Shari Green spent a large portion of her childhood summers reading stacks of library books, and she's still in love with stories today. In 2016 she published Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles, a stirring middle-grade novel in free verse. Shari lives in Campbell River, British Columbia, with her husband, kids, and the worst watchdog ever.
The verse trails down the pages in narrow bands leaving plenty of white space. Even characters that are barely sketched emerge fully realized through the spare yet poignant narrative...Macy's life lessons are realistic and illuminating; that she is deaf adds yet another dimension to an already powerful tale. Kirkus Reviews One of the striking things about the characterization of Macy is that she is profoundly deaf, communicating primarily through sign language. Green's portrayal is highly authentic, and the various interactions Macy experiences are seamlessly introduced...Told as a verse-novel, in a light yet poignant style similar to Green's previous title, Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles, there is much to admire here including a clear plot line, rich character development, and sudden, incisive humour. In addition, it's clear that Macy is a young girl living in contemporary times rather than a projection of the author's own childhood, and the book's details, including its school and community settings, feel modern and accurate. CM Magazine Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess is a message from the writing goddesses that everyone's life is just a story or series of stories that need to be told to be fully appreciated but no worries here because one of their scribes, Shari Green, has taken on that task capably and, like Iris, with wholehearted extravagance. CanLit for LittleCanadians This verse novel is admirable. Its wonderful characters, memorable plot, perfectly chosen language and form, familiar settings, unwelcome changes and humor offer readers a very personal look at a young girl struggling to find her way. She does it with the help of family and friends. The stories, notes and cookies that Macy shares with her 'rainbow goddess' leads to a very unexpected friendship - and the heart of this very special book. Sal's Fiction Addiction Macy is a wonderful character, and it's amazing to watch her grow... Booktime Perfect middle grade free verse...[H]eartwarming and thought-provoking... The Loud Library Lady Macy's deafness is skillfully woven into the story, adding depth and complexity to her characterization and relationships with others...VERDICT Macy's coming-of-age anxieties, observations, and insights will resonate with middle grade readers. A strong purchase for public and school libraries. School Library Journal Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess is brimming with charm and plenty of references to other great books to appeal to the story lover in all of us...this heartfelt story shines with genuine hope and the promise that, no matter what challenges lie ahead of us, there is always a bright destination if we keep ourselves open to the unexpected people and opportunities that can help us get there. BookPage [H]eartwarming and heartbreaking all at once...Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess would be a welcome addition to every school library and school curriculum. Besides being a master class in verse writing, it is also a master class in telling stories about how relationships, and looking beyond the exterior, can change the way we look at the world. Middle Grade Minded Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess is an absolutely charming story from start to finish that encourages cross-generation friendships and getting to know someone before making judgements. I highly recommend. Bookish Notions
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