Shine

Shine!
J.J. & Chris Grabenstein
Random House, 2019 207 pages
Grades 4-7
Realistic Fiction/School Story

When Piper's Dad is offered a position as the Choir Director at the prestigious prep school that her late mother attended, she has mixed feelings. On one hand, this is Dad's big chance, as well as an opportunity to connect with the mom she never knew. On the other hand, Piper does not want to leave her public school friends and is convinced that all of the students at Chumley will be snotty. Piper is surprised when she is befriended by a bunch of kind fellow-nerds and, although there are difficult people, begins to enjoy herself. Piper's English teacher assigns the class a writing assignment, challenging them to discover "the person they want to be", which gets her thinking. What exactly is true success? A never-before student prize is announced and gets the school buzzing. Does Piper have what it takes to win the coveted award? Maybe if she shows her true talent (astronomy) and wins the science fair she will have a chance. The science fair does not go exactly as planned and Piper decides to demonstrate her awesomeness at the school talent show. An unexpected complication forces her to decide between winning an award and winning as a friend. Which way will Piper chose?

Popular and critically acclaimed children's author, Grabenstein, teams up with his wife for an inspirational tale that will encourage kids to question their own choices. Piper feels like a fish out of water and is intimidated by the rich kids, until she gives a group of kids a chance and realizes that people are people no matter how much money they have. There is a predictably nasty queen bee, of whom Piper discovers the motivation behind her drive and meanness and offers forgiveness. In fact, Piper does not seem to have a mean bone in her body. This feels a bit unrealistic, but will serve as a great role model for readers. Our main character does exhibit fears and feelings of inadequacy, showing that she's not perfect and making her relate-able. Readers will cheer for Piper as she continues to make kind decisions and the ending may even make them choke up a bit with emotion. Piper is an amazing character who faces her fears head-on and proves to be a loyal friend. She discovers the person who she is striving to be and learns to accept her own wonderful traits and talents, even if they are different from other around her. A motivating character-driven story sure to both entertain and inspire.