Title: Graceful
Author: Wendy Mass
First published January 1, 2015
246 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780545773133 (ISBN10: 054577313X)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Wendy Mass’s novel, Graceful, follows the story of Grace, a young girl who must use her magical powers to protect her town, Willow Falls. With Angelina D’Angelo gone, Grace is determined to fulfill her destiny and protect her community.
However, things take an unexpected turn when mysterious postcards from Angelina start to arrive, causing Grace’s parents to worry. As if that wasn’t enough, something huge is coming to town, and it will affect everyone who lives there.
Grace’s magical abilities can only do so much, but luckily, she has Team Grace to help her out. With Amanda, Leo, Rory, Tara, David, and Connor by her side, they must all work together to stop what’s coming and save their town from being changed forever.
About the Author
Wendy Mass has written a whopping thirty novels that cater to young readers. Her notable works include A Mango-Shaped Space, which won the Schneider Family Book Award, Leap Day, the Twice Upon a Time fairy tale series, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, the Willow Falls, Space Taxi, and Candymakers series.
Wendy also penned the plot for an episode of the TV show Monk, called “Mr. Monk Goes to the Theatre,” which aired during the program’s second season. She claims that her hobbies are hiking and photography, but her true passions revolve around collecting candy bar wrappers and using a metal detector to hunt for buried treasure.
Wendy and her family reside in New Jersey.
Editoral Review
Graceful by Wendy Mass is a delightful book that captures the essence of growing up with grace and resilience. Mass, a New York Times bestselling author, has once again weaved magic with her words, creating a novel that is entertaining and inspiring.
The book follows the life of 13-year-old Graceful, who discovers that she has inherited her grandmother’s extraordinary ability to become invisible. While at first, it seems like a fun trick, Grace soon realizes the immense responsibility that comes with her power.
As she embraces her new identity, Grace learns valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the power of compassion. At its core, Graceful is a coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of adolescence, with themes that are relevant to readers of all ages.
Mass’s writing is light and playful, yet her characters are multidimensional, with relatable experiences and emotions. The book captures the innocence of childhood while exploring the challenges that come with growing up, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
Graceful’s plot is well-structured, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The book’s setting is another strong point, as Mass paints a vivid picture of Grace’s quirky town and its inhabitants.
The author’s attention to detail is remarkable, and it is evident that she has put in a lot of effort into researching the historical and cultural context of the story. One of the book’s strengths is its depiction of female friendship.
As Grace navigates the ups and downs of middle school, she relies on her friends to help her weather the storm. The bonds that the girls share are heartwarming, and Mass does an excellent job of capturing the essence of female friendships.
If there is one weakness in the book, it is that the resolution feels slightly rushed. However, this is a minor criticism that does not detract from the overall quality of the novel.
Graceful is a book that will appeal to young readers, particularly girls aged 10-14, but it is also a story that adults can appreciate. The novel’s message is one of hope and resilience, encouraging readers to embrace their unique qualities and pursue their dreams.
Wendy Mass has created a timeless classic with Graceful, and it is a book that is sure to be cherished by readers for generations to come. Rating: 4.5/5
