift for my nieces too! But for the first half of its life, that butterfly inches along as a clunky caterpillar, moving slower than all the others, never knowing that one day, things will change Jan 20, michelle rated it really liked it Shelves: I really enjoyed this book but it wasn't anything like I expected. Somehow, I got the notion that it had a magical quality to it, but I was actually thrilled to find that it didn't and that there was so much more.

    I think that this is an awesome read for young girls trying to figure out finding their own tribe and fitting in. Izzy Malone is in 6th grade and feels like she doesn't fit in.

    GAME MASTER LEFT SECRET ABANDONED BOX WITH MYSTERY INSIDE!!

    She doesn't want to talk about boys, clothes and make-up, she would rather talk to the stars and be out on the water with her kayak. She has her own fashion style that many people don't understand. She desperately wants to be on the rowing club, but can't seem to make it into that clique. Her older sister is a prodigy musician and can do no wrong while Izzy finds herself routinely at the principal's office.

    She even feels like she has to make an effort for her own mother's attention. After her latest trip to the office, her parents decide she needs to be sent to charm school. Izzy is sent to Mrs. Whippie's Earn Your Charm School. It isn't your typical etiquette class and that's what makes it so perfect. Izzy is sent letters with tasks that she needs to perform in order to get charms for a charm bracelet.

    She struggles with the tasks, but ultimately accomplishes them. However, there are a number of hiccups along the way. The important thing is that each time she accomplishes a task, she also writes a letter back to Mrs. Whippie which are rather therapeutic for her. She also starts making some real friends. This is a great book about finding yourself in the noise that is all around you. Knowing that sisters can be completely different and completely perfect in their own special way. Understanding that parents aren't perfect either.

    A great book for the tween set! Her mom is running for mayor and is worried about being embarrassed by Izzy, and her sister Carolyn seems to be the perfect daughter. She desperately wants to be a part of the Dandelion Pad kidlitexchange partner Thank you to kidlitexchange for the review copy of The Charrning Life of Izzy Malone. She desperately wants to be a part of the Dandelion Paddlers a rowing group at school , and even though she was qualified to make the team, she was not chosen.

    I fell in love with Izzy from the start of this book. She is smart, spunky, and charming. I especially liked the rekindling of her friendship with Violet. Aug 29, Melissa Mcavoy rated it really liked it Shelves: Middle schooler, Izzy, is a bit of a rebel and a winning misfit. May 30, Lyn rated it it was amazing Shelves: Izzy Malone is the "weird" kid in middle school that no one wants to be seen with - even at home, she doesn't fit in. The story is perfectly written for middle school kids, with family and social struggles that are perfectly realistic.

    It was fun to read, and had just a hint of romance, which I think was also realistic for that age. I'd definitely recommend it; it's a clean read, with plenty of things for kids to learn. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. Nov 03, katrina gabrielle rated it really liked it Shelves: It didn't simplify complex life situations or family dynamics or individual experiences.

    It had more character development than any YA novel. It brought up romantic feelings as a part of life but not a central theme. It dealt with friendship, empathy, rebellion, and coming to see the sadness in others instead of reacting with blind anger. I want a charm bracelet too. Nov 02, Nancy Luebke rated it it was amazing. This is an enjoyable Teen read. Everyone realizes her Grandma influences her greatly. What will she be like when she arrives on Sunday? Will she be weird and whacky like some expect? Izzy inspires others by her imaginative ideas as meaningful and mystical marvels are revealed from her secrets box!

    Read more Read less. Kindle Cloud Reader Read instantly in your browser. Product details File Size: December 16, Sold by: Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review. Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more about Amazon Giveaway. Set up a giveaway. There's a problem loading this menu right now. Learn more about Amazon Prime. Get fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime. Get to Know Us. English Choose a language for shopping. Not Enabled Word Wise: Enabled Would you like to tell us about a lower price?

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