Walk a mile.... IN YOUR SHOES by Donna Gephart!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Random House Children's Books for a stop along their current tour featuring a  Middle Grade Fiction title that's set to release later this month.  It's from an author you may have read before, though she was new to me, but whether or not familiar, it matters not, for the story is one that scores a perfect 300!  (That's a perfect score in bowling...did you know?)  So, if you're ready, don your best pair of bowling shoes and join me on lane 48 as we say hello to today's book of choice...

In Your Shoes

by

Donna Gephart

9781524713737

Delacorte Press

About the book...

Miles is an anxious boy who loves his family’s bowling center even if though he could be killed by a bolt of lightning or a wild animal that escaped from the Philadelphia Zoo on the way there. 

Amy is the new girl at school who wishes she didn’t have to live above her uncle’s funeral home and tries to write her way to her own happily-ever-after. 

Then Miles and Amy meet in the most unexpected way . . . and that’s when it all begins. . . .

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This is one book that scores a perfect game!

Miles is an adorkable young man, perhaps a bit neurotic as he obsesses over everything that could possibly go wrong, but his penchant for spouting interesting facts and a good bowling hustle definitely add to his charm.  The fact that he's inadvertently adopted wearing bowling shoes outside the alley as his "thing", just makes him that much more endearing.  Of course, that's hard to see at first glance to those outside his circle, especially if you're name is Amy, and you happen to be on your way to school when a wayward shoe is headed your way.  Yes, I said shoe, but that's just the meet-cute (of sorts), and the beginning of an awkward, but beautiful friendship...that just might turn into something more....

I really loved all the characters herein, but especially Miles and Amy.  Miles for all the reasons listed above, as well as the fact that he tries SO HARD to do, or say the right thing.  Grant it, the right thing isn't always that easy to do, and it leads him into some heartache filled situations, but he's stronger for it in the end.  Amy, on the other hand, was a trooper.  She was dealing with her own terrible loss, as well as a physical impairment she didn't wish to draw attention to, all while trying to settle in to a new hometown. The things she's challenged with, she handles with the grace of a professional dancer, and a heart of gold that shines so brightly, it's blinding.  Personally, I think THAT'S why those girls were so dismissive in the lunchroom...Amy was simply so bright and they didn't wear shades. 

In the end, it's a story about friendship and family, love and loss, inner strength and forgiveness.  It reminds us to accept others for WHO they are not what they have or happen to look like.  It shares that life does go on, pain ends, and hope springs eternal, if only we're willing to reach for it...and it never hurts to have the helping hands of our friends.   I loved how the author turned everything full circle by book's end (especially Miles GRAND idea..and the whole Cinderella sitch!) and made the "Best Stories Ever Bowled" board complete once again.  A definite must read for Children's Fiction fans of all ages.

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About the author...

Donna Gephart (Photo by Rhea Lewis)

Donna Gephart’s award-winning novels are packed with humor and heart. They include Death by Toilet Paper; Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen; How to Survive Middle School; and As if Being 12-3/4 Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President! Donna is a popular speaker at schools, conferences, and book festivals. For reading guides, resources, writing tips, and more, visit donnagephart.com. Follow Donna on Facebook and Twitter.

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Special thanks to Amanda at Random House Children's Books for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release October 09, 2018 via Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!