Jubilee Kindle Edition

My grand daughter and I read this book tpgether, we both loved it. It's very well written, I love all the characters. Great read!

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While Giff is a talented writer, there is a basic flaw in this book. The protagonist's substitute mother calls her Jubilee. She is continually celebrating the worst day of the girl's life. Every time Aunt Cora uses that name, it reminds "Jubilee" of the trauma--the day she was/is unwanted. Who would do that to someone they loved? It's like nicknaming a heavyset person "Twiggy" to continually point out the imperfection of his/her size. It's no wonder the girl stopped talking! I have read a number of books about children who are dealing with adoption or who are fostered. This one is the most unrealistic. If it were real, the girl would have rejected her aunt's name for her, rather than embracing it. Thank goodness I didn't buy this book. I checked it out from the library.

This book was really good. Jubilee never talked and for me it was tempting to figure out what she said in sign language or drawings. At the end of the story when she said a word to her Gideon it was one word, but that was enough for me. It was also cool that she went to see her mom I Maryland. She gets to know her and why she let her stay with her Aunt Cora. My favorite part was when she told Gideon that one word, “yes”, and agreed to let him marry her Aunt Cora. I really liked the illustrations because it helped me picture things that were going on. This books is 5 stars because it was so unique.

Judith was dropped off at her Aunt Cora's house on the island when she was quite young. Her aunt is loving and wonderful and calls Judith Jubilee, her celebration. But ever since then she has hardly ever spoken. Only in her special place can she say anything aloud. Which makes it hard to make friends. As the summer wraps up, Judith will find her life unexpectedly impacted by a dog, an unexpected friend, a new teacher, and her mother.This is a short, simple but moving read about an upper elementary girl with selective mutism who loves nature and lives on an island off the coast of Maine. The island setting and her love of nature give this a comfy outdoorsy feel. I absolutely love her Aunt Cora. She is a wonderful woman. Judith's new teacher is pretty great too. The changes that come to Judith's life aren't quite as big as some may hope for, but they are moving her in a healthier direction mentally and socially so there is a sense of peace about the ending. Make sure you read the author's acknowledgements page. It is touching to hear that this is an ode to many of the students who stood out in Giff's years of teaching and helped her love doing what she did. That's pretty cool.Notes on content: No content issues.