Monday, September 19, 2016

FULL OF BEANS by Jennifer L. Holm -- and a GIVEAWAY!



Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm (August 30, 2016, Random House, 208 pages, for ages 8 to 12)

Synopsis (from the publisher): Grown-ups lie. That’s one truth Beans knows for sure. He and his gang know how to spot a whopper a mile away, because they are the savviest bunch of barefoot conchs (that means “locals”) in all of Key West. Not that Beans really minds; it’s 1934, the middle of the Great Depression. With no jobs on the island, and no money anywhere, who can really blame the grown-ups for telling a few tales? Besides, Beans isn’t anyone’s fool. In fact, he has plans. Big plans. And the consequences might surprise even Beans himself.

Why I recommend it:  Well, first of all, I'm a sucker for any MG novel about The Great Depression, but especially when it's a marvelous mix of humorous and heartwarming. But also, to be honest, this is just plain fun. The kind of book that leaves you smiling when you turn the last page.

Beans is a wise-cracking, lovable scamp of a character. If you've read Turtle in Paradise, this is actually a prequel, and leads right up to the beginning of Turtle in Paradise. But where the first book was Turtle's POV, Full of Beans is all about her cousin Beans Curry, and his various get-rich-quick schemes.

Favorite lines: I felt like Daddy Warbucks.
                         Except with hair.   (p.77)

Bonus: Another great read-aloud.

Giveaway details: Through the generosity of the publisher I have one hardcover copy to give away. To enter you must be a follower of this blog and you must comment on this post. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian mailing addresses only and will end at 10:00 pm EDT on Sunday Sept 25. Winner to be announced Monday Sept 26. Good luck!




27 comments:

  1. This sounds funny from the blurb. Such an interesting time period too. I'll let someone else win the book.

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    1. It's a fascinating time period, Natalie. And I'm always impressed when authors can write funny.

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  2. I just got this from the library! Jenny Holm is brilliant. Good to know it's a good read-aloud, as my two oldest are obsessed with this time period! It'll be fun to share.

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    1. Oh, that will be a blast for you and your kids, Faith. Enjoy!

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  3. That sounds like something my grandmother used to say, her line was "full of soup!"

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  4. What a fun story! I find myself really enjoying historic fiction, of late (I'm featuring one today!), but don't think I've ever read a MG set in The Great Depression. I'd say I'm overdue! Thanks for the recommend, and I'll cross my fingers I win!

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    1. Yes, I just visited your blog, Suzanne! There are a ton of wonderful books set during the Great Depression.

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  5. I'm always a fan of historical fiction and humorous books. Sounds like a great suggestion!

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  6. I loved Thirteenth Goldfish and I just read Sunny Side Up last week, so I'm sure to love this one. Thanks

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  7. The time period in the book is one I enjoy reading about. Add in some humor and a little heart and I'm sold. Thanks for featuring this new addition to the MG shelves.

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    1. Humor and heart is a winning combination, isn't it?

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  8. I love books about the depression era. Told from the perspective of the dog, it sounds very humorous.

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    1. It's not from the dog's POV, Patricia. But the dog's important to the plot!

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  9. I haven't read anything by Holm that wasn't amazing. This sounds so good! I love the Great Depression and the first line! And for what it's worth, Beans was my dad's nickname for my sister and I.

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  10. This sounds awesome! Ms. Holm is a very nice lady! :D

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  11. I am putting this one on my TBR list. I love the cover and you make the book sound very enticing. I also like books set in the Great Depression. But please let someone else win. I am buried in books right now.

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  12. Fun review, Joanne! I will definitely check this one out. :)

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  13. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them> This seems like a great read too. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy. :) Great review!
    ~Jess

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