Reader copies come and they go, and one that came into my life was Green Jolene: Green Jolene and the Neighborhood Swap (Disney Planet Possible) by Wendy Mass and illustrator Billy Yong. Currently available, I plan on finding a copy as I need to see the final images.
This is a short story that mixes a bit Junie B. Jones, Eloise, and a lot of modern sentiments to get this generation’s spunky bossy pants who loves her friends, family, dog and saving the world. Jolene is going through a lot. She’s going into the third grade after the summer ends, her best friend has moved away, her ants in the ant farm are disappearing, her favorite rainboots are not only too tight (waaay too tight) but has a hole in them, and she has WAY more toys than she first figured. Flash forward to the suggestion of a Swap Meet for her and her neighbors (people she only knows by what kind of candy or treats they hand out at Halloween). Of course, there are bumps, bruises, laughs and a doggie. There is a new girl, the three boys and a stuffed crib toy and more. Themes of letting go, growing up, making new friends, and doing what is best for the environment all come together in this early reader.
Overall, I liked this book. I am not saying, “My favorite book of all time,” but also not saying the worst. I never really “got into” Jolene as a likable character, but never really disliked her either. She just was. It is not a bad read, I might even go onto sequels, but I wasn’t saying top 10 either. I enjoy Mass as an author, so it was enjoyable to read, but just never wowed me. It probably will wow the at least aged six to 10 and the younger crowd could be read to.