Official Review: SandPeople by Cheryl Kerr

[fumbani]

SandPeople” by Cheryl Kerr is a captivating coming-of-age story that weaves together history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. Let’s dive into the details:

Plot Summary: Lea McKinney faces an unexpected summer upheaval when her parents decide to separate. While her brother stays with their grandmother, Lea finds herself in Texas with an unfamiliar aunt. Leaving her best friend Laura behind in Virginia, Lea grapples with loneliness and the pain of family separation. How will she navigate spending the summer with a stranger?
Themes and Focus:
The novel doesn’t dwell on Lea’s parents’ relationship but instead centers on Lea’s personal growth during the summer.
Lea’s journey involves learning from mistakes and adapting to circumstances beyond her control.
Historical fiction elements are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth and excitement.
Writing Style:
Cheryl Kerr’s writing effortlessly draws readers in.
Lea’s struggle with change beautifully portrays the transition from childhood to adulthood.
The unexpected twists of life are vividly captured.
Audience:
Suitable for upper middle-grade readers (ages eight to fourteen).
The book balances mystery, history, and relatable emotions.
In summary, “SandPeople” offers a poignant exploration of growth, acceptance, and unexpected connections. Kerr’s skillful storytelling ensures that readers of all ages will find themselves swept up in Lea’s journey

[Leonie Vermaak]

I'm excited about this book. Books for the age group of 8 to about 14, I find to be rare but I could be wrong. However, this is something that would help my nephew at this moment, as he's dealing with the whole immigration process which can be quite hard for kids that age. Especially as his father has been in a new country for 5 months already. Thanks for an excellent review. Congrats on BOTD.

[Rahul Singh 29]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on "SandPeople" by Cheryl Kerr. This reminds me of a famous quote by Aristotle: Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Lea sets out on a journey towards wisdom, slowly uncovering the different parts of her own personality and acquiring knowledge that molds her perception of the world. Congrats to the author, #BOTD! 

[Christina Moonlight]

SandPeople by Cheryl Kerr is not any usual book you may read about a female protagonist. It has packed so many emotions, whirlwind of realizations and an extreme journey of Lea McKinney, who is being subjected to one of the hardest things in life, her parents' divorce. Lea builds her own world and realises her true self with her unique experiences. This book will take your imagination to unbelievable height and grow with Lea.

[Chinazo Anozie]

This sounds like a great coming of age story with Lea as the protagonist. Unfortunately, I'm not into this genre of books, so I'll skip this one.

[Alida Spies]

It is never easy for children when their parents split up. That would make it even more difficult to leave friends and familiar surroundings to live with an aunt Lea hardly knows. Hopefully the adventures awaiting helps her to process all the changes. Thank you for the insightful review.

[MMcB]

In the midst of divorce, how are children able to handle the hurt and trauma? To find out how Laura and Lea handle the situations read “SandPeople" by Cheryl Kerr.
Thank you for the wonderful review!

[Sonia_Gonzalez]

Lea's world takes an unimaginable turn when her parents tell her that they will be separating and that she needs to stay with her aunt in Texas. Leaving Virginia behind, especially her friends, is hard, but having to do so while dealing with her parents separation might be impossible. What will Lea do?

[Kibet Hillary]

One of the best books I have read and reviewed in OBC is titled Corners, and the author talks primarily about the unexpected turns in life, which is what confronts young Lea. I am certain it must have been difficult to reconcile this abrupt separation and living with an aunt she barely knew. I have added the book to my shelf. Many thanks for the fascinating review.

[Sarvesh J Yadav]

This is a nicely written book so one can sincerely attraction to the YA target audience, but should without difficulty be read by means of older adults as properly, the story is that appealing. Congrats on #BOTD

[Patel Khushi Manishbhai]

Heartbreak is a loss. Divorce is a piece of paper.

Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

This book discusses topics that most adults walk on eggshells around with. While there is a great number of books on divorce from the perspective of the married vouple, it is rare to see one from theat of a child. I think it is a great book and should have the maximum exposure. I agree with the reviewer's perspective.

[Sheen jenny]

As someone who also experienced parental separation during a crucial time in my life, I deeply resonated with Lea's emotional journey in SandPeople. Kerr's portrayal of her struggle with change and adaptation felt authentic and relatable, reminding me of my own challenges and eventual growth during such tumultuous times.

[Esther Deekor]

Parents make decisions that affect their kids and turn their lives in a whole new direction when things don't work out. But I wonder how the title Sand People fits into the plot. Anyway, congratulations on BOTD!!

[Damian Keyes]

Just from reading the OBC official review, I know this is the book for me. This is one of those stories that I can see being adapted into a film because it has all the elements of a well-rounded story. I cannot wait to get this novel and read about Lea's life with this aunt she knows nothing about.

[Anggara Rifandi]

very good review, thank you to this writer, it's definitely not easy for Lea, who witnessed her parents having to divorce, it's not easy to face that situation, keep spirit Lea