Book Tour
Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway
Book Details:
Book Title: Pen Pal Gals: Friends Forever by Julie Thiessen
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 64 pages
Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Early Chapter Book
Publisher: Mascot
Release date: February 1, 2022
Tour dates: February 1 to February 21, 2022
Content Rating: Rated G. Suitable for everyone
Book Description:
Meet Reese and Addie―two girls, one great friendship. It’s summer
break! Reese is on her way to vacation at Camp Lake Shore with her
family. When Reese meets a new friend, Addie, the two immediately
connect and form a lasting friendship. Swimming, boating, laughing, and
soaking up the sun are just a few highlights of their summer vacation.
The girls become best friends. When their vacation comes to an end,
Reese realizes she may never see Addie again. Determined to stay in
touch forever, can Reese and Addie find a way to continue their
friendship and share their adventures?
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My Thoughts
This is a cute book that introduces writing letters and the concept of pen pals.
Whether moving from home or making friends while on vacation and then leaving, there is a loss felt by children. In the case of this story, we have two girls who met while on vacation and are preparing to leave. There is a great feeling of sadness involved.
Here is where the idea of keeping the friendship alive through letters comes in.
Perhaps, to some degree, this is old school since so many kids have cell phones now and can text, but I certainly like the idea of learning the art of friendship through stationery, fun pens and learning to address envelopes.
My Concerns
My biggest concern was trying to figure out the age group for this 64-page book. According to Amazon, the grade level is 1-2 and the reading age is 6-8. However, on this tour, which no doubt is more accurate, it is listed as middle-grade. But as I read Pen Pal Gals, the words didn’t feel like a picture book (nor was it short enough), or a chapter book. It did feel more like younger middle-grade children. But even then, it felt slightly off regarding the targeted age level.
My smallest concern was that I’ve never heard children use the word gals. It didn’t feel like a child-friendly word.
Final Thoughts
I think this is a wonderful book that can be read with a child. It has some stationery pages at the back of the book, plus it might be fun to shop together for new stationery and work to learn letter-writing skills.
The illustrations are interesting, though I do wonder if they are completely fitting for middle grade readers.
A fun book to share with readers who are looking for a pen pal.
My thanks to iRead Book Tours and the author for a gifted copy and the ability to post my opinion of this book.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Julie Thiessen always had a passion for creativity, design, and
adventure, but above all, she values her lifelong friendships. With her
bachelor’s degree in graphic design and the inspiration of her daughter
Reese, she created and branded Pen Pal Gals for all to share the gift of
an everlasting friendship. Thiessen lives along the beautiful Central
Coast of California with her husband, two daughters, and son.
Interview
- How did you decide on the setting for your book?
This was easy. My book is based on my own real-life experience. I camp each year at our lake property with my husband, family, and friends. I created my setting and illustrations based on our own camping lake adventures.
- Which character was the easiest to write about?
Both Reese and Addie are based on real-life characters, my daughter Reese and her cousin Addie. This made it easy for me to write about them both. Their kindness toward each other, sweet friendship, and fierce determination to keep in touch with each other help me to create Pen Pal Gals. They shared an amazing bond with each other and were always sad to say goodbye. It was my daughter Reese who began to write letters to Addie, which gave me the inspiration to create the characters in my book.
- If you could be a character in your book, who would you be?
Well, technically I am a character in my book! I am MOM. I wrote my book based on my own adventures at our lake property. I am Reese’s mother in the book. We have spent each summer going to the lake and I have enjoyed watching my children meet new friends along the way. The main character, Reese, represents my daughter.
- Where do you write?
I love to write while spending time with my family on our vacation. Watching my three children grow and change gives me inspiration. I’m always writing down my thoughts and ideas. I like to find a peaceful place outdoors to write.
- In today’s tech-savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written your book on paper?
I always write on paper. This is my favorite part about writing, a piece of paper. I love everything about paper and a new sharp pencil.
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Enter the Giveaway:
PEN PAL GALS FRIENDS FOREVER by Julie Thiessen Book Tour Giveaway
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