The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Format: E-ARC
Number of pages: 368 pages
Publishing: January 21st, 2025
Source: Blue Slip Media
Opening Line: "One thing you don't know about me yet is I am very quiet."
Hurricane and her older sister Bronte have lived alone since their father died in World War I and their mother passed away from Tuberculosis (TB) in 1930. The two sisters are inseparable. Being a quiet girl, Hurricane has always relied on Bronte to do all the talking for her. However, Bronte is suddenly diagnosed with TB and sent to recuperate at Wintering Pines, a sanatorium. Hurricane is uprooted from her coastal home to reside in the city with her great Aunt Claire. Aunt Claire is a bit eccentric; she employs Mr. Keats as her chauffeur and cook, and she has embraced modern conveniences like electricity and indoor plumbing. Hurricane finds the transition challenging, and the thought of being separated from her cherished dog, Brody-Bear and sister, is simply too devastating. Without Bronte who will be her voice now?
Aunt Claire is well meaning, yet a tad overly concerned with Hurricane wearing overalls and boots. She's insistent on implementing a few new rules for her also: making the bed first thing in the morning, doing calisthenics daily, completing household chores, and above all, maintaining a "brave demeanor." Mr. Keats on the other hand is a softy, thoughtful and very kind. He notices that Hurricane is making an effort to adapt and subtly encourages her aunt to be more lenient with her. Soon Hurricane meets Theo, a boy who is instrumental in helping her with a stray cat, together with his suggestions and Mr. Keats help, they're able to entice the cat from the basement to the upstairs. Eventually, Hurricane begins to build her confidence to ask for the things she wants and even convinces her aunt to check in on how her sister is doing in the hospital.
Hurricane is such a delight. In a lot of ways, she reminds me of Pippi Longstocking in terms of her energy and desire to dress comfortably. And Aunt Claire is lovely. As I said I truly believe she has the best of intentions, having never had children herself to raise. She even consults the local women's club for pointers and is reading "mothering" handbooks. As Hurricane's independence begins to grow, her aunt also begins changing. Even learning to drive the car, which is most comedic. The story has a very nostalgic feel, little bit of Emily of New Moon and Anne of Green Gables. With Mr. Keats being a little like Matthew Cuthbert. Just like the cover, this was a warm, cozy and inviting read for me. I appreciated the authors note at the end discussing the inspiration for her story, information for the sources of research on TB and class lesson suggestions.
Favorite lines: "I see, Mr. Keats says now pouring more tea. And I can tell that he does because he's giving me every ounce of his attention. He looks me in the eye, soft and warm, and the sun shines through me."
**A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
Hurricane is such a delight. In a lot of ways, she reminds me of Pippi Longstocking in terms of her energy and desire to dress comfortably. And Aunt Claire is lovely. As I said I truly believe she has the best of intentions, having never had children herself to raise. She even consults the local women's club for pointers and is reading "mothering" handbooks. As Hurricane's independence begins to grow, her aunt also begins changing. Even learning to drive the car, which is most comedic. The story has a very nostalgic feel, little bit of Emily of New Moon and Anne of Green Gables. With Mr. Keats being a little like Matthew Cuthbert. Just like the cover, this was a warm, cozy and inviting read for me. I appreciated the authors note at the end discussing the inspiration for her story, information for the sources of research on TB and class lesson suggestions.
Favorite lines: "I see, Mr. Keats says now pouring more tea. And I can tell that he does because he's giving me every ounce of his attention. He looks me in the eye, soft and warm, and the sun shines through me."
**A huge thank you to Blue Slip Media for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
