Synopsis: D.J. and her dad moved far from the small town and only home she ever knew. Now she’s starting middle school in the city with kids she’s never met. She tries to make friends, but they all appear to be slaves to screen time. D.J. just likes to garden, nurturing plants, watching them grow and thrive. It seems she’ll never find a way to fit in, but then she awakens in a gorgeous garden where she meets Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She must be dreaming; her new friend can’t possibly be real—and what could she know about getting along with gamers? D.J. really needs some ideas, or she might never find her own place in a complicated world.
Release Date: 6th January 2020 (this version) 1st April 2018 (original version)
Format Read: Ebook
Genres: Coming of Age, Friendship, Middle Grade, Teen, Mythological, Fantasy
Pages: 87
Thank you so much to booktasters and Stephanie and Ellie Collins for the ebook to read and review.
Review: This was incredible, I cannot fault it, from the story, the characters, the character progression, the emotions included, to the creative inclusion of a Greek goddess, it was an incredibly well written book.
DJ was such a great protagonist, starting off feeling incredibly nervous and scared unsure how her life would be at this new school then instantly making friends with a great group of girls, then having the progression and confidence radiating from her as the story went on. I loved the character progression between their friendship too with them growing and learning to adapt in their interests and really getting to know each other better.
Persephone was such an interesting character and I loved how she was written in so creatively. Anytime DJ fell asleep with a Greek book open she got taken into a beautiful garden where they both helped each other with their struggles and enjoyed the beautiful garden they were in together.
I am so incredibly impressed by this story, it was so creative, I felt so many emotions whilst reading and felt like I was right there with the characters. All the characters were incredibly likeable, it was paced perfectly, the story was engaging and enjoyable to read.
Can I also note this was written by an eleven year old. That is utterly impressive, she has such a mature way of writing, knows how to plot and create a fantastic and engaging world. She is so incredibly talented and I hope she never gives up writing she has been blessed with a gift and I’d hope she’ll always continue making these wonderful worlds.
Now I really want to read the next two books in this series and this one was so incredibly good that I know the next two will be aswell.
Where to buy: Amazon
About Author: Ellie Collins wrote this debut novel when she was turning eleven and just beginning sixth grade. She wrote amid a very busy extracurricular schedule, including a spot on both a gymnastics team and a trampoline and tumbling team, as well as taking weekly piano lessons. She’s an avid gamer who loves hanging out with friends. Her love of Greek mythology inspires her writing.
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