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julie_reads15's review
5.0
The Yard Sale at Story House by Amy Han is a middle-grade novel about navigating loss, including elements of magical realism.
Thomas is struggling to navigate his new reality after a devastating loss and his parents’ separation. One day, he discovers a house full of magic, which allows him to escape the difficulties of his everyday life.
I’m a member of Amy’s writing group, so I had the privilege of reading this novel in its early stages and seeing it develop over time into its polished finished product. It is evident how much care and work has been put into this novel for it to be an easy reading experience for the reader. The characters all felt fully developed, and the dialogue was very realistic and flowed easily.
Although the novel explores some difficult themes, it is done so in an accessible and gentle way. I appreciate how Amy doesn’t shy away from these themes and how she explores them in a way appropriate to young readers.
I loved how creative the magical realism elements were and the beautiful, vivid descriptions that accompanied them. It was so fun getting lost in this world!
This novel reminded me of the middle-grade novel Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and its movie adaptation, which was one of my childhood favourites, so it felt very comforting and like I was returning to my childhood. Although similar, Amy’s novel is very different due to the characters, her unique fantasy elements, and the cultural aspects she’s included.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s eight years and older. Although it’s primarily aimed at children aged 8-12, I think older readers will enjoy this novel too (because I know I did!).
Thomas is struggling to navigate his new reality after a devastating loss and his parents’ separation. One day, he discovers a house full of magic, which allows him to escape the difficulties of his everyday life.
I’m a member of Amy’s writing group, so I had the privilege of reading this novel in its early stages and seeing it develop over time into its polished finished product. It is evident how much care and work has been put into this novel for it to be an easy reading experience for the reader. The characters all felt fully developed, and the dialogue was very realistic and flowed easily.
Although the novel explores some difficult themes, it is done so in an accessible and gentle way. I appreciate how Amy doesn’t shy away from these themes and how she explores them in a way appropriate to young readers.
I loved how creative the magical realism elements were and the beautiful, vivid descriptions that accompanied them. It was so fun getting lost in this world!
This novel reminded me of the middle-grade novel Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and its movie adaptation, which was one of my childhood favourites, so it felt very comforting and like I was returning to my childhood. Although similar, Amy’s novel is very different due to the characters, her unique fantasy elements, and the cultural aspects she’s included.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s eight years and older. Although it’s primarily aimed at children aged 8-12, I think older readers will enjoy this novel too (because I know I did!).
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